Luchtsingel

Luchtsingel, a Bridge Born from Citizen Initiative

The Luchtsingel in Rotterdam is a 390-meter-long wooden pedestrian bridge that connects the Schieblock area with the Hofbogen. It was designed by the architectural firm ZUS and became a reality after winning the first Rotterdam Stadsinitiatief competition in 2011.

In addition to the 4 million euros awarded through that competition, the bridge was also funded through crowdfunding: people could contribute by purchasing one of the 17,000 wooden planks that make up the bridge, each engraved with the donor’s name. This campaign was a huge success, marking a milestone in citizen participation in urban development.

The official inauguration of the Luchtsingel took place on June 20, 2015, though physical construction began when it was finally hoisted over the railway tracks between November 2 and 3, 2013. The process took time due to permits, tender procedures, and administrative steps.

At the end of the 2000s, the northern part of Rotterdam was separated from the city center by heavily trafficked roads and railway lines. This urban barrier led to economic decline and social neglect. In response, local residents proposed the idea of a pedestrian bridge to reconnect the neighborhood.

The firm ZUS argued that the city should continue to develop even in times of economic crisis, and the Luchtsingel became a tangible example of that belief: a project made by and for the people.

Social architecture, public space, and an uncertain future

The angular design of the Luchtsingel, its engraved planks, and its path over one of the city’s busiest areas quickly turned it into an urban symbol. Today, the bridge is accompanied by a landscaped area and a scenic roundabout, making it an attraction in its own right.

The Luchtsingel project consisted of four key components:

A 390-meter-long pedestrian bridge
The DakAkker rooftop farm at Schieblock
A public space in the former Hofplein train station
A park in the Pompenburg area

Together with other urban initiatives and street-level developments, the project helped transform the area into a high-quality residential zone in a short period of time — even without major public investment.

As of 2025, the Luchtsingel faces a new chapter: there is ongoing discussion about whether to demolish it or fully restore it.

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