Water Taxi Stop
Pushing 3D Concrete Printing to its limits
Summary
Client: City of Rotterdam
Year: 2016
Status: under construction
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Partners: Bruil Prefab Printing, Movares, DYWIDAG
For the City of Rotterdam, we designed a family of water taxi stops that apply state-of-the-art concrete printing technology to unify both sides of the city.
Connecting the city
The city of Rotterdam is split by the river de Nieuwe Maas. A small fleet of water taxis allow passengers to quickly travel between remote and central parts of the city while enjoying the impressive waterside view of the city.
In contrast to those using regular public transport, water taxi passengers are often waiting outside, exposed to rain and wind. For this specific case, Studio RAP made a universal design solution that takes into account the large variety of neighbourhoods the water taxis serve.
Parametric design for all
The Abri design is interesting on multiple scales. Most prominently, it provides passengers with shelter from the rain whilst being recognizable, inviting and transparent. It’s arching shape, with a free span of 3.5m and cover for up to eight passengers, combines a feeling of security with a wide view of the bay.
It’s elegant shape remains captivating at closer inspection by the diamond-shaped cushions that follow from the intersecting structural members. At the smallest scale intricate printing patterns convey a distinct feel of digital craftsmanship. Being a rule-based design, the Abri allows these three layers of design to be customized for each specific neighbourhood without losing production efficiency or structural performance.
3D Concrete Printing
It´s main shape is constructed using 3D concrete printing technology, a longstanding collaboration between RAP and concrete manufacturer Bruil. This technology allows for large variations in shape, texture and pattern on a per-item basis without additional cost. The cantilever of the water taxi stop benefits from the newly acquired ability to print slopes up to 25 degrees.
Overcoming structural issues
The abri pushes current concrete printing technology to its limits. The shell consists of two intersecting surfaces that, by weaving in and out, create tunnels for threaded post-tensioning bars. These post-tensioning bars are essential since there is no traditional rebar to make the structure stiff.
The bars string the three prefabricated parts together and connect them to the foundation. The tension that results at the curved outer edge of the abri is introduced into the concrete surfaces using 24 unique mounting plates.
From prototype to Makers District pilot
With 40 locations scattered across Rotterdam’s riverbanks, the parametric design allows for unique stops to be generated within the same design space and manufactured with equal ease.
The first Abri will be built on the Marconistraat in Rotterdam and will serve as an inspiring element within the newly developed Merwe-Vierhaven district, also known as the Makers District.
The first prototype has been printed, assembled and tested. A new, final print is in the making.
This project was realized at Studio RAP, which I founded and ran from 2014-2020.
All images are copyright © of Studio RAP.