UNStudio presents designs for the IJbaan Cable Car in Amsterdam
UNStudio has completed designs for the IJbaan: a fast, green and future-proof public transport connection. The one and a half kilometer cable car line is a clean and quick public transport connection between two growing residential areas: Amsterdam-West and Amsterdam-Noord / NDSM. The design consists of three slender pillons and two stations: NDSM Marina on the North Bank and Minervahaven to the South. The cable car is designed flexibly, so that in the future the route can be expanded.
Amsterdam’s future cable car, commissioned by the IJbaan Foundation is a grassroots “Amsterdammer” citizens' initiative supported by the Municipality of Amsterdam, that should be completed by the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam in 2025.
Unique Mobility
The cable car track spans one and a half kilometers, and will take 4.6 minutes to complete a full journey. The passenger cabins have a capacity of 32 to 37 passengers, with additional bicycle cabins with space for 4 to 6 bikes. The project fits UNStudio's mission to develop architecture and urban design concepts that are future-proof, making the living environment healthier.
“A cable car is an extremely sustainable public transport system. It is a very fast and green way of traveling, which is attractive for cyclists, commuters, students, residents and visitors. Such an airbridge is not only efficient but also fun. People are going to see and experience their city in a whole new way.” Ben van Berkel
Sculptural Masts
To allow for large ships to pass along the IJ waterway, the towers vary in height, reaching 46 meters to 105 meters on either side of the water, and up to 136 meters in the middle. However, the towers are fully in line with the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage requirements. The form of the towers themselves directly reference Amsterdam’s robust industrial past of ports and ship cranes. Their sculptural form wading through the water strives to balance playfulness with elegance.
The cable car stations are transport hubs as well as destinations in themselves. The Minervastatation is intended as a new meeting place for the growing western neighborhood, creating a vibrant urban plaza on the water with restaurant and bar facilities. The NDSM Marine station on the opposite bank provides a transport hub for the blossoming cultural hotspot in the North, with a bus stop, bicycle parking and viewpoint.