Bridge builder

Kramer designed some two hundred bridges in the city. As with his buildings, he wanted to turn these into striking urban development pieces. For that reason, he included all manner of elements, from sculpture to bridge operators houses and from benches to even the plants.

 

Bridge 382 under construction, 1936. Photo: ANP

Poplars

The architect selected Italian poplars for the elevated semicircular public garden that accompanies this bridge. At the time these fitted in well with the greenery plan for the districts of Landlust and Bosch en Lommer.

 

Bridge 382 on the right, Geuzenkade on the left

Sculpture

What is striking are the many sculptures that were created by the famous city sculptor Hildo Krop; e.g. Havenarbeiders (Harbour Workers) and Pakhuizen/Hijskranen (Warehouses/Hoisting Cranes). Zeehondenpaar met bal (Pair of Seals With Ball) and Jonas in de walvis (Jonah in the Whale), at the bottom of the stairs near to Geuzenkade (quay), are also by Krop. It reminds the city dweller of his past environment: nature. Sea creatures and sea monsters were often incorporated into bridges.

 

De Geuzenkade, extension of Bridge 382 features sculptures by Hildo Krop

Sea monster

The sea monster underneath the natural stone quayside staircase is by the sculptor Jaap Kaas. The depiction of mythical beings is evocative of mediaeval times and is intended in jocular fashion. Opposite the sculpture are two steel doors, behind which are the maintenance and transformer rooms.