Evolution is a word that differs from our understanding as we grow older. In fact, even reading the same book for different years changes the perspective of our thinking about it. Maybe we missed the pure understanding of Darwin’s theory of evolution in our teens when it was first introduced to our classes because it was too boring to not catch a forty-wink, or we might had secret conversations with our friends on the side benches. But today, as we are here and we see all the things taking a swift, you might have noticed that evolution is the key to our living. It existed before the life of humans, which happened around 3.8 billion years ago, and takes its significance on the functioning of humans till now. It helped us to be more creative and thoughtful about things so that we ease our as well as others’ lives. Through changing worlds, the one bridge that connects to us through its attire or sociability is the evolution of architecture. It not only tells what commuted in all these years but also reflects the social lives and technology of the people living in that particular time. Like, for instance, in previous times, the architecture was more rigid with the capacity to multifunction, which is not promoted in this century. Let me give you an example. The ancient French buildings were supposed to be big theatres, places to hold large gatherings for different purposes, or palaces for the royal families, which are now used for hotels or entertainment purposes. Hence, a single structure played a variety of roles. Today, architects don’t consider making these structures anymore. And this might be because of the evolution of growing differences in priorities, life standards, and technology. However, few projects in architecture still stand apart in terms of their value or purpose to humankind. One of the best examples I found on the internet, which adds a simple yet convincing value to us, is a bridge that is supposed to give us an experience of cycling through water. Let’s talk more about the project in this article.
The Idea & Inspiration Behind Cycling Through Water.
The idea behind the cycling through water (Belgium) was to maintain a real connection to the Norwegian environment through scenic routes, carefully designed for the visitors to consume every sip of the beautiful nature through the use of art, design, and architectural concepts. The project is in Limburg, which is known for its exciting places, giving amazing landscape interventions. Being a perfect place as a cycling destination, Limburg chose to run this project under the initiative of Visit Limburg mainly focussed on creating harmony with the natural surroundings.
Igor Philtjens, the representative of Limburg tourism says,
“This gave me the idea of building a cycling trail through water, through the treetops, underground… All in strategic and iconic locations in Limburg, with plenty of potential to increase the interaction between cyclists and the landscape. And that’s how we are continuing to build our cycle node network of the future.”
And what a success it is! He further explains the reason behind the project,
“To maintain our lead, we continue to invest in the quality and maintenance of our cycle node network – along with Limburg’s 42 cities and municipalities. But we also continue to innovate: by creating better, rather than more kilometres. Because tourists are always on the lookout for an experience. That is why Visit Limburg has decided to ramp up the existing cycling network, with unique cycling experiences such as ‘Cycling through Water’.”
Why Was the Project Built?
After the coal mine closure, cycling tourism was the only way to get the solution of getting Limburg back on the rails again to the economic level.
About the Project: Cycling Through Water (Belgium).
In April 2016, Visit Limburg did a grand opening to the motto, ‘Cycling through Water’ in Bokrijk, a cycling trail that is in the middle of the water. The trail can be found at the Junction 91, cutting through one of the ponds in the De Wijers nature area.
The project is an accomplishment architecturally as it happens to stand in the middle of the river, with a size of approximately 200 meters long and 3 meters wide. Located near junction 91 of the Limburg cycle node network, Bokrijk is a 550-hectare park. Mainly known for its open-air museum, it has a unique collection of authentic buildings with flemish regions and eras. Many people visit the place for its arboretum open-air playground, and cycling and hiking trails. The project is an extreme boost to tourism alongside giving hats off to art and architecture. Designed by Bart Lens (Lens°Ass Architecten), it was headed by the landscape architect, Pieter Daenen while the project was developed with the Province of Limburg, Bokrijk.
The cycling path is made of concrete, which is not slippery to prevent any accidents while cycling. The project not only supersedes the expectations of a cycler with its epic surroundings and heritage landscape but also encourages the new forest and landscape management plan for Bokrijk, making it a boon for the flora and fauna of the plant. The dikes have been opened up, which means the water in the ponds remains pure for longer, which is beneficial to amphibians and their habitats. They can also move between ponds via a special passage built specifically for them. Also, the heritage features in De Wijers were upgraded. New locks were installed in the locks, which are called ‘monniken’ and have been a central component of watershed management since times immemorial.
Final Words.
The Limberg Cycling Through Water is an innovative approach to delving deeply into nature through a leisure activity. Developing the area economically while providing care for its people is a thoughtful approach to development. However, the development of forests near the area to encourage flora and fauna makes it a win-win situation even though the project is not fully sustainable. In my opinion, nobody should miss this opportunity to cycle on such an amazing trail!
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