The future pasts of the Rotterdam Bridge

In this recording, the mechanical vibrations of Rotterdam’s iconic bridge,echoing the city’s maritime heritage and constant motion—blend with the bustling acoustics of the surrounding waterfront. The rhythmic pulse of passing ships and the distant hum of urban life intermingle with the low drone of the bridge’s support cables. This interplay of engineered structure and tidal flow offers a vibrant chronicle of transformation, decay, and rebirth—inviting listeners into a multispecies dialogue that spans industrial history and the elemental forces of water and wind.

A unique environment with strong sonic signatures, the waterfront envelops you in a sense of deep listening through layers of time, even as the ever-present vibration of the bridge grounds you in the here and now. To capture this immersive soundscape, I used hydrophones to record underwater currents and hidden microbial activity, geophones to sense the bridge’s low-frequency vibrations, and contact mics affixed directly to its support structures. Sensitive stereo microphones were also employed to capture the ambient clamour of the city, from seagulls circling overhead to distant horns echoing across the water.

This recording reveals the layered sonic character of Rotterdam’s landmark, where human engineering meets the raw spirit of a port city shaped by the tides.

Recorded by Jamie House.