Architecture

Dutch artist lights up dike for renovation celebrations

Dutch artist lights up dike for renovation celebrations
"Gates of Light" sees the concrete of the Lorentz and Stevin lock complexes covered in a retroreflective layer, which will subsequently be lit up by the headlights of passing cars
"Gates of Light" sees the concrete of the Lorentz and Stevin lock complexes covered in a retroreflective layer, which will subsequently be lit up by the headlights of passing cars
View 9 Images
"Line of Light" will see a reflective layer added to a guide rail that runs along the length of the Afsluitdijk
1/9
"Line of Light" will see a reflective layer added to a guide rail that runs along the length of the Afsluitdijk
The Afsluitdijk (literally "enclosing dike") is a 32-km (20-mi) long dike and roadway that protects the Netherlands from flooding
2/9
The Afsluitdijk (literally "enclosing dike") is a 32-km (20-mi) long dike and roadway that protects the Netherlands from flooding
"Gates of Light" sees the concrete of the Lorentz and Stevin lock complexes covered in a retroreflective layer, which will subsequently be lit up by the headlights of passing cars
3/9
"Gates of Light" sees the concrete of the Lorentz and Stevin lock complexes covered in a retroreflective layer, which will subsequently be lit up by the headlights of passing cars
There are a number of lock complexes along the dike
4/9
There are a number of lock complexes along the dike
"Glowing Nature" sees natural bioluminescent algae being cultivated for a temporary light installation
5/9
"Glowing Nature" sees natural bioluminescent algae being cultivated for a temporary light installation
A special edition of Roosegaarde's Waterlicht artwork was created for the opening weekend of Icoon Afsluitdijk
6/9
A special edition of Roosegaarde's Waterlicht artwork was created for the opening weekend of Icoon Afsluitdijk
Waterlicht uses LED laser technology, software and lenses used to create wavy blue lines of light
7/9
Waterlicht uses LED laser technology, software and lenses used to create wavy blue lines of light
"Windvogel" sees illuminated energy-generating kites flown from the dike
8/9
"Windvogel" sees illuminated energy-generating kites flown from the dike
Roosegaarde unveiled the new designs for Icoon Afsluitdijk during its opening weekend
9/9
Roosegaarde unveiled the new designs for Icoon Afsluitdijk during its opening weekend
View gallery - 9 images

We've already seen one way that artist Daan Roosegaarde has celebrated the renovation of the Netherlands' 32-km (20-mi) long Afsluitdijk dike and roadway. Now, he's announced more light-based projects that will comprise the Icoon Afsluitdijk program, including reflective surfaces and bioluminescent algae.

The Afsluitdijk (literally "enclosing dike") protects the Netherlands from flooding. Having been completed in 1932, it now needs renovating and strengthening. As part of the project, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment enlisted Roosegaarde to deliver a cultural element celebrating the dike's beauty.

Roosegaarde unveiled the new designs for Icoon Afsluitdijk during its opening weekend from September 2 - 4, during which a special, temporary edition of his Waterlicht artwork, which was first shown in Amsterdam, was exhibited. It's aimed at showing to what extent the Netherlands would be submerged if its extensive network of dikes, dams and waterworks were not in place, with LED laser technology, software and lenses used to create wavy blue lines of light.

Waterlicht uses LED laser technology, software and lenses used to create wavy blue lines of light
Waterlicht uses LED laser technology, software and lenses used to create wavy blue lines of light

Another temporary temporary piece is called "Glowing Nature" and sees natural bioluminescent algae being cultivated. The algae is being exhibited in an old bunker built into the dike, with visitors able to interact with it.

Among the permanent works are the "Gates of Light" installation, which sees the concrete of the Lorentz and Stevin lock complexes covered in a retroreflective layer developed by Roosegaarde.

These structures will subsequently be lit up by the headlights of passing cars, with the aim of producing a "cinematic experience" and "a spectacular entrance to the Afsluitdijk." Similarly, "Line of Light" will see a reflective layer added to a guide rail that runs along the length of the Afsluitdijk, emphasizing the 32-km (20-mi) straight line of the dike.

The permanent concepts will be completed in 2017. The video below shows the Waterlicht Afsluitdijk installation.

Source: Studio Roosegaarde

Waterlicht Afsluitdijk by Daan Roosegaarde

View gallery - 9 images
No comments
0 comments
There are no comments. Be the first!