Vondelpark circles
Project type: Competition entry
Commissioned by: Municipality of Amsterdam
Location: Vondelpark, Amsterdam, Nederland
Date: 2008
The popular Amsterdam Vondelpark is a well functioning park. You would actually want tot prevent that the park will be rigorously changed as the result of an architectural competition. This project however proposes a strategy to come to a more consistent appearance of the park. This is achieved by establishing a unique character for the repetitive furniture. For this, a characteristic metal ring in the ground is proposed which is placed around all furniture: the Vondelpark Circle.
All Furniture elements in Vondelpark are embraced with the new circles. With the circles come new seatings that are inspired by the Parisian lovers’ bench, where people can sit back to back. The new kiosks and public toilets come in static and movable editions. In the case of large, crowded events these elements can disappear in the ground or, on the contrary, pop up out of the ground when needed. The proposed new lighting element is a subtle lighting match, a round metal pole with a mat glass cylinder on top, possibly with directions or other printing on it. The Vondelpark Circle comes in a number of fixed sizes. If a certain element within the circle should be altered or replaced, it can be easily exchanged with another furniture element fitting in the existing circle.
Vondelpark Circles are made of cast metal with a beautiful golden shine that increases by use. The circles have golden borders and golden letters with a red background, deducted from the Amsterdam Coat of Arms. The red colour is applied as an asphalt layer with raisin and sand: heavy-duty and anti-slip. In a subtle manner the patron of the park can be found here. On each circle the golden letters make up verses of poet Van Vondel. The parts of the poems spread over a number of circles constitute literary walks that can be read while strolling through the beautiful park.
In its appearance the Vondelpark Circles are flat rings in the pavement around furniture, lamps and kiosks. The Vondelpark Circle is inspired by the sewer plates: a reliable element that is capable of intensive use and that fits well in it surroundings. At the same time the circles are beautifully designed and made with craftsmanship. These pieces give identity to the park.
Collaboration with Malwin Gerusel.
nederlands
english