Sea of flowers provides connection and safety
Elspeth Diederix’s design has won the design competition for the upcoming metamorphosis of Uitgeest station. Out of three different sketch proposals, Elspeth’s work came out on top. An intriguing design made up of photographic elements will soon adorn the more than 100-metre-long bicycle and pedestrian tunnel. M2uur bv is responsible for the technical layout and project coordination.
Diederix drew inspiration from the flowers and plants that form a thread through the history of Uitgeest. Other sources of inspiration are the richly decorated wall coverings by the 19th-century grand master William Morris and the façade tableau of the beautiful parish building in the village. Diederix creates a contemporary variation by composing photographic images of flora into a unique panoramic work with repeating, rotating and mirroring elements.
With her design, Diederix pays tribute to Uitgeest. ‘The history of the village is strongly intertwined with flower cultivation and the bulb trade. Hemp. cabbage and linseed were important crops for crafts and early industry. They are therefore given a prominent place in the design,’ says Diederix, ’even now the surroundings of Uitgeest are green and full of exuberantly flowering plants and crops. It is precisely that green character that makes this a nice place to live and recreate.’
The applied artwork does not only have a decorative function. The art should also contribute to a sense of space and safety in the long and narrow tunnel. Diederix engaged the expertise of M2uur bv to advise on materials and mounting techniques. Due to the demanding environment, the choice was made for execution in ceramic slabs. The panels, each measuring 120 x 280 cm, are printed with ceramic minerals. This creates scratch- and impact-resistant panels, which are weather-resistant and very low-maintenance.
Another role of M2uur bv in this project is the translation from design to production. In close consultation with Diederix, its design is positioned and then distributed over almost 200 panels.
The challenge is to get the design visually continuous and connecting, taking into account seams between the panels and minimal deviations during production. Preparatory work is currently in full swing. The planned completion of the artwork is scheduled for 2027.
Renderingen: M2uur bv – Kevin Bruin
