studio roosegaarde creates futuristic eco-landscapes along a dike in the netherlands

studio roosegaarde has completed ‘icoon afsluitdijk‘ — a design innovation program launched along the legendary 32-kilometre dike, afsluitdijk. built by hand and realised in 1932, the landmark infrastructure protects the netherlands against flooding and is now in need of a major renovation. through his creative interventions, roosegaarde has joined forces with the dutch government and surrounding municipalities to propose innovative ideas that intend to protect the future of the dike.

all images courtesy of studio roosegaarde

roosegaarde‘s program takes the form of three designs, intended to exhibit the power of nature as a source of energy and light while exemplifying a futuristic green landscape. the first component, ‘gates of light’, is a new futuristic entrance. the monumental floodgates of 1932, originally designed by dirk roosenburg, the grandfather of rem koolhaas, have been fully restored. the light of passing car headlights is reflected through small prisms on the surface of the floodgates so that the distinctive contours of the structures are lit up.

the light of passing car headlights is reflected through small prisms on the surface of the floodgates

‘gates of life’ requires no energy and does not create light pollution. the inspiration to use retro-reflection came out of researches on the reflections of light on butterfly wings. the luminous lining on the monumental complex gives a dynamic entrance, as if the motorist is driving through a science fiction film. it is a concrete example of a futuristic and energy neutral landscape in line with the governmental policy to have all national roads in the netherlands energy neutral by 2030.

‘glowing nature’ expresses the beauty of nature

‘glowing nature’ expresses the beauty of the nature on the afsluitdijk through a unique encounter between man, biology and technology. the interactive exhibit, presented in the historic bunkers on the site, features live bioluminescent algae, one of the oldest microorganisms in the world. the single cell algae give off a prolonged natural light when they are touched, demonstrating a potential for acquiring energy solutions from nature. we learn new energy and light solutions for the future from nature, like public lighting.

the interactive exhibit features live bioluminescent algae

the third component, ‘windvogel’, takes the form of smart kites with specially designed light lines, which have the potential to generate up to 100 kW (kilowatt) — enough energy for 200 households. the smart kites were designed with specially-developed glass fibers that are strong and lightweight, creating a poetic dance of emitting lines.

with the right amount of maintenance and care, the single cell algae give off a prolonged natural light

‘the afsluitdijk represents a part of dutch daring and innovation,’ daan roosegaarde, founder of studio roosegaarde says. ‘we live with water, we fight with water, and we endeavour a new harmony. by adding a subtle layer of light and interaction, we enhance the beauty of the dike and form new links between man and landscape, darkness and light, poetry and practice’.

‘windvogel’ and ‘glowing nature’ can be seen until the 21st of january 2018, while ‘gates of light’ is a permanent installation.

the installation proposes new energy and light solutions for the future from nature

the interactive exhibit invites the users to interact with the algae

‘windvogel’ proposes flying kites to produce energy

specially designed light lines have the potential to generate up to 100 kilowatts of energy

the specially-developed glass fibers are strong and light, creating a poetic dance of light emitting lines

the interactive light lines can be touched by visitors to the exhibit

‘windvogel’ lights up the sky while providing energy for up to 200 homes 

the legendary 32-kilometer dike was originally built in 1932

exhibits were also held in the historic bunkers on the site