Amsterdam Oersoep

Damrak, Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Amsterdam Oersoep

Damrak, Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Firm

Arno Coenen, Iris Roskam and Hans van Bentem

Type

Commercial › Retail Shopping Mall
Cultural › Sculpture

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2016

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

Undisclosed

Photos

Frank Hanswijk (11)

The integrated artwork, titled Amsterdam Oersoep (2016), (translated as Amsterdam Primordial Soup) is a tribute to the canals of Amsterdam. It is made by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam (known from the ceiling Horn of Plenty in the Markthal Rotterdam) and Hans van Bentem (known for his famous chandeliers from the campaigns of Viktor & Rolf and Madonna), commissioned by Bouwinvest as part of a large renovation trajectory, titled 'Nowadays', at the entrance of the city Amsterdam. The artwork is part of the total design by RAMSA in collaboration with Rijnboutt Architects.

The artwork shows 450 m2 of glass mosaic with representations of everything that defines the unique character of Amsterdam. The floor is a made out of a traditional Italian Terrazzo with a pattern designed to resemble archeological excavations. In addition, immensely large gilded and engraved mirrors are installed displaying a tale of water, life and death.

The lighting is provided by a total of seven chandeliers. These unique chandeliers are made of recycled bicycle parts, such as gears, head lamps, and handlebars – a reference to the sediment found in the Amsterdam canals and the Dutch tradition of cycling Furthermore, fourteen three-dimensional stained glass lamps are installed. These ornaments are inspired by, amongst others, classic portal lamps, still visible at the entrances of Amsterdam canal houses. Finally, a beautifully crafted bronze fountain provides visitors with precious Amsterdam tolerance elixir to take home and sip from whenever necessary.