The Hanging Gardens of Wanssum — Christian Odzuck
For Nieuwe Uitzichten, the industrial area on the edge of Wanssum forms the setting for Christian Odzuck’s project. Factories, warehouses and office buildings stand side by side, with Stayerhofweg running through the area. As part of a pilot project, this will become the first street in the Netherlands to be developed according to the principles of the circular economy.
Alongside this development, Christian Odzuck is creating an artistic concept that explores fundamental questions about how we deal with the urban environment at this location.
Climate change
As a result of climate change, life in the built-up areas of our planet will change. The use of natural resources has already become a key issue. What perspectives can art offer in this context?
One of the first questions is about the nature of public space in an industrial area on the edge of the city. How do people move through these places, and where do they spend time? How can the connection between the surroundings and local residents or company employees be strengthened?
Hanging gardens
The concept is based on the idea of a series of artworks – a rhythm of objects, places, islands or stations – along Stayerhofweg in Wanssum, all connected by the theme of the Hanging Gardens. Each artwork is designed to stand on its own, yet they are still linked to one another. Planting has a positive effect on the local microclimate. By using plants as a material, the element of time becomes very important, and the view will change throughout the seasons. The cycle of the seasons is therefore not only an aesthetic design tool, but also a symbol of the circular processes of nature. The artworks will be unveiled one by one, depending on progress, each with a concert. In this way, a second, independent timeline is created alongside the construction of the new street. A figure from the hip-hop or underground scene will be chosen to give each Hanging Garden its name.
In the summer of 2022, a concept for Stayerhofweg will be developed, forming the basis for the realisation of the Hanging Gardens of Wanssum. Through a suitable presentation in the form of an exhibition, the results of the research on site can be discussed with everyone involved. With the help of local residents, temporary spatial sketches, models and prototypes will be created to give an idea of the plans. There are also plans to involve local hip-hop acts in the opening of the temporary exhibition, which will not only bring more attention to the project, but also create a connection with urban society.
A promising future
In close consultation with city representatives, a possible outcome and a final timeline can be developed. Because this is a new process, the detailed plans for carrying out the redevelopment of the street have not yet been finalised.
Which of the different possibilities will eventually be realised along Stayerhofweg will become clear during the process – but the future looks promising.
