Makan

The city of Doetinchem has since its creation in 838 n Chr. dealt flexible and inventive to occupation/siege fires and floods. The city always has recovered after the old town several times was destroyed. The medieval street pattern with at its heart the Simon square is remained over time. The identity of the city is formed by inner strength and resilience. From BUHA, the local government, the ask to make water and fire visible in the centre.

Water and fire gives steam. At steam I was reminded of a geyser that connects all the elements to a huge two powerful eruption. The installation for the Simon square needs to express power of the city. The idea of a geyser fits here.

A geyser is the result of underground water under the combined conditions of high temperatures and increased pressure beneath the surface of the earth. Because of the greater pressure, it shoots out of the surface in the form of steam and hot water. For Doetinchem the installation will be an artist impression of a geyser. At the central installation children can turn the wheel and a small cloud mist emerges from the sidewalk.

The beginning of the geyser is a complicated loops system with a diameter of 1.80 metres and an average height of 1 meter. In these loops are four wheels attached. By turning a quarter to this wheel a mechanism starts to work which connect to underground tubes in the intersecting streets, a 15 cm high low mist spray out of the ground. This surprise effect for passers-by is fun, they will not get wet but by the small shock reaction, they are just aware of the environment.