The triumphal arch on the Aarplein has officially been opened! The water column is part of an innovative water storage system. The system collects rainwater and pumps it deep underground, helping to prevent flooding. And during longer dry periods, the water can be pumped back up to water trees and plants.
Integrated into the Triumphal Arch is the BlueTube: an intelligent system that collects and reuses rainwater, aligning with the ambition of creating a “Healthy City Centre.” In this way, the design naturally connects past and future. The flowing water makes the Roman identity tangible and refers to the historical role of the Rhine as the northern border of the Roman Empire and part of the limes.
With the opening of the Triumphal Arch, this past has once again become visible within the city. In the next phase, the aqueduct will also be realised, bringing the story of the limes even further to life. The project is a collaboration between Mothership and the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn, in which the limes is used as a “treasure map” for the city.