Finally we can shout it from the rooftops: we are very proud that we can contribute to the ‘Rode Loper’ project on the Damrak in Amsterdam! 

The Damrak needs to be embellished. That’s why the whole property near the former C&A passageway has to be restructured. And because Amsterdam wants this to be a big tourist attraction, Mothership was asked by Bouwinvest to write a pitch. The success story of the Markthal has proven that art can create a substantial addition to the PR of a building. This is exactly what they also want for the Damrak passageway. Therefore the whole passageway is meant to be filled with art. The artists who won the pitch and who will embellish this passageway, are Arno Coenen, Iris Roskam and Hans van Bentem with the work of art called ‘Amsterdam Oersoep’.

At first sight, ‘Amsterdam Oersoep’ references to the Amsterdam canals. But it has a deeper meaning that refer to the magic powers of water and the coming into being of the universe.

Quality materials in combination with old craftsmanship are used for the realization of ‘Amsterdam Oersoep’. The ceiling will be made with more than 450 m2 glass mosaic. The floor will be covered with terrazzo by an old Italian family company and the walls will be covered with hand made tiles and leaded glass objects.

Besides that, the passageway will be embellished with fantastic chandeliers of bike parts and enormous mirrors decorated with gold leaf.

Commissioned by Bouwinvest ‘Amsterdam Oersoep’ is designed by Arno Coenen, Iris Roskam and Hans van Bentem in collaboration with FiMek and Top Vastgoed. Mothership acts as an advisor and producer. The expected completion of ‘Amsterdam Oersoep’ is end 2015.