An artwork between Langedijk and Heerhugowaard

 
In the municipality of Dijk en Waard, the railway underpass along the Zuidtangent has been given a distinctive appearance. Where a busy level crossing once interrupted the connection between Langedijk and Heerhugowaard, an underpass has now been realized with an integrated artwork that makes the surrounding water landscape visible and tangible: Waterlanders. The project was developed in collaboration with Mothership (concept and production), artist Gabriel Lester (design), and Koninklijke Tichelaar (supplier).

Context: more than infrastructure

 
Langedijk and Heerhugowaard share a common origin in a landscape shaped by water. From the elevated pedestrian and bicycle bridge between the two areas, this contrast is clearly visible: on one side, the water-rich pattern of ditches and plots of the Rijk van Duizend Eilanden; on the other, a landscape where water has largely disappeared from view.
With the merging of both areas into the municipality of Dijk en Waard, the in-between zone was no longer seen as a dividing line, but as a connecting space. The new underpass replaced the former railway crossing and became the main link between the two places. To give this transition meaning, Mothership was commissioned by the municipality to develop an artwork that goes beyond aesthetics alone: Waterlanders brings water back as a carrier of identity and connection.

The concept: droplets connecting the city

 
The artwork consists of thousands of ceramic tiles that cover the walls of the tunnel. Subtle water droplets are embedded in relief, capturing and reflecting light. During the day, the work appears calm and organic; in the dark, the underpass transforms into a flowing, luminous stream.
The droplet forms the central motif. Variations in shape and positioning create a play of light and shadow reminiscent of ripples on water. The interwoven patterns represent the merging of Langedijk and Heerhugowaard. The title Waterlanders refers to the residents of the new municipality of Dijk en Waard.
In collaboration with Koninklijke Tichelaar, a custom tile was developed in which glass is fused into droplet shapes on ceramic. These three-dimensional elements function as reflective pixels: they capture light, movement, and their surroundings. Passing traffic activates the work — headlights cause the walls to illuminate like a sparkling surface, comparable to a chandelier or a cut gemstone.

Realization and result

 
The design was realized on behalf of the municipality of Dijk en Waard, with Mothership as creative and technical producer and Gabriel Lester as artist. Project partners included ProRail, KuiperCompagnons, and ipv Delft.
During the development process, extensive mock-ups and lighting tests were carried out to achieve the right balance between gloss, color, and reflection. The work has now been fully installed, and Waterlanders has become a new landmark within the municipality: an artwork that brings together the movement of water and people along a daily route.

Credits

 
Client: Municipality of Dijk en Waard (Jan-Thijs Dijkstra and Rob Knijn)
Partners: Gabriel Lester, Koninklijke Tichelaar, ProRail, KuiperCompagnons, and ipv Delft
Concept, design and technical production: Mothership
Made possible in part by: Rabobank Alkmaar and surrounding area