Waterlanders, an artwork between Langedijk and Heerhugowaard
In the municipality of Dijk en Waard, the new railway underpass on the Zuidtangent is being given a distinctive appearance. Where until recently a busy level crossing interrupted the connection between Langedijk and Heerhugowaard, a new passage is being built as well as an artwork that makes water and landscape visible: Waterlanders, a collaboration between Mothership (concept), artist Gabriel Lester (design) and Koninklijke Tichelaar (supplier).
Background: more than infrastructure
Langedijk and Heerhugowaard share the same origin: a landscape shaped and defined by water. From the elevated bicycle and pedestrian bridge between the two centres, that contrast is clearly visible. On one side lies a mosaic of ditches and plots, Het Rijk van Duizend Eilanden (the Realm of a Thousand Islands), and on the other side the water has all but disappeared – hidden behind pumping stations and sewers that keep the landscape dry. With the future merger of the two centres in sight, the municipality no longer wants to see the in-between area as a dividing line, but as a link. Where the railway once formed a physical boundary, the new underpass will instead become the main connection between the two places.
To give that transition meaning, the municipality of Dijk en Waard asked Mothership to develop an artwork that does more than beautify: it had to make the soul of the landscape tangible. This led to Waterlanders – part of a larger collaborative project with ProRail, KuiperCompagnons and IPV Delft. The work brings water back into the city, both literally and symbolically, as a reminder of the past and as a symbol of connection between the two banks.
The concept: droplets that connect the city
The artwork consists of thousands of specially crafted ceramic tiles that line the walls of the tunnel. Subtle water droplets appear on them in relief, which light up in the dark through a refined lighting design. The droplet is the common thread in the design. Each droplet captures the light in a different way, making the walls seem to shimmer like ripples on the water. During the day the work appears calm and organic; in the evening the underpass transforms into a luminous stream. The interflowing water ripples symbolise the merging of the former municipalities of Langedijk and Heerhugowaard. The title Waterlanders refers to their residents, who since 1 January 2022 together form the new municipality of Dijk & Waard.
For this Zuidtangent railway underpass, we set out to find something unique—something that complements and enhances both the architecture and the surrounding environment. At the same time, there was the ambition to create an artwork that would be activated by passing traffic: pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
In collaboration with Koninklijke Tichelaar, the historic ceramics manufacturer from Makkum, an exclusive tile was developed in which pieces of glass are fused into ceramic tiles to form water droplets. This base material is applied to the walls of the underpass, designed by the design firm IPV Delft.
The result is an enchanting artwork that embellishes the underpass like a gemstone or chandelier. The glass droplets can be positioned like pixels to create shapes and drawings. These three-dimensional visual elements capture light and movement while reflecting the surroundings. The surfaces and figures formed by the droplets create an image of shadow, light and reflection. At the same time, the headlights of passing traffic will illuminate the wall artwork, making it sparkle like a brilliant gem.
Soon to be revealed
The design is being developed on behalf of the municipality of Dijk en Waard, with Mothership as the creative and technical producer and Gabriel Lester as the artist. The realisation also involves ipv Delft and Koninklijke Tichelaar. Over the past months, various mock-ups and lighting tests have been carried out to find the right balance between shine, colour and reflection. In the final months of 2025, installation of the tiles in the tunnel will begin. This will mark the moment when Waterlanders becomes truly visible as a new icon for Dijk en Waard: an artwork that brings together the movement of water and people.
Waterlanders
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 by: Rabobank Alkmaar and surrounding area.