GEEST GROND

This sketch design connects the tidal dynamics of the former Oer-IJ, which forms the basis of Uitgeest’s history, culture and economy, with the high dynamics of a modern infrastructure hub.

The railway and station in Uitgeest represent a sharp divide between the neighbourhoods of De Koog and Oude Dorp on the one hand and De Kleis and Waldijk on the other. The Zientunnel is an important link between these neighbourhoods. The tunnel is primarily intended for pedestrians, cyclists and (a few) mopeds. It also forms part of an important route between the IJ estuary and the polder dune landscape

The Zientunnel cuts into the soil of Uitgeest. The structure of this soil has been largely shaped by the dynamic tidal action of the former Oer-IJ. As in many landscapes, the soil conditions here have had a major influence on the history, cultural history and economy of Uitgeest.

The toponym Uitgeest contains the word “geest” in its original soil science meaning of “barren and arid”. The so-called “geestgronden” consist mainly of dune sand mixed with peat and/or clay; the geological name for the mixture of sand and peat or clay is “zavel”. Without further processing, the geestgronden are not very fertile, but after processing they prove to be excellent horticultural soil. The region between Alkmaar and Noordwijk is now world-famous for its bulb cultivation.

A six-colour theme represents the ingredients of the Oer-IJ landscape: (dune) sand, clay, zavel, peat, fresh (water) and salt(water). The theme is inspired by the colourful tulip cultivation on the geestgronden, combined with early 20th-century post-impressionist painting. The saturated colours are similar in tone, and when placed directly next to each other, they create an extra colour radiance. In the perception of the “speeding” cyclist, the six-colour theme blends into one rich, warm grey hue, the hue of GEEST GROND.

The act of passing through the tunnel in itself causes the colours to blend, the pattern swirls, interferes and ripples. The pattern seems to rise, like an incoming tide, while from the opposite direction the pattern seems to descend, like the outgoing tide. It takes a cyclist about 20 seconds to pass through the tunnel, a walker about 2 minutes. The dynamics in the tile pattern only come to the fore when you pass through it at some speed.
In other words, the passer-by sets the artwork in motion and thus becomes an integral part of it.