Goudensloep

Goudensloep (Golden Barge) was a conceptual design that emerged from Threesome, a learning and working program in which Mothership, in collaboration with Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Willem de Kooning Academy, invited students to work on real art commissions. In multidisciplinary teams and under professional guidance, they developed artistic concepts, with the best proposal ultimately being realized.

The concept was developed in the context of the royal succession on April 30, 2013, when Willem-Alexander was inaugurated as King of the Netherlands. Goudensloep proposed to immerse the city of Rotterdam in a royal atmosphere in a theatrical and accessible way — by transforming everyday transportation into a festive tribute.

In this proposal, Rotterdam’s iconic water taxis would be transformed through decorative wrapping into floating Goudensloepen (Golden Barges), inspired by the royal Golden Coach. The boats would continue operating along their regular routes, yet simultaneously become part of a living, royal tableau gliding across the water. At 38 boarding points, signs would guide the public toward these special taxis.

Goudensloep (Golden Barge) was a playful, accessible, and visually powerful proposal that would have temporarily transformed Rotterdam into a regal urban stage — a tribute to the monarchy as well as to the power of creativity and collaboration between young makers, education, and the city itself.