Waterlanders

An artwork between Langedijk and Heerhugowaard

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

Reason: more than infrastructure

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

The concept: droplets that connect the city

The artwork consists of thousands of ceramic tiles that line the walls of the underpass. Subtle water droplets are applied in relief, capturing and reflecting light. During the day, the work appears calm and organic; after dark, the underpass transforms into a luminous flow.
The droplet forms the central motif. Variations in shape and positioning create a play of light and shadow reminiscent of ripples on water. The flowing patterns symbolize 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 bespoke tile was developed in which glass is fused into droplet shapes on ceramic. These three-dimensional elements function as reflective pixels, capturing light, movement, and their surroundings. Passing traffic activates the artwork—headlights set the walls aglow like a shimmering surface, reminiscent of a chandelier or a cut gemstone.

Realisation and result

The design was realized on commission from the municipality of Dijk en Waard, with Mothership as creative and technical producer and Gabriel Lester as the 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 an everyday 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 region)