The building would include space for a hotel, restaurants and bars
Translated by Thomas Ansell
The Zuiderpier in Harlingen could be in line for a huge, tear-drop shapes sculpture-cum-building in the near future, under plans released by business-owner Jan Bokma from Stiens (Leeuwarden) and artist Ronald Westerhuis from Zwolle (Overijssel).
Westerhuis is best-known for his designs for the memorial to Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, that was shot down over Eastern Ukraine in 2014. The designs were presented in Harlingen on Thursday, and the name ‘The Drop’ revealed. Plans include a 360-degree observation deck on the top floor, from which visitors will be able to see the Wadden Sea, Frisian lakes, and the IJsselmeer.
The amorphous building could have 15 storeys, with space for two observation decks, and room for a hotel, restaurants, and cafe’s.
“It’s completely spectacular”, said Bokma. The founders have made contact with the local municipality, but no concrete application for development has yet been submitted. Wethouder Hein Kuiken (PvdA) said: “it is really something large, something that we would never have thought of. It’s really huge.”
Kuiken said further that a large-scale piece of multi-functional art like “The Drop” could be an advantage for the region, but he was not certain whether it would be allowed in Harlingen.
Both Bokma and Westerhuis will now start work on the feasibility of the project.
Image via ronaldwesterhuis.com
