Syndesmos
Syndesmos, the Greek word for connection, is the name of the new artwork that stands in the moat at Fort van Hoofddorp. The permanent luminous artwork symbolizes both the connection between the fort and its surroundings and the connection between the island’s past and present identity. The light sculpture is the result of a collaboration between architect Serge Schoemaker and artist Siba Sahabi.
Between 2010 and 2020, the redevelopment of Fort van Hoofddorp took place. Led by Serge Schoemaker, the site was transformed into a public park providing space for hospitality and cultural activities. The fort was originally built in 1904 as part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and has now become a green meeting place in the heart of the Haarlemmermeer. Even though the fort has been accessible via a dam connection for decades, the Fort van Hoofddorp Foundation felt the need to bring the historic bridge connection back to public attention.
The fort was originally completely surrounded by water. At the time, the mainland was connected to the fort island by a drawbridge, which could be pulled onto the fort island in case of an emergency. The architect’s idea to place a luminous art piece on the pillars of the historic bridge was embraced by the municipality. It underscored the purpose of the redevelopment: to make the world heritage visible and accessible again to the residents of Haarlemmermeer.
Serge Schoemaker, who has already realised several light installations, was commissioned by the municipality of Haarlemmermeer to develop the artwork. The project was financially supported by the Province of North Holland. To carry out this commission, he worked closely with artist Siba Sahabi, whose contemporary art objects and installations focus on exploring and translating cultural identities. For Siba Sahabi, the collaboration led to her largest permanent public artwork to date.
The two designers deliberately chose a modern and abstract work that enters into a dialogue with the imposing, concrete fort building. While the fort is an enormous elongated structure, the steel sculpture juxtaposes the existing with a porous framework, directing upwards and rising above the surrounding reeds. With a height of three meters and a span of six meters, Syndesmos is a real eye-catcher when cycling or walking along the Geniedijk.
The sculptural artwork consists of two angled triangles and balances on two retained pillars of the historic bridge. The abstract form references the triangular shape of the fortress island. One triangle represents the past and the other triangle represents the present. At night, the undersides of the triangular shapes light up, creating a subtle composition of illuminated lines, both in the sky and in the water.
Location: Hoofddorp, Netherlands
Date: 2022-2024
Status: Completed
Client: Municipality of Haarlemmermeer
Project team: Serge Schoemaker | Farimah Chaman Zadeh, Jurgi Cinta, Pola Totinchy
In collaboration with: Siba Sahabi
