A fifteen-meter-high concrete column twists before you. This is De Wokkel. It’s not just any sculpture. It’s a landmark a piece of art cleverly integrated into the architecture of Amsterdam’s A10 ring road.
De Wokkel wasn’t planned as a standalone artwork. It began as a simple marker for a highway on-ramp designed by the engineer Wim Snieder. He also designed the nearby Zeeburgerbrug and Zeeburgertunnel. Snieder believed such a significant structure deserved a striking visual element. Thus the idea for De Wokkel was born. Its name meaning ‘the twist’ or ‘the coil’ perfectly reflects its shape. It’s said the name was inspired by the twisted shape of a popular Dutch salty snack.
Initially positioned at the end of an on-ramp De Wokkel’s location was altered during road widening. This wasn’t the end of its journey. It was moved from the outside to the inside of the A10. Since 1993 it has stood proudly nestled against one of the bridge’s pillars.
The sculpture’s design is deceptively simple. It’s a rectangular column rotating 45 degrees over its height. Snieder’s son Jan Willem said the rotation gives the impression of movement to those driving past. This dynamic element adds a sense of energy to the otherwise static highway structure.
De Wokkel is more than just a beautiful piece of roadside art. It’s a testament to Snieder’s vision. It’s a symbol of engineering and artistic collaboration. Sadly Wim Snieder didn’t live to see the full impact of his creation. He passed away in 1994 just a year after the relocation. Yet De Wokkel endures. It remains a striking example of how art can enrich even the most functional of spaces. It is a tangible reminder of Amsterdam’s commitment to blending art and infrastructure. A perfect blend of art and engineering.