Have you ever seen a tree made of steel and glass? That’s the Levensboom Column. It stands proudly in Amsterdam. The Levensboom Column is no ordinary sculpture. It’s a meeting place. It breathes new life into its surroundings.
The Levensboom Column was designed by Angie Abbink. She is both an architect and an artist. Her creation revitalized the Ontmoetingseiland. This island is in the Gijsbrecht van Aemstelpark. Many holes dot the structure. This makes the artwork light in every sense.
Look at the shadows around you. The design draws inspiration from the shadows of surrounding trees. These shadows fit into a grid of thirteen squares. Each square contains 13×13 paving stones. Even the benches by Aldo van Eyck align with this grid. The Levensboom Column is built from prime numbers. It breaks the square’s rationality. It creates its own play of shadow and light. Above you, De Jaarringen complements this artificial canopy. It is an art project found on the glass roof.
The Amsterdam Fund for Art made this project possible. Wim de Boer designed the park in 1958. It stretches two kilometers. It links the Amstelpark and Amsterdamse Bos. The Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed nominated it as a monument. The park embodies the functional design of the Nieuwe Zakelijkheid. This aligns with the clean lines of Buitenveldert.
The Ontmoetingseiland sits at the park’s heart. It provides a pause on the way to the Gelderlandplein shopping center. Previously, it mainly served as a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. Locals wanted to cover the existing podium. They wanted a true meeting place throughout the year. The Levensboom Column fulfilled this wish.
Notice the tree’s support structure. Thirteen branches support the glass roof. These branches consist of perforated steel plates. Flanges run along the top and bottom. The top flanges support the glass roof. The bottom ones support the body. A tubular profile runs through the tree’s center. It acts as a mast. This gives the tree stiffness. It also connects the branches.
The designers collaborated closely with the architect. They determined the best shape for the tree. They designed several variants. The architect and steel supplier optimized the final form.
Inside the tree’s heart, the branches connect to the mast. This allows for slender, perforated branches. The top of the mast connects to the top of the tree. Together with the glass plates, they form a rigid structure.
During assembly, spacers ensured consistent spacing. This was crucial for the glass segments.
The Levensboom Column hosts many events. Its unique design suits various uses. Its central trunk stands freely. It covers a 13-meter diameter stage with 13 branches. The branches feature 1783 holes. People can attach cloths, exhibits, lights, or hammocks to these holes. The Levensboom Column invites you to creatively conquer it. Visitors and athletes frequently use the tree and stage to relax.
As you stand here, consider how the Levensboom Column embodies community. It is not just steel and glass. It is a living, breathing space for creativity and connection. A place for everyone to enjoy.