Ruimtestructuur Sculpture

Hidden within Amsterdam-Zuidoost, the Ruimtestructuur Sculpture whispers tales of urban transformation. Originally commissioned for the Bijlmermeer district in 1969, the Ruimtestructuur by Ewerdt Hilgemann stands as a unique testament to the area’s evolving landscape. Hilgemann’s design, a grid of sixteen red poles anchored in concrete, subtly mirrors the countless foundational piles used in the construction of the Bijlmermeer high-rises. The Ruimtestructuur Sculpture initially resided near an information center in the Aanloopcentrum, a hub for new residents navigating their modern dwellings. However, as the Bijlmermeer underwent significant redevelopment in the late 1990s, the Ruimtestructuur Sculpture embarked on its own short journey. It was carefully moved about 50 meters south to its current location, nestled in the waters of the Troepiaalsingel. This relocation, between the vibrant Vogeltjeswei neighborhood and the serene Nelson Mandelapark, was a collaborative effort with Hilgemann himself. The restoration process breathed new life into the sculpture, cleaning away years of accumulated grime and adding protective pins to deter birds. Hilgemann expressed immense satisfaction with the Ruimtestructuur’s new watery home. The reflection in the water, he noted, added a fresh dimension to the artwork, enhancing its already intriguing presence. Even a model of the Ruimtestructuur Sculpture graced the halls of the Kroller-Muller Museum during a Hilgemann exhibition in 2020, further solidifying its place in the art world. So, as you stand before the Ruimtestructuur Sculpture today, remember it is more than just steel and concrete. It is a tangible link to Amsterdam’s urban evolution, a silent observer of a neighborhood transformed, and a testament to the enduring power of art.