Peel Plaza: sculpture ánd urban terrace for Capital C Amsterdam
It all started with an idea to create a unique, inviting place under the existing trees in front of the building of Capital C. Through a unique collaboration between artist Gabriel Lester, client Capital C, municipality of Amsterdam and Grijsen, this impressive project has come about.
The end result is impressive: a work of art and attractive meeting place in the public space where creativity is stimulated.
Pictures: ©Ossip
- Client
- Capital C
- Landscape architect
- Gabriel Lester
- Location
- Amsterdam
Developing creativity and stimulating coming together
With various meeting rooms, flex desks and co-working spaces, Capital C is a versatile location. Capital C is located in the former Diamond Exchange at Weesperplein. Capital C asked Dutch designers to look into the design of their meeting rooms. Every space breathes creativity.
The same applied to the outdoor area. The artwork was intended to develop creativity and stimulate coming together. That's why Capital C asked artist Gabriel Lester for the design.
Gabriel Lester
The 25-metre-long artwork Peel Plaza was conceived and designed by Dutchman Gabriel Lester. Lester is known for his films and sculptures, but also for his special works of art in public space, with which he seems to stop time. Lester’s artworks can be found all over the world: from the UK to China and from Colombia to Norway.
Lester's latest project is thus placed in his hometown. The element in the public space consists of a number of decking levels, which appear to be 'peeled open' in various places. These big curls, “Peels” combine the idea of time that has been stopped, so that the visitor and user can become part of it in her or his own time.
Choice of materials
The wooden decking is made of two different types of wood: Bilinga and Cumaru. These are two types of hardwood that are extremely suitable for use in street furniture.
The choice to use different types of wood is not just like that. Because the wood will age in different ways, there will be a color difference over time. This will only accentuate the 'peel effect' even more.
Corten steel was chosen for the steelwork. Corten steel is a weatherproof steel with a rust-colored appearance. The surface of the steel reacts with oxygen, creating a thick oxide skin. This slows down the oxidation process.
LED lighting
LED lighting has been installed on the inside of the object. As a result, the object will remain a striking work of art in the evenings. The lighting is installed in the edges of the loops and decking.
The shapes will therefore remain recognizable even in the dark.
'It's wonderful that we were able to use all our qualities in this project'
Real craftsmanship
The high quality standard at Grijsen was important for the client. For Grijsen it was nice that the client had a clear goal in mind, the fingerprint of the designer had to be really visible. Together, the parties thought it was fantastic to take on such a challenge and create something unique.
Patrick Grijsen: "We think it's wonderful that we were able to use all our qualities in this project: from thinking along with the client, the construction, the woodworking, the pre-programming of our CNC machining center to the assembly of the whole. Everyone's knowledge and craftsmanship is used again and again to make the outdoor space of the Netherlands and beyond more beautiful, as is the case with this project."
The Making of Peel Plaza
See here how Peel Plaza was conceived, developed, made and installed.
And how this unique place in the public space is immediately enjoyed.
Credits: ©Ossip, ©Bas van de Kamp (Pixel by Pixel), © Sonny Krosenbrink
