Dutch Skies

By RonBuist

Groningen City Boundary Markers - Book N

Todays blip is a follow-up to this one. It's another city boundary marker. I took this shot on my way to work so I didn't have a lot of time to capture it but I think it came out OK. There's a sign next to it with the following text (I added the links ofcourse):

For centuries, town borders were marked by walls and fortifications interspersed with highly decorated gates. The gates gave the outside world access to the towns and opened them up to the surrounding countryside. Many of the old walls and gates were pulled down in the 19th century, when towns lost their traditional shape. Groningen received the town charter in 1040. As part of the celebrations to mark is 950th anniversary, it was decided to erect a series of markers indicating the boundaries of the city and spelling its ancient name CRUONINGA. The project has been designed by Daniel Libeskind.

After experimenting with several abstract studies, William Forsythe had the idea of a canal which is more than 400 metres long and contains 27 pillars. A metal arm connected to the pillars pulls a row of trees on the bank and bends them out of shape as they grow. Shipbuilders in Groningen used similar techniques to bend planks of wood to the right shape. The sides of the canal are lined with an undulating wall at various heights which is covered by vegetation. It represents the way in which mankind has made changes to the natural world for centuries in order to survive.


This particular marker is relatively close to my home. There are lights attached to the pillars; I might return for another blip someday when it's dark and the lights are on...

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