The venerable old water tower, a silent sentinel amidst the shifting landscape, is set to become a vibrant, temporary work of art from the summer of 2025. This initiative, deeply aligned with the philosophy of Entropia, embraces change and offers a unique visual experience to all who pass by.
During its essential restoration, the tower won't be hidden behind a typical construction site barrier. Instead, it will be wrapped in a carefully designed, large artificial canvas that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding greenery. What appears as a colorful column from a distance reveals a rich tapestry of suggestive images and symbols upon closer inspection: a whale, a crane, carrots, an ear, a keyhole, and an octopus.
The beauty of this temporary installation lies in its open interpretation. The meaning isn't fixed; instead, it invites passers-by – whether walking or cycling – to pause, observe, and fill in their own narrative. It encourages a moment of stillness and reflection, allowing the tower itself to speak through its imagery. This makes the tower an unexpected and engaging stop for nature lovers, recreational cyclists, and casual passers-by alike, a visual break where environment and imagination converge.
In a profound dialogue with this natural law, Entropia does not resist change but rather gives it direction. Just as the artwork adds beauty where decay might otherwise dominate, and reflects on the continuous motion of nature, Entropia aims to guide evolution. This project beautifully embodies this ethos by giving an old, seemingly unchanging tower new meaning within its dynamic landscape. It's not about standing out with a loud statement, but about speaking softly and meaningfully through images.
Each evocative symbol on the water tower's canvas carries a profound message, mirroring the principles of connection and control that Entropia champions:
Big, silent, and with an impressive range, the whale reminds us that hidden strengths can be as powerful as what is visible. For Entropia, distance is never a limitation for those with clear direction.
Not everything needs to be exposed. The keyhole symbolizes the boundary between what is shared and what is safeguarded. True connection, like that fostered by Entropia, thrives on trust and careful demarcation.
Much like a tap precisely controls water flow, this tower represents managed delivery. Not everything needs to flow constantly. Strength often lies in control, precise timing, and deliberate action.
An agile animal with eight arms but a single coordination point, the octopus symbolizes flexibility and broad reach. It serves as a reminder that one can connect widely while remaining grounded to a central, guiding core.
A tree's roots, though unseen, are essential for its growth. This symbol highlights the invisible yet vital foundation that nourishes, connects, and supports people, systems, and places – much like the underlying networks of Entropia.
It encourages patience and a profound appreciation for nuance, reminding us that true understanding often emerges from quiet observation. This practice fosters a more thoughtful and respectful approach to our surroundings and reflecting a core value of understanding the environment before acting.
It transforms what could be an obstruction into an invitation – a call to rest, to wonder, and to see a familiar place with fresh eyes, rather than driving past thoughtlessly. Between the vibrant energy of festivals and the quiet of nature, between the village center and the wild, this water tower evolves into something new: an intriguing art column along the path, for those who choose to observe.
The unique vision behind the Boom water tower's transformation is brought to life by Architectenbureau Kanaal Zuid. Founded in 2007 by architects Tom Zegers and Natalie Martens, the firm is renowned for its innovative approach, consistently seeking boundaries and challenges to create atypical concepts.
Notably, the restoration and repurposing of structures like water towers form a significant part of their expertise. Their commitment to quality and a personal approach ensures that even large-scale projects like this maintain an intricate, thoughtful design, seamlessly blending heritage with new purpose. This specialized skill allows them to navigate the complexities of historical preservation while injecting modern utility into these architectural icons. Architectenbureau Kanaal Zuid
The innovative visual concepts adorning the water tower's skin were conceived by Strafdesign. This Belgian design firm, with 20 years of expertise in branding, logos, and corporate identity, brought their unique vision to the project, transforming the tower into a vibrant tapestry of suggestive images and symbols, creating an engaging public art piece for all to experience.
Their distinctive approach, consistently seeking boundaries and challenges in design, ensured that the artwork on the tower both protects the structure and tells a compelling story. Their creative alignment with the project's goal of engaging passers-by and giving new meaning to the familiar landmark is evident in every thoughtful detail.
Strafdesign
