Two powerful scenic structures characterise the landscape surrounding Leerdam. The meandering Linge river created typical stream banks and lower situated basins. These basins are predominantly wet meadows, confined by the Diefdijk dyke, part of the Hollandse Waterlinie. The built areas are located on top of the higher stream banks. The orchards of the Betuwe are more to the east. Together, these characteristics form the foundation for the spatial design of the future Dokter Reilinghplein.

For a medium-sized city like Leerdam, it’s paramount to show its singular identity and to distinguish itself from other towns. Associations of the town as the ‘Glass City’ are easily made, and only a closer look will draw attention to the potent landscape surrounding it. The fight against the rivers and the water of the Hollandse Waterlinie have left their mark. We are strong in our belief that people should be able to feel connected with the underlying landscape in an unwitting way. This should be done through a tailor-made approach, always keeping a close eye to the details that define the final result and usability.

Our idea is to transform the Dokter Reilinghplein into an urban square with its own, powerful identity, formed by the remarkable surroundings. To introduce the citizens of Leerdam to the underlying landscape and to guide them through the creative process of redesigning the site, we organised a pop-up exhibition. People were invited to visit the exhibition, situated in a vacant building on the square, during two consecutive weekends. We engaged with visitors in an open dialogue about the vision and specific choices for this space. People could experience our plans for the future of the square through 360º visuals of the design, presented using VR glasses.

49 Neongeheimen by Amsterdam artist M. de Goey is the current work of art at the site. Together with this art installation, the square forms the entrance to the historical inner city of Leerdam. The site will have a distinct identity as a proper spot with a powerful, linear graphic design, originating from the immediate urban vicinity and De Goey’s installation. The vegetation selected is based on an abstraction of the surrounding landscape. This choice results in a contrast between the floor of the square and the lush ‘native’ vegetation. By emphatically combining them, these contrasts are easier to be ‘read’ by the users of the square. The different elements will appear to be opposed at first glance. Given the opportunity, they will congeal in people’s minds, forging a strong bond between the underlying landscape and urban environment on top of it.