N361 van stad tot wad

A large improvement of the N361 autoway between Groningen, Winsum and Zoutkamp is in development. One of the improvements is a bike highway between Groningen and Winsum. It will allow fast travel on bike towards the city, but is also a very long and boring ride with little protection from rain and wind.

At the start and end of the route two public art objects will be placed that are inspired by Rooidoppen. These will function as meeting points for children during their daily trek towards Groningen to go to school. Their shape will give protection against the weather elements, focus the view towards highlights in the environment and provide landmarks that will mark the end of the road for travelers.

Year: 2023
Type: Public artwork/shelter
Client: Provincie Groningen
Head contractor: House of Design
Partners: design team of Lokale Maakplaats consisting of Studio Volop, Studio Simone Vermaning, Bloooms, Wiebren Veenstra with Eileen Blackmore and Laos landscape architects in collaboration with dorpsbelangen Winsum, Sauwerd Wetsinge and Adorp.

Rooidop at night, illuminated from within

Where does it take place?

The road N361 from the city of Groningen to Leens. The project consists of three subprojects:

1. Villages Winsum, Adorp and Sauwerd.

2. Cycle route Plus Groningen - Winsum.

3. Traffic circles Mensingeweer, Wehe-den Hoorn and Leens

Studio MARC focuses on the cycle route and designs 2 art installations that marks the beginning and end of the bicycle route. In addition to being a landmark, they offer protection from the weather for the cycling schoolchildren. The shape refers to the ‘'rooidop’', a tool worn around the fingers when digging for potatoes to protect the nails.