The following article has been published in a Dutch Newspaper 'TC Tubantia' on March 30, 2011
The Bubble Blower
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They are still in the vast workshop of X2 EU on the B&S Park in Enschede: two great figures and a cat. They form the basis for the artwork 'The Bubble Blower', that will be revealed half of June at the service center Prismare in Roombeek (Enschede).
The artwork is commissioned by Prismare and is designed by two artists from Enschede, namely Dorien Boekhout (idea and design) and Paul Klotz (technique).
The execution of the cheerful design gave quite some headaches. But, X2 EU has the solutions for these problems. This company is specialized in the development and realization of special projects at home and abroad. A few years ago, sistercompany X2 US was established in Virginia, America. Because X2 US lies within 500 miles of New York, the company could compete for the implementation of an extraordinary pavilion, designed by Ben van Berkel of UNStudio. So, there are many prestigious and complex jobs for X2 EU en X2 US.
The Bubble Blower was also not easy to realize. Idea and design is one thing, execution is another matter. It is a complex job, agrees Jan Willem Leugs, designer and project manager of X2 EU.
First of all, the location. The artwork was originally planned at the point of the sidewalk that leads to the entrance of Prismare. That was not an option for architect Pi de Bruijn. The Bubble Blower would divert too much attention from the icon on the other site, the apartment building 'de Eekenhof'. It would also create problems for the traffic, because of the height and sight lines. Therefore, the artwork is now located closer to the Prismare building. |
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It consists of three stainless steel poles (9, 7,6 and 6,5 meters high). Two figures are leaning against the highest pole, a red figure of 6 meters high and a smaller orange figure (3,2 meters high) on the lap. Against the other pole leans a purple cat with a height of 1 meter. The objects will be coated in the colors of Prismare. Both figures blow seven bubbles in the air with a diameter of about 1 meter to almost 2,5 meters.
Especially the technical execution was much work. The seven bubbles are made of ETFE, a high quality synthetic. The bubbles are filled with air with an air pump that is built in the poles. The Bubble Blower remains standing, no matter if it is very cold, there is sunlight or a strong wind. 'Even with a wind strength 10', ensures Leugs.
Partly becaus of Paul Klotz, the Bubble Blower is an interactive artwork. Inconspicuous speakers, at ear level in the poles of the artwork, and infrared cameras, provide light and sound effects. When someone passes, a popping sound can be heard. Fifteen half concrete balls lie under the artwork on the sidewalk. These half balls are placed so far apart, that they do not hinder passing wheelchairs or prams.
There are thin tubes with LED lights in the seven bubbles. The light glow is reflected througt foil in the inside of the bubbles. The color and brightness varies depending on the strength of the wind. The building permit for the Bubble Blower was issued last year. In order to build the artwork, a solid foundation is needed. Earlier, enthusiasm was reached by Prismare, the municipality, residents, users and Pi de Bruijn after a presentation of Leugs of X2 EU. That was already a complex task, laughs Leugs. 'There ar so many parties involved, that makes it difficult'.
The ingenious Bubble Blower will be unveiled Tuesday, June 14. In the presence of many people from the neighborhood. 'Because the Bubble Blower is from all of us', ensures Dorien Boekhout. 'It is a fresh, playful and interactive artwork, annex meeting point'.
By: Ben Lensink |
Unveiling on June 14The unveiling of the Bubble Blower on Tuesday evening June 14, will be a big party for the neighborhood Roombeek and Enschede North, ensures Dorien Boekhout. With music and theater acts.
Since this week a lot of paintings are exhibited in Prismare and in the restaurant of TwentseWelle. These paintings were made by residents and representatives of institutions in Roombeek, during workshops in the studio of Boekhout. There is also a photo reportage exhibit of the creation of the artwork. Residents get a calendar of the artwork, just before the unveiling.
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