'Lotte Stam-Beesesquare'
2026
KRIMPEN AAN DEN IJSSEL - A single street sign transforms the entire village centre into a collaborative work of art. For those who realize this, it's unprecedented. The 'Lotte Stam-Beeseplein' in Krimpen aan den IJssel makes it possible to think the future of the village centre together. How? Everyone who uses this space becomes a participant in the artwork. With our actions, we give meaning to the environment. When we park our cars here, or not, we shape the future. When we use the square differently, we build the village centre of tomorrow.
In 2024, I was invited in this municipality by policy advisor Ellen Jacobs (Culture, Language and Events). My assignment as an artist was to explore the lack of a vibrant village centre. Plans are being made for this to happen since 2006. Ellen saw the need to look at this issue multidisciplinary from a cultural point of view. In a unique collaboration with residents, business owners, and municipal employees, I developed a different view on this issue.
LOTTE STAM-BEESE - The village was home to the important architect and urban planner Charlotte (Lotte) Ida Anna Stam-Beese. She dedicated her life to creating spaces for one and the other. She played a major role in the reconstruction period. Her most important urban designs for Rotterdam are: Kleinpolder (1947-1952), Pendrecht (1949-1952), and Alexanderpolder/Ommoord (1957-1971). Her wisdom has inspired me, she was ahead of her time.
From 1963 onward, she lived at IJsseldijk 284 in a dike house that was renovated to her design. In the 1960s, she draw a second river crossing for the village, and the metro line was extended in a loop from Capelle to Krimpen. She firmly believed that living environments are built together -- as a reflection of the times. "The ground belongs to all of us," was one of her famous sayings. She died in this village on November 16, 1988, at the age of 85. The house where she lived was recently demolished. This demonstrates our lack of cultural awareness.
"If you fail to envision the future, Maakdestad advises preserving the qualities of the lost village in the new environmental vision. That seems harmless (from these city makers) – but you don't wear clothes that no longer fit you either." quote from column: Searching for a 'Heart of Krimpen'
When we consider this centre, what can we learn from Lotte Stam-Beese? Village centre's everywhere are struggling, and vacancy rates are high. At the same time, young people lack their own space to gather, and there's a significant shortage of affordable housing. Therefore, we need to manage the available space differently. The future of a vibrant village centre lies in integrating functions. Spaces for one and the other.
LOTTE STAM-BEESESQUARE - After thorough research (2024-2025) in dialogue with local experts, residents, and businesses, I presented together with the municipality an imaginary village square as a collaborative artwork at the end of last year. The "Lotte Stam-Beeseplein" (Lotte Stam-Beesesquare) allows us to imagine a centre that (still) exists only in the realm of our imagination. It calls on us to use this imaginary square differently.
"Anyone visiting Raadhuisplein may have noticed a striking sign on the electricity substation that reads: "Lotte Stam-Beeseplein." What's that sign doing there? It has everything to do with our imagination and thinking about a vibrant village center. quote from Magazine De Klinker: How does Krimpen get a vibrant heart?
The street sign speaks to those who visit the centre. It aims to open a door to a new future. Because let's face it. If the privatized centre space refuses to move with the collective aspirations of our time, then Lotte Stam-Beese reminds us that, with a rare and boundless optimism, we can still carry our ideals into being through the air above it.
Krimpen aan den IJssel is home to 30,000 people, but is the village also being "built by residents"?
Kind regards, Edwin Stolk.
The "Lotte Stam-Beesesquare" is the result of the local research with the title "cardio_vision" and the artistic concept "De Voorstelling" (the performance). It was made possible with a contribution from Innovatielabs and co-financing from the municipality of Krimpen aan den IJssel.
'Lotte Stam-Beesesquare' was mentioned in the following media: Magazine De Klinker.
'Lotte Stam-Beesesquare' follows the concept behind: #theorganisation
If you wish to be informed on my future activities please subscribe to my newsletter.
