'Lotte Stam-Beesesquare'
2026
KRIMPEN AAN DEN IJSSEL - A single street sign transforms the entire village center into a collaborative work of art. For those who realize this, it's unprecedented. The presentation of the 'Lotte Stam-Beeseplein' in Krimpen aan den IJssel makes it possible to think the future of the village center together. 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 center of tomorrow.
In 2024, I was invited in this municipality by policy advisor Ellen Jacobs (Culture, Language and Events). She recognized that only through our shared culture can we view an issue from multiple perspectives. My assignment as an artist was to explore the lack of a vibrant village center. Plans are being made for its centre since 2006. In a unique collaboration with residents, business owners, and municipal employees, I developed a different perspective 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 here, she was ahead of her time.
From 1963 onward, Lotte 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 on November 16, 1988, at the age of 85. The house where she lived was recently demolished. This demonstrates that we really need to pay more attention to the local narrative.
"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 the village center of Krimpen, what can we learn from Lotte Stam-Beese? Village centers 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 center lies in integrating functions. Spaces for one and the other.
After thorough research (2024-2025) in dialogue with local experts, residents, and businesses, I presented an imaginary village square as a collaborative artwork with the municipality at the end of last year. The "Lotte Stam-Beeseplein" (Lotte Stam-Beesesquare) allows us to imagine a village center 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 village center. It aims to open a door to a new future. Because let's face it. If the privatized village 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.
