Help us come up with ideas for a new work of art to commemorate the Floriade

The Floriade Park was built in the early 1990s for the Floriade, featuring themed gardens, seas of flowers, and special exhibits on horticulture. The park was designed with three sightlines, straight avenues, and a large water feature as key elements.

Follies Morapad

Architecture also was given a special place in the park. In 1989, a design competition was held among 10 young Dutch architects to design three follies. A folly is a striking and often whimsical structure placed in the landscape primarily for decorative purposes. The competition was won by architect Eric Knippers. He designed three structures along the canal that resemble large aquatic insects. After the Floriade, they remained in place and can still be found along the Morapad.

A new work of art with a connection to the follies

More than 35 years later, Rokkeveen will be home to a work of art that commemorates the Floriade and the history of the area. The new artwork will be located near Floriade Park and will have a clear (symbolic) connection to the three existing follies along the Morapad. The project group will decide, together with the artist, what that connection will look like and where exactly it will be located.

Project Group

Visual art contributes to the experience of the living environment and can serve as a recognizable gathering place. It is not only the quality of the future artwork that matters; the artwork must also fit into the surroundings and resonate with the people who live or work there. That is why we are establishing a project group with residents who will contribute ideas and help make decisions regarding the commission for the artwork.

How does the process work?

Residents and municipal advisors work together in the project group. Together, they determine the requirements for the artwork. Then, in consultation with the project group, three artists each create a preliminary design. The project group selects the design that appeals to them the most. The municipality then assesses whether the design can be implemented. The selected artist refines the design and creates the artwork. According to the schedule, the artwork will be completed by the end of 2027 or early 2028.

What do we expect from project team members?

You don't need any experience or knowledge of art. Anyone can participate. Participation in this project takes a total of 12 to 15 hours. These hours are spread out over the course of more than a year.

During the meetings, we will, among other things:

• meet the project leader and get to know each other, and learn about the process
• determine the art assignment together
• Select 3 artists
• Evaluate the 3 preliminary designs
• contribute ideas for the next phase, in which the selected concept will be developed into a feasible design

Please note: The project group's meetings usually take place during the day.

Want to participate?

Would you like to contribute your ideas and help decide on this new artwork in Rokkeveen? If so, please send an email to kunstprojecten@zoetermeer.nl by December 1, 2026, with a brief statement of interest. In your email, explain why you’d like to contribute your ideas to the artwork. Please include “Art Rokkeveen” in the subject line.

Want to learn more about art in Zoetermeer? Visit www.zoetermeer.nl/kunst.