Highlights of the Walk

The walk began on the banks of the Merwede Canal. Participants were invited to silently reflect on the species that live in and around the water. This exercise emphasized the shared space we inhabit with other species, such as animals and plants. This idea seamlessly aligned with artist Merve Bedir's vision of a multi-species society and the term 'gemene,' which carries no falsehood but refers to shared public space. Words like Mient and Meent also refer to this concept.

The construction site offered a unique opportunity to experience the physical layering of the area. The group walked along an old road and paused at the recent discovery of a historical branch, the Roman A1 leading to the Dom Square. Participants shared personal memories about the past of the site, including its history as a horticultural area, the old drug scene, and recent excavations.

Near the breeding ground De Vechtclub, participants were asked to think about the future of the neighborhood. What would Merwede look like in 20, 50, or even 100 years? Questions were posed that invited inclusive and broad thinking, such as: "What would animals and plants name the new bridges over the Merwede Canal?" And what name would the water give these bridges? This led to beautiful suggestions, such as: Rain Catcher, Shadow Maker, Solidified Shadow, Gardener's Bridge, Water Bearer, Human Bearer, The Great Refuge, Flying Carpet, Mobach Bridge, Opposite Sketch.

Upon returning to the starting point, the filled-out cards were collected, on which participants recorded their ideas about the bridges and the neighborhood of the future.

What we noticed during the walk

The walk created a shared experience that participants described as "already a work of art in itself." Walking made it easy to share stories and brought people closer together.

The beautiful wildness of the construction site stood out, with spontaneous nature quickly gaining ground. Additionally, older participants shared memories of the site, which was previously seen as a "no-go zone."

The emptiness of the construction site provided a sense of relief. This highlighted the importance of the ability to look into the distance, towards a horizon, especially in a densely built urban environment. A valuable consideration for the further development of Merwede.

Next steps

The walk provided valuable insights that contribute to the development of the neighborhood and the bridges. The filled-out cards will be further analyzed and incorporated into the next phase: commissioning an artwork in relation to the two new bridges. An art working group, consisting of several residents and users of the Merwede Canal, will further consider this under the guidance of Gemene Grond.

Thank you to all the participants who made this afternoon a success. We look forward to the next step!