Above the new southern ring road, a new park for Groningers will soon emerge: the Zuiderplantsoen. And what is a park without art? Studio L A (designers Lorien Beijaert and Arna Mačkić) has created a space designed for coming together and enjoying the park: the Memory Pavilion. You’ve probably already heard something about it. In January, you’ll have the chance to share your opinion on the design. On this page, we’re happy to tell you more about the Memory Pavilion.
In the video below, designer Lorien Beijaert explains the concept behind the design and how it came to life.
What is the Memory Pavilion?
1. Meeting Place and Stage
The design is based on the wishes of local residents, collected during a community fair, such as a stage for performances and activities, and a space to come together. In response, Kunstpunt invited several artists to create a preliminary design. An art committee, consisting of residents, an urban planner, contractors from Combinatie Herepoort, and Kunstpunt as the coordinator of the art project, unanimously selected Studio L A's proposal.
2. Merging Old and New
Parts of the old road, including some beams and girders, will return in the Memory Pavilion. These elements are combined with new components, such as a stage and a steel structure, giving them a new purpose. Over time, they will be embraced by greenery in the form of hanging plants.
For Studio L A, the history of Groningen was the starting point: “Through research in the area, we discovered that the region has undergone many layers of history. However, each time, the layer was completely erased, and something new was built over it.” This idea inspired the reuse of elements from the southern ring road, which now form the foundation of this new gathering place in the Zuiderplantsoen.
3. Green Roof
An ecological rooftop garden of over 200 square meters, featuring a variety of plants, will attract bees, butterflies, and birds while contributing to cooling. Due to the privacy of nearby residents, this rooftop garden will not be accessible to visitors.
4. Gateway
The Memory Pavilion is part of the Zuiderplantsoen, a green space where nature, recreation, and history converge. The design perfectly aligns with the vision of the Zuiderplantsoen, which highlights the area’s rich past. The park’s design, created by Paul Kersten from bureau Wurck, reflects various historical layers, from the Ice Age with its erratic boulders to the fortifications and the creation of the Sterrebos in the eighteenth century. This heritage is incorporated into the reused materials, such as the boulders and the lines in the pathways.
Like Studio L A's first artwork, the Memory Balcony on the west side of the Zuiderplantsoen, the Memory Pavilion serves as a gateway for cyclists and pedestrians.
Memory Balcony
The Memory Pavilion is the second in a series of artworks in the Zuiderplantsoen. The first gathering place, the Memory Balcony, is already open for visitors and serves as a lookout point along the Hereweg. From its top, you get a clear view of the redesigned ring road. The Memory Balcony was unveiled in July 2021 and was awarded the Groningen Architecture Prize 2021 by a professional jury.
In this structure as well, architects Lorien Beijaert and Arna Mačkić reused an existing piece of the ring road, including a guardrail.
Memory Trip
Starting at the Memory Balcony, Kunstpunt Groningen has developed a new art route: Memory Trip. The southern part of the city boasts a rich history, beautiful greenery, and a wealth of art, making it well worth exploring. The route also bridges the old and the new through audio clips. You can listen to a new poem by city poet Myron Hamming, hear insights from the designers at Studio L A, and relive Stars in the Forest with historical sounds from the music pavilion in the Sterrebos.
The art route can be followed with or without the additional audio fragments. Memory Trip is available at kunstpuntgroningen.nl/kunstroutes.
About Studio L A
Studio L A is led by architects Lorien Beijaert and Arna Mačkić. In their work, they explore social issues and stories, reinterpreting them from a new perspective. Their work has earned them several awards, with the Memory Balcony being their first permanent public space project.
A fun personal detail: Lorien Beijaert has roots in Groningen, having studied at Minerva Academy.
Want to Know More?
Kunstpunt is aware of the mixed feelings surrounding this project. Would you like more information? We are available by phone every Wednesday in January from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM to answer your questions. Call us at: 050-317 17 07.
Collaboration
We are working closely with Combinatie Herepoort and Aanpak Ring Zuid on the art project. Keep an eye on our website to stay updated on the artistic developments in the Zuiderplantsoen.
Participation Process for the Memory Pavilion
In response to criticism regarding the participation process for the Memory Pavilion and the adoption of the motion “Support for the Memory Pavilion” on May 15, 2024, the municipality of Groningen presented a new participation plan in November 2024. The aim of this process is to map out the nature and extent of objections and provide residents the opportunity to express their concerns and wishes regarding art in this part of the Zuiderplantsoen. The participation process may result in the retention of the existing proposal, a modified version, or a new artwork.
Kunstpunt Groningen, Studio L A, and the art committee have acknowledged the criticism and actively contributed to the creation of this new plan. Kunstpunt Director Lieselot Van Damme stated:
"Of course, we are participating in a follow-up process with an open mind. It is essential that the discussion about art in the Zuiderplantsoen and the Memory Pavilion is conducted carefully and based on accurate information. With this participation plan, the municipality has laid a solid foundation for constructive dialogue in the coming period."
The full participation plan is available on the municipality of Groningen’s website. Starting January 9, you can share your opinion via De Stem van Groningen. Additionally, information sessions will be held on January 23 and 24 at the Poortershoes.