Area icons at New N69 tell story fault line

At the end of 2021 the New N69 will be completed; an 80km road between the A67 near Veldhoven and the Luikerweg south of Valkenswaard. Thanks to the new road, the liveability and safety in, and the accessibility of the village centers has been greatly improved. The 'greenest road in Brabant' is characterized by innovations, sustainability, craftsmanship and cooperation.

Eleven concrete art objects were placed in the outlying area around the New N69 last summer; unusually designed sculptures with a story. These area icons mark the connection between the new road and the green landscape and provide a place for meeting and history. During the planting season last fall, various trees and shrubs were planted near the area icons. Thus, the locations have become nice and green places to look out over the green area for a while. 

At each object is a wooden information pole with a plaque and QR code, which refers to the VVV Valkenswaard website. There you can find more information and a walking or cycling route connecting all objects. Note: the site in question is still 'under construction'. 

Fracture line 

The shape of the objects is derived from the geographical fault line that runs through this area. The Feldbiss fault runs from Germany through Limburg and Belgium deep into Brabant. The fault crosses this area around the Broekhovenseweg. This fault line is not visible, but very occasionally tangible. Especially in the past there have been a number of very light earthquakes. With the fault line banks we tell this story. 

Six fault line benches stand at the terminus of a cul-de-sac. By climbing on them, the fault line bench on the other side of the N69 becomes visible. They form the remnant of the old road that was once there, so that what is no longer there still remains visible. 

Poem 

Each object proclaims its own message in a sentence. In addition to the special shape of the area icons, the letters of these messages also stand out. These are attached to the top as an earth layer. They tell a story about the area, its history, nature and landscape. Each text is unique, but together they form one poem. All the texts were written by Elianne van Elderen. 

The fault line benches are designed to sit, climb and stand on them. To look out over the New N69 or to rest with a view of the new nature. To meet others or just come to yourself. But above all to discover them during a walk or bike ride. 

Art Project 

As a result of the withdrawing government, the contracting industry is increasingly faced with integral area assignments. The social integration of infrastructural works into an area is therefore becoming increasingly important. Contractors are delving more deeply into the culture and environment to create the desired connection with the area. (Landscape) architecture has long played a role in this, but more than before, a bridge has now been built to art. Thanks to the involvement of Kunstloc Brabant, art is also contributing to the development of the area assignment.

In addition to the eleven area icons, another watchtower will be realized, which will be developed together with the municipality of Bergeijk. In the entrance to the tower, the twelfth line of poetry will be added. The icons were designed by H+N+S Landscape Architects and Next Architects. They were executed by Boskalis Netherlands and financed by the province of North Brabant and Kunstloc Brabant.