If you happen to wander through Amsterdam's Vondelpark, you might be met with a new sight. Hard to miss, and located in one of the park's lakes, the fresh addition comes in the form of a huge fountain, crafted from slabs of onyx.
Designed by Rotterdam-based Sabine Marcelis, in collaboration with materials brand SolidNature, the "Vondel Fountain, Stacked" has been a work in progress for some time. Its structure – as the name implies – is made up of stacked blocks, and is typical of Marcelis' style when it comes simple forms.
As you wander around the lake, the views of the fountain change depending on the angle you're seeing it from. Water cascades from two sides, and creates a relaxing soundtrack.
"I am deeply interested in the possibilities of materials and how they can be shaped to create meaningful forms and experiences," Marcelis said. "Water has been a recurring element in my work, acting as both a medium and a source of inspiration."
It's not the first fountain Marcelis has designed, nor is it the first of her fountains that SolidNature has produced. "This project marks a celebration of my long-standing partnership with SolidNature, she adds, referring to her projects alongside the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona and luxury fashion house Fendi. "These experiences have enhanced my understanding of how water can transform spaces — through its movement, sound, and the ambiance it creates," she continues.
An engineering feat, the fountain will remain in place for three months. According to SolidNature CEO David Mahyari, it's not only an aesthetic showcase – but proof of his company's dedication to sustainble practice. "By repurposing these materials, we not only reduce waste but also showcase the timeless and enduring quality of natural stone," he says.
Vondel Fountain, Stacked, was unveiled during Amsterdam Fashion Week, which took place from September 6-9.
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