On the water square, near the main entrance of the Spoorpark, there is a striking work of art. The Zip (De Rits) was conceived and created by artist Marieke Vromans. A quirky giant zip slider is a landmark on the entrance square of the Spoorpark. The work of art is the meeting place in the Spoorpark and refers to the history of the location on which the park was built; The ‘Bels lijntje’ track and Tilburg as a textile city. The Zip opens the city and brings people together.

Handcrafted

To ensure the life and soul of this giant sculpture, it was handcrafted and decorated, on which Marieke worked together with Peter Bosman. Rots Maatwerk was involved in the technical execution and placement of The Zip, and its perfect alignment with the water square.
Marieke Vromans has been part of the Spoorpark design team since 2016, together with KruitKok landscape architects, architect Tjeerd Timmermans and Blom & Moors designers of furnishing elements.

Art as a connecting medium

“The artwork The Zip connects with the entire park design in the Spoorpark, a huge added value for both the park and the artwork. This connection is made through the shape, location and meaning of the zip which draws on multiple references. But even without any knowledge of the place and its past, the impression of a gigantic zip unzipping the city and placing a park at your feet appeals to everyone’s imagination.
Marieke Vromans combines visual art with landscape architecture. “I believe that an inspiring and stimulating living environment creates a healthy, engaged society. That is what I am committed to; in an acupuncturistic way but also on a large scale, by using art for area development and urban transitions.”