Peter Struycken Untitled (1969)

Artist Peter Struycken was one of the pioneers of the Arnhem School as well as of environmental art. In the latter case, an artist did not leave behind a physical artwork, but instead created a design for a new environment together with the architect or landscape designer. In this way, the artist could consider himself an equal to the architect. In 1967, a modern design was created by municipal architect André van Stekelenburg for the third depot of the Municipal Archives on Robert Fruinstraat. The building was completed in 1970, featuring an environmental artwork by Struycken in the outdoor space. The work consists of a design of black and white lines and planes on the paving, the fencing, the facades, and the wooden fence. A bench on the patio of the top floor is also part of the design. The 1969 work has since deteriorated, but old photographs from the Rotterdam City Archives clearly show how the original design aligns with the architecture. The white facades flow into the white planes in Struycken's design. The window sections form black lines in the building, which in Struycken's design are extended into the paving, facades, and fences. An attempt was made to restore the environmental artwork, but the work is too damaged and costly to restore to its original state.