GATES OF LIGHT is the permanent installation whichilluminates 60 monumental floodgates through retroreflection using the headlamps of passing cars. Asyou drive through, the historical architecture lightsup and creates a futuristic landscape of light whichuses no electricity.
Every day more than 20.000 cars pass by the GATESOF LIGHT. The buildings of 1932 have been fullyrenovated and augmented with a retro-reflectivelayer. This way of using light requires zero energyand does not contribute to light pollution.
GATES OF LIGHT is part of ICOON AFSLUITDIJK, the design innovation program commissioned by the Dutch Government, which enhances the innovative character of the legendary 32 kilometer Dutch dike whilst highlighting its key functions: water protection & heritage, energy and mobility as an exemplary model of a smart landscape for today and tomorrow.
The Afsluitdijk is the 32 kilometer long dike which protects the Netherlands against water and flooding. Built mostly by hand and realized in 1932 it is an engineering highlight of the Netherlands and a unique place in the world. After 85 years, the Afsluitdijk is now in need of a thorough renovation. The Dutch state with the surrounding municipalities and provinces have joined forces to lead an ambitious programme to protect the future of the dike. As part of the programme, Roosegaarde's ICOON AFSLUITDIJK enhances the iconic status of the Afsluitdijk with a layer of light and interaction. The three designs developed by Daan Roosegaarde and his team of designers and engineers entitled GATES OF LIGHT, WINDVOGEL and GLOWING NATURE form a model of a green landscape.
