In 2015, Birthe Leemeijer designed the ice fountain for Dokkum. It was a gift because Leeuwarden-Fryslân was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. All eleven cities in Friesland received this gift through the 11fountains project. With almost a year’s delay, the fountain was installed in early 2019, making it the last of the eleven fountains. This was partly due to the design, partly due to the technology, and partly due to the market redevelopment.
When Birthe finally saw her artwork in operation after a long wait, she was more than grateful. The curved shapes, the cooling pipes inside, and the way of soldering: it had become a masterpiece!
The ice layers are formed by the play of the elements and the available solar energy. It symbolizes the (lost) connection between humans and nature, the changes in the climate, and the absence of the Elfstedentocht.
Due to the ice, the fountain is different every day. And that’s precisely what makes it a fantastic eye-catcher for Dokkum, a vibrant city where we like to think things through before we act.
