The WijCKmus
Pijnacker-Zuid has gained a striking work of art: The WijCKmus. The metre-high sparrow, designed by Amsterdam artist Frankey, was officially unveiled Wednesday morning, 10 January, by outgoing Housing Minister Hugo de Jonge. The 4-metre-high and 6-metre-wide ‘house sparrow’ not only symbolises the connection between man and nature, but also makes a first move towards togetherness within the new neighbourhood.
Bordering the beautiful meadow, pond and ditch area the Groenzoom, nature will soon seem not far away for residents of the WijCK. But green and nature inclusiveness are also at the heart of WijCK. Including greenhouses on the roofs, lush courtyard gardens and car-free areas, efforts are being made to make the neighbourhood an extension of the habitat of various species of birds, butterflies and insects from the Groenzoom.
Frankey was asked to create an installation to give more publicity to the arrival of the new vibrant and green, car-free neighbourhood. The inspiration for the artwork was quickly found, according to artist Frankey: “A residential area that provides space for nature around it is good for both people and animals. People will be more relaxed and animals will find their place there too. This house sparrow symbolises the ultimate ‘feeling at home’ for humans and animals. A place where both live side by side in symbiosis and where solidarity between all types of residents is central. And a warmer welcome than a place where someone waits for you with open arms, or in this case wings, with a cup of coffee is hardly imaginable, haha!”
The giant sparrow has been placed (temporarily) on the edge of where the new neighbourhood ‘WijCK’ will soon be located. Once the first phase is complete, the sparrow will move to its final spot: the central square in front of metro station Pijnacker-Zuid.