Well known for creating interactive designs that explore the dynamic relation between people, technology and space, artist Daan Roosegaarde and his team of designers & engineers at Studio Roosegaarde have recently unveiled their latest creation called the Van Gogh-Roosegaard Bicycle Path.
Based of Vincent Van Gogh’s painting The Starry Night, the kilometer long section is part of a bike route that passes through the province of North Brabant, which is the birth place of the great artist.
“The path combines innovation with cultural heritage in the city of Nuenen where Van Gogh lived from 1883 to 1885” explains Daan Roosegaarde
The swirling patterns on the surface are coated with a special paint that collects energy during the day and illuminates once the sun goes down. A nearby solar panel is used to generate power to illuminate the coated surface, which was developed in collaboration with Heijmans. In addition, there are LEDs along the sides of certain curves that cast extra light, and this means that the path is still partially lit if the weather is too cloudy to adequately charge it.
This is the second Smart Highway Project by designer Daan Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure which is interactive, sustainable and futuristic.
“The goal is to make smart roads by using light, energy and road signs that interact with the traffic situation.” says Daan Roosegaarde
The visual during the night time is not only spectacular, but also very functional providing a safer riding experience in the dark.
Watch the video