Foundation Art and Public Space
artist: Marlène Staals
located in: GGZ Heerenveen,
client: Stichting GGZ Friesland
The assignment given to Marlène Staals by the GGZ Friesland (mental health clinic, located in Heerenveen) was clear: add warmth and intimacy to the outside grounds and create areas that encourage people to stay longer in the outdoor space surrounding the buildings. Especially the rear of the complex was problematic as it flows into a residential neighborhood.
Marlène Staals
GGZ Heerenveen
photo: John Stoel
Up until the last generation psychiatric institutes owned large properties. As Louis LeRoy, builder of an ‘eco-cathedral’ in nearby Mildam, mentioned in his opening speech: in those days the patients performed daily labor in the vegetable gardens and on the estates. In the open air they worked for their daily bread. However now one needs a special reason to be outside.
Marlène Staals created an enclosed area in which to relax and an open seating area similar to a pedestal from which one can view the surroundings.
photo: John Stoel
photo: John Stoel
