Transitions

On Wateringseweg, DSM had a hundred-metre-long blind wall full of ugly graffiti. The Company regularly received complaints from local residents about that wall. At a network meeting in 2018, Bram Reijke (Manager Site Affairs at DSM) struck up a conversation with graphic designer and street artist Micha de Bie. The result: hundred metres of autumn leaves at the Wateringseweg.

Once the budget was settled (a great deal came from Entrepreneurs Fund Delft), Reijke had to face another challenge because the wall is a municipal monument. That means that any change to it had to be reversible. If it is ever decided to remove the painting, it should be possible to do so without leaving visible traces and without causing damage. Reijke explained: ‘That is why, in close consultation with the municipality, they applied test pieces on another wall to test four methods. One of the four walls was wax-based. This sticks well under normal conditions, but proved relatively easy to remove after four months with a pressure washer and hot water.’

Now that it appeared possible to remove the painting, if necessary, Reijke was able to submit an official permit application. In parallel, he engaged with local residents. ‘In general, there was a large group of supporters and a small group of fierce opponents. However, many people did agree that the original design was a bit too colourful.’ Micha de Bie then came up with a modified design of autumn leaves from trees found in the neighbourhood, with a more subdued colour choice. ‘We remained in constant consultation and listened to all opinions as much as possible. This new design convinced the people who wanted a painting,’ said Reijke. By the end of 2019, this design could finally be implemented.