Iconic Coloured Waterfalls

The municipality of Zaanstad tasked us with illuminating the waterfalls along the iconic Stadhuisplein. Playing with light and water on such a grand scale is always a thrilling challenge. Our primary goal was to ensure that the light would be guided by the water and remain visible all the way to the bottom of the waterfalls. Additionally, we aimed to minimize the glare from the linear LED lighting for the passing public. Utilizing the principles of refraction and reflection, we designed the lighting to take advantage of the internal reflection within the falling water to guide the light in a downward arc. Each waterfall required a precise angle of illumination, which we determined through hands-on experimentation. These angles were then incorporated into custom, waterproof profiles equipped with unique shields to block direct views of the RGBW LEDs.

The illuminated waterfalls have since added a captivating element to the heart of Zaandam, enhancing the city’s landscape. As the water cascades down, the colorful lights create a visual display that delights both residents and visitors. In that way, they have quickly become a notable feature, contributing to the charm of this already charming city centre.