Tegelen has a rich history in the ceramics industry, roof tile production, and brickworks. The redesign of the town center focused on strengthening this identity and creating a place where residents and visitors would want to spend more time.
The narrow-gauge railway and tipping carts, once essential for transporting clay and bricks, served as inspiration to make this history tangible in the new design.
From idea to design
The local business association, worked together with RuimteVerhaal and StadsKracht who developed a new vision for the town center. Key objectives included more greenery, improved safety, a more compact layout, and a pleasant atmosphere. The Municipality of Venlo commissioned Burobol to further develop the plans in cooperation with RuimteVerhaal.
For Grijsen, the challenge was to reinforce this vision with street furniture that reflected the new appearance and character of Tegelen. As part of the design team’s vision, the idea emerged to reintroduce the old tipping carts as seating elements.
To realize this plan, Grijsen was asked to create a custom solution. Together with Burobol, Grijsen translated the historical object into contemporary street furniture that is both functional and recognizable.
Tipping carts as seating elements
The designers of Grijsen based their work on original drawings and dimensions. By ‘opening up’ the cart at the characteristic tipping angle of 48 degrees, a comfortable seating position was created.
The backrest and seat were redesigned for optimal use, while the frame and cart body retained their original appearance.
In addition, words such as Tegelen, Drying room (droogkamer), and Clay extraction (kleiwinning) were laser-cut into the backrests and seats—subtle references to local history.
Durable and vandal-resistant
Since the tipping carts were given a new function as street furniture, they were adapted to meet the requirements of public space. The wheels were flattened and the construction made vandal-proof, ensuring that the elements remain solidly and safely in place.
The carts were installed on concrete slabs with integrated steel rails, evoking the impression of the former narrow-gauge railway. This way, aesthetics and functionality reinforce each other, while keeping the design sustainable and low-maintenance.
A unique piece of furniture for the Netherlands
A total of sixteen tipping carts were installed in the center of Tegelen. Together they form a distinctive thread along Kerkstraat and around Wilhelminaplein.
The combination of history, experience, and functionality makes these seating elements unique in the Netherlands. As city center manager Werner Schins summed it up: “With street furniture in the form of a tipping cart, Grijsen has delivered the finest seating element currently available!”
