Museum MORE

Monumental Cardboard Letters "BRAND" for Vlaardingen

Commissioned by the Municipality of Vlaardingen, Karton Design has created an impressive installation to draw attention to a historical event: the Great Fire of 1574.

The Project

We designed and produced five monumental letters that together form the word "BRAND" (FIRE). Each letter is made from sustainable cardboard and measures an impressive 1.75 meters in height. The letters are not only eye-catching but also a tribute to an important moment in Vlaardingen's history.Sustainable and ImpactfulThe choice of cardboard as a material perfectly aligns with the municipality's sustainability ambitions. Despite their size, the letters are lightweight and fully recyclable. The design combines sturdiness with a striking visual impact, making the installation both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Historical Context

The City Fire of 1574 is among the largest fires that have plagued Vlaardingen and was a turning point in the city's history. The fire occurred on June 2nd and was set during the Eighty Years' War on the orders of Prince William of Orange by a group of Geuzen from Schiedam to prevent Vlaardingen from falling into Spanish hands. This city fire left little of Vlaardingen intact. Among other buildings, the town hall of that time and the old fish market fell prey to the flames. About 1500 people fled, most to neighboring Schiedam. The city recovered slowly from this disaster.This installation serves as a tangible reminder of this event and invites residents and visitors to reflect on the city's past.

Technical Details

Material: Sustainable honeycomb cardboard
Height per letter: 1.75 meters
Total length of installation: Approximately 8.5 meters
Weight: Light enough for easy relocation
Finish: 2 mm display cardboard printed

This project demonstrates the versatility of cardboard as a material for large-scale, impactful installations. It combines innovative design with historical awareness, exactly what Karton Design stands for.