Hanging gardens of Wansum: blending 3D printing with urban greenery

A Vision of Green Urban Art through 3D Concrete Printing

Vertico collaborated with German artist Christian Odzuck to produce a 3D printed scale model for his latest artistic concept: The Hanging Gardens of Wanssum. Known for his extensive work in public spaces, Odzuck steps into the realm of 3D concrete printing to explore the intersection between art, architecture, and sustainable urban development.

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Set in the industrial outskirts of Wanssum, along the Stayerhofweg, this project is part of a larger pilot initiative to develop the first street in the Netherlands built in the spirit of the circular economy. Odzuck’s artistic contribution takes the form of a series of concrete sculptures, inspired by the ancient myth of the Hanging Gardens.

Hanging gardens concept

This project is inspired by the legend of the hanging gardens. Odzuck describes it as follows:

​"The basic idea is to develop a concept based on the idea of the hanging gardens for the Stayerhofweg. The aim is to implement a series of sculptural interpretations of the hanging gardens in concrete print. Accompanied by various performances and concerts to establish a connection of the art pieces with the city. This concept will be presented in the context of Nieuwe Uitzichten and made visible through the exhibition. The concept can then be taken up by the city and worked out for later implementation."

From Model to Reality

Vertico’s 3D printed model is part of a broader research and exhibition process under the umbrella of Nieuwe Uitzichten. The concept was developed during summer 2022 and presented in an interactive exhibition involving local residents and city officials. Temporary sketches, mock-ups, and prototypes were used to shape the dialogue and test spatial scenarios.

A Promising Future

Although the final design and timeline for the redevelopment of the Stayerhofweg are still in progress, the artistic groundwork laid by Odzuck offers a compelling vision. The Hanging Gardens of Wanssum embody the promise of art-led urban transformation, where 3D concrete printing becomes a tool not only for construction — but for imagination, inclusion, and environmental reflection.

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