Rubens Square, Knokke, Belgium

Rubens Square is a triangular square with a large opening towards the sea. Two long benches oriented parallel to the water are bordered by a wall of tempered glass which acts as protection from the wind. It is a particularly social place where elderly people often watch children play. The square’s tiles have a mosaic-like pattern with maritime tones that refer to the nearby sea. Blues, grey-greens and whites are interwoven like an abstract pointillist painting. Only the white tiles are strictly arranged diagonally. A difference in height of 1.2 meters makes the square slightly concave as if it were a stone wave washing up against the dike. Sculptures by Franz West are placed along two sides. The two five-meter high heads face each other, forming a playful and somewhat grotesque counterpoint to the square itself. The heads stimulate the imagination of passersby while also marking the entrance buildings to the car park under the square. They encourage musings and conversations, with the figures themselves being regarded almost as orators.