Meeting

by Bert Hermans · Gouda, NL

This painting is inspired by a visit that Bert made to Groningen in September 2023. The painting shows the central hall of the Forum in Groningen. A meeting takes place in the hall, as was the designers' intention. The Forum in Groningen is located in the center of the city of Groningen. As stated, it was intended as an accessible meeting place 'for everyone who is curious about the world of today and the possibilities of tomorrow'. The building can host (international) exhibitions and includes five cinema rooms, a multifunctional auditorium, a library and a roof terrace with a beautiful view. The Forum opened its doors on November 29, 2019 and is now fully in use. It is a design by NL Architects and it was carried out by BAM construction and technology. Inside the building, the spaces, the sleek design, different material choices and colors are striking. When you enter the building, you stand in a large central hall of 37 meters high, which is depicted here in the painting. The escalators connect the so-called 'squares' with each other on floors with different atmospheres. This was an important starting point for NL Architects. Bert has also added these atmospheres to the painting, with different accents and sight lines. The latter are further reinforced by the figures that can be found on and under the escalators and who actually give shape to the Meeting.