CURTAIN 01: A Unique Textile Canopy Over the Dekmantel Stage in the Netherlands
In the heart of Amsterdamse Bos, a lush forest outside Amsterdam, the 2025 edition of the Dekmantel Festival welcomed a remarkable architectural addition. Designed by the studio ZELT and led by Johannes Offerhaus, the installation named CURTAIN 01 features a suspended textile canopy hovering over the popular Selectors Stage. More than just shelter from rain during the festival’s three days, this piece creates a distinctive spatial atmosphere that blends nature, the audience, and the vibrant energy of live music.
Concept and Design
What started as a simple idea to hang the canopy between two trees quickly evolved. The technical demands led to the use of four steel poles discreetly placed among the trees to support the structure. This solution allowed the design to remain light and elegant, with clean, thoughtful details.
Made from white, water-resistant fabric, the canopy floats above the heavy concrete stage through an intricate system of ropes, aluminum rods, and steel anchors. The fabric’s smooth, curved surfaces ripple gently with the breeze, catching dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, giving the whole installation a delicate, almost otherworldly presence.
| Component | Materials | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Poles | Steel | Structural support and stability |
| Ropes | Durable fibers | Suspends and distributes the load |
| Rods | Aluminum | Shapes and balances the canopy |
| Fabric | White waterproof textile | Provides rain protection and visual appeal |
Function Meets Beauty
The canopy is made up of three circular textile forms suspended at varying heights by aluminum tubing. This layering creates a rhythmic, undulating overhead surface that plays with light and movement. Using a single color and consistent geometry brings a sense of calm and order, offering a striking contrast to the lively sounds and motion below.
Lighting designer Zalán Szakács added a cinematic quality to the scene, inspired by 1970s sci-fi films and iconic rock concerts like Pink Floyd’s legendary Pompeii performance. Warm whites, amber hues, and soft blues wash over the fabric, enhancing its ethereal feel.
Craftsmanship and Creation
Every element of CURTAIN 01 was handcrafted in ZELT’s Amsterdam studio using industrial sail-making machines. The process is highly precise and demanding, with the team working against the clock to ensure flawless assembly just days before the festival’s start.
The Designer’s Perspective
Johannes Offerhaus prefers to let the installation speak for itself once it’s part of the festival. He views his work as merging with the lights, sounds, DJs, and performers, becoming part of the shared experience. He refers to these pieces as “tent designs,” gateways that create new spatial experiences within the natural landscape.
| Project Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Name | CURTAIN 01 |
| Studio | ZELT |
| Location | Amsterdamse Bos, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Installation Type | Suspended textile canopy over stage |
| Materials | Waterproof fabric, steel, aluminum |
| Purpose | Rain protection and creating a unique spatial atmosphere |
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The article presents CURTAIN 01 as an architectural experiment weaving a connection between nature and music through a suspended textile canopy over the Dekmantel stage. The images show a calm palette of white and waterproof materials, with precise composition using aluminum and steel to create a harmonious spatial setting. While visually compelling, does the installation provide sufficient contextual depth to fully integrate into the site’s natural environment? The design balances function and aesthetics, highlighting clear attention to visual and structural sustainability, making it a good example of merging strategic design with guest experience in open-air events.
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