Dutch artist creates biodegradable fireworks to spark social change

The social design lab Studio Roosegaarde has done it again. 😍 This time, they’ve combined technology and art into a magical alternative to traditional fireworks — right in time for Chinese New Year.

With SPARK, the Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde (founder of Studio Roosegaarde) aims to transform loud and polluting firework traditions into sustainable celebrations.

The project will be exhibited at The Wellbeing Summit for Social Change in Bilbao-Biscay, Spain this June. 🎆

Like fireflies illumnating the sky

Imagine you’re seeing thousands of fireflies dance across the night’s sky, illuminating the city below — then you have a pretty good picture of the magic SPARK creates.

Inspired by the light of fireflies, the organic fireworks illuminate the sky with thousands of sparks made by biodegradable materials. Caught by the wind, they then move effortlessly across the sky in a beautiful 50 x 30 x 50 metres cloud.

Merge technology and art for a better future

By offering a sustainable alternative for traditional fireworks, which pollute our cities and scare animals, SPARK awakens wonder (we mean, just look at that video!) and opens the door for more environmental celebrations. 🙌

The aim is to celebrate the interconnectedness between humans and nature while rethinking the traditions that bind communities together — like New Year celebrations.

“For many people, the current situation feels restrictive, and traditional fireworks are getting prohibited everywhere. SPARK Bilbao is a place of wonder which triggers reflection and shows a new sustainable alternative of celebrating together,” says Daan Roosegaarde.

What do you think of this Dutch innovation? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: SPARK by Roosegaarde Photography by Roberto Conte/Supplied

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
A Dane with a special place in her heart for Minnesota, Christine is now falling in love with everything Dutch. Between finishing her bachelor’s degree, learning Dutch, and doing yoga teacher training, you will find her wandering about the Hague. Always up for visiting new places, she loves to explore the Netherlands with friends and takes pride in scoping out cute cafés (wherein to discuss books, big plans, and food).

1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply to Kathleen Hale Cancel reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related posts

Latest posts

Why do Canada and the Netherlands have such a strong relationship?

Not many countries are as close and connected as these two. From their world war ties to their love for tulips, the Netherlands and...

Forget fast food, you won’t believe what Dutch wall vending machines are selling now

Picture a Dutch wall vending machine: the gleaming windows emit heat and the smell of food. You tap your card, a door opens to...

“Mother of 1001 children”: the resistance heroine who saved thousands from the Nazis

Truus Wijsmuller, or “Auntie Truus” as she was also known, dedicated her life to helping children affected by WWII. She was energetic, cheeky, and...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.