Granite DAF connects past and future at Strijp-S
At Strijp-S in Eindhoven, a special tribute to the city’s industrial heritage was unveiled on 14 October.
Next to the Matchbox building complex on Philitelaan now stands a granite replica of a historic DAF 600 pick-up, based on the vehicle used by Philips in the 1960s to transport internal mail between its various sites in Eindhoven.
The artwork serves a practical purpose by protecting the building from vehicle impacts, while at the same time telling a story that is inextricably linked to Eindhoven’s history.
The original Philips DAF symbolised the collaboration between two of the companies that played a major role in shaping the city: Philips and DAF.
Historical photographs and drawings from archives were used to create the monument. In addition, moulds of original DAF ornaments were made at the DAF Museum. By combining historical source material, modern 3D technology and traditional craftsmanship, a unique reconstruction was created.
The official unveiling took place on 14 October in the presence of representatives from Trudo, Strijp-S, the Municipality of Eindhoven, Philips Heritage and the DAF Museum. A particularly special feature of the ceremony was the presence of the original Philips DAF on which the granite sculpture is based.
For the DAF Museum, the project is a wonderful example of how DAF’s heritage remains visible in modern-day Eindhoven. The granite DAF not only brings a piece of history back to Strijp-S, but also shows how the DAF story continues to be an integral part of the city.
Visiting Strijp-S soon? The granite Philips DAF is certainly worth seeing up close.
