The Regent Sofa in Gouda

Over four months ago 16 volunteers were engaged in creating this Social Sofa, using mosaic tiles.  As a group, they spent over 660 hours to finish the job. That is twice as long as it usually takes. The reason it took so long is due to its unique and technically daring design by a Gouda artist.

Decorating this bench involved meticulously cutting, placing and gluing countless colorful glass tiles. This creative and exciting social activity has resulted in a piece of art that these volunteers can be proud of. Many passers-by engaged with the volunteers to admire their work and creativity, and some chance encounters even led to friendships.

The Regent Sofa serves as a warm gathering place in a park on the water in the old city center of Gouda. At the end of September 2018 volunteers, local residents, supporters, sponsors and the community celebrated the completion of this challenging accomplishment with a festive reception. That is when several people involved in the project took a seat on this Social Sofa “for the first time.” On that day this “public piece of art” was officially presented to the municipality.

The Regent Sofa is named after its location: The Regentesseplantsoen (Regent Park). This green strip has historical houses and large, unique trees. Many people stroll through this park. You can also find recreational boats here in the summer.  With its location on the walking trails, the Sofa brings a positive aura to a part of the city center. It also makes Gouda more appealing to tourists.

The Regent Sofa offers a beautiful view of both the waterfront and the historical buildings. Local residents, pedestrians and water tourists can relax, bring a bite to eat and socialize while enjoying the surroundings.

The Regent Sofa was made possible by a residents’ organization committed to realizing projects on spatial quality, which are carried out by residents on a voluntary basis.