Imagining the New

About an hour south of Amsterdam is a neighborhood of golf ball-shaped "bulb houses" that look as if they were rolled into the Maaspoort neighborhood by aliens. Dutch artist and sculptor Dries Kreijkamp designed these curious futuristic homes in the 1980s, landing 50 bulb-like homes in groupings along winding walkways and a scenic canal.

Dubbed the bolwoningen ("ball" or "bulb") community, each spherical home was designed by Kreijkamp in response to a special Dutch subsidy for experimental housing projects. He intended the globe-like structures to bring people closer to nature, with curved walls and round portal windows that peer out from nearly every angle. While the living quarters are tight -- ideal for one person or a couple who don't mind the squeeze -- the homes are uniquely designed with a living area on top, a full bathroom in the middle, and a sleeping area and storage on the bottom. Each bulb home has a diameter of just 18 feet.

Kreijkamp argued that because our world is a sphere, the bolwoningen are the perfect way to create a sustainable home. Maybe, maybe not, as the homes have deteriorated over the years and many have been demolished. But his vision was bold, and visitors still travel from afar to get a peak at the alien village nestled in the residential neighborhoods of Den Bosch. (For a brief glimpse of the curious Dutch homes, look here.)

When we choose to live by the Gospel, we are called to a new way of thinking, a new lens, a new life: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) What will you consider with a new lens today, setting aside the old parameters and seeking something Holy Spirit new?

God bless,

Jennie