Het Andere Monument

Het Andere Monument by Karel Buskes was unveiled in Groningen on May 28, 2019, as a monument addressing the negative consequences of gas extraction in the region. Standing eight meters tall and shaped as a cracked brick, the sculpture symbolizes both the physical damage caused by gas-related earthquakes and the broader social impact on the people affected by them.

The monument also serves as a tribute to geologist Dr. Meent van der Sluis, who spent years warning that gas extraction was responsible for earthquakes in Groningen and Drenthe. At the time, his conclusions were contested by NAM. Following his passing, the monument became closely associated with his legacy. According to his widow, Trijni van der Sluis, the light emerging from the crack in the sculpture symbolizes his presence within the work.

Measuring 8 meters high, 3.9 meters wide, and 2 meters deep, the monument was realized in weathering steel. CIG was responsible for the engineering, production, and installation of the structure. Our scope included the creation of the 3D production model, structural calculations, production information, work preparation, supply of materials, plasma cutting and automatic bevelling of the components, drilling of the base plates, transport, and installation of the monument.

The welding of the structure was carried out by Noorderpoort on behalf of the foundation, with CIG providing supervision and technical support during the welding process. Following completion and grinding, the structure was transported and installed on site in Groningen.

Through the realization of the monument, Karel Buskes’ symbolic concept was transformed into a lasting public artwork that continues to stand as both a memorial and a statement within Groningen’s landscape.