On the seventh day of the trip, and the first day in Rotterdam, the group explored Den Haag as part of the trip within the Netherlands to understand the sustainability practices utilized within the country. During the visit, I toured several streets and noted the quieter roadways as I crossed over canals. The modern city contains considerably less people than Amsterdam, but this can be due to the Nazi bombings in Rotterdam causing most people to evacuate the city. However, following the end of World War II, the city modernized all the architecture to give the whole city a fresh feeling. While Amsterdam utilized a diverse array of buildings from several periods, the complete reconstruction of the city allows for greater sustainability efforts. The newer buildings utilize modern heating and plumbing systems that reduce energy and water waste. Furthermore, the canal systems use a series of bubbles to help clean the waterways, causing the bridges I walked over to contain considerably less debris in their waters.
Even though the city has changed dramatically within the past seventy years, the art of ages past remains as opalescent as ever. As part of the day trip, I ventured into the Mauritshuis to learn more about Dutch artworks. While many famous paintings, like The Girl with a Pearl Earring, hung brilliantly, the real gem was the restoration of The Bull by Paulus Potter. In a live display, a set of three conservators actively work to remove the old, yellowed varnish to return the painting to its original luster. While many do not know, removing varnish takes more than some acetone and a cotton swab. Before any proper testing can be done, scientists must perform chromatographic analysis on the parchment and paints used in the piece. From my interview with conservationists at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s conservation laboratory, I learned that by testing samples for reactivity and molecular structure, the correct varnish remover can be applied.
As I headed out of the Mauritshuis, a few stands served free ice cream and bitterballen–a traditional Dutch snack. I stopped in line to grab some before continuing my sightseeing, or at least until I crossed the conservationists taking a quick break while enjoying some ice cream. I eagerly approached them and congratulated them on their remarkable efforts. From infographics within the museum, I learned how these conservationists also use molecular microscopes to identify the exact types of pigments used in the original painting to ensure they do not damage the artwork in any way. I asked them what they enjoy most about restorationist work. They remarked how restoring older pieces helps bring the past into the future for people to appreciate. Their commitment to cleaning up the past aligns with my sustainability goals as an engineer. By ensuring manufacturing remains sustainable, future generations can enjoy a cleaner and safer environment. While I may not be as artistically inclined as those Mauritshuis restorationists, I was excited to meet others as enthusiastic as I about sustainability within the Netherlands.
