Daan Roosegaarde

Daan Roosegaarde is a Dutch artist and innovator known for groundbreaking social designs that explore dynamic relationships between people, technology, and space.

As the founder of Studio Roosegaarde, established in 2007, he leads a multidisciplinary team in creating "Landscapes of the Future": smart, sustainable prototypes and large-scale installations envisioning the cities of tomorrow.

Guided by a deep fascination with nature’s intelligence, such as the bioluminescence of jellyfish or the glow of fireflies, Roosegaarde merges science, storytelling, and design to shape meaningful experiences. His acclaimed projects include: "SPARK," a poetic, sustainable alternative to traditional fireworks, using thousands of biodegradable light sparks to create a mesmerizing and environmentally friendly celebration; the Starry Night-inspired "Van Gogh Path," a 600-meter solar-powered bike path that glows at night, merging innovation, art, and cultural heritage; "Smog Free Project," the world’s largest outdoor air purifier, which also transforms captured smog particles into tangible objects such as jewelry, making air pollution visible and personal; and "Waterlicht," an immersive light installation that simulates a virtual flood, raising awareness about rising water levels.

Roosegaarde’s work has been exhibited at leading institutions, including the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, Design Museum London, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tokyo National Museum, and Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. His art exists both within and beyond museum walls, often shaping urban landscapes and sparking dialogue on environmental futures.

Holding a master’s degree in architecture from the Berlage Institute, Roosegaarde has established a wide-ranging portfolio of internationally celebrated works and advisory positions with leading cultural and governmental organizations. He is an in-demand speaker at major global venues, including TED, NASA, and the World Economic Forum. In 2019, Phaidon published a comprehensive monograph chronicling his artistic vision and dynamic body of work.

Roosegaarde has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the London Design Innovation Medal, the INDEX Award, Dezeen Design Project of the Year, DFA Grand Award Hong Kong, and multiple Dutch Design Awards. He has been recognized by Forbes, Good 100, and was named Dutch Artist of the Year.

Roosegaarde: “I don’t believe in utopia, I believe in protopia: a prototype world that we are improving step by step.”