Ripples of Change is a floating solar artwork in the shape of a concentric wave, designed for Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven. Initiated by Mothership, it shows that sustainability can be more than functional, it can be visible, expressive, and even a bit poetic. The installation uses solar panels mounted on floats made from recycled plastic. Together they create the image of ripples spreading across the water, like a stone dropped in a pond, intended to spark real momentum toward a more sustainable future.

After dark, the project shifts into a second mode. The solar field becomes a light installation: the panels glow softly from below, creating a calm, wave-like scene visible from the quays. It fits naturally alongside other floating icons in the Rijnhaven, such as the Floating Pavilion and the Floating Forest, and reinforces Rotterdam’s reputation as a city where sustainable innovation is part of the public realm.

And it’s not just a visual statement. Ripples of Change actually generates solar power and adds to the look and identity of the city. Because it’s temporary and movable, it can shift along with the redevelopment of the harbour area and, if needed, be installed elsewhere later on. In that way, it’s both a tribute to sun and water and a tangible call to act, with every ripple serving as a small starting point for awareness.