Westerpunt: A Seamless Blend of Nature and Architecture

July 30, 2024

Westerpunt: A Seamless Blend of Nature and Architecture

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Studio MOTO’s Westerpunt observatory in De Panne, Belgium, integrates seamlessly with the coastal landscape, enhancing the unique dune and beach experience. By Nikitha Sunil Vallikad

Studio MOTO an architecture firm, based in Ghent, Belgium is known for its innovative and modular designs. Founded by architects Mo Vandenberghe and Thomas Hick, the studio focuses on creating versatile and playful architectural and furniture solutions.

The concrete structure, Westerpunt observatory completed in 2024, in De Panne, Belgium, stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture and nature. Nestled along the coast, it invites visitors to explore the landscape from a new vantage point. The observatory’s design adeptly addresses the challenge of blending with its surroundings while enhancing the experience of the sea, dunes, and promenade.

Harmonious Integration into the Coastal Terrain

Studio MOTO approached the project with a deep respect for the site’s unique characteristics.

“From the beginning, we were aware of the sensitive location, the unique character of the place where many different elements come together,” the architects explain. The sea, dunes, and promenade converge at this point, creating a dynamic environment. The observatory’s form and positioning make it an integral part of this landscape, offering a continuous walk from the promenade, up the structure, and back down to the beach.

The observatory’s design responds to the natural environment, with its scale, height, and material choices reflecting the surrounding dunes. The concrete structure, cast on-site, withstands the harsh sea climate while blending seamlessly with the concrete promenade.

Dynamics and Experience: A New Perspective

Walking along the linear promenade, visitors encounter the dynamic form of the Westerpunt observatory. Its almost ring-like shape introduces a spatial and dynamic element to the walk. The structure’s stairs and landings offer varying perspectives of the landscape, engaging visitors with the sea and dunes in new ways.

“The loop makes the walk more dynamic and spatial,” the architects note.

At high tide, the observatory partially enters the sea, reinforcing the connection between land and water.

The observatory’s design not only provides new views but also serves as a landmark. Its striking form and transparency act as a lens, focusing on the landscape beyond and creating a link between different points along the coast. This feature invites curiosity and makes the structure a destination in itself.

Engineering Ingenuity in Action

The construction of Westerpunt posed several challenges, from the difficult-to-access site to the need for a self-supporting concrete structure. The reinforcement in the concrete required a complex interweaving to ensure stability. The architects collaborated closely with MOUTON Engineering and the contractor, Furnibo, to develop a precise execution plan. “It took a year and a half to develop the construction method,” they reveal, highlighting the intense collaboration needed to overcome these obstacles.

Westerpunt’s design also considers future adaptability and sustainability. The robust concrete structure requires minimal maintenance and can stand independently, even if the surrounding dunes expand or the walking dike disappears. The choice of materials and construction methods ensures long-term durability against the aggressive sea climate. “We do not believe that Westerpunt itself will need any changes,” the architects assert, emphasising the observatory’s enduring design.

A Landmark for Reflection

Westerpunt is more than just an observation point; it is a symbol of the connection between humans and nature. Its design encourages visitors to experience the landscape in a new way, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. The observatory stands as a landmark, both blending with and enhancing the coastal landscape of De Panne.

However, the impact of such structures on natural environments remains open for debate. While Westerpunt successfully integrates with its surroundings, the long-term effects on the coastal ecosystem and visitor behaviour warrant continuous observation and study. As with any architectural intervention in sensitive locations, a balance must be maintained between human enjoyment and environmental preservation.

In the words of Confucius, “The journey is the destination.” Westerpunt embodies this philosophy, offering a journey that is as meaningful as the views it provides.