Afsluitdijk Wadden Center Kornwerderzand

GEAR, Netherlands

The Afsluitdijk is a major dam and causeway in the north of the Netherlands. It sets the stage for the Dutch fight against water — seen as a symbol of the malleability of this landscape. The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center engages with this striking place full of contradictions and sensory experiences.

The semi-transparent façade reflects its surroundings and gives the building a spectacular look, while its main volume is simple. The nature of the building reflects that of the dike. The dike makes a connection between land and divides water. The building mimics this approach. The heavy base is grounded in the dike — in the basalt.

A light upper layer floats over the landscape, divided in the Voronoi pattern of the foam on the crest of waves. It suits the character of the dike, its simplicity and spectacle. The north façade has a closed character and only allows the visitor space to enter the building. Once inside, the visitor is flooded by a sea of light. The open character of the south façade displays the wide landscape and the endlessness of the water. The first floor differs in character from the ground floor and is enveloped in a façade inspired by the context. Various different openings frame vistas of the surrounding landscape, providing wide views into the world as well as small peeks into nature.

The route of the exposition housed in the building culminates with a view from the roof terrace, which provides a true sensory experience of the dike, the water, wind, and nature.

Originally appeared in Modus News 9