Studio Moto's Westerpunt Observation tower is a thoughtfully designed structure located at the intersection of nature and human activity.
Positioned along the promenade from De Panne, Belgium, the tower is distinguished by its elongated pentagonal shape, made entirely of concrete. This form, constructed from equal stair segments connected at a 108° angle, serves multiple functions: it acts as both a viewpoint and a bridge, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
The tower harmonizes with its surroundings while offering new perspectives and experiences, making it a subtle yet meaningful contribution to the area. The design is both practical and symbolic. The stair segments, each with a landing and a resting point, offer visitors unique views of the surrounding environment. These stairs also function as structural supports, allowing the tower to cantilever over the beach and the sea. The eastern side of the tower features an additional bench, providing a place to rest and observe through the structure itself.
Studio Moto's approach was sensitive to the location's unique qualities, aiming to blend the built environment with the natural elements of the sea, dunes, and promenade. The designers were keenly aware of the site's multifaceted nature, encompassing aspects like the tidal movements, the interplay of Belgium and France, and the interaction of natural and built elements. The intention was to create a structure that feels permanent yet free, a part of the landscape as if it had always existed there.
The placement and design of the tower enhance the natural features of De Panne. The dunes, a significant asset of the area, are echoed in the tower's scale, height, shape, color, and material. The structure's dynamic nature provides a varied experience for walkers, transforming a linear promenade walk into a more engaging journey. The differing orientations of the stairs introduce new perspectives, making the experience of traversing the tower akin to climbing a high sand dune.
At high tide, the tower's base partially submerges in the sea, reinforcing the connection between land and water. Its distinct shape and position give it a unique identity, making it a potential landmark and a destination for visitors. The tower's transparency serves as a lens, offering focused views of the surroundings and establishing a visual link between De Panne and Dunkirk.
Symbolically, the tower embodies the idea that "the journey is the destination." It is not an endpoint but a continuation of the walk along the promenade or beach. The structure's form, reminiscent of a ring, signifies the connection between people and nature, as well as the unity of two countries.
