dorte mandrup plans wadden sea world heritage center in the netherlands

dorte mandrup has been chosen to build the wadden sea world heritage center in the dutch seaside village of lauwersoog. the unique setting is described as an excellent place to experience the ecosystem of the wadden sea and understand our role within the natural world. the architects explain that the building will not be a typical museum or visitor center, but will instead be a working field station that engages visitors and seeks to make them active participants. the project follows two other projects completed by dorte mandrup in the wadden sea, including this project in coastal denmark.

all images courtesy of dorte mandrup

rising from its prominent position in the harbor, the building welcomes visitors with a large south facing stair and ramp leading to the main entrance. towards the northwest corner of the plot, another stair provides a space to unwind and watch the sea. ‘drawing inspiration, the endless cycle of the tide, the gradual spiral-like incline — like the continuous rising and falling of the water surface — offers a stunning 360-degree view of the sea, the lauwersmeer and the surrounding landscape as visitors ascend through the building. it almost gives you the feeling of being one with the sea,’ explains dorte mandrup.

wood has been used as the building’s primary material, both inside and out, ensuring an inviting and natural atmosphere. the façade reveals glimpses of the activity inside, while providing carefully adjusted shading. once inside, visitors enter the reception hall and move gradually upward through the building. the structure will provide spaces for students and researchers to study the ecosystem and wildlife of the wadden sea, with all of the building’s workings remaining on display. the exhibition culminates on the second floor with views into the underwater world of the rescued seals in the large show pools. from the roof visitors will have the opportunity to see the same pools from above and even meet the seals up close.

project info:

name: wadden sea world heritage center, netherlands
location: lauwersoog, the netherlands
client: stichting werelderfgoedcentrum waddenzee
architect: dorte mandrup
collaborators: ABT wassenaar, DGMR, lüning, DAAD architecten, LAOS landschapts architectuur
project manager: ABC nova
status: completion scheduled for 2022