MVRDV’s SeaSaw balances over land and sea in den helder, the netherlands

MVRDV’s public art installation overlooks the sea in den helder, a city located on the northernmost point of the netherlands. selected through an international competition, SeaSaw is designed as new city symbol, set to renew den helder’s connection with the sea and help it develop a sense of identity.

all images courtesy of MVRDV

the rotterdam architecture office created the installation as a viewing platform, whose infinite loop shape offers views both towards the city and the marsdiep, north and wadden sea. a 5-km walking, cycling and hiking route across the dike is introduced in addition to the installation, activating the city’s seafront. “the SeaSaw for den helder is a memorable, undulating public art installation which responds to its context and history, whilst literally representing the dynamics of the sea in its infinite movement,” mentions jacob van rijs, co-founder of MVRDV. working with IMD engineers, the project is set to be completed in 2019.

the design acts as a distinguishable symbol for den helder

the viewing platform restores the connection between the city and the sea following the reinforcement of the dike 

SeaSaw’s infinite loop shape allows visitors to walk in either direction