Understanding the landscape

 

The site of the project is seen as a threshold between man and sea. The lighthouse, built on the highest point, mediates, protects and warns man against the dangers of the sea. Our proposal allows man to view, respect and understand the power of the surrounding landscape.

 

The definition of a boundary

 

The four buildings are nestled in between a low-lying valley, away from protected fauna and flora. The positioning of the buildings forms an edge which surrounds a plaza. The edge is activated by a timber walkway which links the buildings. The walkway culminates at the viewing deck, which leads up to the lighthouse. The viewing deck faces towards various significant nodes in the landscape.

 

Transparency - translucency

 

The formal language of the proposal derives from the idea of creating a strong contrast between the solidity of the light house and the land, and the transparency of the sea. The idea is that the buildings would form a horizontal carpet of light contrasted with the vertical light quality of the lighthouse.

 

Does the project belong to the land or to the oceans?

 

It is our contention that the four buildings and plaza forms part of the man-made world whereas the lighthouse, together with the viewing deck mediates between man-made and nature.