Since the opening of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Center (WEC) in The Netherlands, the newly designed outdoor space has received many positive responses from visitors. The WEC serves as the new home base of the Seal Centre Pieterburen and provides space for ecologists, biologists, veterinarians, and other scientists to study life in and around the Wadden Sea. LAOS landscape urbanism designed both the outdoor areas surrounding the new building and the adjacent car park in the harbour of Lauwersoog. By connecting the existing landscapes, the design introduces a human scale to the otherwise large-scale harbour infrastructure.
Reflecting on a space now in use
One month after the official opening, LAOS reflects on this special project. “Because of our longstanding involvement in Lauwersoog, we were able to design a meaningful place that fits into the broader vision for the harbour,” says Bart Dijk of LAOS. The outdoor space is now actively used and clearly appreciated. Visitors explore, linger, and move through the area, and demonstrating how the design contributes to the experience of this unique location along the Wadden Sea.
A crossroads of landscapes
LAOS has experience with the atmosphere and spatial challenges of Lauwersoog. This familiarity formed the basis for a design shaped by clear guiding principles. The WEC is located at the intersection of several landscapes: the Lauwersmeer lake, the Wadden Sea, the fishing harbor, and the sea dike. These distinct environments are brought together in a coherent whole. The building itself which is constructed from wood and glass and located outside the sea dike reflects core values such as sustainability, ecosystems, research, and wonder. These values have been extended into the surrounding outdoor space.
Connecting building, terrain, and landscape
The outdoor design strengthens the relationship between the building and its surroundings. By extending the sea dike right up to the building, the center is physically positioned between the sea and the dike. The characteristic ripple patterns of the exposed seabed are echoed in the paving, planting beds, and stair elements. These broad steps not only provide access to the building, but also function as spaces for gathering, research, and the starting point of excursions.
A walking route connects the center with the harbor and the nearby lock. This path, lined with seating and planting beds, invites visitors to explore along the water’s edge. Here, just like inside the WEC, they can discover and learn about the Wadden Sea.
Sustainability as a guiding principle
Given the center’s location between two national parks and its focus on nature research, sustainability and ecological awareness were key in the design. Wherever possible, reclaimed materials were used such as old mooring posts and natural stone sourced directly from the harbor. A test section features a pilot project using paving stones made from ocean plastic. The planting beds contain native salt marsh species that can withstand the powerful local conditions: sea winds and salty spray that visitors will experience firsthand.
Wadden Sea World Heritage Center
Landscape Architecture: LAOS landscape urbanism
Architecture: Dorte Mandrup, The Architects of Team4
Client: Stichting WEC, Municipality of Het Hogeland
Project Partners:
Building Contractor: Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draisma
Structural and MEP Engineering: abtWassenaar
Installation Contractor: Pranger-Rosier
Building Physics and Fire Safety: DGMR
Outdoor Space Engineering: InvraPlus
Outdoor Space Contractor: Elzinga Wegenbouw
Project Management: RYSE
Image Credits: Annie Beugel