The bird and nature reserve “Het Zwin” is a protected nature reserve on the border between Flanders and the Netherlands. The brief calls for the redevelopment of the existing nature park and the creation of a new nature centre.
The design proposes a breach of the silted-up forest to make way for a valuable mudflats and salt marshes area and connect to the reconstructed Kleyne vlakte. The existing car park gives way to a new ensemble of four elongated volumes, conceived as wooden porch structures of varying height. These contain a reception hall with cafeteria, the exhibition hall, and staff and seminar rooms.
A minimal presence of cultural signs is envisaged in the park. A Viewing Centre is envisaged in the embankment, providing a view of a central bird nesting area.
Architectuurboek Vlaanderen N°13, Dit is een mosterdfabriek, published by VAI
Architectuurboek Vlaanderen N°13, Dit is een mosterdfabriek, published by VAI, 2018
The 13th edition of the Architectuurboek Vlaanderen (Flanders Architecture Book) brings together the most talked-about examples of recent architecture in Flanders. Like the mustard factory on the cover, the selected projects raise questions about the meaning of form in architecture. This publication by the Flemish Architecture Institute presents a rich selection of recently completed projects in words and images.
G1015 Zwin Nature Centre is presented as an architectural project and is also the subject of a visual essay. www.vai.be
The new Zwin Nature Park is one of 356 projects nominated for the EU Mies Award 2017. The award will be presented in April 2017 by the European Commission and the Fundacio Mies van der Rohe. www.miesarch.com
