With its sculptural lines, an observation tower rises from the Belgian dunes. 

The idea of "the sea with its tides, the beach, the dunes, and the promenade" is brought together by a ring-shaped tower, which gives the impression that a walker is moving from one beach to another as it rises and falls.

Named Westerpunt, the observation tower was designed by Ghent-based architecture practice Studio Moto on a beach in De Panne, Belgium.

Image © Michiel Hendryckx

"From the beginning, we were aware of the sensitive location, the unique character of the place where many different elements come together. The sea with its tides, the beach, the dunes, and the promenade. Belgium and France. Birds and walkers. Water, sand, concrete, and nature," said Studio Moto, led by Mo Vandenberghe and Thomas Hick. 

"How can we bring all these elements together, make them more tangible, without imposing them and without disturbing the place? We sought an experience that could be part of all these elements and become one with the place as if it had always been there." 

"Permanent, anchored, yet free. Meaningful. The form we were looking for ultimately answers this question in all its aspects," the studio explained.

Image © Michiel Hendryckx

The observation tower is situated on the promenade. The base of the observation tower is in line with the promenade, so a walker can walk further if you walk along it from De Panne. 

Guests inevitably return the promenade or the beach as you go up and down the tower. The walk goes on. The tower's positioning actually creates a connection between the various components of the site.

The expansive nature reserve and the dunes that open up to the beach contribute to the unique view of De Panne. It differs from other coastal towns in Belgium because of this. The city's primary feature is the dunes. The building's scale, height, form, color, material, and placement all closely match the dunes, adding to what makes De Panne such a unique feature.

Image © Studio Moto

"The dynamic character of the construction provides the walker with a maximal landscape experience," the studio explained.

"The walk along the promenade is currently linear. The loop makes the walk more dynamic and spatial."

"Due to the different directions of the stairs, the walker is brought into contact with the various landscape characteristics in a new way while entering the bridge," the studio added.

Image © Studio Moto

The tower presents fresh perspectives, according to the studio. The building is partially submerged in the sea during high tide, which improves the whole experience. The Westerpunt creates the link between the land and the sea.

The building stands out from its surroundings due to its dynamic, striking shape that resembles a ring and is situated on the promenade's sloping plane. It acquires a distinct identity in this way, which the architects think could lead to a photo opportunity.

Despite its relatively small size, the intriguing shape piques curiosity and attention without taking center stage, serving as both a benchmark and a destination. 

The structure's transparency serves as a lens, drawing attention to what is behind it and establishing a connection to the location one is moving toward. This operates in two ways: from Dunkirk to De Panne and the other way around.

Image © Studio Moto

The architects are informed by the idea that "the journey is the destination", a quote from Confucius. The bridge will be experienced as a place to rest rather than as an end once the walker arrives at it.

The viewpoint is situated so that you can carry on walking on the beach or promenade. That is covered in the walk. The trail goes on across the bridge like it's ascending a tall sand dune. The building, which is also shaped like a ring, represents the bond that exists between two nations or between people and the natural world.

The architects said that "Images of nature inspired us, particularly places where land and sea meet, with subtle, human-added elements visible in the landscape, often for practical or necessary reasons, but with respect for the environment."

Image © Studio Moto

The entire structure is constructed from reinforced concrete due to the concrete's high resistance to the harsh marine climate and its texture and color's integration with its surroundings. The structure is as strong and durable as one would anticipate from a public opinion, as the architects noted. 

"Concrete requires limited maintenance. The material also seamlessly connects with the concrete promenade," the studio explained. 

"Additionally, should the dunes be allowed to expand and stretch around and under the structure, it can stand independently on its own," it added.

Image © Studio Moto

The structure is made up of equal stair segments joined at a 108° angle to form the shape of an elongated pentagon in plan. There are landings and resting places in between each stair section, each providing a different perspective of the surroundings.

The stair structures also serve as the ‘pillars’ of the bridge. In short, form, structure and function are combined.

The foundation and pillars guarantee that the building cantilever over the shoreline and the ocean. There's another bench on the east face of the observation tower that serves as a spot to rest and gaze through the tower.

Floor plan

Section

East elevation

West elevation

North elevation

South elevation

Project facts

Project name: Westerpunt

Architects: Studio Moto

Location: De Panne, Belgium

Client: Municipality of De Panne and the Province of West-Flanders

Team: architecture by studio MOTO, stability study by MOUTON engineering

Contractor: Furnibo

Date: 2020 - 2024

Top image in the article © Michiel Hendryckx.

All drawings © Studio Moto.

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concrete dunes lookout observation tower Studio Moto