The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located within the Pape lake ecosystem, designed to serve both as a platform for observing wildlife and as a space for visitors to engage with the natural environment. Its design emphasizes verticality, allowing the structure to rise prominently against the backdrop of the lake. This choice not only facilitates a closer connection with nature but also highlights human activity in a sensitive ecological setting.

Design Intent

The tower features a straightforward parallelepiped shape, easily accessed via a footbridge. Its interior is organized into four distinct platforms, linked by stairs and ladders. Each platform offers different heights and views, encouraging visitors to explore and interact with the landscape. As they ascend, individuals encounter carefully composed openings that frame the scenery outside, enhancing their experience of the surroundings.

Material Composition

The materials selected for the tower are intended to create a balance between openness and security. The structure uses pre-aged pine for the vertical elements and siding, while birch is used for the platforms and beams. These choices not only create a warm atmosphere but also ensure that the building is durable and in harmony with its natural context. The use of wood aligns with the park's ecological theme and adds to the welcoming feel of the observation areas.

Spatial Experience

Inside the tower, the layout promotes a transition from outdoor to semi-closed spaces. The arrangement of stairs and platforms encourages exploration, allowing visitors to navigate diverse environments while appreciating the local flora and fauna. The gradual increase in ceiling height enhances the feeling of openness as one moves upward, culminating in a rooftop area that connects visitors directly with the sky.

The tower's openings create a playful interaction of light and shadow within its interior. These features frame views of the landscape, guiding the gaze outward and inviting reflection on the ecological wealth present in the Pape lake area. The overall experience emphasizes the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving such environments.