The Kurģi Observation Tower is an architectural addition situated within a rich landscape that reflects the local culture and history. The design emphasizes a connection to its surroundings, offering a functional space for visitors to engage with nature. The overall concept explores themes of visibility and concealment, creating a dialogue between the structure and the environment.

Architectural Concept

The idea behind the observation tower focuses on integrating the structure into the surrounding land. As visitors approach, they encounter the tactile nature of the rubble walls, which highlight traditional building methods. These materials connect the tower to the historic layers within the landscape and allow it to coexist with its environment naturally.

Materiality and Time

Materials used in the tower reflect the passage of time. The mention of rusted steel, described as having a leathery texture, indicates a choice to emphasize aging. This characteristic gives the structure a sense of history, making it appear as a participant in the ongoing story of the site, changing with the seasons.

Spatial Experience

The design of the tower guides visitors from ground level to higher viewpoints. This arrangement creates a flowing experience that encourages deeper interaction with the landscape. The concept of the field as an ever-changing base for the structure emphasizes the evolving relationship between architecture and nature, highlighting both as dynamic entities.

Community and Connection

The observation tower symbolizes community through its ties to the local people. The gathering of Ardennes around a trough serves as a representation of shared effort and closeness, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences within the landscape. This intertwining of human stories with the environment fosters a rich dialogue that celebrates the bond between the inhabitants and the land.

The changing light across the structure enhances its design features, creating varied atmospheres that enrich the experience inside and around the tower.