Sandworm is an organic structure/space/creature realized on the dunes of the Wenduine coastline, Belgium. The 45 meters long and 10 m wide and high installation moves freely in-between architecture and environmental art and is constructed entirely out of willow following the local knowledge of a continuing interaction between work and environment.

Casagrande worked hard with his team of young architects and local experts for 4 weeks in order to create something that he describes as “weak architecture” – a human made structure that wishes to become part of nature through flexibility and organic presence.

The visitors are describing the Sandworm as a willow cathedral finely tuned to celebrate the site specific conditions of the Wenduine tidal beaches. The space is used for picnics, relaxation and post industrial meditation.

Designing is not sufficient. Design should not replace reality. The building must grow out of the location; it must react to its environment, it must be a reflection of life and also be itself, as every other living being. Architectural control goes against nature and thus also against architecture. The built human environment is a mediator between human nature and nature itself. To be part of this, man must be weak.

Author:

Marco Casagrande

Project Manager: Nikita Wu 巫祈麟

Beaufort Triennial Curator:Jonas Vandeghinste

Casagrande Laboratory for Sandworm: Jan Luksik, Jan Tyrpekl, Lukas Landa, Zuzana Hanuskova

Willow Experts: Karol Jaworski, Pawel

Beaufort Specialists: Santiago De Waele, Karl Van Kelst

Location: Wenduine, Belgium

Measures: 45 m long, 10 m wide, 10 m high

Interior space: 320 m2

Materials: willow, sand

Organizer: Beaufort 04 Triennial of Contemporary Art

Completed: 2012

Photos: Nikita Wu