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The tower is situated close to a wetland where different types
of birds stay during their migrant season, Figure 1). The
wetlands border on a small lake to the north. A small creek
cuts through the land to the west, and there is a grove of pine
trees to the east. From the path along the lake, the birdwatch-
ing tower appears as a semi-transparent screen wall precisely
where the grove ends and the wetlands begin, Figure 2) and
the circle in Figure 1). Two things may come to the visitor’s
awareness: the first is that which is called a birdwatching tow-
er is actually more like a three-dimensional wall (to be climbed
inside and behind) than a tower, Figure 3) and Figure 4)-5);
and the second is that the structure is made solely of wood
and is semi-transparent, Figure 6).
One does not arrive at the front, but through the grove of
pine trees along a small path from the east. This keeps the
visitors from being too visible to the birds on the wetlands in
front of the screen wall. The path leads you behind the screen
wall onto a wooden platform that connects the structure to
the natural floor of the forest. The built wall and the platform,
together with the tall pines behind, create an attractive space
that situates the viewer in close connection with the elements
of nature through sight, smell, touch and sound. It is not an
entirely built space, but partly nature and partly architecture.
The screen wall invites one to view the birds at different loca-
tions within the wetlands from different positions, without
creating silhouettes that would disturb the birds, Figure 4)-6).
The openings in the wall on ground floor provide a good view
of the birds on the open wetlands. A staircase leads up to a
platform 4 metres above the ground. It is possible to look
through the wall halfway up the staircase, or to go all the way
to the top for an ample view of the entire area. The grove of
pines diffuses the viewers’ silhouettes, making them invisible
to the birds even at the top of the tower.
Birdwatching season is primarily during spring, summer and
early autumn. However, the structure is enjoyable throughout
the year. There is a specially designed fire place on the ground
platform, which is comfortable to sit around on cold evenings
or on beautiful winter days, Figure 3). The structure is open
and spacious enough for children to investigate and use for
play. While the structure is designed so that children are not
able to climb on the wall itself, the staircase and the platforms
invite activity and movement.
Figure 4) Inside - Front screen to the right
Figure 5) Upper platform
Figure 6) Front screen