The Baltic Sea. A new place by the sea.

The experimental project aims to create a completely new location for tourism at the coast of the Baltic Sea in Westmecklenburg. The new territory is intended to contribute to the future of the Baltic Sea in terms of creating novel networks between small towns in the area of Kalkhorst and satisfying the arising demands of tourism.

The conceptual formulation of this project is very unrestricted and on an experimental basis. The conceptual idea is consistent with the landscape, since these natural factors are thought to be continued and integrated in the design. Since this includes not only urban planning but also allows the choice of the location for the new structure, it was necessary to think intensively about the area of Kalkhorst in Westmecklenburg. First, we made full use of the possibility to explore this area in detail before we decided upon a certain spot to locate the design. After site visits and careful consideration, we made the conscious decision not to attach to an existing place, but rather go for the qualities of an undeveloped area surrounded by beautiful nature of the Baltic coast as a place for experimental planning. Hence, we exploited the gained freedom of designing the new place. The context of the sea and countryside, and the interaction between developed and undeveloped areas moved into the focus of this work. Thus how to build a place without relation to existing buildings and without the urban context, but rather agricultural structures as the crucial elements of design? Versatile platforms and a system of planks create equivalence between nature and the building, whilst at the same time yielding a restrained but modern and interesting piece of architecture that could develop into an attraction for the area of Kalkhorst. Furthermore, not only the study of the territory but also the challenge of developing a new form of construction focused on tourism was an exciting task. Finally, social aspects and sustainability found a major role in formulating the programs and specific architectural planning.