Named Westerpunt, the structure was built alongside an existing promenade that connects De Panne to Dunkirk and overlooks the North Sea. Informed by the idea that "the journey is the destination", the lookout also acts as a landmark, with the circular making the walking route more dynamic.

"Water, sand, concrete, and nature," explains Studio Moto. "How can we bring all these elements together, make them more tangible, without imposing them and without disturbing the place? The structure, which can also be seen as a ring, symbolises the connection between humans and nature, or between two countries," it added.

Pale, board-marked concrete was used to construct the observation point, ensuring that it is easy to maintain and able to withstand the harsh conditions of a coastal location, with the structure becoming partially submerged during high tide.

"Images of nature inspired us, particularly places where land and sea meet, with subtle, human-added elements visible in the landscape, often for practical or necessary reasons, but with respect for the environment," explained the studio.

LOCATION De Panne, Belgium
ARCHITECT Studio Moto
PHOTOGRAPHY Michiel Hendryckx and Studio Moto