Wadland – Oerol - 2014

For Oerol 2014, a one hundred and fifty by one hundred and fifty meter wide Mondrian-Labyrinth, constructed out of willow branches was built, an artistic expression and experience of the salt marsh processes. This Mondrian-Labyrinth is a collective work of art realized during six workshops through the contribution of two hundred and fifty students from seven studies, and many volunteers.

Motive for bringing attention to the process of salt marshes, are the new constructions plans for the salt marsh, Striep-marsh, a southern area outside the dikes, of the municipality of Terschelling. At the advocacy of and in consultation with Oerol, Bruno Doedens initiated the outline of the plan. The Wadland-Labyrinth is an initiative in the light of Cultural Landscape Development. It is a scale model to clarify the process of salt marshes to a wide audience. Wadland is conceived and developed by Bruno Doedens (SLeM) and Machiel Spaan (M3H). Wadland has existed for a total of four months, so the beginning of the salt marsh formation processes could be actual observed en experienced. A poetic film report gives a clear illustration of the building and development process.

Wadland - workshops

Spring 2014, parallel to the preparations for the Striep marshes, a number of workshops with students from different studies, inhabitants of Terschelling and interested parties were organized. The workshops aimed to experiment with ‘water resisting structures’ made of willow branches, making the fascinating process of salt marshes visible. The workshops were organized on behalf of Bruno Doedens (landscape architect SLeM) and Machiel Spaand (architect M3H). The first workshop was organized at December 16th-17th where fifty students participated from the Academy of Architecture, University VHL from Velp and the Unitec from Auckland in New Zealand. The results of this workshop were some wonderful temporary structures. The gained knowledge and experience were applied in the following workshops and experiments.

Since the Striep-marshes should not unnecessarily be damaged (Natura 2000 guidelines and protection of birds) a different location was required. In consultation with stakeholders a new location was assigned where the tides are well experienceable, important for the salt marsh formation process, the Noordsvaarder. The Wadland-labyrinth is an artwork realized by the effort of many participants.