UNCANNY SHORE
Oasi di Orbetello

(Prepared for the WWF observation cabins competition)

Program:
Observation cabins

cultural center

Location:
Laguna di Orbetello, Italy

area:
1500m²

By:
Walid M’seffar
Ramy Mouslim

Observation cabins

This proposal is about the moment of observation, the connection between men, as an animal, with other animals. Its purpose is to awake our primal instincts and allow an immersion in nature and childhood amazement. For that to happen, the project implements a juxtaposition of two contradictory elements with a simple tectonic connection: at the base a primal structure (with the use of stones), on the top an intriguing forms with an unsure purpose.

Through the use of simple elements, similar to the Thriliton structures found on ancient sites, the project creates a fragile and intriguing equilibrium that triggers our curiosity and astonishment.

During their journey on the shore, the visitors will encounter three different objects and typologies that lead to live phenomenological experiences with materiality, space and environment.

Cultural center

The center, in it two parts, is conceived as transitional moment for the visitor, a way to start the immersion into the wild environment of the reserve. it’s main focus is to highlight the caracteristics of the surounding context and serve as an infrastructure to implement the need of the organisation.

The materiality and scale serve to, subtly, embed the buildings in it immediate rural context and mark the landscape as a reference point (an urban signal) in the region.
The roof plays an important role in the visual identity of the buildings and gives them the image of a shelter that houses the various activities of the reserve. It also plays the role of a device that control the sun exposure when needed and channel daylight to the appropriate areas.