The Observatorium is a series of simple sand formations on the beach that the viewer enters and is able to looks through observation holes.
The observation holes are the end of tubes that are directed towards points in landscape, the sea or structures on the beach e.g. the hub huts. Some of the tubes are completely hollow giving an uninterrupted view of a specific point; others are kaleidoscopes giving an abstracted, altered perspective.
The observation tubes are buried within the structure of the sand formation.
Concept
The observation tubes give the viewer opportunities to re- examine the world around them, specifically the environment of Alum Chine. Their gaze will be directed towards specific features; some distant, some very close up, allowing them to focus on a single point.
In this way the Observatorium will encourage the viewer to stop and look, giving them a chance to see the familiar anew.
The Observatorium also references some sociological aspects of beach culture; people watching; people observing each other being relaxed, informal and semi dressed in a very public space. There is the opportunity for people to stand at either end of some observing tubes and observe each other.
The Observatorium is an inviting, relaxed and playful environment, in keeping with common beach activities and atmosphere. The experience of being within the formations should provoke childhood reminiscences of building sand structures or being buried in sand.
The formations are designed at a slight incline, for structural safety and to allow the viewer to lean against the sand whilst observing through the holes. This makes the experience more physically interactive and sensuous. It also means each viewer leaves a faint impression of their hands, chest and stomach on the sand; evidence of their presence and an oblique reference to childhood beach games.
