S E N S O R Y P E R C E P T I O N
Research, viaduct of Moresnet, 2014.
A progressive and open-minded research supporting the 'Pause Landscape' project. The study is based on sensory perception. The visual aspect is reciprocate for hearing, touching and tasting. The context of the Belgian village of Moresnet is strongly influenced by historical events. Moresnet was an independent free state. A neutral area which was not owned by the three surrounding countries, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. So the current border triangle used to be a four-country corner.
During the site visit within Moresnet, it became obvious that the spatial qualities are strongly influenced by the viaduct which runs parallel to the village. The displacement of the train, on top of the fifty meter high overpass, causes a strong vibration which is clearly felt and heard. In addition, the train is disconnected from the overhead power lines. Here the train slides from one border to another, for approximately sixty meters long . This decoupling is strongly related to the character of the neutral territory. Through research, I've defined the position of the refuge. Actually the refuge is suspended from the bridge, to be placed where the disconnection takes place. In the sanctuary, the visitor experiences a break point, a decoupling of everyday life. An artificial and tense atmosphere is converted into a time interval where there is space for relaxation, simplicity and reflection. The dynamism of the movement is transformed into the static stationary.
C O N C E P T detachment from everyday life
H E A R I N G & F E E L I N G vibratory motion - sound - wind
P E T I T H I S T O I R E esperanto - liberty city - neutral territory
A R T E F A C T decoupling of the overpass
T R A N S F O R M I N G D Y N A M I C I N T O S T A T I C
C O N T E X T intrinsic and extrinsic value
