Atlantic wall: the reverie before oblivion

Abstract

By exploring the intersection between post-war ruins and the city of Den Helder, history and memory, this project will examine the potential of post-war ruins in dealing with the fading history and memory of the past. Based on Pierre Nora's concept of sites of memory (lieux de mémoire), with the landscape biography study of Den Helder’s defence line, the research proposes that Atlantic wall ruins, as carriers of history, can become new sites of memory in Den Helder. The design outcome will elaborate a new type of modern memory: experiential memory, which is freshly generated in ruins, based on people's understanding of history, direct experience and spontaneous reflection and subjective imagination. Based on the notion of landscape palimpsest, Alois Rieg's definition of monument values and case studies related to post-war ruins, this study proposes a design approach that starts with the qualities of ruins, that is to enhance the ruinous qualities during the decaying process and the decaying effect on the surrounding environment. The attention will be paid to the historical function and construction methods of the Atlantic wall ruins, the landscape context, current spatial characteristics, materiality and sustainability. To sum up, this project promotes a more open attitude towards post-war ruins and accept the fact that things decay and disappear. Ruins are our direct contact with history, therefore participating in the process of decay is our direct memory of the intangible history. This project regards ruins as a process rather than just an object on a physical level. It further explores how landscape components, spatial atmosphere and public participation reveal the value of the ruins and influence the decaying process of ruins. The post-war ruins will be used as a medium to remind people to reflect on the past and look forward.