Observation Tower Inspired by a Strand of DNA Gives New Perspective To Flat Marshland

Portion of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Standing in marshland at Denmark's Wadden Sea National Park is the striking Marsk Tower. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the observation deck is inspired by the double helix structure of DNA. The 85-foot (25 meters) tower comprises spiral steps around a central core and acts as both a functional lookout as well as a sculptural landmark for the park.

Visitors to the tower will enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape including the North Sea. The design of the double helix means that they will traverse 146 steps on the way up and 131 steps on the way down. Each direction wraps around the elevator located at the core of the tower.

Aside from its stunning architectural design, the Marsk Tower is meant to change visitors' outlooks on the landscape as they engage with it. “When you have climbed the 146 steps and landed on the observation platform, you are standing 36 meters above sea level,” explained Marsk Camp. “This gives a completely unique perspective on the otherwise flat marsh and a fantastic view over the Wadden Sea National Park.”

If you enjoyed this elegant contemporary observation tower, check out more projects by Bjarke Ingels Group, including 10 amazing buildings designed by the firm.

Bjarke Ingels Group has designed a spiraling double helix structure that acts as a stunning observation tower.

Far View of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

People Looking Out of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Top of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Portion of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Portion of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Portion of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Portion of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Detail of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Detail of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Detail of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Detail of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

Far View of Marsk Tower by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Photo: Marsk Camp

BIG: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Marsk Camp: Website | Instagram| Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Bjarke Ingels Group.

Related Articles:

10 BIG Buildings by Bjarke Ingels Group [Infographic]

10 Amazing Buildings Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group

Spiraling Museum in Switzerland Designed to Mimic the Swirling Mechanics of a Watch

Architects Design a Twisting Bridge That Doubles as a Sculpture and a Museum

Architects Design a Thrilling Hub of Contemporary Culture in France

Architects Unveil Self-Sustaining Floating City at the United Nations

Samantha Pires

Sam Pires is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She is also a freelance architectural designer. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from NJIT and is currently earning a Master in Architecture II from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Sam has design experience at multiple renowned architecture firms such as Gensler and Bjarke Ingels Group. She believes architecture should be more accessible to everyone and uses writing to tell unexpected stories about the built environment. You can connect with her online at @sampir.fi.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content