WHALE FALL

Concept and Spatial Translation 

Whale Fall was conceived as an architectural and luminous translation of the natural phenomenon of the "whale fall," transformed into a metaphor for the concept of legacy. The project interprets legacy not as a static monument, but as a vital and cyclical process. The design thus takes on a narrative function: the skeletal structure recalls the ribs of a whale, while the luminous transformation (from the rough daytime to the crimson red of night) makes visible the transition between life, death, and regeneration. 

The work uses light as a conceptual as well as technical material, constructing a perceptual experience that evolves over time and invites active reflection from the viewer. 

Design as an Immersive Experience 

The installation is conceived as a traversable space: an accessible corridor formed by curved portals in raw steel. The choice of a platform with a universal ramp integrates inclusivity and close-up experience, allowing visitors to physically explore the structure. 

From an urban perspective, the project is designed for a dual perspective: from land and water. The parallel alignment to Amsterdam's canals generates parallax effects and a dynamic perception for those observing from boats. The design is therefore not an isolated object, but a relational device that engages with the historical context and the flow of the city. 

Materials, Structure, and Formal Language 

The formal language is essential and structural: a family of curved frames in raw steel constructs a spatial rhythm reminiscent of a bony organism. The steel, left material, becomes a "timekeeper," a symbol of aging and permanence. 

The technical component is precisely integrated: repeatable joints, integrated cable ducts, low-glare outdoor lighting. The constant crimson light avoids spectacular effects and favors an atmospheric presence, consistent with the contemplative theme. 

Engineering and Logistics as Part of the Project 

The design choices were strongly influenced by the site's constraints: historic waterfront, boat traffic, and winter climate. The structure was prefabricated and transported fully assembled on pontoons, making logistics an integral part of the design narrative. 

The foundations are also conceived as adaptable systems (buried base, surface platform, or floating structure), demonstrating a flexible and contextual design approach. 

Art, Architecture, and Cultural Impact 

The work lies somewhere between public art, temporary architecture, and light installation, transcending disciplinary boundaries. The event tied to the Global Ocean Treaty strengthened the project's public and political dimension, demonstrating how design can become a cultural platform and a catalyst for collective action. 

In short, Whale Fall is a project in which form, light, structure, and logistics converge in an immersive experience that makes an abstract concept like legacy tangible. The design does not celebrate monumental permanence, but stages a continuous life cycle, where space and matter become tools for reflection on time and human impact. 

Credits:

Location: @hetscheepvaartmuseum Amsterdam 

Artist: @rynobit @xytopia.design 

Coordination: @amsterdamlightfestival @greenpeacenl 

Performers: @iris_hond @gijsanders 

Fabricator: Ward Kreijkamp 

Photo: Janus van den Eijnden for Amsterdam Light Festival photographs