Batavialand
Located in Lelystad, the Batavia land Museum offers more than a rich collection of shipwrecks and maritime artifacts. It is a truly interactive place, fostering a community of craftsmanship around ongoing ship restorations, a place where heritage and landscape meet. The Batavia ship, a replica of a 16th century sailing ship, will be brought to land. It will be restored and maintained, becoming the museum’s beating heart.
FRAMING THE BATAVIA
The proposal to design a dock around the ship was inspired by the characteristics of a shipyard. With the Batavia as an anchor, the ensemble becomes a landscape of creation and restoration, where timber, steel, and reused elements evoke maritime craftmanship. Interior and exterior flow together, allowing visitors to experience the continuum of workshop, museum, and public space in a clear, tactile, purposeful environment.
ANCHORING THE ENSEMBLE
Positioned at the heart of the ensemble, the dock with the Batavia naturally functions as the museum’s core. It organizes the surrounding functions of the museum: the spaces for exhibition, education, the depot, and the café. Moreover, the dock accommodates a public route, which offers glimpses, shortcuts, and full views on the ship and the restoration works, while keeping logistics separate. This compact arrangement enhances efficiency and experience, turning the dock into both workspace and exhibition.
CONNECTING LAND AND SEA
With the Batavia as a centerpiece, the Batavialand Museum is a landmark, a welcoming gesture to the area. The public lookout platform offers spectacular views, making the heritage experience accessible to all. Architectural elements along the dock echo the site’s industrial character, while the landscape design reflects its dual setting: the geometric polder on one side and the soft, dune-like waterfront of the Markermeer on the other. Building and landscape merge into a coherent cultural park that is open, robust, and memorable.
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