Set along the dunes of Wenduine in Belgium, Sandworm by Finnish architect Marco Casagrande is an ecologically conscious installation that ebbs and flows through the surface of the sandy shores. Working with just sand and willow, the artist and a team of architects built the installation in a wormlike, natural form over the course of 4 weeks. Cassgrande describes this delicate style of building as 'weak architecture,' which he defines as "a human made structure that wishes to become part of nature through flexibility and organic presence."
From a distance, the mounds of tree remnants suggest the form of a massive creature, emerging out of the ground. Up close, visitors can investigate the textured surface of the 45 meter long, 10 meter high and wide structure, and they are invited to interact with the sculpture by walking through the interior. The sunlight shining through the ragged surface creates a playful environment of light and shadow that has been used for picnics, relaxation, and even meditation.
The piece was designed for the 2012 Beaufort04 Triennial of Contemporary Art, a cultural event where artists and their art engage with the dynamic Belgian coastlines.