Marker Wadden

The story of the designing Marker Wadden is unique. In only a couple of years, a completely new group of artificial islands has been created in the Markermeer. This archipelago is composed mainly of marshes and shallow waters, and is designed a perfect habitat for bird colonies. Only the main island is accessible for visitors.The story of the designing Marker Wadden is unique. In only a couple of years, a completely new group of artificial islands has been created in the Markermeer. This archipelago is composed mainly of marshes and shallow waters, and is designed a perfect habitat for bird colonies. Only the main island is accessible for visitors.

The landscape, the urban design of the settlement of this most recent piece of the Netherlands has been designed with a comprehensive approach. By designing the landscape in the smallest detail, immense natural processes are guided. The realisation of Marker Wadden is the first substantial act in restoring the lake’s ecology, which has deteriorated rapidly after the construction of the Houtribdijk (the link between Enkhuizen and Lelystad) in 1976.

This publication encompasses all aspects of the design narrative, including the construction of the islands using sand, clay and silt from the Markermeer, up to building the off-grid settlement. In word and image, it presents the insights and lessons learned from this extraordinary design effort.