Sun, Sand & Science @ Skagen
Skagen Odde Natur Center, Denmark

Paul Henningsson

Stand between two seas and watch them "collide" with each other. Experience near desert-like conditions at summer with temperatures sometimes reaching 50 Centigrade or more in the sun and then dropping rapidly to 10 Centigrade or less in the night. Bask in the special light made famous by a group of turn-of-the-century painters. As we take a journey of discovery with Paul Henningsson

All this takes place at Skagen, on the northern tip of Denmark, where a new nature discovery centre, Skagen Odde Naturcenter, opened in May 2000 to interpret the natural wonders of this Scandinavian paradise; a very popular holiday and sailing resort among Scandinavians and Germans. The two seas are of course Skagerack and Kattegatt and their meetingpoint is at the strip of sand called Grenen.

I'm thinking about past summers, when my brother and I arrive to Skagen in the first days of January, having to imagine what is otherwise a very flat open landscape of dunes and long sandy beaches. Instead, a deep North Sea fog is hanging in the air and the sea is completely out of sight! The fog also effectively hides the Naturcenter, as we approach it after a long walk from the village railway station.

The building is designed by Jörn Utzon, the famous Danish architect behind the Sydney Opera House. It was designed already in 1989, but the actual centre was delayed by a long period of fund-raising and didn't open until 11 years later.

A little less dramatic construction, but still original, with black turrets sticking up behind white walls, the centre opens up its interior to a sort of cosy modernism.
White cubicles with blond wooden details, grouped around an open courtyard, the centre echoes a mix of Northern Africa, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and even Japanese elements. Not so surprising perhaps, considering Utzon's international working field.

The gallery, with exhibits created by the Danish company Sorgenfrei Udstillingstegnestue, is divided into four themes; water, sand, wind and light.

As you enter, ambient music and natural sounds; rippling water, gulls, crows and breeze, sets a peaceful, mildly mysterious mood - an interesting use of audio. Through visual displays, computer interactives and selected hands-on experiments the gallery sets out to answer questions such as; Where is the wind when it doesn't blow? Who lives in the sand? Does the light at Skagen really have a special quality? There's also a gallery for temporary art exhibitions, a small café and a shop.

In the sand room there is a 'Heath Robinson' device that sorts the sand according to mineral content. The visitor can sort and 'paint' with the sand by using magnets. In the wind room there's a windometer, effectively a feely-box with a cold fan inside, which simulates the force of the wind from a minimum breeze up to gale force (the speed, however, cannot be manipulated freely by the visitors).

The computer displays are simple to use, but it is the long, non-interactive video sequences on their screens and the heavy use of text panels that dominate throughout the displays. In parts demanding - for those who can or will read. In the light room it is also a little unclear if the displays are about Utzon's personal visions or more factual explanations. While the use of art (in this case architecture) relates very well to interpreting the universal elements, it isn't integrated into the gallery as a whole.

After a while I am a little surprised there are so few possibilities to experiment yourself with these fascinating elements, rather than reading 'explanations' of something that perhaps isn't so evident unless tested in action.

For instance, exploring sand itself under various conditions can be a very tactile experience and could easily be incorporated in a gallery (admittedly there's plenty of sand outside, although frozen this time of year). And what a shame the replica fish models in the water room are placed out of reach for touching, here placed only like a decoration. Another missed opportunity, it seems (thanks for the phrase, Alison J!).

But visitors aren't completely missing out on activities. At least not if they are lucky to reach the "Question corner" and happen to meet Henning Klejs, one of the resident explainers or naturvejledere.

"There aren't that many visitors at this time of the year', says Henning. 'But this Christmas we've had the popular sampling and testing of the local herbs and spices for bjeske (traditional schnapps!). We have a regular programme for families, also schools, but try to change it a little according to the season".

Henning, a geography and music teacher, tells me that an important group of visitors are the residents of Skagen but admits the centre is perhaps a bit inaccessible.

"We are also aiming to get at least 10% of the tourists who visit Grenen, to come to the centre. Last summer was a very good summer…too good. A lot of people stayed on the beach! So we are planning some activities for tourists and families out on the beach at Grenen. There will also be a new road, clearer signs and better footpaths from the village.
But the idea is that you can come in to the centre, perhaps get an answer to your questions..about birds, plants or animals. And then you can go out again with new questions and explore the area further", concludes Henning.

We'll be back this summer..

(Skagen Odde Natur Center website: www.skagen-natur.dk).

Newsletter Spring 2002 Contents

Fabricators' Event 2001
Skagen Odde Natur Center, Denmark
Museums Service Placement
Accessing SETNET
Fossil workshop tips
Going free entry - what are its effects?
Scientists meet the public
BIG AGM 2001 Chair's Report