Since the existing of humanity, man has dominated nature and ecology out of a need to be in control of the world. The principle of the bird cage slowly translated to a larger scale through zoos and nature reserves. Currently only 2% of our nature is untouched, which can be seen as wilderness.

The institutionalization of nature is particularly evident in border areas, which have evolved significantly over the years. Difference in governance and acquisition of nature between countries, have led to more and more boundaries in these areas. Ecological structures and nature reserves ‘just do not touch’ because of political mismatches. Due to the increasing number if animal diseases in the border area, crossing the border is furthermore prevented for animals. We can conclude that the border is fading away slowly for humans but the natural borders for fauna in the border zone are increasing.

The landscape around Baarle Nassau is a perfect example of where the above findings clearly are recognizable. South of Baarle Nassau, three ecological structures are found. ‘Het Merkske, a years old typical stream valley, ‘Het Bels Lijntje that used to be the old train track between the Netherlands and Belgium and the nature reserve around NAVO Airport Weelde, that used to be part of a bigger heather area but was turned into a pine forest around 1840. 

Especially for the last years a lot of threats and conflicts are emerging on these nature structures. The conditions of the original habits are clearly under pressure and some original flora and fauna have even been wiped out. The stream valley of ‘Het Merkske’ for example is dehydrated on the higher grounds because of the climate change and has lost a lot of biodiversity. The structure has also been split up at an enclave because of a shed on the Belgian side of the border. ‘Het Bels Lijntje’ has political been recognized as a dry connecting compound since a few years, but only at the Dutch side of the border. Agricultural activities, the increase of nitrogen, crossing roads and increasing business parks are only making the situation even worse.

The complete restoration of original ecological structures is not realistic due to the major changes that have taken place over time. Opportunities lie in the healing of existing structures by means of minimalist interventions and by searching for overlapping habits, plants and animal species, wherefrom smart connections can be made. For example in the area between the Merkske and ‘Het Bels Lijntje’, where the dry stream valley is redesigned into a dry connection. In this case, the existing hedgerows, thickets, ditches and open grass fields offer potential as habitat for the viviparous lizard.

The final design consists of a continuous structure that, by means of minimalist interventions and the addition of stepping stones, ensures that animals can move safely through the border area. At the same time, the ensemble of elements also forms a route for human beings that tells the story behind the border nature. By deliberately revealing the natural habitat, behavior and movement of the animal, that humanity has lost sight of and stimulating interaction between humans and animals, awareness of the importance of the border area as a stepping stone is being increased. The shape and use of materials of the objects reflect the monofunctional character of natural elements.