Death by Design

Jacques van Haaster was triggered by a construction theory that buildings should be designed in such a way that even their ruins are aesthetically pleasing – the ‘Ruinenwert’ theory. Taking up the challenge to think beyond the lifetime of his own construction, Jacques has designed a model of a breakwater that will decay with time. ‘Death by Design’ is made of steel pylons. “It’s the wrong material in the right place,” says Jacques. “Steady deterioration is inevitable.” Stretching out across the beach into the surf, the gradient level of the water eats into the material with every ebb and flow, leaving its mark over the years, prompting thoughts about time and life, decay and death.