duene
duene echoes the fluidity of sand dunes,
offering a subtle pause along the Iron Curtain Trail,
where nature and art meet.
year 2024
categories Products & Furniture
staging & spatial Installationscommissioned by
curated by
Alexandra Berlinger, Ursula Maria Probst, and Martin Wagner


person relaxing in the duene
In the landscape near Drösing—once characterized by expansive, shifting sand dunes—the permanent installation duene offers a unique place to pause. Composed of yellow metal rods and net structures, the piece gently mirrors the soft topography of dunes, blending seamlessly into the environment without overpowering it.
Historically, the Marchfeld region, including areas like Drösing, was shaped by sand dunes formed during the last Ice Age. These landscapes remained in constant motion, reshaped by wind and weather until the 19th century, when pine trees were planted to stabilize the ground for agriculture. This intervention subdued the dunes’ movement and changed the region’s ecological character.
duene captures this dynamic past and translates it into a light, transparent structure. Hammocks and bike racks are integrated as playful yet functional elements, inviting visitors to linger, reflect, and engage with the landscape in a mindful way.
Anchored only at a few points, the structure carefully avoids disturbing the delicate ecosystem. Wind, sunlight, and rain pass freely through the open netting, allowing the installation to become part of the environment—present, yet unobtrusive.
The form of the dune was first developed as a computer-generated 3D model. The resulting “wireframe” design was intentionally preserved, giving the piece a sense of lightness and transparency. It integrates naturally into the surroundings while maintaining a sculptural presence.
Location: 48°31’23.6″N 16°54’32.1″E
duene is part of the SUPER NATUR project, located along the EuroVelo 13 / Iron Curtain Trail cycling route.
Design that respects the land, creating a quiet moment where nature and art coexist.

insect explores the new rubbish bin

relaxation in the net construction

sand mountain from the nearby mining area

drawing of the seat dune and the bicycle stand

detail of the net

project mood board
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material
metal, powder-coated, polypropylene nets
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dimensions
800x560x200 cm
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partnering
organisations
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produced by
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location
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team
Katharina Mischer, Thomas Traxler, Florian Semlitsch, Sophia Stoewer