After WWII reconstruction began in Zadar, Croatia, a demolished beach was left behind and construction began in order to revive the area. The area had one huge eyesore however after construction was done. One seemingly untouched long concrete shoreline. Croatian architect Nikola Basic decided to make a change to the unflattering scenery and developed something that is drawing bigger crowds every day. He designed a fairly simple system that harnesses the power of the beautiful ocean surrounding the concrete beach. The system he created utilizes the natural movements of the Adriatic Sea and the winds to create soothing and harmonizing sounds that are ever-changing with the tides and the current. The concrete beach has a series of holes and tubes that are at the waters level. When the waves hit, pressure is forced into these holes creating magical sounds that escape through vents higher up in the system. Take a look at the first Croatian sea organ ever made and have a listen below. It is entrancing to say the least.
It was once an ugly and long section of concrete that offered no escape to enjoy the beautiful Adriatic Sea lining Zadar.
A sea organ was created in 2005 and opened to the public. Ever since then tourism has been growing and locals use this place to meditate and enjoy lunch while listening to the mesmerizing sounds of the sea.
Looking at it you would never really know that this place is something truly special. Once you hear the tones though you will be convinced and have a hard time leaving.
It is the first of its kind and the only one in the world. It is amazing that this Croatian architect was able to utilize such a powerful force of nature and create something so beautiful.
There are vents along the top steps that allow the pressure of the crashing waves to escape. The pressure is created in a resonating chamber below the stone which expels the ominous hypnotizing sounds of the sea.
You could walk this area and rarely see anyone a long time ago. Today it is thriving with people looking to connect with the elements through the Croatian sea organ.
The sounds created are unlike any organ you’ve ever heard. The sounds are produced by completely natural forces working with a very simple design. They create a unity between nature and man that resonates throughout the soul.
Listen to the sea organ play below:
It’s easily apparent why people are flocking to this unique and special place. The sounds creep into you and seem to hypnotize you making you forget about anything but them. They are constantly changing and you also get the incredible view of the Adriatic sea in front of you. It seems like a perfect balance and a beautiful place to collect your thoughts and just breathe.
The system is rather simple and as long as the waves crash the Croatian sea organ will entertain the public.
This is definitely something I would love to experience in person.
The Croatian sea organ is one of a kind and so simple. If this architect can use the natural elements in his area to create something this beautiful maybe we should look at using this concept to interact with other natural forces. Things like wind and rain. Little things like this that are produced simply for our enjoyment are the things that give random smiles and provide a little happiness in our lives. If you ask me, we could all use a lot more of that in today’s world. My hat goes off to architect Nikola Basic for creating such a unique sea organ for anybody to enjoy.