REVIVING THE WETLANDS Interpreting the natural ecology of mangrove wetlands through architectural interventions

Abstract

Mangroves and coastal wetlands form an extensive ecosystem along the coastline of Karachi. They have numerous environmental benefits for the survival of both humans and wildlife. For a dense urban megacity like Karachi, mangroves act like the lungs providing oxygen to the city. However, these mangrove forests are often neglected and damaged due to lack of public awareness regarding their environmental importance. Hence, they are currently facing various threats. Th is thesis aims to generate an immersive experience of the public with mangrove forests to create environmental awareness about these delicate and endangered ecosystems as well as introducing a research environment for the revival of a damaged ecological site and engaging professionals with local visitors. The disconnection between the built environment and the natural environment requires a bridging entity where architecture meets nature. The central idea is the use of architecture as a connector of man and nature while at the same time acting as a valuable teaching tool for environmental architectural design in an urban setting Natural light, water, and mangroves continuously guide the architectural scheme applied to the topography of the site. The program involves an interconnected visitor and research zones with overlapping programs in ways that enhances the visitor-researcher interaction to achieve a broader understanding of the mangrove plantation, preservation methods, and practices. The visitors experience a journey that offer visual and physical connections with mangroves as well as an interactive way of learning, interpreting and experiencing the delicate ecosystem of the mangrove forests