The design located in the Abu Dhabi Al Wathbah Wetland Reserve enhances the visitor experience while fostering a connection with the surrounding ecosystem. It serves as both a platform for observing wildlife and a pathway through the wetlands. The overall concept emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, integrating features that create a dialogue between human activity and the delicate balance within the reserve.

Conceptual Framework

The design centers on integrating the architecture with its surroundings. It focuses on harmony, proportions, and mimesis. The architecture draws inspiration from the natural forms of the wetland, including organic shapes found within local vegetation. This strategy not only boosts the aesthetic quality but also promotes ecological sensitivity, aligning the built environment with the unique features of its setting.

Structural Elements

Lightness is a key focus in the design, visible through the use of slender vertical elements. These components support the structure and extend over water, minimizing visual mass. Thin steel poles, installed through a micro piling system, reduce the need for extensive concrete foundations. This approach helps maintain soil integrity and preserves the natural landscape, allowing visitors to observe flamingos without disrupting their habitat.

Boardwalk Design

The boardwalk plays a crucial role in the design, creating a path through varied soil types and fluctuating water levels. Elevated above the ground, it provides easy access for visitors while fostering an intimate atmosphere. The organic balustrade, made from poles, allows for discreet viewing of wildlife, ensuring that the experience of observing the flamingos remains immersive and undisturbed. The modular layout introduces a rhythmic quality in the landscape, strengthening the visitor’s connection to the environment.

Materials and Aesthetic

The choice of materials, including steel poles finished with corten, contributes to both structure and visual quality. These materials enhance the relationship between the architecture and the landscape, supporting the commitment to sustainability and ecological care. This attention to detail in material selection ensures that the structures fulfill their practical roles while resonating with the environment.

The upper level of the observation tower offers a panoramic view, allowing visitors to connect with the landscape. Sheltered by surrounding poles and vegetation, the design emphasizes the balance between observing and experiencing the natural world.