Architecture project // Elevated Observation Platforms Crafted from Local Pine in a Sustainable Wetland Setting

Elevated Observation Platforms Crafted from Local Pine in a Sustainable Wetland Setting

Author:

Renata Anconetani

Elevated observation platforms made from local pine integrate seamlessly into a wetland environment, providing an immersive experience for birdwatchers while promoting ecological sustainability.

5 key facts about this project

Observation platforms rise to ten meters, providing expansive views of the wetland ecosystem.

Constructed primarily from local pine to minimize environmental impact.

Features charred wooden shingles that enhance weather resistance and aesthetics.

Pathways mimic the movement patterns of birds, creating an engaging visitor experience.

Designed as a modular prefabricated structure for efficient assembly and site integration.

General keywords

birdwatching wetland observation canada sustainability nature viewpoint local wood pathways

Project specific keywords

locality platforms prefabrication pine canopy birdflight elevation sightlines greenery immersion

### Project Overview

The Pape Bird Observation project, titled "Flight Rising," is located within a wetland ecosystem and serves as an observation point for birdwatching while enhancing the connection between visitors and nature. The design aims to evoke the experience of bird flight, integrating sustainability practices throughout its conception and execution.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The structural concept is built around the themes of flight and observation. A meandering pathway ascends gradually, mimicking the takeoff of a bird, with the layout consisting of two observation platforms at varying heights. These platforms provide distinct viewpoints, catering to diverse observational requirements. The experience is designed to engage multiple senses, allowing visitors to absorb the sounds of the wetland, observe avian activities from different elevations, and feel the ambient winds, thus creating a multifaceted interaction with the environment.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

Sustainability plays a central role in material selection for the project. The structure primarily utilizes local pine wood, which offers durability and requires minimal maintenance, thus reducing its carbon footprint. The inclusion of glass in specific platforms allows for unobstructed views of the surroundings while aligning with ecological principles. This choice of materials reinforces the project’s integration into its environment, ensuring it complements rather than disrupts the ecosystem.

### Structural Features

The design includes three specific zones:

1. **Observation Platform 1**, elevated for expansive vistas.
2. **Observation Platform 2**, situated closer to the flora and water to provide detailed views of migrating birds.
3. A **Resting Zone**, designed for visitors to relax and take in their natural surroundings.

The overall form of the structure draws inspiration from the wings of a bird in flight, promoting exploration through its complex pathways. Elevated platforms rise to 10 meters in height, blending with the landscape. The prefabricated design allows for quick assembly, minimizing onsite impact, and features strategically spaced structural elements to maintain both stability and visual harmony.