The design for the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi expresses a thoughtful connection between people and the natural world. Located within an important ecological area, the project serves as a place for observing wildlife while also enhancing the visitor experience. The design aims to blend the built environment with the wetland landscape, allowing people to appreciate and engage with the surrounding flora and fauna.

Design Concept

The project encourages exploration and interaction through its fluid pathways and viewing platforms. These elements are arranged to create an engaging experience, enabling visitors to observe wildlife without causing disruption. The approach prioritizes a balance between architecture and nature, highlighting the need for designs that respect and integrate with their settings.

Structural Elements

An elevated boardwalk lifts visitors half a meter above the ground, adapting to the park's uneven terrain. The structure is formed using prefabricated wood decking supported by concrete legs, establishing a stable walking surface. This design minimizes disruption to the existing landscape, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability throughout the construction process.

Permeability and Interaction

As visitors move upward, the walkway shifts into a spiral trail, with vertical supports reaching above the ramp sections. These supports also hold panels that offer shade while allowing views of the surroundings. The design recalls traditional stilt houses and enhances the lightness of the overall structure, inviting deeper observation of the natural environment.

Ecological Integration

The ramp is constructed with lightweight steel sections connected to slender vertical stilts, giving it a floating quality. A central concrete core supports the ramp and provides essential facilities for visitors and wildlife monitoring. By combining practical functions with design, the structure acts as both an observation point and a tool for ecological management.

The design includes small areas where wildlife can coexist with the built elements, allowing nature to blend with the structure. This delicate balance creates an environment that encourages meaningful interactions between people and the diverse life found in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.