CROSS HATCHING
Yukun Fang
Abu Dhabi Flamingo
Visitor Center
Type: Public Building
Individual Work
Time: 2019
Location: Al Wethba, Abu Dhabi
Role: Team of two
Main design, Drawings, Renders
This site is located at the boundary of the Al Wathba wetland, on the north side of site is an oasis-like area, on the other side is the completely different wetland, create a sharp boundary of the wetland, the visitor center can be viewed as an opportunity to break this boundary and welcomed people into the wetland.
A visitor center should become the gate of the scenic area, provide context to the visitors, a foreshadowing before entrance, a conclusion at the end. Our intention is a unconventional open plan building that allows people to freely move through, invite people into the wetland. It would also show people the extracted identity of Al Wathba wetland has the stunting reed lands that cannot be seen at anywhere els. The reeds are so dense that could form shelter for many species of the wetland, and contribute significantly to the environment. Our design extracts elements from the reed land, create a welcoming open space with essential needs provided for visitors.
Site
The site is located between the oasis and the Al Watha wetland reserve, A clear boundary is formed between this two naturals scenery.
Al Wethba wetland is famous for its rich biodiversity, and the reedy wetland contributes the most. These tall and missive reeds create variety of architectural spaces inside the wetland, we extracted these spaces out and translated them into architecture language
We breakdown the natural scenic elements of Al Wathba wetland and translated them into architectural languages, and use these elements to form different spatial qualities inside the building to recreate the wetland in this visitor center. The visitor center is composed by three circle plans, each provides drastically different experiences for visitors. A bridge goes' through three circles, simulates the road inside the wetland reservation. The building follows the contour of site, interduces natural elements into the building, blends into environment, and creating minimum footprint to the wetland.
Technical Drawings
Technical Drawings
The design seamlessly integrates the essence of a wetland into a visitor center, creating an immersive, natural experience. Through abstract recreations of elements like dense reeds and flowing water, the design invites visitors on a journey through a simulated wetland. From the circulation bridge to the roof terrace, and through the reed land paths to the café, each space is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the sensation of being within a natural wetland. The design blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, enhancing the connection to nature. In the exhibition space, the habitat of wetland species is recreated, fostering education and appreciation for the ecosystem. This design is a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, where every element works together to bring the beauty of wetlands to life.
