Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre by X Architects

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre

Wasit Natural Reserve was originally a waste-water and rubbish dump.

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido

The rehabilitation process of the damaged eco-system started in 2005, 40,000m2 of rubbish removed, 35,000 trees been re-planted, healing the land from toxic chemicals and conservation of the Unique salt flats and coastal sand dunes.

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido

After years of efforts to bring the non-migratory birds back to the site, WNR is now home to 350 species of birds, a landing zone for 33,000 migrate birds, and a breathing lung to Sharjah city.

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido

A wetland visitor center is established on site to continue protecting the natural environment, educate people on the richness of the wetland ecosystem and provides information about the birds that frequent the area and other wetlands areas of the emirate.

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido

The facility became heaven for bird watchers and researchers. The architecture of the center blends with its’ surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimize the visual impact on the natural scene.

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido

When visitors arrive, a pathway leads them underground into a linear Gallery. A fully transparent wall allows the visitors to experience the birds’ natural environment and become part of it. Source by X Architects.

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido

Location: Sharjah, UAE
Architects: X Architects
Project Team: Ahmed Al-Ali, Farid Esmaeil, Mirco Urban, Pariya Manafi, Dana Sheikh, Abdullah Bashir, Waleed Al Mezaini, Christian Geronimo, Brian Abarintos, Eyad Zarafeh, Haideral Kalamchi
Client: Epaa, Environmental And Protected Area Authority
Area: 2,534 Sqm
Year: 2015
Photographs: Nelson Garrido , Courtesy of X Architects

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Photo © Nelson Garrido
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Site Plan
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Ground Floor Plan
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Section
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Section
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Program
Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre
Scheme concept

 

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