Category Archives: Parks & Public Spaces

Ecology & Environment, Parks & Public Spaces

Adyar Ecological Restoration Park Chennai

Adyar wetland reserve and the Tholkappia Poonga Ecopark is an environmentally significant project in the city of Chennai. Idea Design worked on this Biodiversity Park project as landscape architecture and urban design consultants with Mr. Joss Brooks, renowned ecological restoration specialist of Pitchandikulam Forest Consultants, Auroville. A combined fresh-water / salt-water ecosystem has been revived to make it an ecologically rich and diverse system for migratory birds and estuarine ecosystems along with coastal vegetation being the significant link to tie them together.

Environmentally sensitive approach is given for the water and waste management. The sewage and waste water which flows from the city to this creek is treated using ecological planning techniques. Each aspect of the park demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment. An ecoforum is proposed where man can interact and interpret different ecosystems of the park. The park will also become a center for education and environmental awareness. Demonstration of working models of sustainable technologies for human habitation is another important feature of the park. Idea Design worked as part of the team who prepared the Ecological Restoration Master Plan. The Project was implemented by Pitchandikulam Forest Consulatnts and Idea Design provided detailed design services working together with ecologists from PFC.

Once a garbage and debris dumpsite, the park has recently recorded more than 100 species of birds, 100 different species of fish, 56 species of butterflies and 25 species of reptiles. The white-bellied sea eagle for the first time in these parts a month ago. Flamingos and painted stork have also returned here. This richness in biodiversity is in itself an indicator of the success of our restoration efforts.  A total of one-and-a-half lakh saplings of 400 indigenous species of plants have been planted in the restored area. Being a brackish water ecosystem, seven different varieties of mangroves and associates were planted on the site, and was able to successfully restore the estuarine wetland ecosystem.

The project won Indian Institute of Architects National Award 2020 for Excellence in Architecture.

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Ecology & Environment, Parks & Public Spaces

Nilgiri Biosphere Conservation Park, Anaikatty

Nilgiri Biosphere Conservation Park is a Biodiversity Park project by the Coimbatore Zoological Park Society. Originally conceived as a Zoological Park at the beginning of the park in 1992, the project, over the period has transformed into a biosphere conservation project.

The park located in Anaikatty at the foothills of the Western Ghats is planned to exhibit various ecological zones of the Nilgiri Biosphere. First step of this was achieved through the identification of various biological zones such as evergreen, moist – deciduous, dry deciduous, thorn forest etc and planted in ecologically suitable location within the park. Interestingly, over the period of 15 years the ground water of this area has increased, and PH value of the soil, which was alkaline has come back close to neutral. Idea Design Team has been working on this project in association with renowned zoo and botanical garden designer, Ar. David Hancocks of Australia on conceptual stages of design and renowned zoo personality, Ms. Sally Walker of USA on technical aspects of setting up this nature park and later went on to prepare the detailed master plan document for the project which is being implemented in phases.

Ecology & Environment, Parks & Public Spaces

Thrissur Zoological Park by Jon Coe Design – Idea Design Consortium

Upcoming Thrissur Zoological Park and Conservation Centre in 50Ha. (150 Acre) of forest land in Puthur is a prestigious project by the Kerala Forest Department. The project’s design, working drawings and detailing was recognised as a model of high standards by the CZA (Central Zoo Authority).

With respect to design itself, one important aspect is the method of detailed site study and analysis through which the concept master plan was developed. Through the detailed site analysis of the heavily contoured site, microclimatic sub zones were identified. The site planning concept carefully delineates different forest types of the Nilgiri Biosphere within these identified subzones. This has further informed the masterplan by which the animal enclosures are located in forest types that are natural to their habitats.

Core-zoo design themes/techniques that are developed by Jon Coe through years of design experience informed in the design of a zoo of international standards. “Landscape Immersion” becomes the central theme of every aspect of this zoo’s design. As much as it is an aesthetic approach, it involves carefully crafted landscape engineering solutions with landforms, vegetation and sight lines. 

The Master Plan Phase started in 2012 and DPR stage started in 2014 and completed in 2018. The Forest Department is doing the development of the Zoological Park and CPWD is the principal execution agency.

Parks & Public Spaces

Sarovaram Lake Trail, Kochi

Sarovaram Lake Trail is a waterfront walkway and cycle track proposed along the shore of the Elamkulam Lake in Kochi connecting Elamkulam Metro Station with Subhash Chandrabose Road where some of the major residential neighbourhoods of the city are located. The trail is designed with a cycle track and disabled friendly walkway that capture the beauty of Kochi’s backwater flora and fauna. Simple, but robust solutions are provided for every aspect of this public space design. Open gym, children’s play area, temporary rain shelter and washrooms are located in the middle part of this walkway.

Ecology & Environment, Parks & Public Spaces

Wetland Park, Vembanad Estuary

Wetland Park a conservation and research centre for Wetland eco-system, its flora and fauna is proposed in one of the islands in the Vembanad Estuary. The park itself will be a live demonstration centre for wetland ecology, mangroves, life cycles of its avian, terrestrial and aquatic fauna.

The project consists of an interpretation loop comprising of walkways, boardwalks, hanging bridges and a parasol ride. A wetlnd interpretation centre is proposed, where initial orientation will be given to the visitors. The eco-sensitive design of the interpretation centre follows the theme of traditional boat architecture. A wetland resech station is proposed in the site, which will become an on-site research station for the department of environmental studies at the local university.