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Fig: 1 - Mangrove forests stabilize the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. (Credits: NOAA)

INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN ECOSYSTEMS

Mangrove forests being one of the most varied ecosystems on earth, are also one of the most misunderstood and unappreciated ones. Their ability to nurture and protect a wide range of flora and fauna as well as storing carbon is often neglected and are only seen as a potential candidate for eco-tourism. 

While improper eco-tourism is a known cause for the degradation of a lot of such natural systems, there are various other overlooked factors that the local ecosystem has fallen a victim to such as overfishing, insensitive coastal developments. 

The mangroves in various parts of the world have fallen to these human interventions and some natural phenomena too. While one of them is an uncontrollable occurrence, the other one can be curbed by small conscious steps.

But how can the smaller communities that depend upon parts of these natural ecosystems, survive if not using the resources of these ecosystems, while they face economic hardships? In what way are their lives intertwined with them and their resources? 

Fig: 2 - Mangroves are endangered habitats in the context of climate change and unending human intervention.

IMBALANCE IN THE MANGROVE FORESTS

Other than gradual activities and processes such as human intervention and farming, mangroves ecosystems have also been exploited by activities such as illegal fishing and timber harvesting by the people around the system. Illegal activities are mostly conducted by the people around mangroves forests. Although they depend on overusing existing mangroves resources due to dire circumstances. How can we divert this overuse into a sustainable activity?

One such community that has been affected this way is that of Pitahaya, who live along the mangroves of the Puntarenas province in Costa Rica. The people of this community have been subjected to adverse economic downfalls and live in an impoverished state. This has led to overfishing and extensive farming along the shores leading to an unhealthy imbalance in the ecosystem which if not stopped could be a huge negative point in terms of the climate crisis.

How can a mutual balance be achieved between the community and the mangrove system without harming either? 

How can the people of the community lead their livelihoods without having to clear the mangroves and their support system?

Fig: 3 - Steady loss of mangrove habitats and their degradation in quality creates an irreversible imbalance in the ecosystem.

DESIGN TO RESTORE BALANCE

Brief: Design a community centre where the locals can anchor and improve their trade and livelihood while making proper use of the area’s natural ecology instead of overusing it.

This aim can be achieved by providing tourism opportunities and other trades to take place in an eco-sustainable way. A need for an alternative source of economy is required for the local community and the project is to cater to that. 

The centre must focus on providing a platform for the people of the place to run their alternative trades and activities to earn a livelihood. It must act as a transaction space between the community and the tourists who come to visit the mangroves, but minimally invasive. The built form must be able to connect with the people, through its form, layout or spaces.

The centre must be sustainable and minimally invasive as the region is close to a valuable and important ecosystem. While focusing on improving the community, it is important that natural stability is restored and protected. 

OBJECTIVES

Accessibility - The design should be inclusive in terms of the user.

Efficient - Most resourceful with the least amount of consumption.

Universal - Must be of a planning scheme that can be reproduced around the world.

Sustainable - A minimally invasive support system for the community.   

SITE

Costa Rica has a diversified economy with many agriculture, companies and ecotourism. The nation is surrounded by varying geography and the tropical climate supports a wide range of flora and fauna. Punta Arenas is a port town in Costa Rica, with many tourist destinations around the area. It is known for its fishing, canning and other export activities. 

The site is located in the Puntarenas province and close to mangle. It overlooks both the shore, the green shores and the city where the local residents live. The sandwiched location of the site would act as the optimal choice of destination for the tourists who come to visit the Mangroves. 

Site area - 4,175 sq.m
Ground coverage - 40%
Height restrictions - 8 meters
Maximum FAR: 1
Setbacks as per CAD plan
Coordinates- Punta Arenas, Costa Rica

PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE 

The programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

Conservation: The protection of the mangrove ecosystem can be done with a dedicated security and research centre.

• Research laboratories, storage ~ 300 sq.m
• Staff headquarters: Offices, lounge, canteen, staff residences ~ 200 sq.m
• Training centre/Workshops, Volunteer centre ~ 200 sq.m

Marketplace: The place must act as a trade or marketplace for the community as well as provide an opportunity to attract positive tourism. 

• Local market (for weekly setup) ~ 200 sq.m
• Permanent shops ~ 200 sq.m

Communal spaces: It shall have spaces to set up, run their business and also acts as a communal space for local activities and events. 

• Multi-purpose hall ~ 160 sq.m
• Open air theatre/amphitheatre ~ 200 sq.m

Circulation (30% of built area), Services and Parking