The project proposes 136 acres of wilderness park in Gandhinagar at the Sabarmati river edge. Based on the site’s terrain analysis, adding water bodies on the site slows down the water flow and allows recharge—restoring the disturbed riparian edge with grasses (such as vetiver to create a solid embankment edge. Further, new native species (of trees and shrubs are introduced in phases post-removal of invasive species. The central spine in the centre of the site will be the most public route of 5 meters, connecting a variety of social and productive infrastructures such as a restaurant space, material labs, watch towers, theatre, exhibition arena and a water deck towards the river edge.Similarly, secondary trail networks traverse into conserved and open pockets for research; these areas will have seven research pods for up to 15 to 20 people. All these spaces will be equipped with functional and utility infrastructures. To visually connect the different areas, each will have a watch tower that becomes the placeholder. For researchers and tourists, this will be a site that will offer a wilderness landscape to learn from, enjoy and be a part of the habitat of shared species.
The proposal has three core drivers:
1. Repairing and Restoring.
- Water bodies and connecting bioswales
- Creating a solid embankment
- Introduction of native flora
2. Experience ad Research
- Trail network
- Public spine + infrastructure
- Research residencies
