An Urban Bird Refuge

The 17 acre (68,800 sq. mts) site is near Sayajibaug along the bank of river Vishwamitri in Vadodara city. The river Vishwamitri passes through the entire city of Vadodara. The vegetation and riparian corridor of the river changes as we move from mountain to the delta along its course.
Sayajibaug is one of the largest green spaces in Vadodara city. It is richer in biodiversity due to the availability of different kinds of flora which supports the habitat of more number of fauna species. The current site is more like an extension of the garden but it is barren with very less vegetation.

Sayajibaug is rich in vegetation which supports lots of bird species, but there is also a zoo  where all the animals and birds are kept in captivity. Given the conditions of the site, the idea of the project is to develop an area along the river side that can act as both an extension of Sayajibaug and one which provides varied habitat for birds; so that they will be attracted to the site.
This design idea aims to create a natural habitat for fauna (birds) and to maintain ecological connection between the river and the site, fulfilling their natural behavioural needs – a place of refuge for the birds in the middle of an urban environment. This will also allow the people from the city to see the many birds and experience the rich ecology generated.