Gaining New Perspectives: Ecological Security + Economic Growth + Experiential Design

The site is part of Dahanu “taluka” (administrative district), the only lung for the surrounding highly polluted and urbanised cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat states, India. This area is thus particularly important by virtue of its location, and its rich natural resource base and needs protection. 65 % of its population consists of the indigenous Warli tribals, who live in small hamlets dotting the foothills of the forested Western Ghats (tropical moist-deciduous teakwood forest). Most practice subsistence paddy cultivation and are increasingly looking to towns for supporting incomes. Moreover, their age-old, close associations with the forest as its beneficiaries and stewards are disappearing under the ripple effects of surrounding urbanisation.

The proposal strives for ecological security + economic development through experiential design – to build an inherent resilience within this rural landscape & its people to sustain their environment friendly traditions whilst making economic progress too. This is proposed through a system that’d revitalise the mutually beneficial relationship between the Warlis and their forest. It comprises of 3 components: (1) Productive Forest Fringe: Social forestry on forest fringe to prevent over exploitation of inner forest. An Orientation Point is also proposed for information dissemination. (2) Supporting Haat Area: Local market for social forestry harvest & related products. This is also where the proposed cycle trail begins. (3) Connecting Cycle Trail: Minimal interventions along this route attempting to direct attention to the landscape & cultural values that are on the cusp of change,which could lead to meaningful reflection for the observer.