X-architects embeds visitor center into sharjah’s wasit nature reserve

X-architects embeds visitor center into sharjah’s wasit nature reserve
all images © nelson garrido

dubai-based firm X-architects has completed a visitor center at the wasit nature reserve, a vast area of land that was once a waste-water and landfill site. located just outside of sharjah — the third largest city in the united arab emirates — the rehabilitation process of the damaged eco-system began in 2005. since then, 40,000 square meters of waste has been removed, and 35,000 trees have been planted — healing the land from toxic chemicals and conserving the region’s distinct salt flats and coastal sand dunes. after much effort to bring the non-migratory birds back to the reserve, the site is now home to 350 different species, as well as a landing zone for over 30,000 migrate birds.

the visitor center is located at the wasit nature reserve

forming a haven for bird watchers and researchers, the architecture of the wetland visitor center blends with its surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimize its visual impact. the building — along with its internal programs — seeks to educate visitors on the richness of the wetland ecosystem, and provide information on the birds that frequent the area. upon arrival, a pathway leads visitors underground into a linear gallery. from here, a fully transparent wall provides views of the birds’ natural environment, immersing guests in the landscape.

the scheme is located just outside of sharjah — the third largest city in the united arab emirates

the project conserves the region’s salt flats and coastal sand dunes

the building seeks to educate visitors on the richness of the wetland ecosystem

the project has been completed by dubai-based firm X-architects

the existing topography minimizes the building’s visual impact

upon arrival, a pathway leads visitors underground into a linear gallery

guests are immersed in the natural landscape

linear exhibition and viewing space

internal spaces are brightly illuminated

the site is home to 350 different species of birds

a fully transparent wall provides views of the birds’ natural environment

the rehabilitation process of the damaged eco-system began in 2005

the architecture of the wetland visitor center seeks to blend with its surroundings

the area is a haven for bird watchers and researchers

35,000 trees have been planted, healing the land from toxic chemicals

the nature reserve was once a waste-water and landfill site

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project info:

name: wasit natural reserve visitor center
location: sharjah, UAE
client: EPAA, environmental and protected area authority
built up area: 2,534 sqm
status: complete
photography: nelson garrido
design team: ahmed al-ali, farid esmaeil, mirco urban, pariya manafi, dana sheikh, abdullah bashir, waleed al mezaini, christian geronimo, brian abarintos, eyad zarafeh, haideral kalamchi

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