Second Place Winner
Rejuvenation of Cooum River Bank, Chennai with a proposal of Tiny forests
Design by
Abinaya.G, Divya Kamatchi.S & Haridharani.J.B
"This is a solid idea that would greatly benefit the community. It's clear that planting and grade are being considered. I gave this high marks because of criteria on this sheet, but this submission doesn't look like a poster as much as a planting schedule. There is good research, but presentation falls short."
-John Hobbie
Abinaya.G, Divya Kamatchi.S & Haridharani.J.B
Abinaya.G, Divya Kamatchi.S & Haridharani.J.B
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Introduction
Ourselves Abinaya .G , Divya kamatchi .S , and Haridharani .J.B from Masters of landscape Architecture 2nd year students from Dr.M.G.R Educational and research institute , Chennai . All of us are from different cities and different colleges in our Undergraduation that is Bachelor of Architecture course.
As a student of landscape architecture we know the importance of a forest . Especially in the urban areas. Our college location is near by the banks of the cooum river in a busy urban area. We witness the condition of the river banks in our regular basis which can be utilized for both ecological and social wellbeing . So we came across this Archiol Tiny forest competition 2023, we wanted to use this opportunity to treat the river banks with dense forest.
Design Concept
The idea was to treat the banks of river cooum. Knowing the historical value of the cooum river we wanted to rejuvenate the cooum river and enhance the Ecological value . We created Tropical evergreen forest which helps to increase the carbon sequestration level as well as pollution level of water . Selection of Plant and Tree species was our first priority . Using the non destructive method of Computation of carbon storage we selected native tropical evergreen species of Chennai city which could survive on river banks . In designing we categorised the site into three zone namely Zone A – Undisturbed Zone , Zone B - Managed zone , Zone C - Active recreation zone . The Tiny forest canopy layers of the selected species were enhanced in the design like Canopy layer , Sub Canopy layer , Under storey layer , shrub layer and forest floor .
We created a balanced amphibian ecosystem developed along the Aquatic and terrestrial area. The main goal was to cleanse the environment through proposing plant species with higher carbon sequestration level as well as higher survival rates in the river banks . This will provide significant oxygen supply and shelter for animals and birds . It will prevent the soil erosion and uphold the fertility of the soil also enhances the local bio diversity.
As we mentioned before , our college is located near the cooum river bank. Cooum Once known as ‘Thames of South India’, the highly polluted and toxic Cooum river flows through several areas of the Chennai city. The narrow, slow and meandering 65 km long Cooum river, once a freshwater source, originates in a village of the same name in neighbouring Tiruvalluvar district and ends in the city. It almost bisects the city. At present the river faces a number of problems like excessive use of water for irrigation upstream, inadequate sewage collection, industrial pollution, encroachments along the banks and closure of the river mouth due to littoral drift.
Challenges : We selected trees and plants species native to Chennai cityany . In past , when Chennai faced many disaster like Vardha cyclone . Mandous cyclone , Gaja cyclone etc. Many native trees survives all these disaster when compared to invasive species .
Ecological Relevance
The design focuses on increasing the ecological value by increasing the bio diversity value of the space. Natural food chain will be maintained. Selection of species was highly prioritized for planning a tiny forest. Native species which has a higher carbon sequestration value was selected.
Tiny forests are designed to be highly biodiverse, with a wide variety of native tree and shrub species planted in close proximity. This creates a rich habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. Tiny forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate climate change. They also provide shade, which can help to cool urban areas and reduce the energy demand for air conditioning.
Tiny forests provide a number of other benefits to the planet, including: Reducing air pollution ,Improving water quality , Preventing soil erosion ,Providing recreational and educational opportunities for people
Sustainable Integration
Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and they are more likely to survive and thrive. They also provide food and habitat for native wildlife. Plant a variety of tree and shrub species will create a more diverse and resilient forest. Organic mulch helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds. It also breaks down over time to improve the soil. Water conservation is important, especially in areas with limited water resources. Tiny forests can provide a variety of benefits to people, such as improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and opportunities for recreation and education.
Selection of species with criteria makes the design more sustainable Tiny forests are designed to be highly biodiverse, with a wide variety of native tree and shrub species planted in close proximity. This creates a rich habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. Biodiversity is essential for a healthy planet. It helps to regulate the climate, clean the air and water, and provide food and other resources for humans and wildlife. Tiny forests can help to protect and enhance biodiversity in urban and suburban areas.
Tiny forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate climate change. They also provide shade, which can help to cool urban areas and reduce the energy demand for air conditioning. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. Tiny forests can play a role in addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to create more resilient urban communities.
Design Development
Site selection was the very 1st stage of our design . we wanted to select the most important site that wanted to be restored very badly. After site selection and site analysis . Selection of species was our 2nd stage. The most importangt part of our tiny forest design. We wanted to attract engendered species, birds, etc. the most important consideration was to attract even the tiny butterflies and insects that plays a important role in biodiversity.
Methods including the Dewats that actually a sewage treatment plant for the site. Forest patches , scrub jungles are left untouched that is not for public access. The complete zone was a undisturbed zone. Since it is a river bank , the plants were aso considered for surviving floods . Calculation of carbon sequestration for each species and also canopy heights was researched for placements
Community Impact
Tiny forests can help to improve air quality by filtering pollutants and absorbing carbon dioxide.Tiny forests can provide shade and cooling, which can help to reduce heat stress in urban areas.Tiny forests can provide local residents with access to nature, which has been shown to have a number of benefits for physical and mental health.Tiny forests can be a place for people to come together and connect with nature and each other.Tiny forests are designed to be highly biodiverse, providing a habitat for a wide range of plants and animals.Tiny forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.Tiny forests can help to improve water quality by filtering runoff and reducing soil erosion.Increased resilience to climate change and Tiny forests can help to make urban areas more resilient to climate change by providing shade and cooling, reducing stormwater runoff, and absorbing carbon dioxide.
Our design includes a variety of trees and shrubs that are known to be effective at absorbing pollutants and filtering the air. The dense planting of trees and shrubs creates a barrier that can help to reduce noise pollution and improve air quality. The trees and shrubs in my design also help to provide shade, which can help to cool the air and reduce smog formation. The trees and shrubs in my design provide shade, which can help to cool the air and reduce the urban heat island effect. The trees and shrubs also help to evapotranspire water, which can further cool the air. The dense planting of trees and shrubs also helps to create a microclimate that is cooler and more humid than the surrounding area. Our design is designed to be a space that is welcoming and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The trees and shrubs in my design provide a variety of opportunities for recreation and relaxation, such as walking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Advice for Aspiring Environmental Designers
We must have a deep understanding of the ecological system that they are designing for. This includes understanding the different components of the system, how they interact with each other, and how they are impacted by human activities. We must take a holistic approach to design. This means considering the impact of the design on all aspects of the ecological system, including the environment, society, and the economy.
Reflections on Winning
This is so exciting and encouraging. This recognition motivates us and make us to believe in research designs. This recognition motivate us to learn more , design more in creating ecological balance. We express our heartfelt gratitude for recognition our work.
Everyone of us knows the importance of sustainability for better future. Everyone of us should take initiative in maintaining a ecological balance , enhance the bio diversity etc. . According to us as landscape architects we should have more responsibility towards ecology and bio diversity. We are working and learning towards it everyday. We express our gratitude for recognition . We are overwhelmed.
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