Stefano Boeri Architetti . YellowOffice . ArchitectureBRIO
The confluence of the Mithi River and the Maharashtra Nature Park, involves dealing with a wide network of ecosystems embedded in much wider territory, as the Mithi river flows from the Virar Lake located within the densely forested Sanjay Gandhi National Park, crosses the Powai Lake and Ghatkopar Hills before reaching the MNP, while on the south east the Sewri Bay and the Karnala Bird Sanctuary make the site a place of passage during birds migration.
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This ecosystem of rivers, mudflats and mangroves act as a natural barrier against floods, the ever changing swamp depending on high and low tides of the river, the density of Dharavi, and the increasing urbanisation of BKC, proof the preexisting cohabitation in this limited space between man and nature. Our aim is to strengthen this relation, to intensify it, to stimulate a mutually beneficial cohabitation.
The project proposes a line that acts as an infrastructure in constant mutation. Instead of a passive, territorially extended intervention this is an proactive, engaging and flexible approach where human activities interact with the preexisting nature, a non invasive bridge is the catalyst which encourages the exploration of the biodiversity of the park, maintaining its isolated condition as a unique quality benefitting the biodiversity of the park. Rather than constructing buildings, we aim to create an opportunity for relations through allowing time to pass slowly, this “natural promenade architectural” creates a new relation between city – nature – and humans.
A sinuous line starts at the ground floor, along with the roots of the trees, leading towards the tree tops, to become a new passage to link the park, the river and the city, through a pedestrian and cycle bridge while activates the park.
This bridge has the capacity to include in its infrastructure a variety of functions; its a bridge that is also: a bird observation point, a nature trail, a farmers market, a knowledge centre, an entrance pavilion. A bridge that becomes a classroom, and for each ecosystem that traverses there is an specific observatory, and in the middle of the most dense area of the park, it becomes a greenhouse.
Nothing is wasted: the old circular building is not demolished but becomes the origin of a future aviary. The amphitheater and the entrances are restored, as are all the preexisting activities. The currently unused area is to be reforested.
New paths are inserted: a circular one, around the pond, and towards the extreme west there are two others: one in the direction of the clearing and one towards the nursery.
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Global Design Competition
Master plan for a comprehensive makeover of Maharashtra Nature Park & Bridge over the Mithi River. Mumbai, India.
Client: Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority
Team: Stefano Boeri Architetti, YellowOffice, ArchitectureBRIO
