Wasit Nature Reserve Visitor Centre

Project Description

Wasit Nature Reserve was originally a wastewater and rubbish dump. The regeneration process of the damaged ecosystem started in 2005 with the removal of 40,000m² of rubbish, the replanting of 35,000 trees, the cleansing of the land of toxic chemicals and the conservation of the unique salt flats and coastal sand dunes.
After years of efforts to bring the non-migratory birds back to the site, the reserve is now home to 350 species of birds, a landing zone for 33,000 migrating birds, and a green lung for Sharjah city.
A visitor centre has been established on site to continue protecting the natural environment, to educate people about the richness of the wetland ecosystem and to provide information about the birds that frequent the area and other wetland areas within the emirate. The facility has become a haven for bird watchers and researchers.
The architecture of the centre blends with its surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimise its visual impact on the natural scene. When visitors arrive, a pathway leads them underground into a linear gallery. A fully transparent wall allows the visitors to experience the natural environment of the birds and to become part of it.