INTRODUCTION:

Nature has evolved over millions of years to produce the most favorable environment for us to live in. However In the last 100 years, human civilizations have virtually altered all of Earth's environments. While technological development and resource extraction have dramatically improved standards of living for many, destruction of natural ecosystems and environmental contamination have bred innumerable interrelated problems. With an environmental situation of such magnitude, there is an incredible burden, not only in terms of financial costs, human lives, and quality of life, but also with respect to the sustainability of Earth's resources and wildlife.

In country like India which has an ancient culture that views humans as a part of nature rather than as its dictators; shows a higher degree of tolerance for other life forms compared to any other part of the world. India's wildlife is both rich and varied. More than 20% of India's land is under forest cover- there are at least 90 national parks and 482 wildlife sanctuaries. The country is one of the 12 mega diversity areas in the world, in terms of animal. It has a vast diversity of vegetation and wildlife. As many as 16 forest types are found in India, with over 15,000 species of plants.

However, there are formidable challenges towards 'saving wildlife' in India. There is a growing concern for the vanishing wildlife which has led to increased conservation action. Saving wildlife and wild lands through careful science, conservation, education and the management of the urban wildlife parks will change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in sustainable interaction on both a local and a global scale.

Evolutionary change by proactively shaping human environments and consciousness can further promote environmental sensitivity in attitude and behavior. In this context, design is pivotal. Not only does it often draw upon natural resources for materials and energy, but the finished result can directly affect levels of consumption, waste and contamination. While destructive impact must be minimized, it is also essential that design's constructive potential be fully exploited to ensure a sustainable future.

OBJECTIVES:

■   To create a built form that integrates with the landscape and generates a new model of the ability for humans, wildlife, and wild lands to live together in harmony.

■   To evolve a design solution that merges with its natural setting, respecting its intimate quality while optimizing solar orientation and capturing views.

■   To convey a powerful statement of conservation with appropriate architecture.

■   To optimize on available resources and employ recycled materials for construction such that the building consumes less energy while lasting longer-A true reflection of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

AIM:

To demonstrate the objectives through a proposal that caters to the alarming need for conservation of wildlife by serving as a platform for research, interpretive and educational initiatives and also abide by the environmentally responsive campus planning principles.

SCOPE:

■   The project exhibits design abilities that experiments and explores various design elements.

■   It also emphasizes on experiment based application of techniques with focus on satisfying design needs with conscious efforts in regulating natural and depleting resources.

LIMITATIONS:

■   The project deals with vigilant planning through optimization of available resources however not being a primary focus.

■   The study part is limited to composite climatic conditions

■   The study is based on simple parameters only for commonly used materials.

■   The use of passive cooling techniques is limited to conceptual level with little detailing considerations.

■   The evaluation of the statistics are not in the scope of this project.