Design of a Network of Bird Observatories in the Messolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoon:
A network of innovative bird observatories are placed around the the Klisova Lagoon, linking nature with urban life, and forming new landmarks to mark the need for its protection.Their design, the result of a multidisciplinary and paricipatory approach, incorporates elements of innovation on sustainability aspects, structural system and architectural expression, offering a new educational paradigm for the development of future innovative projects in sensitive ecosystems worldwide.
Local
Greece
Messolonghi Municipality
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
No
No
Yes
As a representative of an organization, in partnership with other organisations
Name of the organisation(s): University of Patras, Department of Architecture and 'Messolonghi by Locals' organization Type of organisation: University or another research institution First name of representative: Katherine Last name of representative: Liapi Gender: Female Nationality: Greece Function: Professor Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Department of Architecture, University Campus, Town: Rio Postal code: 26500 Country: Greece Direct Tel:+30 697 850 3598 E-mail:kliapi@upatras.gr Website:http://www.arch.upatras.gr/el/faculty/professors/aikaterini-a-liapi-5124.html
The main objective of this initiative is the design of a network of bird observatories in the largest single lagoon in Greece, the Messolonghi Lagoon. Although designated a National Park and protected by the Ramsar and Natura 2000 conventions, the lagoon’s ecological value has been continuously deteriorating over the last decades. The observatories are placed around the Klisova Lagoon, in the vicinity to the urban fabric, linking nature with urban life, and forming new landmarks to mark the need for its protection. The initiative, the result of a University of Patras research team collaboration with the "Messolonghi by Locals" organization, involved experts from many disciplines, engineers, craftsmen, artist, as well the local community. The observatories location was determined by the particularities of the local fauna and flora, the morphology of the terrain around the lagoon, their proximity to points of interest in the lagoon area, bird watching viewing angles etc. The observatories’ design incorporates elements of innovation on sustainability aspects, structural system and architectural expression. Common to all is their symbolic and recognizable form, which contributes to their visual grouping. Integrated harmoniously into the environment, they highlight the rare beauty of the lagoon, its rich biodiversity and are expected to attract the interest of the local community and of ecotourists worldwide. The development of an augmented reality application has permitted a better understanding of their relation to the natural context regarding issues of scale, orientation, topography, materials, accessibility, etc. and offers a decision tool for the community. It is expected that this initiative that complies with the European sustainability competence framework will offer a new educational paradigm of partnership between the University and the local community for the development of innovative projects in sensitive ecosystems worldwide.
• Lagoon ecosystem protection
• Bird watching structures
• Collaborative design
• Community decision tool
• Green Comp [European sustainability competence framework] compliant
The bird observatories will be placed by the Messolonghi Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Greece, and the second largest in the Mediterranean. Although designated a National Park and protected by the Ramsar and Natura 2000 conventions, its ecological value, due to human interventions, has been continuously deteriorating over the last decades. The historical city of Messolonghi, meaning the 'city in the middle of the lakes (mezzo-langhi), is currently suffering economic and cultural depression. In close vicinity to the city is the lagoon of Klisova, part of the larger lagoon. On its periphery, a walkway permits a close view of many rare bird species, the acquaintance with traditional fishing methods, and with remnants of fishermen dwellingsin the lagoon, named pelladas, which are part of the gradually disappearing intangible cultural heritage of the place. This path, despite its rich environmental and cultural value, today has very few visitors. Hence, the objectives that have been considered in the design of the observatories are to create new landmarks to signal the environmental value of the lagoon by highlighting its rare beauty and rich biodiversity, and to attract the local community and of ecotourists from all over the world. Placing the observatories around the Klisova Lagoon, in the immediate vicinity to the urban fabric, will help linking nature with the urban life. The integration of sustainability aspects in the design process, such as innovative construction technologies, use of biodegradable materials, foundation methods appropriate for the lagoon environment, etc, will contribute to the minimal ecological footprint of the proposed structures. The approach taken in this initiative that addresses all sustainably aspects, environmental, social, cultural and economic, as well as the specific considerations related to this sensitive ecosystem, will offer a paradigm that can be followed in a large number of similar initiatives.
The observatories will be places for bird watching, educational visits and relaxation. Their location has been determined with the assistance of specialist in the field, i.e. ornithologist, who provided input on the particularities of the local fauna and flora, the morphology of the terrain around the lagoon, their proximity to points of interest in the lagoon area, and primarily on bird-watching viewing points and angles in relation to near and distant views to the lagoon. This study helped in determining the design characteristics and features of each birdwatching structure such as observation planes and heights, and decks at their footing, which, in their turn, determined thespatial and architectural form and expression, , structural system and textures and materials that were used. Their main design objectives are to safeguard the observatories’ harmonious integration in the landscape, to stimulate the visitor’s interest, and to facilitate the lagoon and species observation. Common to all the observatories is their symbolic and recognizable form, which contributes to their visual grouping, and to the visitors’ way-finding experience. The observatories’ relationship to the natural environment regarding issues of scale, orientation, topography, materials, accessibility, etc. was tested with an Augmented Reality application that let the visitors express their opinion on these issues before their actual construction and will serve as a decision tool during the actual construction phase of the observatories. The observatories once completed, are expected to foster to visitors a healthy relationship with the natural environment and to ignite a feeling of connectedness to nature The creation of the network of observatories that share similar features, and links the urban tissue to the lagoon, are aspects of the project that make it function as an exemplary case study for application in similar sensitive contexts.
The key objective of the initiative is to promote inclusion by making the bird-observatories accessible and affordable for all. To achieve this, the observatories will be located in "public" area and will be accessible by various modes of transportation, including car, bike, and foot. The project team has also made a commitment to include social minorities, such as the Roma, in the construction process.
To further enhance the inclusiveness of the project, an augmented reality application has been created and made freely available for download on mobile phones. This allows locals to get a realistic view of what the landscape will look like once the observatories are built. In addition, a public consultation process has been established to encourage locals to provide feedback and share their ideas for the bird-observatories. This helps to ensure that the final result satisfies the needs and interests of all stakeholders.
The initiative, "Design of a Network of Bird Observatories in the Messolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoon" is expected to foster a sense of belonging to the citizens in relation to the broader natural and built context. The development of the design of the observatories involved a participatory planning process that required the interaction and cooperation with citizens in all its stages. The display of the 3D physical models and drawing at the Messolonghi by locals Hub, and the Augmented Reality application that was developed by the research team, enabled the local community to better understand the project and let the citizens express and share their opinion on the design and placement of the observatories with the project team throughout the entire planning and design process. Furthermore this participatory design process encouraged the networking between different social groups and their mutual understanding of the value of the Messolonghi Lagoon and the need to protect it . The participatory design action of the observatory will enhance the work already being carried out by 'Messolonghi by Locals' for the protection and promotion of the environmental, ecological and cultural value of the Lagoon Lagoon National Park.
The partnership between the University, the 'Messolonghi by Locals' organization and the Messolonghi citizens, will provide an example of collaboration for the development of future innovative projects that integrate the needs of the local community.
The design and implementation of the initiative, "Design of a Network of Bird Observatories in the Messolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoon", was the result of the close collaboration of a research team and students from the University of Patras -Department of Architecture, coordinated by Prof. K. Liapi, with the "Messolonghi by Locals" organization. The initiative involved the engagement of multiple stakeholders at various levels, including local, regional and national and European.
The Greek Ministry of Culture that supported the initiative has covered the expenses for the publication of a book on the design of the bird observatories at the Messolonghi-Aitoliko lagoon. The initiative, after its completion was presented by the research team, to representatives of the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.) of the Ministry of the Environment in Greece. N.E.C.C.A. provided additional funding and is considering to cover part of the construction expenses.
By engaging different stakeholders at various levels and through interdisciplinary consultation with different parties, the initiative effectively addressed the challenges of preserving the environment and promoting biodiversity in the Messolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoon, and proposed a viable and innovative solution for the design of the observatories that will be soon implemented. The actual construction of the observatories will also involve Interdisciplinary consultation to ensure that the final result will satisfy all interested parties
The development of the initiative required strengthening creative cross-sectoral synergies and exchange of know-how through interdisciplinary cooperation between many local and non-local partners.
A collaborative scheme was created at the early stages of the project that included cientists from different fields such as ornithologists, botanologists, geographers, agricultural engineers, environmental and water management engineers, who shared their knowledge on the characteristics of the unique environment of the lagoon with the student body, researchers and professors in the context of organized meetings and workshops. Experts from the general field of humanities, such as historians, sociologists, economists and urban planners, added to the scheme, highlighted the historical value of the city of Messolonghi, and shared their views on the events that marked its political cultural and economic history of the area. Architects with expertise in environmental design and innovative construction methods, and engineers of various disciplines such as structural and geotechnical engineers with expertise in sensitive environment, as well as artists, writers and artisans that offered a different perspective about the value of this unique landscape and its experience also joined the collaborative scheme. Local craftsmen were also invited in meetings with the students, the professors and interested parties from the local communities This multidisciplinary and collaborative scheme permitted a holistic approach, that is reflected on the design team’s informed decisions on the design of the observatories, that will mark the environmental value of the lagoon and the need for its protection. .The impact that the observatories will have on the lagoon’ rehabilitation, the city and the local economy, will give added value to the outcome of the initiative.
• The general scope of the initiative, that is to place emphasis, through the development of a network of observatories, on the need to restore the ecosystem and at the same time to link the city with the natural environment, addressing in this way all aspects of sustainability [natural, economic cultural and historical], is innovative in its conception and development.
• The rigorous interdisciplinary approach, and the participatory processes followed in all its stages, constitute an innovative method not typically followed in a small scale project, in particular in an academic context.
• With regard to the actual design process, the observatories’ design incorporates elements of innovation on sustainability aspects, structural system and architectural expression. In the same context, the concept of the “network’ that enhances the observatories’ presence in the lagoon area and their vicinity to the urban tissue, as well as the symbolic and recognizable form of the observatories. , that contribute to their visual grouping, can be also considered as innovative design requirements.
• The integration in the design process of a form-exploration workshop that involved experimentation with innovative and sustainable technologies such as tensegrity and reciprocal structures, rigid origami folding methods etc. contributed to the creative and the inventive geometric configuration of the observatories. This constitutes an innovative educational approach.
• The development of an augmented reality application that permits the view of the 3D virtual models of the observatories into their near and distant natural environment, addresses the shortcomings of most AR applications, that permit the projection of virtual images’ or models in their immediate physical context only. This novel AR application can be considered as an innovative ‘decision tool’ that have been used and will be used in all stages of the initiative.
• The methodology involving multidisciplinary and participatory processes at all the stages of the initiative, can find application in many other initiatives that address sensitive ecosystems.
• The collaboration scheme between an educational institution and a local organization, may be replicated in a large number of initiatives in many places locally or globally.
• The educational method that involved a hands on approach and a form exploration process within a sustainability network, can be applied to a large number of educational projects that address sustainability issues.
• The integration of sustainability competences in this educational project in the context of this initiative can be replicated in similar initiatives that address sustainability.
• The exploration of innovative sustainable technologies and material could enhance the design process in a large number of projects
• New methods of construction leaving a minimal ecological footprint, explored in the context of this initiative, can be applied in other educational or not projects.
• The integration of the developed AR application can be used as decision tool in a wide range of projects and in particular in cases where
• The methods followed to awaken the local community about the value of the Messolonghi Lagoon and the need to protect it, can be replicated in other intiatives that address environmentally sensitive areas.
• The holistic approach to the design of the observatories may serve a paradigm to be applied in initiatives and projects of all kinds in many places where the integration of a design project into a sensitive environment is of critical importance
• The observatories will function as new paradigm that can lead to global sustainability through initiatives, engagement and collaboration at community or regional level.
A participatory and multidisciplinary approach was applied throughout the project development. The educational method was in compliance with the sustainability European competence framework on sustainability.
The initiative was implemented in the course of 3 phases that involved on site visits, educational workshops and seminars.
The 1st phase was focused on site identification and included workshops, seminars and discussion forums with experts and locals, a guided tours to the Messolonghi lagoons and visits to buildings and sites of architectural interest, as well as exposure to the cultural heritage of Messolonghi through literature and oral testimonies. A workshop on "Construction in sensitive ecosystems" that addressed Innovative structures in protected areas and the benefits of using innovative digital media (augmented reality) in architecture was conducted at the Messolonghi by locals Hub. By the end of this phase the selection of the sites for the observatories was completed. .
The design was carried out during the second phase. Expert collaborators and local engineers were involved in this phase. Two workshops, on innovative technologies and form exploration, on sustainable construction methods, planned by Prof. Liapi took place at the beginning of the design phase at the University of Patras .
The last phase of the initiative involved a) the presentation of the design project 3D physical models and drawings at an exhibition of the Messolonghi by local Hub, b) the AR application, available to interested parties and citizens, who used it to express and discuss their opinion on the place and design of each observatory, and c) the dissemination of digital material highlighting the project and of the results at international level with digital media, (video, photos) and communication campaign (social media, networks, etc.).
The initiative addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions, such as:
-Biodiversity conservation: The design of the bird observatories in the Messolonghi-Aitoliko lagoon helps to protect the rich biodiversity of the area, and highlights the need for its protection in general.
-Environmental protection and Sustainability : The observatories are designed with a low ecological footprint, using sustainable materials such as structural reed (bamboo), are harmoniously integrated into the landscape and highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructures globally.
-awareness raising through Education: The educational model that was developed addresses sustainability competences that can find application globally, while promoting project-based learning and collaborative approaches. In addition theinitiative network provides opportunities for educating the local community and for raising awareness about the importance of preserving the lagoon's ecosystems, and its flora and fauna.
-Economic development and sustainability: The observatories can be used to attract eco-tourism, boosting local economY and promoting lagoonS and other sensitive areas as a destination point for sustainable tourism. Overall, the initiative provides local solutions that address global environmental sustainability and conservation challenges, while promoting at the same time economic sustainability and development. The observatories will function as new paradigm that can lead to global sustainability through initiatives, engagement and collaboration at community or regional level, or through global partnerships.
The cross-sectoral collaborative scheme that was followed seeks to become a model for the development of cooperation for architectural actions by integrating the needs of the local community and by creating opportunities for sustainable development
The implementation of the initiative has made significant progress to date. Some of the key results and outputs include:
-A report on the characteristics of the immediate and broader physical and man made context
-An Augmented Reality (AR) application that will be of value during the construction stage as well.
-The initiative received funding by the Greek Ministry of Culture, and a report after the completion of the design of the observation has been developed.
-An architectural exhibition of drawing and physical models
-The Ministry of the Environment has provided funding and consider covering the expenses of the construction.
In the year following the application, the research team will finalize working drawings and will secure funding for construction, expected to begin before the end of summer.
The envisaged results and benefits of the initiative are:
-The observatories will provide a} new places for observing and studying the local flora and fauna, contributing to the conservation efforts in the area, b) new opportunities for eco-tourism, boosting local economies and promoting the lagoon as a destination for sustainable tourism c) new opportunities for education and learning about the lagoon's ecosystem, flora, and fauna, d] will raise awareness about the importance of preserving the lagoon's ecosystem and will promote sustainable development, create new jobs and a new circular economy ,e] reduce the environmental impact of infrastructures in the lagoon { use of sustainable methods and materials for the construction).
The promotion of the action through the press and social media at national and international level will increase visitor traffic to the city of Messolonghi and its economic stimulation, as well as the visibility and dissemination of the action.
The integration in the curriculum will serve as a base for developing other courses with a similar approach
The main theme, objectives, methodology and outcomes of the initiative fully comply with the European competence framework on sustainability. The intention of Professor Liapi from the Dept of Architecture at the University of Patras, through this initiative, was to place emphasis on the need for a rigorous integration of environmental sustainability topics into the curriculum.
The main educational objective supported by the methodology that was followed, was to offer students a hands-on opportunity to interact in a real-world setting that will help them develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to think, plan and act with responsibility and that will let them become competent in sustainability issues. Specifically in the context of this initiative, students have been exposed to all sustainability aspects (environmental, social, cultural and economic) while the followed method has promoted project-based learning and collaborative approaches. On an effort to restore and regenerate the Messolonghi lagoon and city, the trans-disciplinary approach has helped students to frame the sustainability challenges related to the sensitive ecosystem of the area. In the context of this initiative students were encouraged to combine creativity and experimentation and to create through their projects, a vision for Messolonghi’s sustainable future.
The ultimate scope of the initiative was to create a new education paradigm that addresses all sustainability competences through the engagement and collaboration at community and regional level. It is anticipated that the competences that students have developed in the course of this initiative will help them become critical thinkers, and to make informed decisions that will lead to global transformations for a more sustainable planet
