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SYMBIOTIC SUSTENTATION
CENTRE FOR ORNITHOLOGY
SYMBIOTIC Involving interaction between two
different living organisms in close
physical association.

SUSTENTATION Preservation and maintanance of life.

ORNITHOLOGY Study of birds.

THRUST

Net zero water building techniques.

Vernacular building techniques.

KARTHICK S | 311415251025 Thesis 2019-2020

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INTRODUCTION

Birds are one of the most beautiful creatures of the world. We admire birds for their beau-
ty and the grace of their near miraculous ability to fly. To continue to live sustainably and
have a healthy planet, we must understand how the natural systems on which we depend
function. Birds are a critical element to nearly every ecosystem on earth. Birds provide
many direct and indirect contributions to the environment (often called “Ecosystem Ser-
vices”). Birds play a vital role in keeping this balance of nature. In addition to being im-
portant parts of food webs, birds play other roles within ecosystems. Birds eat insects.

ORNITHOLOGY

Ornithology is a branch of zoology that concerns the study of birds. The study of birds,
their biology and habits, habitats and evolution and a multitude of other aspects of birds,
has a long tradition within the discipline of zoology. The most important reason to study
birds is to further our understanding of the ecosystems that support all life on earth, in-
cluding
ORNITHOLOGICAL CENTRE

It is a hub or space where the scholars who are interested to learn about nature and other
species joins together and do their studies. Other than the activities inside the campus,
they conduct awareness campaigns about the importance of birds and other natural be-
ings. More than mere research they propose new plans for the betterment of nature.

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IDEOLOGY

An ornithological centre usually refers to a place of education and research in ornithology.

Here the ornithological centre is a space for education and research of birds along with
other spaces where people come to know about the importance of birds and make them
experience the presence of birds.

Also this symbiotic environment (campus) would act as an contrasting factor to the sprawl
of dumpyard nearby the site (Pallikaranai marshland) there by reclaiming the marshland.

AIM

Architecturally,
1 To design and conduct research in ornithology covering all aspects of biodiversity and
natural history
2 To develop and conduct regular and short term courses in ornithology and natural
history.
3 To create a data bank on Indian ornithology and natural history.
4 To disseminate knowledge relating to ornithology and natural history for the benefit of
the community.
Socially,
1 To maintain and preserve the growth of marshland and birds.
2 To stop the illegal sprawl of dumpyard near the site.

SCOPE

1 Experiencing the same habitat of birds will help scholars to know more about them.
2 The center can make the people aware of the importance of birds, other living beings,
wetland and need of its conservation.
3 The center could propose new conservative measures for the betterment of the bird
ecosystem.

LITERATURE STUDY

1 CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY 2 SWISS ORNITHOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

, NEW YORK

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LIVE CASE STUDY

1 SALIM ALI CENTRE FOR ORNITHOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY,

ANAIKATTI, COIMBATORE

SITE (CRITERIA)

An environment which has the same as birds habitat so that the scholars would under-
stand, research and create an symbiotic environment for birds and humans.

SITE LOCATION AND OVERVIEW

Pallikaranai wetland is a freshwater marsh in the city of Chennai.Pallikaranai marshland is

the only surviving wetland ecosystem of the city and is among the few and last remaining
natural wetlands of South India.It has a geographical area of 80 square kilometres (31 sq
mi).
Government of India had prioritised Pallikaranai marsh as one of the most significant
wetlands of the country. The marsh contains several rare or endangered and threatened
species and acts as a forage and breeding ground for thousands of migratory birds from
various places within and outside the country.
The number of bird species sighted in the wetland is significantly higher than the number
at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. The heterogeneous ecosystem of the marshland supports
about 337 species of floras and faunas. Of faunal groups, birds, fishes and reptiles are the
most prominent.
The first scientific bird census in the state conducted in January 2010 revealed that birds
still visit the marsh.Indiscriminate dumping of toxic solid waste along the road, discharge
of sewage, and construction of buildings, railway stations and a new road to connect Old
Mahabalipuram Road and Pallavaram have shrunk the wetland to a great extent.
In 2007, as an effort to protect the remaining wetlands from shrinking further, the unde-
veloped areas in the region were notified as a reserve forest.

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JUSTIFICATION

PALLIKARANAI MARSHLAND REDUCTION

The Pallikaranai marsh was reportedly spread over 5000 ha. Study conducted in 2008 sup-
ported by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) found that the area have been
reduced to about 600 ha. Another study by the same agency conducted during 2015 re-
ported further reduced to 420 ha. About 30% reduction of the wetland area within a span
of 3 years is very alarming.
SITE THREAT

The pallikaranai wetlands, as

common for most wetlands that
area situated neighboring grow-
ing cities, face serious threats
from several sources. The wet-
land would most likely disappear
soon if immediate and consorted
efforts are not taken by govern-
ment and non-government agen-
cies and the general public to
save the fragile ecosystem. Major
threats that the marshland face
includes encroachment, dumping
waste
INFERENCE

It can be infered from the threat map that the north portion of the marsh land is under
heavy therat which would hence be appropriate that the site can be chosen from the red
area highlited in the map above.

THRUST AREA

NET ZERO WATER USAGE

The goal of net zero water is to preserve the quantity and quality of natural water re-
sources with minimal deterioration, depletion, and rerouting of water by utilizing potential
alternative water sources and water efficiency measures to minimize the use of supplied
freshwater

A net zero water building (constructed or renovated) is designed to:

Minimize total water consumption

Maximize alternative water sources
Minimize wastewater discharge from the building and return water to the original water
source.

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The Net zero water creates a water-neutral building where the amount of alternative
water used and water returned to the original water source is equal to the building’s total
water consumption.

DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION
1 Reducing demand by employing innovative tech-
nologies that consume less water.
2 Producing alternative water sources to offset pur-
chased freshwater.
3 Treating wastewater on-site and reuse or inject
treated wastewater into the original water supply.
4 Implementing green infrastructure by infiltrating
stormwater to the original water supply.

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Vernacular architecture is characterised by its reliance

on needs, construction materials and traditions specif-
ic to its particular locality. It is a type of architecture
which is indigenous to a specific time and place and
not replicated from elsewhere.

Providing a vital connection between humans and the

environment in which they live.

SOURCE

NET STUDY
https://www.archdaily.com/769013/visitor-centre-at-the-swiss-ornithological-insti-
tute-mlzd/5588c19ee58ecef4b5000097-visitor-centre-at-the-swiss-ornithological-insti-
tute-mlzd-ground-floor-plan?next_project=no.

https://www.archdaily.com/19263/cornell-ornithology-laboratory-rmjm/500d-
da1628ba0d6625001779-cornell-ornithology-laboratory-rmjm-image?next_project=no

LIVE CASE STUDY

https://www.sacon.in/

ORNITHOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGICAL CENTRE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornithology

PALLIKARANAI
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallikaranai
Sacon book- Management plan for the eco restoration of pallikaranai reserve forest.

KARTHICK S | 311415251025 Thesis 2019-2020