Zhu Hongyuan

Constructing Wilderness: Bird Sanctuaries at Altona Coastal Park

The design thesis speculates the integration of bird sanctuary at Altona Coastal Park.

Wetlands are home to many wild birds, but in recent years, they have been adversely affected by sediment pollution and anthropogenic noise emissions. The thesis proposes expanding roosting areas at the Altona coastal park, located only 17 km away from Melbourne CBD, for migratory birds. The site currently faces huge problems of soil erosion and human impacts upon local flora and fauna, a legacy of neglect of the site’s local history and significance for a very long time. Through a speculative reclamation and protection strategy for birds, eco-tourism and eco-education concepts, the design carefully re-introduces a local ecosystem and improve public awareness to preserve the valued environment.