Dubai-based firm X-architects has completed a visitor center at the Wasit Natural Reserve, a vast area of land that was once a waste-water and landfill site.

 

Located just outside of Sharjah — the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates — the rehabilitation process of the damaged eco-system began in 2005. Since then, 40,000 square meters of waste has been removed, and 35,000 trees have been planted — healing the land from toxic chemicals and conserving the region’s distinct salt flats and coastal sand dunes. After much effort to bring the non-migratory birds back to the reserve, the site is now home to 350 different species, as well as a landing zone for over 30,000 migrate birds.

 

Forming a haven for bird watchers and researchers, the architecture of the wetland visitor center blends with its surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimize its visual impact. The building — along with its internal programs — seeks to educate visitors on the richness of the wetland ecosystem, and provide information on the birds that frequent the area. Upon arrival, a pathway leads visitors underground into a linear gallery. From here, a fully transparent wall provides views of the birds’ natural environment, immersing guests in the natural landscape. (designboom)