Noah Ryzewicz, Raymin Sidhar, William Toleff, Sabrina Goncalves, Kyle Notarianni, Mehakpreet Bhutta
Birdwatching in the Chester Meadows:
Chester Watchtower
The design integrated within the Chester Meadows creates a space in which both humans and birds can utilize. Three elevated structures are found to direct users through the meadow with the intended purpose of bird watching. The design has a minimal impact on the meadow and connects to the towns history through materiality.
Two structures found on site are viewing pods that rest along the shore of the River Dee overlooking the urban dwellings of Chester. When headed on the path to the main tower, the pods act as resting and viewing spaces. Additionally, the pods provide blinds for birdwatchers to observe birds without disturbing them. An open tower is found in the middle of the meadow providing a 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape. When climbing the tower and arriving to a new floor, the cladding peels away to overlook the beautiful landscape of the meadow as well the city of Chester.
To combat the wet climate conditions of the area, two prominent materials have been selected. Gabion walls are used as a foundational element for the structures and ramps. The walls are inspired by the Roman defensive walls located in the city and are able to withstand flooding due to gaps between the rocks. The gaps can also provide areas for small birds and animals to inhabit. Carbonized wood is another material used due to its ability to resist water, insects, and mold.
Birdwatching in the Chester Meadows:
Chester Watchtower
The design integrated within the Chester Meadows creates a space in which both humans and birds can utilize. Three elevated structures are found to direct users through the meadow with the intended purpose of bird watching. The design has a minimal impact on the meadow and connects to the towns history through materiality.
Two structures found on site are viewing pods that rest along the shore of the River Dee overlooking the urban dwellings of Chester. When headed on the path to the main tower, the pods act as resting and viewing spaces. Additionally, the pods provide blinds for birdwatchers to observe birds without disturbing them. An open tower is found in the middle of the meadow providing a 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape. When climbing the tower and arriving to a new floor, the cladding peels away to overlook the beautiful landscape of the meadow as well the city of Chester.
To combat the wet climate conditions of the area, two prominent materials have been selected. Gabion walls are used as a foundational element for the structures and ramps. The walls are inspired by the Roman defensive walls located in the city and are able to withstand flooding due to gaps between the rocks. The gaps can also provide areas for small birds and animals to inhabit. Carbonized wood is another material used due to its ability to resist water, insects, and mold.
