‘WHISPERING WOODS’-Forest Entrance & Awareness Center at Kandy, Sri Lanka.

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

The project ‘WHISPERING WOODS’ demonstrates a commendable method for upgrading urban ecosystems and promoting sustainable urban development. By serving as a connection between the urban setting and the scenic Udawatta forest, it accomplishes several goals that are in line with the city's overall strategy.
The architectural design successfully combines contemporary features with the historic history of Kandy, showcasing a deliberate and harmonious merging of nature, culture, and people. This strategy not only maintains the historical importance of the neighborhood but also acts as a blueprint for upcoming sustainable developments in the city.

Urban forests play a significant role in urban space since their provision of ecosystem services. The study focuses on two urban forests in Kandy City, Sri Lanka: 'Udawattakele'. The aims are to identify the current status of the ecosystem services and the main challenges in maintaining two urban forest patches. According to the field surveys, observations, and interviews to identify changes in forests and services. The forest and species change reduction were studied using Google Maps and image analysis. The city's forest cover decreased from 64 to 48.9% in 20 years. As a result, the water level in Kandy Lake decreased, followed by the rapid development of the urban heat island effect, species degradation, and the spread of diseases. An unbalanced increment of fauna species negatively influenced the food supply level. Urban forests impact local weather by reduction of land surface temperature, air pollution, and air purification.
The natural environment in Kandy, Sri Lanka is facing degradation due to urbanization, pollution, climate change, and overuse of resources, resulting in loss of habitats, displacement of wildlife and degradation of air and water quality, due to depletion of vegetation cover due to rapid urban growth.
Moreover, examined forest patches help to supply purified water to Kandy City. The decrease in urban forest patches makes the city more vulnerable. Thus, re-plantation, proper boundary demarcation, and adopting appropriate management strategies represent current city needs. The project provides guests with an immersive and tranquil experience while delivering educational tools that promote environmental awareness and, the forest patches are going to be treated. The project promotes community resilience by actively including local people, students, and foreigners in seminars and training programs. This builds a sense of ownership and stimulates the adoption of sustainable practices.
Whispering Woods: “A Journey into Forest Awareness"
The name encapsulates the fundamental nature of the endeavor. "Whispering Woods" inspires a sense of mystery and magic, bringing visitors into a realm where the forest whispers to them. The subtitle, "A Journey into Forest Awareness," underscores the educational dimension, underlining that this experience goes beyond being merely an introduction. This experience is a fully engaging exploration intended to enhance understanding and cultivate a profound admiration for the crucial significance that forests hold on our planet.
"Whispering Woods" is not simply a physical building; it's a philosophy—a commitment to sustainable urban development, environmental education, and the harmonious coexistence of nature and humans. It serves as evidence of how deliberate design and education about the environment may motivate people to take responsibility for protecting it. This endeavor is not solely focused on constructing a tangible environment; rather, it aims to cultivate a lasting bond between individuals and the natural world that will persist for future generations.

Project description

Harmony in the Canopy: The architectural idea, "Harmony in the Canopy," encompasses the heart of the project. This proposal envisions a symbiotic link between the constructed environment and the forest canopy, offering an immersive and sustainable experience for visitors. Every feature of the design is precisely constructed to fit with the natural surroundings, producing a sense of oneness between the architectural marvel and the lush foliage.
The Building Spatial Approach
1. Focusing on the natural terrain and setting and following the natural experience
2. Giving a chance to see how nature is changing by giving and creating the focus on the forest
3. Refreshing the mind using green interchanges in the building
4. Creating a mind-changing entrance lobby to the forest

Technical information

the project demonstrates its dedication to sustainability with the implementation of passive cooling techniques, renewable energy systems, and native planting, all of which effectively reduce its impact on the environment. This method serves as a commendable model for establishing environmentally friendly green zones in urban regions.
The project establishes a connection between the urban environment and the Udawatta forest, thereby promoting biodiversity and emphasizing the significance of conserving and managing natural sanctuaries within the city. This, in turn, enhances the overall resilience of the metropolitan region, equipping it to effectively handle the challenges presented by the impacts of climate change.
To ensure little damage to the natural landscape, a scaffolding structure is recommended. This novel approach enables easy installation and disassembly, avoiding the need for extensive building labor. The design meticulously preserves the fragile equilibrium of the ecology, guaranteeing that the construction process has minimal impact on the Udawatta forest.
Ultimately, the ‘whispering wood’ project serves as an inspirational and meaningful entrée to the forest, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature among its visitors. It serves as a testament to the power of architecture and environmental education in encouraging folks to become stewards of the environment.

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