CENTRE FOR URBAN ECOLOGY, BEIRA LAKE, COLOMBO

City School of Architecture (CSA), Colombo

Project idea

Recent works highlight the unique ecology of our own kind as a higher-order or ‘hyperkeystone’ species which can destroy or create entire ecosystems. What better place to begin than in a city? - Man’s primary and most altered habitat - a human niche.
The design of an Urban Ecology Centre in the heart of Colombo City proposes a long-term ecological research site in the highly polluted urban context along the Great Beira Lake. While humans gain many benefits from nature; in order to ensure equilibrium whereby we too provide the right environment for natural systems, research and monitoring should be carried out from urban sites.

Focusing on long-term ecological studies in Colombo as a global example of a high-density equatorial urban ecosystem, the centre proposes a new typology – actively integrating with functions of transportation, resource recycling, public awareness and urban regeneration; towards a better quality of life for urbanities.

Project description

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. THE PROJECT
The design of an Urban Ecology Centre in the heart of Colombo City proposes a long-term ecological research site in the highly polluted urban environment along the Great Beira Lake. Aiming to bridge the gap between either the purely natural or man-made dimensions of current research and innovation, the centre proposes a new typology which actively amalgamates with other public functions of the city, creating awareness and providing an invaluable service to both people and the environment.

1.2. PROJECT BACKGROUND
Recent work highlights the unique ecology of our own kind as a keystone species. Infact, biologist Bob Paine, who coined the term ‘keystone species’ proposes that such effects make humans a higher-order or ‘hyperkeystone’ species, that hold an entire habitat together by their presence - a special kind of species with the ability to predict and change the future. Inversely, when they are absent from a location, the habitat begins to breakdown. Take for example the beaver. In the wake of destruction they leave behind to build a dam or lodge, they create new niches, and are essential for the changing dynamic of forests - biodiversity springs anew from their actions. Thus, being a keystone species means we have a positive active role to play in the ecology surrounding us.

What better place to begin than in a city? - Man’s primary and most altered habitat. This human niche or ecological polis has created entirely new arrangements of ecosystems as we convert matter into technology. This lead to the coining of Urban ecology - the scientific study of the relation of humans with other living organisms and their surroundings in the context of an urban environment. The urban environment refers to environments dominated by high-density buildings, paved surfaces, and other urban-related factors that create a unique landscape dissimilar to most previously studied environments in the field of ecology. It is an interdisciplinary field that aims to understand how human and ecological processes can coexist in human-dominated systems and help societies with their efforts to become more sustainable.

Colombo, the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is no exception – as we stand at a critical point in the history of our urban development, chaotically sprawling and constructing taller buildings and wider roadways. However, as a keystone species, the answer does not lie in stopping to evolve or innovate for the progress and betterment of mankind, but rather to delve deeper into how we could use the ecosystems surrounding us in a balanced way for progress of all. The standard relationship humans have with ecological services is a one-way street of nature providing a service to us. However, we being a keystone species effectively enlarges that relationship into a two-way street of give and take where we also accommodate nature.

1.3. NEED FOR THE PROJECT
During the 20th century, most ecologists ignored urban areas with the result that ecological knowledge contributed little to solving urban environmental problems. Recently, however, ecologists have begun collaborating with other scientists, planners, and engineers to understand and even redesign urban ecosystems. (Grimm et al., 2008) Thus, Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites / Urban Ecology Research Sites (UERS) have been established within cities – which collect data in order to identify urban ecological trends.

Under the development plan has been devised by the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, perhaps the most changed quadrant of Colombo will be the waterfront of the Beira Lake. Rapid development is expected to change the visual and structural appeal of the area, giving prominence to the waterfront as a recreational and entertainment zone. Therefore, it is paramount that a conservationist solution be established.
Colombo’s rapid development too necessitates such a project, amalgamating research and monitoring of the urban environment in the heart of the city, whilst creating awareness amongst urbanities. Humans being the driving force behind urban ecology, there is a need for a dedicated centre to look into the variety of ways in which we influence the urban environment such as modifying land surfaces and waterways, introducing foreign species, and altering biogeochemical cycles. Unlike typical research centre typologies which mostly take place in remote or isolated locations, such a project needs to be integrated with the functions of the city, becoming a beacon for awareness.

1.4. CORE FUNCTION AND TYPOLOGY
“Large cities are the most complex systems that humanity has ever created and represent incredible efficiencies” - The City Solution - Why cities are the best cure for our Planet's Growing Pains; December 2011.
This pilot project embraces the changing urban ecosystem though the proposed creation of a new typology - integrating 3 distinct core functions of a research centre and water recycling plant together with awareness, using human movement (transportation link) as the element that harmoniously links these together. The result is a complex which addresses multiple systems within the urban ecological context of its immediate surrounds.

1.5. SITE SELECTION AND JUSTIFICATION
One of the most polluted of Colombo’s urban ecosystems is undoubtedly the Beira Ecosystem. Further, as per the development plan which has been devised by the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, it is paramount that a conservationist solution be established within this context. Thus, this location was selected as the pilot Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site of Colombo.
The selected site is at the only water inlet to the East Beira at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha (from Sebastian Canal that flows from the Kelani River at the North). This strategic location is also a proposed ferry point, nodal park and accommodates a proposed pedestrian link from the new Transport Hub. Linking over a main road and surrounded by old and new buildings, this brownfield site allows for the experimentation and creation of multiple ecosystems transitioning from the hustle and bustle of the city to the recreational waterfront and calm water beyond. The almost complete apathy of an uninformed public which has little idea of the degradation of this magnificent asset is a real issue. Thus, creating awareness and diverging out to the public realm would be a double-benefit.

1.6. PROJECT OBJECTIVES
 To propose a new direction for managing urban ecology in a rapidly evolving city.
 Instead of the typical model of isolated academic research, to combine it with active water recycling and awareness functions; making it experiential, dynamic and productive to the urban fabric.
 Reconnect the purely artificial urbanscape of a city with the natural ecosystem of the Beira – physically, visually and functionally.
 Demonstrate active urban environmental conservation techniques by going beyond mere preservation.
HIGHER PURPOSE
 Architecture and technology that achieves the right EQUILIBRIUM of man and nature for future sustenance of urban ecosystems.

1.7. ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTUAL FORCES
The main force shaping the project, function and design is the lake itself and the connections from the city towards it, which ensures a steady stream of transient commuters, both local and tourists. Unfortunately, this high traffic area is currently mainly vehicle-friendly with the polluted water and under-utilized land giving little cause for people to linger. Thus, from a social point of view, the lake needs to be restored and used for improving quality of life of urban dwellers.
The new proposal for Beira Lake restoration and urban regeneration provides an ideal platform for the urban ecology centre to take root. The recently built Nelum Tower stands testimony to the waterfront as an iconic location within the city. While highrises and hotels have been proposed, the historical fabric too needs to be conserved. A mix of low, mid and highrises would contribute to the dynamic quality of the waterfront, using the blue and green itself to create a harmonious environment. The proposed design would need to respond to the fluctuating character of the area to resolve such deficiencies in the current context.
The proposed promenade and ferry service along with the numerous hotels and restaurants in the area would serve as an ideal destination for local and foreign tourists. This provides an opportunity to create a vibrant night-life, which is starkly lacking in the current urban ecosystem.
The environment is a force which the proposed centre not only directly responds to, but actively integrates within its programme – be it the air and noise pollution caused by nearby transport nodes or water pollution of the lake.


2. DESIGN APPROACH

2.1. CONCEPT FORMULATION
The city is an apparent artificial ecosystem with few natural elements dispersed through. However, it is the underlying component of ecological services which allow cities to function efficiently. Just as balance in achieved in the natural world, a balance between the natural and artificial needs to be created – thus achieving equilibrium through the creation of an artificial landscape in the city. Thus, a balance between positive and negative spaces, solids and voids, transparent and opaque, cubes and spheres allows for the exploration of multiple ecosystems as one transitions through the complex.
 
2.2. GENERATORS OF FORM AND SPATIAL HIERARCHY
The main generators of form were the present and changing context, as well the functions which cater to both people and the environment within the complex of the Urban Ecology centre. The concept of an artificial landscape is especially important in this case, where the artificial city literally meets the natural waterscape. It is interpreted as a rigid, grid-like, built-up fabric meeting a fresh front, which is celebrated through the creation of a new form in the context.
Spatial hierarchy takes place as the user moves from the city towards the water, through the creation of covert and overt spherical volumes. Within the city, the sphere is a void inside a rigid, machine-like form – symbolizing natural ecological services which may not be apparent, but are embedded in the efficient functioning of man-made cities; for example food production, climate regulation and nutrient recycling. At the waterfront however, the natural component is expressed as a climax, where nature is augmented and becomes apparent in terms of the functional and aesthetic delight it offers in the context of a city.

2.3. DESIGN PROCESS AND DEVELOPMENT
The creation of an ecosystem that uses both natural and artificial elements was translated on site as a series of elemental forms – cubic gridded volumes to represent the urban city and spherical volumes to represent the natural component.
The part of the complex furthest away from the lake is dominated by a grid structure hiding a spherical volume, whereas the waterfront has an exposed sphere itself. These points, representative of a natural component, are placed at the juncture of various functions; through which the pedestrian link progresses.
These volumes act as the public interface, strategically housing important stages of the water recycling process as well; further strengthening the complex as one self-sustaining system.
At the waterfront, the almost ‘non-building’ element merges seamlessly with the blue and green of the promenade; while the rear building acts as the urban backdrop.  

Technical information

3. MASTERPLAN

3.1. MASTERPLAN CONCEPT
Existing development proposals augment the lake with a recreational, cultural and entertainment belt linked by a linear pedestrian promenade and green nodal parks, together with overhead pedestrian bridges linking from the transport hub and other surrounds to ferry terminal points.
With the upcoming Port City and existing CBD core, the masterplan envisions an urban regeneration - giving back the lake to the people. The high congestion of the built environment, vehicular movement and polluted odours currently hinders pedestrians from accessing the waterfront. This apparent absence of a ‘blue lung’ needs to be addressed.
The master plan aims to create a cohesive urbanscape integrating the urban and natural environments, complete with a variety of meaningful activities which are necessary to create a livable city. Inspired by Archigram’s embracing of an ever-changing city, A future is reimagined in which the Beira becomes a symbol for environmental, economic and social sustainability; which together meet the human need for both function and delight…
‘Neo-Futurism’ _ Archigram _ futuristic re-thinking _ aesthetics + functionality _ rapidly growing cities _ cities for people _ technology + man

3.2. PROJECT-SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF MASTERPLAN
The Beira Lake long-term urban ecological research site is proposed as a pilot project, and the headquarters for urban-eco monitoring. The masterplan proposes other short-term urban research sites, as shown on the map, which together form a network of sites to monitor the developing urban environment.
A network of constructed wetlands/mangroves is proposed within the canal reservation along St. Sebastian canal right from its inception at the Kelani River up until the inlet of the Beira in the selected site.


4. TECHNICALITIES

4.1 STRUCTURAL CONCEPT
Pile foundation is recommended for the sub-structure of the rear building, while the waterfront portion is resting on a raft foundation; and the sphere is also on a pile foundation with a ring binding beam on top.

A simple steel grid structure made of 600mm x 600mm square hollow columns and 600mm x 400mm ‘I’ beams form the major part of the superstructure, with composite slabs as floors. Bracing is used in certain double and triple-height spaces, especially within the water recycling area. The sphere follows a geodesic dome structure, made of 200mm hollow circular steel tubes supporting ETFE cushions.

4.2 BUILDING SERVICES CONCEPTS
 Hydraulics – Water supply is obtained from mains supply line, taken to sump, pump and OHT at roof level. Recycled water obtained from the Beira will be sent to the proposed multi-modal transport hub for non-potable water use; and also for landscaping of the masterplan area. A small amount will be circulated within pipes of the geodesic dome structure for cooling effect. Sewage is released to mains sewer pipe.

 Electrical - Obtained from the national grid via an outdoor transformer unit, leading to the panel room, distribution boards and sub-distribution boards within the service core. The water recycling factory has two generators, while the ecotorium has one. Electricity will also be generated through secondary sources such as photovoltaic panels and water from turbines, which will be used to light up the LED lights in the ETFE cushions of the sphere.

 HVAC - Variable refrigerant volume (VRV) ducted system is used due to the variable loads of the different functions; chiller room is at the basement with an AHU at each level. Spaces which require artificial conditioning were kept to a minimum.

 Fire-fighting – There are 2 external fire staircases in the research centre; and one in the waterfront building.

 Acoustics – The changing sounds of water from loud and gushing to soft and trickling leads the visitor from the hustling city to the urban oasis of the Beira.

 General – Exposed services and colour-coded pipes as part of the machine-like aesthetic of the architectural programme.

4.3 LANDSCAPE CONCEPT – CONSTRUCTED ECOSYSTEMS
The concept of artificial landscapes is brought into the design through the creation of constructed ecosystems in the urban context, introducing new fauna and flora as well as species that are beneficial to urban dwellers – anti-anxiety plant park, bioswales, urban farming, hydroponics, mangroves for water detoxication and algae for CO2 absorption.

4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL FEASIBILITY
The benefits to Colombo city – its people and environment, will be unquantifiable. As a pilot initiative by the Government, the research and monitoring carried out will play an important role in sustaining the city’s development and progress, while maintaining a conservationist approach – utilizing natural resources for betterment of both man and nature.
It provides a platform for technological development, international expertise and public awareness about pressing local, regional and global issues. Starting with water recycling of the Beira, the complex is both active and passive in terms of pollution control.
The complex takes an important step towards urban public and environmental regeneration. As principles of urban ecology state, man and nature go hand in hand – thus all environmental benefits are indirectly beneficial to society – especially in this urban context where quality of life will perhaps be the most important indicator of progress in the future.