Jiawei Fan Yr 5

Artificial Washland The project proposes a flood-management landscape that embodies an alternative approach to addressing coastal erosion. It investigates Canvey Wick to tackle the wicked problem of flood management and biodiversity preservation.

Canvey Wick, once a brownfield site, has flourished into a nature reserve for wildlife following years of transformation. However, the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan designated it as a flood storage area, meaning the original inhabitants will go extinct when the floods occur. The design evaluates the site’s existing biodiversity assets, recognising them as integral physical features.

A flood scheme comprising a series of tanks retains water and develops biodiversity. Each tank has varying inundation depths and durations, providing a unique opportunity to study how trees respond to fluctuating temperatures and tides. The entire site serves as a landscape laboratory, providing valuable insights into a transformative ecology.

The proposal is developed using toned hand drawings and a layered model. It forms a playful and participatory design technique where a dialogue unfolds between biodiversity hotspots, flood infrastructures, and a network of public buildings.

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