The Future of Ecotourism is a speculative spatial design project that investigates tourism in the hands of the residents. While Covid-19 pandemic continues to plague the world's economy, the Caribbean's main economy-mass tourism continues to experience severe loss. Unfortunately in the midst of this, other sectors have also experienced strain of falling economy.
Speculating tourism as a blend of eco, cultural and sustainability that is accessible by both locals and tourists that in return benefits or assist other sectors is a project based on a botanical garden. Theoretically stationed on the island of Montserrat, the garden aims to enforce 100% natural and locally sourced materials for site structures and vegetation in hopes of restoring the island's lost agriculture sector, economy and many more tragically lost during the Soufrière Hills eruptions.
Threshold:
Constructed of twisted tree trunks and branches, it acts as the gateway as tourists progress through the garden's activities. The threshold is covered in flora to encourage pollination throughout site and the island.
Treehouse:
Built on the Royal Palm tree, commonly found throughout the region, the treehouse takes an unique approach. The concept entails the steps framed from locally/regionally sourced wood and infused with volcanic ash from Soufrière Hills. The top of the step is semi enclosed; the idea is as persons walk their feet gradually grates the ash and creates an ongoing cycle of fertilizer for the garden.
Stone Kiln:
These forms of kilns are found throughout the region and constructed of limestones or rocks found throughout the island. This kiln serves as the curing station for the volcanic ash steps.
Prototype images:
Threshold
Treehouse
Kiln
Shown above: Sections through site illustrates the garden subdivisions and flora description.
Want to know more about the masqueraders in this project?
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