Our project is a re-imagination of Little Island, which examines the existence of urban ecology and focuses on two main problems wetlands are facing: unawareness and self-sustainability.
The upper level of Little Wetland serves as a wetland for wildlife that can only be observed from a respectful distance. Only one platform covered in glass from the original site remains for closer observation. Also, existing paths are partially covered in soil and plant to create a ruined and isolated atmosphere. The idea of a restricted park as a wetland emphasizes its vulnerability to human impact.
The lowest level of the park, which are the stage and the playground, are transformed into a water storage facility that pumps water from the Hudson River for irrigation. The polluted water is distributed through the outer pipes and absorbed by wetland plants planted on the pots, for further detoxification process. The usual plants planted are duckweed, spartina, and magmiti.
The detoxification system integrates three subsystems into a machine that serves as a bridge between the wetland and the toxic environment. The machine can be powered by tidal and wind energy. The machine begins operation with the rotation of the central bearing, also transferring the energy to a storage unit.
