Kankakee River Marsh Project

During the second semester of my freshman year, I designed an observatory platform and village for the Kankakee River Marsh to increase public awareness and encourage greater engagement with the site. Each student was asked to incorporate an element of the marsh into their design, and I chose to focus on the river's movement.

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My designs feature a series of curved walls that guide visitors through the space. Each wall curves to emulate the flow of water rippling across the river. The narrow gaps between the walls symbolize a filtration system, reflecting the pollution impacting the river and the urgent need for environmental restoration to support its aquatic ecosystem.

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One obstacle presented was the restrictive use of land-based pathways to conserve the natural surroundings. In response, I positioned the structures along the marsh’s shorelines, enhancing the visitors' experience, allowing them to safely get close to the beauty of the marsh.

 

Through the creation of both the observatory and the village, I focused on highlighting the impact humans have on waterways while encouraging visitors to form a deeper connection with the river and its environment.