Ribbon Walk Project

A follow- up to ‘Public Spaces along Water edge’. Pallikaranai marsh in its present form is in dire need of preservation. Any intervention here should aim to be ecologically sensitive, socially relevant, and capable of generating interest and awareness about the wetland ecosystem and the diversity of flora and fauna present. Ribbon Walk Project is one such intervention to convert a public space to that effect. The site for this intervention is a strip along the southern edge of the 60 metre road that intersects Tambaram-Velachery Main road on the west and joins Old Mahabalipuram Road on the east. The Ribbon Walk Project is a 2 km long pedestrian strip along this road on the Pallikaranai marsh.

The project will increase awareness of the environment through interpretation tunnels, urban furniture which aim to provide information on wetlands, bird watching towers/deck, general public gathering spaces, and a children’s play area.

Retrofitting solutions into an area without public engagement or consensus rarely works. This project looks at the revitalization of a dying ecosystem through the creation of a socially inclusive and informative public space.