Between Land and Water: An Amphibious Wetland Living Model | Design Thesis on Floating Architecture

Site Context

Over the years, the Kuttanad region has experienced significant and growing anthropogenic pressure, which has had a negative impact on both the ecology and the people’s quality of life. The loss of aquatic fauna, especially fish species and populations, eutrophication of water bodies due to nitrate and phosphate leaching from farm fields, high levels of organic, inorganic, and toxic material generated locally and brought in by rivers, aggressive spread of water hyacinth, poor drainage from clogged waterways, increased flooding intensity, scarcity of drinkable water, and the growth of water-borne parasites and predators that are harmful to human health are all consequences of this.[Abraham, 2015].

Both the environment and human health are harmed by this anthropogenic activity. People’s lives depend heavily on the landscape, and any harm done to it has an impact on them as well. The main issues facing the local population are the lack of clean drinking water, inadequate waste management, inappropriate tourism management, overuse of resources, unscientific construction projects, pesticides and fertilisers, inadequate sanitation, and yearly flooding.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat is a global agreement focused on the protection and sustainable management of wetlands. Commonly referred to as the Convention on Wetlands, it was named after Ramsar, a city in Iran where the treaty was signed in 1971. Currently, there are 2,331 Ramsar sites recognized for their ecological significance. In Kerala, three notable Ramsar sites are Vembanad Lake, Ashtamudi Lake, and Sasthamkotta Lake. The convention defines wetlands as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water—whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary—with static or flowing water that may be fresh, brackish, or salty. This definition also includes shallow marine waters up to six meters deep at low tide.

The Kainakary region is among the most vulnerable areas within the Kuttanad Wetlands due to its critical geographical position, close connection with water bodies, and unique socio-cultural dynamics. It is divided into 15 wards and falls under the kayal land agro-climatic zone, which is dominated by paddy polders known as ‘padashekharams.’ These are reclaimed lands created by farmers, reflecting Kainakary’s strong link to the local way of life. Located in the watershed area of the Manimala and Pamba river basins, the region is highly susceptible to flooding and related challenges. Additionally, the clayey and loamy soil causes many houses to gradually sink, forcing residents to relocate in search of safer living conditions.

Drinking water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and poor waste management are significant challenges in the region. The entire ecosystem operates on a water and salt cycle. Once a year, saltwater reaches the upper region, the middle region experiences salinity twice a year, while the lower region remains freshwater. The reclaimed padashekharam bunds form an intricate network of major and minor canals that irrigate the land. Key hydrological structures in this system include inlet sluices and dewatering mechanisms. Water flows into the paddy fields through the inlet sluices, and since these fields lie below water level, dewatering motors are used to pump water out.

Kainakary, located within the Kuttanad Wetland System, is the most vulnerable to floods and their associated damages due to its geographical position. Through interviews with ward members, it was found that the challenges faced across Kainakary are fairly widespread. For the sample survey, the study area was chosen based on the severity of these conditions. 

Ward 15 was selected due to its heightened vulnerability within the panchayat, exacerbated by ongoing flooding over the past four years. The Kanakassery region remains flooded in several areas as a result of damage from the 2018 floods, which has yet to be addressed. This region is home to many scheduled caste families. In contrast, the Moolethra region is currently safe from flooding, and the majority of families there are also scheduled castes.

Design Process

The design process begins with the site study that analyzes the engineered paddy polder landscape of Kuttanad, highlighting its intricate network of bunds and canals for agriculture and flood management.

It studies the region’s reliance on farming, fishing, and tourism for livelihoods while emphasizing challenges like pollution, waste mismanagement, and weakening infrastructure that threaten biodiversity and sustainability. The design calls for sustainable living practices, improved waste and water management, and resilient housing solutions to mitigate flooding and environmental degradation.

The design development proposes a sustainable development strategy that integrates land and water systems to enhance ecological balance and support local livelihoods. It showcases design solutions for managing water exchange between agricultural land and tidal zones through ecological buffers, tidal pools, and sluice gates. The proposal includes zones for agriculture, ecological recreation, and productive activities, aiming to improve flood resilience, regenerate biodiversity, and promote sustainable water management.

Finally, case studies were conducted to analyze the relation between land, built environment and water. These studies highlight diverse global strategies for blending ecological restoration with human needs. These examples emphasize flood resilience, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food production through innovative wetland designs.

Final Outcome

The final design emphasizes adaptive infrastructure that supports both environmental sustainability and community well-being. The intervention is divided into five parts.

1- Filter Landscape: Agriculture is the primary livelihood for the people in the region, with Kuttanad being known as the rice bowl of Kerala, producing most of the state’s rice. To boost production, excessive fertilizers and pesticides are applied to the fields, which harms the quality of the soil, water, and the organisms living in these ecosystems. This also poses a health risk to the people who consume the affected crops. To mitigate the ecological damage, it is essential to regulate pesticide usage and implement a filtration system before water is pumped into the lake.

A filtering wetland landscape, equipped with activated carbon screens to absorb toxic substances in the water, has been created between the fields and the dewatering pump house. Since the filtration process is time-consuming, the dewatering process should begin earlier to accommodate this. As these new wetland landscapes develop, they will become ecological hotspots, attracting a variety of species and their habitats. These wetlands, which are important stopovers for many migratory birds, have the potential to evolve into a significant tourist attraction.

2- Inlet Sluice: The inlet sluices, which are opened before each agricultural season to bring water into the fields, are distributed along the bunds at regular intervals. The number of sluices depends on the size of the paddy fields. This agricultural infrastructure can be reimagined by combining the inlet canals with fish-culturing ponds, as there is a consistent flow of water. People could use these ponds to culture fish during the period between agricultural seasons, making the infrastructure more productive and adding value to the landscape.

3- Amphibious Neighborhoods: The people living in the Kuttanad wetlands primarily depend on paddy farming, inland fishing, and tourism for their livelihoods, which has led them to settle around the paddy field bunds. As a result, they have developed a deep connection with water, with every aspect of their daily life being tied to it. However, the conventional built environment in this sensitive landscape makes them susceptible to damage. Houses often sink into the ground, and annual floods cause property damage. Therefore, there is a need for a resilient architectural approach that adapts to the unpredictable wet conditions, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the community. 

4- Filter Apparatus: Although the people live surrounded by water, they lack a reliable source of safe drinking water. They use lake water for daily household activities, including drinking, and public taps are scarce, often damaged during floods. As a result, residents spend a significant amount of time and money purchasing water in cans, with many households storing these cans around their homes. Public taps serve as social gathering spots, where people meet daily. Water scarcity becomes especially acute during floods. To address this, a decentralized, low-maintenance, nature-based water filtration system is needed in the neighborhood. This system would provide sufficient water for daily use and remain functional during flood conditions. Metaphorically, this system would act as a larger tap, supplying water and also serving as a communal social space. 

5- Tourism amenities: Tourism is another key livelihood for the people in Kuttanad. The Kuttanad backwaters and Vembanad Lake are popular tourist destinations, and the region’s unique culture, lifestyle, and cuisine attract many visitors. As the agricultural and fishing industries face challenges, more people are turning to tourism for income. Locals work in houseboats, own smaller boats called Shikaras, and operate small shops and homestays, catering to the needs of tourists. This shift has helped sustain the local economy and draw attention to the area’s rich heritage. 

Kuttanad, being made up of various padashekharams, is not well-connected by road infrastructure. Boats serve as the primary mode of transport in the region, making boat jetties important gathering spaces. These jetties, being key entry points to different areas, have the potential to become major tourism hubs in each padashekharam. By developing various tourism amenities operated by locals, these jetties can help boost the local economy and provide additional livelihood opportunities for the people.

Conclusion: The project serves as a model for regenerating critical wetlands to improve ecosystem services, diversify livelihoods, and build resilience among vulnerable communities. It emphasizes architecture as a responsible medium, promoting a symbiotic relationship with the environment. The project improves employability, adaptation skills, and awareness, benefiting not only humans but the entire ecosystem.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]