Diario Concepción || See the photos of the project that combines non-hostile architecture in the Chimalfe Wetland: it would have a dragonfly-shaped viewing platform.

The Chimalfe Wetland (formerly Vasco de Gama), together with Paicaví-Tucapel Bajo, is part of the range of urban wetlands almost completely surrounded by the city of Greater Concepción, fragments of the disappeared original ecosystem of the Rocuant-Andalién estuary.

Since 2020, the Cosmos Foundation, in partnership with the municipalities of Concepción and Hualpén, has been promoting their transformation into urban natural parks open to the community, with the goals of environmental education, social cohesion, and ecological restoration.

“Understanding the importance of its conservation and restoration, since 2020, the Coastal Wetland Conservation Group (GEF) has sought to improve the ecological status of this wetland system, promoting sustainable land management,” says the Cosmos Foundation.

According to official information, urbanization has caused losses of up to 40% of the original ecosystem since 1975, making it vital to implement restoration and conservation projects that regenerate its environmental and social value.

What is the project like?

During the participatory initiatives, residents of the Chimalfe Wetland emphasized their interest in ensuring that future infrastructure allows for universal and safe access, strengthens environmental education, and fosters territorial ties through the construction of walkways and viewing platforms, and the installation of signage that serves as living classroom spaces.

The Cosmos Foundation’s proposal, in line with the expectations of Hualpén’s residents, includes the construction of a controlled-access portal, a plaza with vegetation, illuminated paths, and accessible walkways with interpretive and informative signage about flora, fauna, and fungi. These signs will connect to a shaded area that acts as a Living Classroom or amphitheater for talks and discussions. The design is inspired by the wings of the dragonfly (Chimalfe in Mapudungun).

According to a recent article in Ladera Sur, the Rocuant-Andalién wetland system, which includes Chimalfe, is the largest metropolitan area in Greater Concepción and the second most important wetland in the country for migratory birds, with up to 160 recorded species.

The architecture used in the proposal is based on biomimicry, a concept that revolves around “a contemporary philosophy that seeks sustainable solutions in nature, without merely replicating its forms, but rather through an understanding of the rules that govern them,” explains the Cosmos Foundation.

“After the amphitheater, the tour continues along walkways until reaching the Lookout Point, shaped like a dragonfly’s abdomen and offering panoramic views of the ecosystem. At this point, you can access the ‘magic forest,’ an iconic landmark that, despite being privately owned, is visited by locals for environmental education and nature-connecting activities,” the proposal states.

Read the article in the newspaper: Diario Concepción