Messolonghi Lagoon Birds
Innovative Landmark Birdwatching Structures
Exhibition curated by Future Structures Studio in collaboration with Messolohghi by Locals Hub, MESSOLONGHI, Greece, 2022
The exhibition was organized within the framework of the project “Design of a New Landmark in the Messolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoon,” which is under the auspices and funding of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The design of the observatories was developed by the research team of Professor Aik. A. Liapi from the Department of Architecture at the University of Patras, in collaboration with the organization The Messolongi of the Localities (main project manager).
This exhibition showcases designs and physical scale models of five new observatories. The primary objective behind the design of these observatories is to create new landmarks that will emphasize both the environmental significance of the lagoon and the need for its preservation and sustainable development.
In addition, the design of the observatories seeks to seamlessly integrate them into the landscape, while highlighting the rich biodiversity of the lagoon. The locations for the new observatories were selected based on a detailed study of the local fauna and flora, the terrain morphology surrounding the lagoon, proximity to points of interest, accessibility, and, crucially, the optimal positions and angles for birdwatching and viewing the landscape.
The five new observatories form a cohesive network around the Klisova Lagoon, beginning at the islet of Plostena and extending close to the urban fabric. This network incorporates innovative elements in terms of form, structural systems, and materials. A defining characteristic of all the observatories is their symbolic and easily recognizable form, contributing to their visual cohesion. Additionally, they share a minimal ecological footprint, primarily due to the use of structural reed as the main material in their construction.
Katherine A. Liapi 