Located in Chennai, India in Tamil Nadu, the Biodiversity Conservation Park project is a Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department venture into showcasing the historic and present biodiversity of the state. Born from a deep understanding of the context, the design for a new Biodiversity Conservation Park embraces the logics of soil, water and the monsoon season to create a world-class botanical enclave. The masterplan process for the 137-hectare site is led by West 8. Designed to represent and preserve the historic Five Landscapes of Tamil Nadu mentioned in the Sangam Literature, the project’s ultimate goal is to create a biodiversity park of both national and international attention.
Positioned next to the Kadambur Reserve Forest, the design includes a broad diversity of sustainability, resiliency and microclimate measures that build upon the existing environmental systems present. When complete, guests will be invited to experience the botanical and ecological displays both on foot and by boat along interwoven water routes. From the revitalised large-scale lake and water system to regraded topography, the site masterplan also designates spaces for community events across all scales to encourage local ownership and stewardship of the park’s future.
The project is a key element of the special purpose vehicle ‘Tamil Nadu Blue Carbon Agency’ created by the State Government and supported by the World Bank. An initiative focused on overseeing the preservation and restoration of targeted ecosystems and the fourth mission mode project of the Government after the Climate Change Mission, the Green Tamil Nadu Mission and the Wetland Mission. The design team was selected via an international tender process in December 2023. Following several visits to the site, the preliminary masterplan was approved in July 2024, the draft detailed project report was approved in early 2025. The design team is working towards the Client’s ambition to start ground works and deliver an initial phase of the project by 2026.
Unique aspects of the Biodiversity Park design include:
Tamil Identity:
Designed to represent and preserve the historic five landscapes of the region as mentioned in the Sangam Literature — Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Palai, and Neithal. Becoming an exemplar botanical garden of both national and international attention which has been born from the uniqueness of the local identity.
Working with Existing Watershed Systems and Site Contours:
The design team undertook thorough research into the existing conditions and created a plan to sustain a botanical haven. Elements include desilting the existing lake to improve the water quality and enrich the capacity of the site through soil engineering.
Respecting the Natural Balance of the Environment through Landscape Engineering:
Precise openings within the site topography enhance water storage for drought conditions. Landscaped hills and stepped gardens both create wider catchment areas for rainwater and protect the inner core during the monsoon season.
A Landmark Conservatory to Preserve Biotopes:
Strategically located within the site, the Conservatory is designed to stabilise the temperature and showcase a diversity of plant life. Housing a range of functions, two glasshouses are specifically designated to protect and display the Shola and Tropical Montane biotopes that grow within the Mountainous regions of the Tamil Western Ghats.
West 8 has assembled a dedicated team of local specialists in the field, together with SPECTRUM Techno Consultants Pvt Ltd, that includes experts in botany, horticulture, architecture, wildlife, hydrology, and financing.
Biodiversity Conservation Park, Tamil Nadu
Design Team
West 8 – Prime, Design Lead
SPECTRUM Techno Consultants Pvt Ltd
Client
Tamil Nadu Forest Department
Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board
Visualisations & Artist Impressions: © West 8 (unless otherwise stated)