Can Gio mangrove Biosphere reserve

This project creates a Research and Education Center within the Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, designed as an integral part of the ecosystem rather than a standalone building. Its primary goal is to blur the line between architecture and nature through a sustainable design that harmonizes with the environment.
The core concept is to form “voids” within the forest using fluid, intertwined shapes that follow the natural terrain. These spaces are more than functional; they symbolize new life protecting and fostering the old, mirroring the natural cycle of the forest.
To minimize environmental impact, the three main blocks for research, education, and exhibitions are raised entirely off the ground. This not only protects the existing soil but also allows the ecosystem beneath to continue its natural development, gently integrating the architecture into the landscape.
The center offers a multi-level journey through the mangroves. An elevated walkway weaves beneath the canopy and through the exhibition spaces, culminating in a 45-meter observation tower that rises above the treetops. This path provides visitors with a comprehensive view, from the roots and ground vegetation to the entire forest expanse.
Beyond its research function, the project is a community education hub. By showcasing biodiversity and eco-development models, it reinforces its core value: that architecture must honor and serve nature.