An immersive experience: jungle resort pench national park

Abstract

India is the home to the most diverse biodiversity in the world. With the variety of landforms, terrains, geographies present in India, the kind of flora and fauna changes with every kilometre. Pench National park in Madhya Pradesh has moist, deciduous forests and a Project Tiger Reserve as well. As the National Parks opened for tourists and the preference for wildlife tourism increased, the need for infrastructure also rose. Since the region was ecologically sensitive, the development had to be regulated. Being built in Eco-sensitive zones, they respond to architecture in a different way than any other construction. When life gets hectic and we fail to connect with ourselves, we turn to nature for our escape. Wilderness, forest experiences have been believed to have positive impacts on people. A forest area presents nature as the purest combination of a variety of flora and fauna in the most unhindered form. Design in natural landscape is a cultural construction. The buildings designed in natural settings become an essential, sometimes the most significant force of an ecological construct. They act as important connections between humans and nature; forming a channel of flow of information, understanding and acceptance from both ends. An immersive setting can be used as an effective medium to make people aware about natural concerns and develop their attachment towards it. This thesis aims to create an authentic, immersive jungle experience in a resort setting. It will focus on maximising the user engrossment in his environment, build his connection with it and become a part of the natural set.