SANCTUARY WITHOUT WALLS A QUIET CONNECTION WITH WILDLIFE

Abstract

This thesis proposes an eco-sensitive wildlife conservation and interpretation center within Chitral Gol National Park, developed in response to the limited infrastructure available for the protection, treatment, and study of the region’s wildlife. Home to species such as the Markhor, Snow Leopard, and numerous native bird species, the park currently lacks dedicated facilities for medical care, ecological research, and responsible wildlife observation. The project aims to establish a balanced relationship between conservation and public engagement through a design that prioritizes habitat preservation while creating opportunities for education, awareness, and environmental responsibility. The proposal integrates wildlife care and monitoring spaces, research facilities, and a visitor interpretation center connected to strategically positioned observation points across the landscape. Designed along the natural contours of the terrain, the intervention minimizes visual and ecological disruption through partially camouflaged roof systems, controlled circulation, and concealed viewing pathways embedded within the mountainous periphery. These pathways and viewing decks allow visitors to observe wildlife within its natural habitat without interfering with animal movement or behavior. Through an architecture rooted in ecological sensitivity and landscape integration, the thesis presents a sustainable model for wildlife conservation in Pakistan that encourages responsible ecotourism, scientific study, and long-term biodiversity preservation.