Follow the tide : the tangible potential of mudflats area

Abstract

The Master Thesis draws attention to mudflats areas which due to the increasing population are transformed for expanding cities. The problem of reclamation of these areas is not negative itself, but the scale of habitat’s destruction it brings is large enough to stop this process immediately. It touches directly Asia, expecting currently to have around 2 billions people more. The reclamation of mudflats is one of the operations in preparing the countries for next, bigger generations. That’s why, the chosen area is located in Chinese province, which as a conglomeration of hundreds of fishing villages has a huge impact on world aquaculture. The place became well known because of its environmental beauty and old traditional Chinese lifestyle, thus flourishing as a hot spot for world wide photographers. First studies of chosen location made me aware of many problems fishing villages are facing, which turned out to be also a part of #global issues. Suddenly the beauty of this place, juxtaposed to harshness of daily life, overwhelms and reveals how idealized landscape is being sold rather than the reality of this place. Struggling with the subjects as #wetlands #reclamation #climate change #fishing village and #migration the thesis began to focus on the potential of mudflat area, which used to be the daily workspace for all locals. Those areas, most photographed places throughout Xiapu County, being documented can contribute to spreading ideas and making people more aware of certain issues. All existing photographic spots, considered as channels, could be turned into communication platform, and by using geotags via social media, Xiapu landscape might interlock with design proposal manifesting the value of wetlands. The project’s main mission is to emphasize the importance of the fishing villages not only because of the threaten of its ecological security but also because of the authenticity and history of the area. Using the potential of tidal area as well as a potential of fishing farm, the research phase works out the way of implementing new functions and developing the relationship between inhabitants and visitors, which might cause the quality improvement of locals’ life. The activation strategy of this mudflats might be possible desirable through transformation of the #sea walk experience.