Project Type
Research and Publication
Year
Winter 2025
Client /Professor
Nina-Marie Lister, Longridge Partners
Role
Individual Project, Urban Designer, Planner
ABSTRACT
This visionary urban design proposal reimagines Melville Park as an eco-tourism destination rooted in biophilic and ecological design principles. The project explores how sensitive natural landscapes—particularly wetlands and wildlife habitats—can be preserved and enhanced while creating meaningful, educational, and immersive experiences for visitors.
The design responds to the challenge of balancing environmental protection with human access by integrating low-impact interventions that foster experiential learning, ecological awareness, and long-term sustainability.
Full Article Link: Melville Park Ecological Design
SITE CONTEXT
Melville Park is a 624.5-acre property in Caledon, Ontario, under Longridge Partners’ ownership. The site comprises protected wetlands, woodland habitats, undeveloped land, and farmland. Adjacent to a rural settlement area, it is governed by the Greenbelt Plan and Caledon’s Official Plan, permitting low-intensity recreational and tourism-based uses.
DESIGN QUESTION
How can ecological design principles be applied to protect sensitive ecosystems while fostering immersive, human-nature interactions through experiential learning and sustainable infrastructure?
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
Protect and enhance sensitive ecosystems, particularly wetlands and wildlife habitats
Strengthen human-nature relationships through biophilic design strategies
Promote sustainability through native and edible landscaping systems
Encourage environmental education and eco-tourism through experiential pathways
SITE & ECOLOGICAL STRATEGY
Preservation of existing wetlands and natural drainage patterns
Introduction of elevated boardwalks to minimize ground disturbance
Integration of bioswales to manage stormwater naturally
Use of native and edible plant species to support biodiversity and resilience
DESIGN STRATEGY
Low-Impact Circulation: Elevated boardwalks guide visitors through ecologically sensitive areas without disrupting habitats
Biophilic Experience: Landscape elements are designed to engage the senses and encourage environmental awareness
Ecological Infrastructure: Bioswales and native planting function as both educational tools and environmental systems
Layered Access: Public pathways are carefully layered to balance accessibility with conservation priorities
DESIGN OUTCOME
The proposal delivers a cohesive park framework that integrates ecological preservation with experiential design. Through a combination of landscape interventions, circulation systems, and ecological infrastructure, Melville Park is positioned as a sustainable eco-tourism destination that promotes environmental stewardship and public engagement.
Key outputs include:
Site and master plan
Ecological and circulation diagrams
3D model and walkthrough visualization
Presentation boards communicating design intent and strategy
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
This was an individual project developed as part of an Ecological Design course. I independently defined project goals, design direction, and final outcomes, applying ecological design theory through research, spatial analysis, and iterative design development.
PROJECT SCOPE & LIMITATIONS
Due to the academic timeframe, the project focused on a conceptual and strategic level of design. The intended final output included a comprehensive 3D model walkthrough video and presentation boards to communicate the overall vision and design framework.
CREDITS
Design Concept, 3D Visualization, Graphics and Presentation: Orcel Manalang
Course: PLE835: Ecological Design | Fall 2024
Instructor / Reviewed by: Nina Marie Lister
Institution: Toronto Metropolitan University
Resources, Site Photograph, Design Competition organized by: Longridge Partners, 2024
