Project Overview
Bahia Jobos Eco-Hotel is a Master's Thesis in Landscape Architecture that proposes an ecotourism and ecological restoration project within the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Puerto Rico. The project explores the intersection between landscape design, environmental education, and sustainable tourism, envisioning a site where visitors can experience and learn from the coastal ecosystem without disrupting is balance.
Through comprehensive environmental analysis and site mapping, the proposal responds to the fragile dynamics of wetlands, mangroves, and coastal forests. The design integrates low impact architecture, native vegetation, and interpretative trails that promote awareness of the bay's biodiversity. Ultimately, the project aims to redefine the relationship between humans and nature in protected landscapes.
Design Goals
Ecological restoration achieved through the recovery of native vegetation and improved habitat connectivity.
Low-impact master plan that respects site hydrology and minimizes ground disturbance.
Integrated visitor experience combining education, recreation, and environmental awareness.
Sustainable design solutions using modular structures and natural materials adapted to coastal conditions.
A living landscape where architecture becomes a tool for conservation and ecological interpretation.
Results
The project resulted in a low impact master plan that restores native vegetation, enhances habitat connectivity, and integrates lightweight architectural elements within the natural landscape. The design creates an immersive visitor experience that blends education, recreation, and conservation, encouraging awareness of ecological process. By combining sustainable materials, modular construction, and water sensitive strategies, the project demonstrates how landscape architecture can actively contribute to environmental restoration and resilience in coastal environments.