The design of landscapes has an important role to play in the sustainability of our planet. To this end, Agodi Parks & Gardens is lending itself to efforts aimed at improving the conditions of our environment.
Agodi is located in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state. It sits at a meeting point between the Savannah and Forest habitats common to the area. In 1980, the garden was destroyed by the devastating Ogunpa flood disaster and in 2012, the Oyo State Government hired an international firm to rehabilitate and design a new program for the park.
Agodi is made up of multiple landscape typologies including an Indigenous forest, a zoo, a lake and tree plantations with a wide range of programs which include a waterpark, restaurants and open areas for picnics. Although the site is designed with human and social activities at the forefront, the presence of multiple site conditions encourages biodiversity which benefits our ecosystem.
Other environmentally friendly design choices in Agodi Gardens include:
– Selection of natural materials like timber and stone for the construction of paths and other elements within the site
– Limiting exotic planting to allow indigenous planting to thrive
– Elevated walkway within the forest to ensure minimum disruption to the forest vegetation. Moreover, existing trees will be used to support the walkway and will accomodate human interaction with the forest ecosystem.
Above and beyond, Agodi Parks & Gardens is no doubt a useful precedent in showing how natural environments can be integrated into urban city centers.
The first phase of the park has been completed and the second phase is underway. I’m excited to experience the park as a whole and hopefully witness how it continues to evolve with its environment.