Ruiqi Zhao

Surviving Between Water

This thesis addresses the long history of detrimental human activities on the Yangtze River, which have resulted in a systematic decline of the Yangtze finless porpoise population. The proposed urban porpoise reserve in Nanjing, China will create a unique opportunity to help safeguard this critically endangered species by restoring degraded habitat in a highly visible and public context. Design interventions will construct a public porpoise habitat that helps restore the river’s damaged ecology, encourages biodiversity, and raises awareness by engaging and educating people, all of which will aid in saving this species from extinction.

Advisor: Elise Shelley