Investigation of the compositional links between architecture and landscape in the formation of ecotourism complexes in the territory of southern Iraq
Annotation: The article analyzes the landscape potential of the swamps of southern Iraq, as a prospective location for architectural objects for the construction of an eco-tourism complex. The purpose of the study is to identify the mechanism of formation of compositional links between architecture and landscape on the example of tourist development of wetlands in southern Iraq. The functional planning model of the tourist complex is presented. On the basis of morphological analysis, the horizontal and vertical morphological structures of the wetland landscape were revealed; the elements of the natural-ecological framework of wetlands are described. Structural components of tourist complexes in the form of a combination of its volumetric-spatial, plastic and decorative structures are proposed. Variants of compositional connections of architecture of tourist complexes and wetland-landscape at different levels of formation have been developed. The presented methodological tools will make it possible to form functional ecotourism objects that correspond to the principles of sustainable architecture.
Keywords: wetlands, architecture, landscape, ecotourism complexes, compositional relationships, morphological structure, ecological framework.
Wetlands (hereinafter referred to as wetlands) in the floodplain of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are an important component of the territory of southern Iraq - as established and productive ecosystems that provide a variety of activities and tourist services [1]. Wetlands, on the one hand, directly affect the maintenance of the life of the local population ("swamp Arabs"), on the other hand, provide cultural values (recreational, aesthetic and spiritual), hiding incredible historical and archaeological facts and acting as a "cradle the first civilization of mankind ”(Mesopotamia) [2]. This explains the popularity of wetlands as one of the top tourist destinations for a million visitors annually. According to the results of the study of the landscape of wetlands of southern Iraq, the most popular is eco-tourism in areas close to water [3]. Ecotourism complexes offer a range of recreational activities, including: waterside and waterside living, sunbathing, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, photography, observation of the flora and fauna of the marshes, enjoying the landscape; visiting museum expositions. The services offered to tourists can be presented in the form of a conditional functional planning model of an ecotourism complex.
The tourism potential of the wetlands is one of the "keys" to the development of the economy of Southern Iraq, providing opportunities for income generation and employment of the population [4]. At the same time, the use of the wetland ecosystem for ecotourism creates a number of controversies. On the one hand, people at all times were attracted by water, which reflects a strong connection with nature and a unique aesthetic appeal, which makes architects look for new conceptual solutions for integrating tourist facilities with the landscape complex of wetlands. On the other hand, overexploitation of this ecosystem poses a threat to the sustainable existence of its flora and fauna [5]. According to a report on wetlands prepared by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, international tourists visit the wetlands with incredible consistency, reaching almost half the ratio of all world tourism. Therefore, it is important to conduct research on the optimal planning of tourist complexes with the "safe" introduction of objects into the ecological and landscape framework of wetlands [6].
To solve this problem, there are already a number of methods and research directions, including: a) environmental monitoring of existing and planned recreational zones in the structure of the anthropogenic and natural landscape [7]; the use of objects of "green" and "organic" architecture in natural complexes based on the use of environmentally friendly materials in construction and decoration, techniques for greening roofs and facades [8]; use in the construction and operation of ecotourism facilities of energy efficient and waste-free technologies that exclude emissions of harmful substances into the ecosystem of the natural landscape, including through the use of renewable energy sources [9].
The purpose of this study is to identify the mechanism for the formation of effective compositional relationships in the "interaction" of the projected ecotourism objects and the landscape of wetlands on the example of southern Iraq.
Based on the data of the geo-information system (GIS) for the aquatic environment of Iraqi swamps [11], one can consider the wetlands in Chibaish in southern Iraq to be the most investment attractive in terms of their landscape and recreational potential. The swamps in Chibaisha are geographically divided into several main groups:
· A group of swamps located east of the Tigris River, the most important of which is Khveiza. Its area is about 2863 km².
· Marshes located west of the Tigris, the most important of which is Hamar Hill, which covers an area of about 2,441 square kilometers.
· The swamps of the Euphrates, which stretch from Al-Hadera to Al-Kifl between the two branches of the Euphrates (Hilla and Al-Hindiya). It consists of several small marshes.
· Swamps with the provinces of Maysan - Di Kar - Basra as centers of balance.
The marshes are located between 50, 30 and 50, 32 north latitude and between the border of Iran in the east and the edge of the plateau in the west. River valleys, coastal areas of Chibaish bogs and other water bodies, local relief thalwegs are important elements of the landscape-ecological framework of the territory and one of the key objects in landscape planning of architectural objects for ecotourism zones. Spatially, these elements have a linear shape and, in landscape planning, can perform binding and barrier-distribution functions.
Taking into account the existing features of the wetlands of Mesopotamia, in order to analyze the ecological potential of swamps and establish effective methods for the compositional integration of the architecture of tourist complexes into the landscape of the wetlands, it is necessary to apply the methods of shaping, one of which is the "structural-morphological analysis-synthesis", which makes it possible to decompose a complex object into a number of structural units [12].
Based on this approach, it is possible to carry out a morphological analysis of the wetland landscape, highlighting: a) the horizontal “morphological structure” of the landscape and b) the vertical “morphological structure” of the landscape complex of the wetland. The joint study of vertical and horizontal structures makes it possible to represent the landscape of wetlands of southern Iraq as a volumetric-spatial, three-dimensional, geomorphic system.
Horizontal "morphological structure The wetland landscape is its horizontal structure in the form of a planning "landscape-ecological frame" (hereinafter LEK). Taking into account this concept, on the territory of the wetlands of southern Iraq, the optimization of nature management should be based on the balance of rational economic use of the resources of the wetland ecosystem and the preservation of the values of the “landscape-ecological frame” of the wetlands. LEK (landscape-ecological frame) in this study represents a system of planning morphological "units" of wetlands in the form of anthropogenic, natural and semi-natural elements that determine the stability of the structure of the territory of bogs, its ecological state and aesthetics. In a broad sense, the landscape-ecological framework includes three important components:
- "natural", which determines the actual natural, ecological and genetic characteristics and the ecological state of the wetland landscape;
- "functional planning", associated with the technological and planning elements of the LEK, performing certain functions (management, accommodation, ecotourism, etc.);
- "landscape-morpho structural" includes natural and anthropogenic elements of the wetland territory, affecting its structure, structural components, landscape potential, tourist attractiveness (attractiveness) and external appearance.
The landscape-ecological framework determines the compositional and aesthetic properties of the natural-anthropogenic landscape of the wetlands, its morphological features and sustainable functioning. The ecological function of the elements of the landscape frame is capable of “maintaining” the parameters of the natural or natural-anthropogenic environment of wetlands within the boundaries acceptable for life. Taking into account the structure of the LEK in this area, it is necessary to preserve "green corridors" with their functioning in the form of "water protection zones" of wetlands or in the form of canals and watercourses. Transit, transport arteries, which connect the landscape into integral “basin and paradynamic systems” of various scales, also play an important role in the bog ecosystem.
The key elements of the horizontal morphological structure of the wetland landscape (or the landscape-ecological frame of the wetland) can be reduced to the following main functional-planning "units":
- “linear structures” and directions of development of the “ecological” and water-natural framework (channels, channels, canals);
- “linear and vector structures”, as well as directions of development of the anthropogenic frame of wetlands (transport eco-corridors or migration channels with bridges, pedestrian roads, highways, dams, bridge crossings);
- “nodal structures” or “cores” located at the intersections of linear and vector directions of development of the LEK, affecting the functioning of adjacent territories, and performing environment-forming and stabilizing functions while maintaining the ecological balance and biodiversity of wetlands;
- "buffer zones" and "accumulators" - island and peninsular elements of the land of wetlands, which are valuable from the point of view of the convenience of placement and accumulation of various functions (recreational, economic, tourist, etc.);
- "markers" and "dispersed elements" - a kind of "focal points" and "accents" in the planning structure of the wetland landscape, which have a visual and functional planning value in terms of configuration and geometric parameters, relative position (small islands, ledges, bays, backwaters, eriks, capes, accents in the line of the coastal strip, etc.).
At the same time, the effect of ecological, compositional, artistic, aesthetic and functional factors influencing the peculiarities of the formation of landscape architecture of tourist complexes in the structure of wetlands requires studying the patterns of spatial manifestation of the landscape environment of wetlands. The vertical “morphological structure of the wetland landscape is formed by its volumetric-spatial elements in the form of vertical structures of bog vegetation, coastal slopes and masses of islands, as well as residential and public buildings of“ swamp Arabs ”that have become an organic part of the natural landscape complex of wetlands. Taking into account this concept, the following “components” of the vertical morphological structure of the wetland landscape of southern Iraq can be distinguished:
- Shaping lines and contours of architectural structures of the "swamp Arabs" (arched, hexagonal, intermittent, vertical, etc.);
- directions and vectors of development of the “volumetric frame” of wetlands, represented by linearly extended groups of buildings on the water; a line of volumetric and linearly elongated islands;
- multidirectional and complexly oriented volumes of anthropogenic structures (inhabited islands, floating structures and dwellings made of reeds in the form of artificial geometric shapes and island volumes);
- anthropogenic and natural "walls", barriers and vertical structures of wetland vegetation (Fig. 3). Architectural objects and structures introduced into the natural landscape complex of wetlands for ecotourism functions can, from the point of view of "morphological analysis", be conventionally represented in the form of three main structures: a) "volumetric-spatial structure" (buildings, blocks, buildings and their combinations) ; b) "plastic structure" (the degree of dissection; "sculpturally" and detailing of individual volumetric forms and spaces, taking into account the "ranks", "levels" and "steps" of detailing); c) "decorative structure" (small forms; color and light-tonal combinations of surfaces; textures and textures of architectural volumes). As a result of the integration of architectural objects of ecotourism into the morphological structure of the wetland landscape, a new concept appears - the "urbanized landscape" of the wetland area - as a dynamic territorial-spatial system of interacting natural and anthropogenic complexes, including architectural-spatial, technical, recreational objects, natural capacities (combinations vegetation, relief, water spaces, etc.), as well as groups of "users" (local residents and tourists). By purposefully building “compositional links” between architectural and natural components, it is possible to create an urbanized landscape of ecotourism complexes based on harmoniously combined and interacting architectural masses and natural components of wetlands. At the level of the horizontal morphological structure of the wetland landscape, it is possible to "build" the following compositional links with ecotourism objects:
- the regular arrangement of architectural volumes, taking into account the established directions of development of the landscape ecological frame (LEK) and the features of the functional zoning of the ecotourism complex (hotel, museum, recreation area, fishing, sightseeing trails, etc.);
- placement of iconic architectural forms and dominants in the places of "nodal intersections" and "cores" of LEK;
- scenario-functional zoning of the wetland territory, taking into account naturally formed "accumulators" and "buffers" of the LEK;
- deliberate placement of architectural and compositional accents, taking into account the available "markers" and "dispersed elements" LEK. horizontal morphological structure of the wetland landscape. At the level of the vertical and volumetric morphological structure of the wetland landscape, the formation of the following variants of natural compositional relationships between architecture and landscape is possible:
- the use of form-building lines and contours of newly formed architectural objects of ecotourism, taking into account the prevailing outlines and silhouettes of natural islands and buildings of the "swamp Arabs";
- purposeful placement of linear and metro-rhythmic architectural forms, taking into account the directions of development of the volumetric frame of wetlands;
- compositional interaction of architectural volumes of tourist facilities and wetlands at the level of color combinations, stylization of textures and textures of natural forms.
Thus, using the features and elements of the morphological structure of the wetland landscape as a mechanism of formation, it is possible to "build" its regular compositional relationships with architectural objects using various criteria and a scale for assessing the resulting compositional-landscape structures. This will allow taking into account the uniqueness and integrity of the spatial environment of the wetlands with the allocation of architectural and natural dominants, including the direction of the axes, the structure of the form-forming lines of landscape components, the subordination of the elements of natural and cultural landscapes, the definition of visibility zones, panoramic views of landscape pools and the main routes for tourists.
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Peculiarities of the formation of ecotourism objects in the wetland landscape of south iraq.
Annotation: The article analyzes the state of the landscape complex of the wetland area of Mesopotamia (southern Iraq). For the rehabilitation, restoration, and further functioning of this unique landscape, the concept of the integrated inclusion of ecotourism objects based on the principles of "green architecture" is proposed. A set of requirements for such objects is being formed. The design concept of the stage-by-stage formation of the tourist complex is described.
Keywords: landscape, wetlands, green architecture, tourist complex
Abstract: The article analyzes the state of the landscape complex of the Mesopotamian wetlands (southern Iraq). For the rehabilitation, restoration, and further functioning of this unique landscape, the concept of integrated inclusion of ecotourism objects based on the principles of "green architecture" is proposed. A set of requirements for such objects is being formed. The project concept of a phased formation of a tourist complex is described.
Keywords: landscape, wetlands, green architecture, tourist complex
The fundamental prerequisite for the use of the wetlands of southern Iraq for ecotourism is the implementation of an international project with the support of UNESCO and UNEP to assist the Iraqi government in improving the state of natural and cultural resources. In the Middle East and West Asia, swamps are one of the largest conservation systems between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. The Iraqi swamps of Al-Ahwar are recognized by UNESCO as a natural monument, considered the best place for biodiversity and the relict landscape of Mesopotamian cities. The unique ecosystem in places is suitable for the life of birds, wild animals, freshwater fish, and human agricultural activities [1, p. 68].
But with the expansion of agricultural land, the search for oil, and the extensive construction of dams and water structures, the rational use of the ecosystem has been disrupted for many decades. In 2020, in Geneva, by the decision of UNEP, an international plan for the rehabilitation of these territories was adopted, which is being implemented to the present. According to the plan, one of the components of this program can be the formation of a kind of tourist cluster (resort), organically developing and complementing the given ecosystem of bogs and creating a kind of "cultural landscape" in the water area [2, p. 6]. The purpose of this work is to study the landscape complex and determine the basic requirements for eco-tourism objects in the structure of the wetland area of Mesopotamia.
The main concept and prognostic model of such structures can be the principles of "green architecture" and a kind of "ecological psychology" of thinking and design [5, p. 56]. The idea of "green buildings in the Mesopotamian swamps" is the realization of the concept of uniting ancient civilization with the modern architecture of "green" buildings. The choice of construction of "green buildings" was influenced by their high-performance characteristics that meet international building environmental standards, the applied waste-free technologies, and high bio-positive qualities that allow them to interact with the landscape. Further development in this direction leads to an understanding of the broader principles of landscape design and a "sustainable environment" [3, p. 43].
The Wetlands of Mesopotamia is the famous biblical Garden of Eden. They belong to the river system of the Tigris and Euphrates, being considered the largest ecosystem in Western Asia [4, p.43]. In the history of mankind, this territory has played an outstanding role as one of the main settlements of the Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations (more than 6 thousand years ago), the number of which exceeded 500 thousand people. The main population - the swamp Arabs act as a living link between the peoples of ancient Mesopotamia with the modern inhabitants of Iraq.
Despite the fact that it was one of the earliest highly developed civilizations, over the millennia the territory has undergone significant geopolitical and climatic changes. In particular, in the second half of the 20th century, work was actively carried out to drain swamps in order to increase agricultural land and search for oil deposits. The construction of dams and reservoirs in the upper reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (Turkey, Syria, Iran) posed a threat to the existence of lands and the biodiversity of the lower parts of water systems. As a result of the destruction of the balanced habitat, the forced migration of the indigenous population and the decline in the diversity of flora and fauna began. Until the 70s of the 20th century, swamps occupied 20 thousand km² in area around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, after which they were completely drained, and the size of the wetlands was significantly reduced.
The modern Iraqi government is making a lot of efforts to preserve the ecosystem and cultural landscape. Southern Iraq is home to the earliest world-class urban centers. Therefore, the tasks of the architects include restoring the water balance using the developed UN mechanisms for managing transboundary water resources and using the unique recreational opportunities of the Iraqi wetland landscape for ecotourism.
To maintain an ecologically sustainable environment of the studied landscapes of wetlands, it is proposed to build the facilities of the planned tourist complex in stages, adhering to the basic principles of "green building". The creation of such positive objects, integrated with the natural ecosystem of the landscape of the Mesopotamian bogs, provides for the gradual achievement of stability, and restoration of the disturbed balance under human pressure.
The main requirements for the formation of ecotourism objects as environmentally friendly "green buildings" in the structure of wetlands in Mesopotamia may be:
1. Comprehensive study of the landscape potential of wetlands and the search for optimal ways to interact with their natural environment, based on the principles of colonization, and positive formation with the provision of sustainable development of settlements.
2. Designing new construction projects using architectural, ecological, and urban planning means of achieving an ecological balance between the projected eco-tourism facilities and the natural environment in combination with the places of settlement of indigenous people and the development of these places. The use of environmentally friendly "green buildings", structures using waste-free technologies that do not destroy the natural environment.
3. Improving the quality of life of the indigenous inhabitants of the wetland area with their return to the natural ecosystem using the method of ecological and bio positive shaping of objects closer to the natural landscape.
4. Economical consumption of resources, their sustainable consumption, and elimination of waste during the construction and operation of tourist resort facilities. The use of environmentally friendly natural materials and technologies that eliminate waste emissions into the environment.
5. Thorough analysis and forecasting of the negative consequences of the construction of buildings and structures in the studied landscape with the exclusion of objects that damage the environment through economic monitoring with the adoption of reasonable decisions.
Based on these requirements, the study proposes the concept of a tourist complex in the bosom of the nature of Mesopotamia using the principles of "green building". The Southern Iraq Wetland Landscape Development and Amendment Project consists of three main parts. The first part provides for the development, planning and design of tourist sites around the water areas, as well as the formation of eco-trails and tourist routes with the opportunity to observe nature and unique birds of more than 81 species. As well as providing an opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to engage in their favorite hobby in the habitats of unique fish.
The second part of the project includes the construction of a museum complex with the placement, restoration, and reconstruction of historical and archaeological monuments of the Sumerian era, found in the cities of Eridu, Orok, Ur, and other villages. Reconstruction of the ancient settlements of the swamp Arabs as part of the museum complex will create an opportunity for tourists to live on the islands and familiarize them with the life of the indigenous population of the swamps.
The third part of the conceptual project provides for the design and construction of a library complex (House of Science), the purpose of which is the knowledge of the civilization of Mesopotamia and the world as a whole by tourists. The "green" architecture of the tourist complex will make it possible to achieve the tasks set, ensuring a long service life of facilities due to modularity, flexibility of planning, and stability of structures made of modern, highly efficient, environmentally friendly materials. For the functioning of ecotourism facilities, it is planned to use energy-efficient technologies for biosynthesis and processing of bog silt and peat, solar panels, which will provide energy for the buildings of the tourist complex.
Thus, the conceptual planning, forecasting and prospects for the development of eco-tourism objects in the landscape complex of the Iraqi wetland area proposed in this study will solve many problems of an ecological, economic and cultural nature. The use of "green" construction projects in the region creates prerequisites for improving the environmental safety of the planned tourist complex and maintaining the sustainability of the environment of unique natural landscapes.
Bibliography
1. Van der Valk A.G. Biology of freshwater wetlands. - London: Oxford University Press, 2006 - 167 p.
2. Erisheva E.A., Moor V.K. Features of sustainable development of the cultural landscape of the seaside city // Fundamental research of the RAASN on scientific support for the development of architecture, urban planning and the construction industry of the Russian Federation in 2014. Sat. scientific. tr. RAASN. Southwest State University. Kursk: Business printing, 2015 - S. 54-63.
3. Nefedov V.A. Landscaping and environmental sustainability. St. Petersburg: Polygraphist, 2002 - 295 p.
4. Shayesh A.K. Remote sensing and GIS for the aquatic environment of Iraqi swamps. Thesis. - Iraqi Technological University, 2006 - 124 p.
5. Barker RG Ecological psychology: concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1968 - 242 p.
Formation of objects of "green architecture" in the natural environment with the development of ecotourism (on the example of wetlands of mesopotamia).
The unique ecosystem of the wetland area of southern Iraq makes it possible to implement concepts for the construction of ecotourism facilities. Ecotourism in wetlands involves a number of recreational activities: acquaintance with the historical and architectural sights of the ancient cities of Mesopotamia, the dwellings of the "swamp Arabs", hunting, fishing, kayaking, and observing rare species of flora and fauna. At the end of the 20th century, the territory was attacked in attempts to develop agriculture and fish farming. However, harnessing the landscape potential of wetlands to attract tourists can serve as an incentive to protect and restore them. The aim of the work is to study the features of the landscape of the wetlands of southern Iraq for the optimal placement of objects of the tourist complex in it, taking into account the principles of "green architecture", "bio-positivity" and organic combination with the surrounding landscape. A landscape analysis of the wetland area is being carried out. Three levels of building its "landscape frame" are offered. "Macro-level" allows you to make a comprehensive assessment of the attractiveness of wetland areas for eco-tourism. "Meso-level" provides the formation of architectural and spatial concepts for the placement of tourist facilities in certain areas of the wetland, and the creation of tourist clusters. At the "micro-level", the particular tasks of "positive shaping" of the objects of "green architecture" and the establishment of "compositional links" between the components of the tourist complex and the landscape of wetlands are solved. The structural components of the wetland landscape are described. Based on the use of these components, a concept for the formation of ecotourism objects in the natural environment is proposed, which includes three zones: 1) a zone of large water bodies and channels with the organization of crisis routes; 2) a zone of eco-trails and hiking trails in wetlands for observing the unique flora and fauna; 3) an area for hotels, a museum complex, a library. Based on the use of these components, a concept for the formation of ecotourism objects in the natural environment is proposed, which includes three zones: 1) a zone of large water bodies and channels with the organization of crisis routes; 2) a zone of eco-trails and hiking trails in wetlands for observing the unique flora and fauna; 3) an area for hotels, a museum complex, a library. Based on the use of these components, a concept for the formation of ecotourism objects in the natural environment is proposed, which includes three zones: 1) a zone of large water bodies and channels with the organization of crisis routes; 2) a zone of eco-trails and hiking trails in wetlands for observing the unique flora and fauna; 3) an area for hotels, a museum complex, a library.
Keywords: wetlands, eco-tourism, green architecture, landscape frame, tourist complex
1. Forecasting of eco-tourism objects in the wetlands of Iraq. The wetlands of Mesopotamia (southern Iraq) belong to the river system of the Tigris and Euphrates, is considered the largest ecosystem in Western Asia [1, p.43]. In the history of mankind, this territory has played an outstanding role as one of the main settlements of the Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations. The Iraqi swamps of Al-Ahwar are recognized by UNESCO as a natural monument, considered the best place for biodiversity and relict landscape of Mesopotamian cities. The unique ecosystem in places is suitable for the life of birds, wild animals, freshwater fish and human agricultural activities [2, p. 68].
However, due to the expansion of agricultural land, the search for oil, the extensive construction of dams and water structures, the rational use of the ecosystem was disrupted, which led to the emergence of a number of problems: the destruction of habitats of rare species of flora and fauna; shortage of free land for permanent residence, cultural activities, jobs for local residents; shortage of natural resources; violation of the ecological balance of landscape and recreational territories for recreation and knowledge of the historical significance of the world-famous territory of Mesopotamia, once the former cradle of human civilization. [3, p. 132]. Pope Francis' historic visit to Iraq earlier this year underlines the importance of resolving these problems and further developing the region.
The underestimation of the importance of wetlands in southern Iraq has led to the degradation of significant areas of unique landscape and biodiversity (Figure 1). By decision of UNEP, an international plan for the rehabilitation of the Iraqi marshes was adopted, which is being implemented to date. According to this plan, in addition to nature conservation measures, one of the components of the rehabilitation program for the "disturbed landscape" can be the concept of the development of a tourism cluster, aimed at attracting tourists and investments to the region, as well as organically developing and complementing this ecosystem of bogs with the help of objects of organic and "green architecture" The idea of forming "biopositive" ecotourism complexes in the natural environment of the wetlands of southern Iraq is most relevant for the territories. Areas of Iraqi wetlands that have been attacked by attempts to develop agriculture and fish farming. The aim of this work is to study the features of the landscape complex of wetlands in Iraq (formerly Mesopotamia) and the formation of the concept of optimal placement of ecotourism objects in them. On this basis, in the future, it is possible to develop functional-spatial and predictive models for the formation of objects of "green architecture" as part of a tourist cluster of wetlands.
Dwellings are the prototype of the objects of "green architecture" as the most acceptable and organic form of architectural structures in the swamps. The main population of the wetlands - the "swamp Arabs" - acted as a living connection between the peoples of ancient Mesopotamia with the modern inhabitants of Iraq. The dwellings of the "swamp Arabs", the architectural structures of the ancient Mesopotamian "cities by the water" were a model for maintaining the natural, organic principle (Fig. 2). This was facilitated by a number of methods and techniques used for erecting buildings in swamps: “soft” integration of the shape and silhouette of buildings with landscape components; organic addition of anthropogenic and man-made objects to the natural complex of swamps: the creation of artificial islands, the preservation and development of natural channels; use of local natural materials in buildings.
The dwellings of the "swamp Arabs" as prototypes of the objects of "green architecture"
The study of the landscape complex of wetlands will help determine the basic requirements for ecotourism objects in the territory of former Mesopotamia. The basic concept and prognostic model of such structures can be the principles of organic "green architecture" and a kind of "ecological psychology" of thinking and design [4, p. 56]. The idea of "Green Buildings in the Mesopotamian Marshes" is the realization of the concept of uniting ancient civilization with the modern architecture of "green" buildings. The choice of construction of "green buildings" was influenced by their high-performance characteristics that meet international building environmental standards, used waste-free technologies, and high bio-positive qualities that allow them to interact with the landscape. Further development of this direction leads to an understanding of broader and global principles of the formation of a "stable" landscape environment [5, p. 43], which is capable of forming a kind of "cultural landscape" in the water area [6, p. 6].
2. Study of the "landscape framework" of wetlands. To identify the features of the placement of ecotourism objects, it is necessary to carry out a landscape analysis of the wetland area. This is facilitated by remote sensing methods and geographic information system data for the aquatic environment of the Iraqi swamps [5]. According to these sources, the topographic basis of the wetlands of southern Iraq changes over time and passes through certain stages. In the past, when this part of the territory, due to aggressive exploitation, was transformed from a nature reserve and a green oasis rich in a unique variety of plant and animal species into a barren desert, the sand dunes were the arena of its activities. Swamp mapping has changed since re-submersion in 2004.
An assessment of the recreational resources and the attractiveness of the area (the degree of its attractiveness to tourists) shows that the unique hydrological system itself is an outstanding nature reserve, representing wetlands with various characteristics. So, in its composition in the north, freshwater swamps of Khuwayzi prevail, then there are Central swamps, descending to brackish-water low-salt bogs in the east and part of Western Hammar; the southern bogs are characterized by a high salt content in the immediate vicinity of the sea. An inner delta ecosystem operating in an extremely hot and arid environment. Today there is a need to study the nature, scale, and features of the coastal outlines of bogs in order to find means of organic inclusion in them of objects of "green architecture"
Based on the theory of the "ecological frame" [7] and the cartography of the Iraqi swamps [1], it is possible to identify three wetland zones characteristic of their ecological state: a) exclusively "natural zones" of the reserved landscape, including specially protected zones of biological diversity that does not require intervention; b) "quasi-natural zones" with special regulations for use and with already included anthropogenic elements in the landscape complex (dwellings of the marsh Arabs, dirt roads, pontoon bridges, remnants of archaeological excavations and ruins of ancient Mesopotamian cities); these territories require the maintenance of ecological balance; c) zones of "anthropogenic landscape" of a wetland with a modified and transformed landscape complex and transport infrastructure objects (roads, bridges, dams) included in it, the territory of the former economic activity of a person; modern buildings. The zone needs measures to rehabilitate and restore natural balance.
From the point of view of identifying and assessing the planning structure of a bog area for the introduction of objects of "green architecture" into it, the concept of "landscape frame" is applicable, which makes it possible to identify a number of common structural elements. It is possible to distinguish three levels of construction of the "landscape frame" of the wetlands of Mesopotamia in the territorial and spatial aspects:
- "macro-level" - includes the total aggregate of all wetlands in the territory of southern Iraq;
- "meso-level" - covers certain areas of wetlands, for example, Al-Hammar swamps, Al-Hawiz swamps and Central swamps, including Chibaisha swamps, etc. .;
- "micro-level" - involves the study of autonomous visual-spatial objects and forms of wetland landscape.
This gradation makes it possible, at the “macro-level” of the landscape frame, to make a comprehensive assessment of the attractiveness and “suitability” of the wetland for the needs of eco-tourism, with the identification of specially protected areas; zones with limited regulation of use for ecotourism; and zones of altered and disturbed landscape in need of eco-reconstruction with the possible inclusion of objects of "green architecture" and other structures of the tourist cluster.
At the "meso-level" of the landscape framework, it is possible to form architectural and spatial concepts for the placement of ecotourism objects in certain areas of the wetland area, as well as the formation of a developed network of such facilities in the form of a tourist cluster for several areas of the wetlands of Iraq.
At the "micro-level" the tasks of "bioclimatic" and "bio-positive shaping" of the objects of "green architecture" and the establishment of "compositional links" between the components of the tourist complex and the landscape of wetlands are solved.
To determine the compositional relationships between landscape and architecture, as well as to formulate requirements for the possible placement of objects and ensembles of a tourist resort, it is necessary to identify the features and structural components of the landscape of the wetland area of southern Iraq. Based on the “landscape framework” theory, the following structural components of the wetland landscape can be identified:
A) global land areas of wetland areas of continental importance with a different character of the "coastline" outline: a) geometrically correct (linear, smoothly curved); b) deformed, deterministic; c) complex-dissected;
B) independent (closed, autonomous) areas of land that have an island or peninsular significance in a wetland;
C) independent (local, relatively closed) sections of water bodies that have relatively regular geometric outlines, as well as a closed, semi-closed, isolated (flowing) character;
D) "nodal elements" - dominant, accent, island areas of land or water bodies of marsh areas, located at the intersection of dirt roads, Pantone crossings, channels, channels, or visual and spatial directions of perception (visual corridors);
E) “vector (linear) elements” of wetlands, formed by the hydro-geological situation at three levels of “landscape formation”: a) large river channels (the channels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), having a global, national character; b) channels of tributaries of the main rivers, large channels and canals of regional importance; c) small canals, Eriks, short ducts of local, local importance;
E) "dispersed elements" - a set of small islands and fragmented land areas on the plane of water bodies of a swamp area, where the conditional ratio of the "mass" of islands (land) and "voids", breaks (water surface) - has a relatively equal value;
G) “buffer elements” of wetland areas - reed and reed thickets integrated with the landscape, low-growing vegetation, and bog bogs that separate the main structural components of the wetland landscape: land areas and water bodies.
3. The concept of formation of complexes of ecotourism. Based on the use of the identified structural components and features of the wetland landscape, a concept for the placement of tourist complexes is proposed, taking into account the attractiveness of individual landscape zones of wetlands (attractiveness for tourists):
a) "Zone 1" - large channels of straits, undersized vegetation, the presence of large planes of reservoirs, the presence on the land of ancient "centers of culture" (archaeological excavations; ruined buildings of ancient Mesopotamian settlements). The area can be used for cruises and eco-water routes on small boats with disembarkation and sightseeing of the place;
b) "Zone 2" - shallow water bodies and closed water areas of bogs, a rugged coastline; dense vegetation, habitat of rare birds, and small animals; there are natural settlements of "swamp Arabs" - the zone can be used for eco-trails, tourists living in the swamps, fishing;
c) "Zone 3" - a modified, quasi-natural landscape. Rehabilitation and improvement of the territory with the formation of a tourist eco-complex is planned. Areas for active recreation and living are envisaged: pools; artificial lakes; public parks; playgrounds, educational workshops; comfortable hotels. The cultural program of ecotourism provides for the construction of the Museum complex, as well as the Dar Al Ulum scientific library(House of Science), the purpose of which is the knowledge of the civilization of Mesopotamia and the world in general by tourists. The architectural component of buildings is based on the connection with the landscape by the type of "metabolism", as well as with the formation of compositional links based on positivity. It is planned to use energy-efficient solar panels, and biosynthesis plants, which will provide energy for buildings and other objects of the tourist complex
Conclusion.
Thus, the study of the landscape potential of the wetlands of Mesopotamia, the formation of a "landscape frame" of the area, creates a methodological basis for the implementation of architectural concepts of objects and ecotourism complexes, which come from the Iraqi Tourism Department with the support of the government and local authorities. Expansion of the territory with tourist needs will make the region famous not only in the Arab world, but will help bring it to the international level. The establishment of "compositional links" of architectural forms and landscape will contribute to the formation of objects of "green architecture", the synthesis of plant and architectural forms, the bio-positivity of the architecture of tourist complexes. The use of renewable energy sources,
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