  CORNICHE BAY RESORT “In responding to the dense meanings of the landscape, it was decided to design spatial interventions that evoke interest and hint at content, rather than to translate ideas literally into form. As with the ecological education, the content (for example the islands slave history) is to be accessible through a digital field guide. The Corniche Bay Resort is located on the south western coast of Mauritius, adjacent to the Le Morne World Heritage Site. The scheme comprises hillside villas, a Gary Player signature golf course and a Banyan Tree Hotel and Spa. The master plan, based on sustainable principles, was conceived by Foster + Partners Architects. NLA + GREENinc’s first task was to review and inform the master plan. The overall landscape strategy was derived from a philosophy that sought to regenerate the natural forest and stream areas. The resultant green web became the ‘glue that binds’ the structuring systems (movement paths, golf course and the architecture) to create a network of interconnected and integrated places. Typical design responses for each of the villa types were also produced along with a landscape master plan for the Banyan Tree site. Due to the immense scale of the site and the need for large numbers of plants that will have to be grown for the project, extensive research was carried out to establish an on-site nursery and to determine methods for harvesting irrigation water. The landscape design was a shift from the thematic responses that are most commonly encountered on similar resorts on the island. The Corniche Bay project aspires to become a contemporary resort offering the visitor a unique experience that makes clear references in the landscape, to patterns derived from the island’s ecology, cultural and built environments and yet which also allows the visitor to enjoy the obvious resort experience. ILASA Award for Excellence
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