Nurture's Return: Can Nature and Human Dance Together? Part 1 Project 2024 Lai Shun Law Chinese University of Hong Kong | China Throughout the annals of human civilization, architecture has been primarily conceived as a means of shielding us from the perceived threats of the natural world. Yet, this project dares to upend this deeply entrenched paradigm, questioning whether the binary opposition between humanity and nature need be so rigidly enforced.Nurture's Return takes inspiration from a specific site in Tung Chung, Hong Kong, where a residential area from reclamation threatens the fragile mangrove habitat. At the heart of the design is a "testament" structure inspired by the intricate mycelial network of the natural world, serving as an immersive platform to educate visitors, foster appreciation for the mangrove ecosystem, and demonstrate sustainable design principles. By engaging the senses and facilitating community engagement, the testament aims to cultivate a sense of stewardship over the precious ecological resources.Importantly, the testament mycelium-inspired structure is designed to challenge nowadays reclamation, actively nurture the surrounding landscape, breaking down barriers and allowing the mangrove habitat to reclaim and regenerate the site sustainably. This radical reframing casts architecture not as a fortress, but as a medium - a canvas upon which the intricate tapestry of life can unfold. Tutor(s)Prof Kelly Chow