COEXISTING WITH ANIMALS
B. ARCH DISSERTATION REPORT By ARIHANT BHANSALI University Roll No AUR1641001
2020
Amity School of Architecture and Planning (ASAP) Amity University Campus, Kant Kalwar, NH-11C, Jaipur i
Declaration I, Arihant Bhansali, student of fifth year, 9th semester (2016-20 Batch) of five years Bachelors of Architecture degree programme of Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University Rajasthan, hereby confirm that this dissertation entitled “Coexisting with Animals� submitted for the partial fulfillment of the degree of bachelor of architecture is my own work and the matter into the report is being referred from outside sources.
I also confirm that I have not submitted this work for any other Degree/ Diploma/ Certificate.
Dated: 22 November 2020
Arihant Bhansali
Place: Jaipur
Enrolment No. A20104016001
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Recommendation I hereby recommend that the Dissertation Report entitled “Coexisting with Animals� has been prepared by Arihant Bhansali, student of the fifth year, 9th Semester (2016-20 Batch) of five years Bachelor of Architecture Degree Programme of Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University Rajasthan, under my guidance. The report may be accepted as requirement for the partial fulfillment of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture.
Dated: 22 November 2020
Ar. Rakesh Kumar Dissertation guide
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Acknowledgement It was very interesting to work on this research topic. I have found the process of research to be very interesting. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my guide Ar. Rakesh Kumar for his timely discussion and encouragement, which enabled me to complete the report. I would like to thank to Prof. (Dr.) Anurag Varma (Director, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University Rajasthan & Ar. Prashant Vijayvargiya (Dissertation Coordinator) for approving my topic and completing the official formalities of the project work. Further on, I would like to mention Ar. Kajal Gaonkar for giving her time to share useful references and books. My friends, family and all of them who have been a part of this dissertation, thank you! Without these people, this process would have been tough.
Arihant Bhansali
Ar. Prashant Vijayvargiya
Dr. Anurag Varma
Dissertation Coordinator
Dissertation Coordinator
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Abstract
Arihant Bhansali (2020). Coexisting with Animals. BAR-904 Dissertation report, 9th semester Guide: Ar. Rakesh kumar
In urban planning, among the spaces for living being animal spaces are the most neglected spaces. In this dissertation the importance of animal spaces has been understood through ecosystem service approach. Available models of animal spaces have been studied and theories have been read on the internet. This dissertation will understand the basic requirements of animals and provide recommendations on how the approach towards animal spaces can be undertaken. The approach will be in such a way that requires minimum efforts from the humans.
Key words:
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Contents list Declaration ........................................................................................................................... i Recommendation ................................................................................................................ ii Acknowledgement ............................................................................................................. iii Abstract .............................................................................................................................. iv Contents list ........................................................................................................................ v List of figures .................................................................................................................... vii 1. Background study........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Problems caused by urban animals ............................................................................. 1 1.3 Why we need animal spaces in urban cities ................................................................ 3 1.4 Aim .............................................................................................................................. 4 1.5 Objectives.................................................................................................................... 4 1.6 Methodology ................................................................................................................ 4 1.7 Scope & Limitations ..................................................................................................... 4 2. Challenges faced by animals ......................................................................................... 5 2.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 The basics for survival ................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Humans ....................................................................................................................... 5 2.4 Relocation ................................................................................................................... 6 2.5 Glass faรงade ............................................................................................................... 6 2.6 Spread of disease........................................................................................................ 6 2.7 Road accidents ............................................................................................................ 6 3. Case study of various manmade habitats for animals ................................................. 7 3.1 O Pombal .................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 Tulsi shmashaan ghat.................................................................................................. 8 3.3 Vlotwatering bridge .................................................................................................... 10 3.4 Facilities at street level in Gangashahar .................................................................... 13 3.4.1 Site 4A ................................................................................................................ 13 3.4.2 Site 4B ................................................................................................................ 14 3.4.2 Site 4C ................................................................................................................ 15 3.5 Observations ............................................................................................................. 16 4. Design recommendations for Cohabitation of Animals ............................................. 17 4.1 Strategy 1: To provide healthy source of water .......................................................... 17 4.1.1 Water pots........................................................................................................... 17 4.1.2 Artificial ponds and fountains .............................................................................. 17 v
4.2 Strategy 2: To provide healthy source of food ............................................................ 18 4.3 Strategy 3: Shelter spaces ......................................................................................... 19 4.3.1 Multifunctional spaces ......................................................................................... 19 4.3.2 Use of neglected sites ......................................................................................... 19 4.3.3 Green spaces...................................................................................................... 20 4.4 Recommendations to planning authorities ................................................................. 20 4.4.1 Rating and certification for animal friendly spaces ............................................... 20 4.4.2 Guidelines that can be implied ............................................................................ 20 4.5 Other recommendations at community level .............................................................. 21 4.5.1 Bird friendly tiles .................................................................................................. 21 4.5.2 Boundary wall modification .................................................................................. 21 4.5.3 Bird friendly design.............................................................................................. 22 4.5.4 Green roofs ......................................................................................................... 23 5. Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 24 References ........................................................................................................................ 25
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List of figures Figure 1: People walking down a street next to stray dogs ..................................................................................... 1 Figure 2: Rabies in animals ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 3: Stray cattle menacing on the roads .......................................................................................................... 2 Figure 4: Stray dogs menacing the garbage on streets ........................................................................................... 3 Figure 5: A stray dog quenching its thirst from filthy water on the street ................................................................. 5 Figure 6: Stray cattle about to collide with a vehicle................................................................................................ 6 Figure 7: O Pombal in Three Podere Square .......................................................................................................... 7 Figure 8: Tulsi shmashaan ghat, Gangashahar, Bikaner ........................................................................................ 8 Figure 9: Drawing of the feeding platform at Tulsi shmashaan ghat ....................................................................... 8 Figure 10: Plan and elevation of the bird tower at Tulsi Shmashaan ghat .............................................................. 9 Figure 11: Vlotwatering river bridge, Netherlands ................................................................................................. 10 Figure 12: View of Vlotwatering river bridge .......................................................................................................... 10 Figure 13: view of Vlotwatering bridge showing the entry into the concrete tank .................................................. 11 Figure 14: Drawings showing the details of concrete tank .................................................................................... 11 Figure 15: Cross sections of Vlotwatering bridge .................................................................................................. 12 Figure 16: Image of site 4A ................................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 17: Drawings of site 4A .............................................................................................................................. 13 Figure 18: Drawings of site 4B .............................................................................................................................. 14 Figure 19: Image of Site 4B .................................................................................................................................. 14 Figure 20: Drawings of site 4C .............................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 21: Image of site 4C ................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 22: Water pots for animals ......................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 23: Artificial pond ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 24: Stray cattle feeding on food scraps ...................................................................................................... 18 Figure 25: Food scrap dumped in basket .............................................................................................................. 18 Figure 26: Bat bridge in Texas .............................................................................................................................. 19 Figure 27: Animals in orphanage homes............................................................................................................... 19 Figure 28: Animals in old age homes .................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 29: Animal enjoying the urban green space ............................................................................................... 20 Figure 30: Bird house tiles .................................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 31: Boundary wall options .......................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 32: Canted glass facade ............................................................................................................................ 22 Figure 33: Dense mullions and visual markers...................................................................................................... 22 Figure 34: Terrace garden .................................................................................................................................... 23
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1. Background study 1.1 Introduction Since the beginning, humankind has been dependent on nature to provide us with food, shelter, resources, etc. The natural ecosystem that we live in, comprises of living and nonliving entities. Humans, plants and animals comprise of the living components of natural ecosystems. Both plants and animals have been an integral part in the development of humans. We humans have gradually shifted from living our lives in a natural environment to living in an urban environment. This process of urbanisation has led to the destruction of various wildlife species (both plants and animals). But since we have evolved from the natural environment, humans need some contact with nature. Realizing the importance of natural environment, the newly designed cities include urban green spaces as part of the environment. But what about the animals? Apart from flora, fauna too is an important part of the ecosystem. They have helped and companioned human when needed. And what have we done to them? We have destroyed their habitats in the process of urbanisation and rendered them homeless. The land which we have developed as our localities; animals already existed there before us. These animals are now called the urban animals.
1.2 Problems caused by urban animals India has the largest number of strays in the world, with over 35 million stray dogs (Singh, 2019). These animals would usually otherwise be pets, but due to the separation from their owners by means of escape, lack of care or sometimes by natural disaster. These street animals also include the feral animals. Such huge population of stray animals causes a lot of disturbance to the human societies.
Figure 1: People walking down a street next to stray dogs
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India faces about 18,000 to 20,000 reported cases of rabies every year and according to WHO report an estimated 45 pc of all deaths from rabies occur in South- East Asia out of which about 36 pc of the world’s deaths from rabies happen in India (Singh, 2019). These numbers have been constant for a decade, without any decline. And the unreported case makes the situation even more dangerous. India might be fighting a lost battle of rabies, as only 15% of the stray population is sterilized.
Figure 2: Rabies in animals
Stray animals also cause lot of accidents and traffic jams on the street. As per data, the number of accidents involving stray animals have increased by 23% in last six years. In 2018-19, 2,766 accident cases were reported (Chakraborty, 2019). These animals get crushed under moving vehicles or left paralyzed by reckless drivers. These animals also cause harm to the commuters, as many vehicles meet accidents in order to avoid colliding with them.
Figure 3: Stray cattle menacing on the roads
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Street animals loiter our surroundings. They scatter the garbage collected on streets in search of food. This scattered trash creates a foul smell in the surrounding area, mosquitoes start to hover over that trash and becomes a reason for spread of diseases in that locality. Street animals also defecate in the open spaces available. Many times, these are on the middle of the streets, causing nuisance to the public passing from there.
Figure 4: Stray dogs menacing the garbage on streets
After understanding all the problems street animals cause, why are they still there on the streets? Why are the animal rescue teams not taking them to the shelter groups? Why are they not being sterilized? Animals rescue teams allocated in different areas can capture animals and provide them shelter. But they have very limited capacity and cannot accommodate all the population of street animals. As a result, their population is always growing and cannot be reduced. There is no shortcut way to control the population of urban animals. Sterilising the street animals is the most scientific and effective way to control the population of street animals, but it is very slow. What can be done then?
1.3 Why we need animal spaces in urban cities A lot of research has been conducted on the effects of each animal in the ecosystem. Several authors agree on the benefits of animals in human lives and the natural ecosystem, benefits that cover areas such as ecology, health and economy. However, we do not include these animal spaces in planning. Nature and ecosystem in nature are in perfect harmony where every living and non-living thing has a role to play in making the ecosystem and environment work perfectly so that all animals, plants, microorganisms, and non-living things can coexist creating a perfect balance among them (EPN, 2014). 3
Ignoring the fauna will cause the development to fall, if not realized sooner. So, as much as we include green spaces in our design, we must also include animal spaces. Architects and designers should try to create suitable environment or special shelters so not only people and plants, but also animals can continue to co-exist together. The aim of this dissertation is to understand the importance of animal spaces through the ecosystem service approach and explain why such spaces are required in an urban area. It will also provide an example how that approach can be undertaken in a way that requires minimum effort by providing few recommendations at urban level. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to answer the research questions: • • •
What are the basic requirements of urban animals? How can we plan such spaces with minimal effort? What are the benefits and drawbacks of interaction with animals?
1.4 Aim To provide recommendations on how animal spaces can be included in the planning with minimal efforts.
1.5 Objectives • • •
To study the challenges faced by urban animals for their survival. To make observations on the existing animal spaces and make improvisations. To provide recommendations on creating animal spaces.
1.6 Methodology The entire dissertation is almost based on desk study and case study. The first phase is to study the challenges faced by the urban animals and study their requirements. Understanding the user and their problems will help to create better facilities. The second phase observes various manmade structures and amenities. This study will help in furnishing guidelines for further improvement in the upcoming designs. The structures are selected based on the suitability to the context. Both online and live case study is done. The final phase consists of recommendations and guidelines for co-habitation of humans with animals. These set of recommendations will be easy to implement and are intended for the architects and development authorities to implement in their practice.
1.7 Scope & Limitations Due to the restrictions of words and time, a few limitations have been imposed on the scope of this research. The following are the scope and limitations of this dissertation: •
• • •
It will cover only urban animals like dogs, cats and cattle and birds like pigeons, sparrows and bats. However, ideas can be used for suitable species. This research will also not study about aquatic animals. The context of the research is based on the Indian subcontinent. Examples studied in this dissertation can be used in other locations also. This dissertation is limited to urban street and community level, so will be the design recommendations. This dissertation only covers aspects of the basic needs for animals. It will not investigate their mental problems.
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2. Challenges faced by animals 2.1 Introduction For any process to function properly, it is important to know the issues concerned to its stakeholders. One can provide a better solution only by knowing what the problem is. This chapter consists of general research about the major challenges faced by animals and urban cities of India.
2.2 The basics for survival Any animal has four basic needs for survival: food, water and shelter. Shelter protects them from predators and weather condition. The sources for these needs should be near to each other so that these sources can be accessed safely on a daily basis. Food sources in an urban setting can be acquired from garbage and any other propagated source from humans. Street animals eat whatever they can scavenge. However, animals should not get used to this source as it is unhygienic and causes health hazards. There might not be many clean sources of water in an urban environment. Most of the time, animals quench their thirst from drainage, ditches or overflowing water on the streets. Other sources such as ponds, lakes or fountains can also be used.
Figure 5: A stray dog quenching its thirst from filthy water on the street
Finding Shelter in an urban environment can be challenging for animals like dogs, cows, cats, and other medium sized animals. A shelter is only proper if it can provide safety and security to the animals and their new-borns. shelter is also required to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
2.3 Humans One of the important challenges that animals face on the street is the violation of their rights. Most of the human population thinks of stray animals as a menace to their locality. One 5
negative incident and all the stray animals are bought to the same conclusion. Humans, specially kids on the street abuse animals. This can cause them mental sickness and might end up having a negative conflict with humans.
2.4 Relocation Most of the animals on the street are territorial. At times, animal rescue teams capture the animals and relocate them to another territory. They do this in response to the complaint received from the communities and relocate them to another region. In a new territory, these animals get attacked by the animals who have already habituated that space. This again leads to mental sickness and might again cause negative conflict with humans.
2.5 Glass faรงade While glass faรงade might seem interesting to human eyes, it is barely noticeable by the birds that migrate. Most of the migratory birds, migrate during night-time. In the speed of their flight, they often collide with the glass buildings. Glass buildings and their reflections create a lot of misjudgement to the birds.
2.6 Spread of disease Animals on the street also face health issues. As humans, animals also require vaccination for their long-term health. It is also beneficial for the humans, as most of the diseases are common to both animals and humans. Rabies is one such popular disease, common to both humans and animals.
2.7 Road accidents Urban animals also face the issue of colliding with vehicles on road. Many road accidents occur during night-time due to low visibility. Most of the time these animals fall prey to reckless driving and are left paralyzed for the rest of their lives.
Figure 6: Stray cattle about to collide with a vehicle
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3. Case study of various manmade habitats for animals 3.1 O Pombal O Pombal a dovecote built by Oscar Niemeyer is a beautiful roosting place for the local pigeons. It consists of two conjoined concrete slabs about a meter or two wide and around 10 meters tall. It is like a strange statue with oval openings. The insides of the tower are lined with concrete slabs attached integrally. Thousands of pigeons like to roost inside that tower. The structure is designed for this specific purpose as a dovecote for the pigeon (Os Pombos) It is placed in the democratic centre of Brazil’s capital city, Resembling the involvement of animals with humans. The construction of the tower is economical without any paint or colour and with reduced elements. The Pombal, placed at the heart of human power in Brazil, provides a home for the lowliest of creatures, the pombos of the Praça.
Figure 7: O Pombal in Three Podere Square
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3.2 Tulsi shmashaan ghat
Figure 8: Tulsi shmashaan ghat, Gangashahar, Bikaner
Tulsi shmashaan ghat is a graveyard located in Gangashahar district of Bikaner at the intersection Bikaner-Nokha road and Bikaner-Barmer road. As shown in the figure, the site of graveyard includes a bird tower that has been constructed to cohabit the local birds. Hundreds of bird roost in this tower throughout the year. Within the site, a platform has also been built adjacent to the tower for animal feeders to disperse grains for the birds to peck at them. Several water pots have also been placed nearby for the birds to quench their thirst.
Figure 9: Drawing of the feeding platform at Tulsi shmashaan ghat
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These structures are maintained by the authorities on a regular basis to ensure clean habitat for the birds. Construction of such spaces in a graveyard creates an additional function to the site plan without affecting its primary function. Similar structures can be found in temple complexes of the region.
Figure 10: Plan and elevation of the bird tower at Tulsi Shmashaan ghat
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3.3 Vlotwatering bridge Vlotwatering bridge, commonly known as bat bridge, is located on the southern part of Holland. NEXT Architects have designed a bridge with grooves which can act as a roosting place for the bats. The firm identified the Vlotwatering river as the flight route for bats and were inspired to make such design.
Figure 11: Vlotwatering river bridge, Netherlands
The curving bridge is 70 m long and 7 m wide, and functions as a crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists. A barrier of wooden slats runs along one side, while the other side features a red-brick wall.
Figure 12: View of Vlotwatering river bridge
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NEXT Architects used concrete for the main structure to increase its thermal mass, providing a comfortable environment for winter hibernation with a large internal cavity designed like a thick-walled concrete tank, while the brick wall provides cooler summer nesting spots for the bats.
Figure 13: view of Vlotwatering bridge showing the entry into the concrete tank
Figure 14: Drawings showing the details of concrete tank
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The bridge design is intended to constitute the ideal habitat for various species of bats, aiming to grow a large colony (Divisare, 2015). An example of how architecture can produce multifunctional objects that also serve nature.
Figure 15: Cross sections of Vlotwatering bridge
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3.4 Facilities at street level in Gangashahar The town of Gangashar is in the southern part of Bikaner towards Nokha. This town is populated with people from the Jain community, who have built various amenities at street level to help other creatures i.e., street animals. Several sites can be found, but three sites 4A, 4B and 4C are taken.
3.4.1 Site 4A The site 4A is located on GS road, near Parsvanath temple circle. As shown in the figure, the site consists of a concrete container provided over the street drain. Wastage from the kitchen such as vegetable peels and the leftover foods are dumped in this container. This is provided so that the street animals can eat from here, without having to forage the garbage. This becomes a clean source for their food.
Figure 16: Image of site 4A
Figure 17: Drawings of site 4A
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3.4.2 Site 4B The site 4B is located at Bikaner-Nokha highway road. As shown in the plan, a corner of the street is used to provide a water tub. This tub is filled with water daily by the local authority to fetch water for the thirsty animals. Animals come here to quench their thirst in summer, when it becomes arid in this region. Similar structures, smaller in size are built at every street front in this region.
Figure 19: Image of Site 4B
Figure 18: Drawings of site 4B
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3.4.2 Site 4C The site 4C is located on Anuvrata marg in the same region. Similar to the site 4B, 4C also is a water tub located on the street plaza. The strategic location of this tub suits for the nearby horse owners and the stray animals. Every day in the evening the horses are brought here for a walk and they take a stop here. The plaza of the street becomes an interaction point with various other animals.
Figure 21: Image of site 4C
Figure 20: Drawings of site 4C
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3.5 Observations After observing these structures, it is found that there is a possible solution to realize the aim of creating animal spaces in urban planning. It can be achieved by using minimum resources. Provisions can be made to meet the basic requirements of street animals. Following are the observations noted during the case study: •
Multifunctional buildings that have two or more functions can serve their primary function and can also serve the nature.
•
It is observed that often the tubs and structures get contaminated due to stains, dust collection and pollution. This makes it very unhygienic for the animals to consume anything from these places. Often the waste gets piled up for weeks and forms into a compost, unless someone cleans it.
•
Some tubs were found containing plastic waste and other waste which cannot be consumed by the animals. Often kids misuse this space and contaminate them.
•
These spaces require maintenance from humans as animals are dependent on us to clean these places for them. Unclean and filthy spaces can be hazardous to their health.
•
Sites such as community parks, graveyards and temple are used to build shelter spaces for animals. This is efficient use of the land to accommodate the other species in an urban environment.
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4. Design recommendations for Cohabitation of Animals The goals of the recommendations are to provide locally effective design guidance that can be appropriately applied in the upcoming/new development. This section of recommendations includes various strategies which can be used in order to create space for animals in any new or existing development, building or structure.
4.1 Strategy 1: To provide healthy source of water 4.1.1 Water pots Clean drinking water can be provided in various ways. The simplest way is to locate water pots at various strategic locations. A better location would be to provide them at shaded areas of the street. Corner locations should not be preferred, as they may cause accidents. Water pots can also be hanged on balconies for the birds. Water pots for birds can also be placed in the backyard or gardens, where they can access it safely.
Figure 22: Water pots for animals
4.1.2 Artificial ponds and fountains Artificial ponds and fountains can be constructed in the parks and gardens of the city. Several locations at street junctions can also be utilized for such constructions.
Figure 23: Artificial pond
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4.2 Strategy 2: To provide healthy source of food Provision for buckets can be made at site boundaries. These buckets can be utilized by people to dump their kitchen waste and leftovers. Street animals can eat whatever they get. Segregating the kitchen waste and dumping them in this bucket will provide a clean source of food for them.
Figure 24: Stray cattle feeding on food scraps
Figure 25: Food scrap dumped in basket
It must be made sure that these facilities are regularly maintained. Food stains stick to the surface and slowly start to contaminate the buckets. Regular maintenance is required.
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4.3 Strategy 3: Shelter spaces 4.3.1 Multifunctional spaces Buildings specifically individual or at community level should be designed to perform multiple functions. Such as the bat bridges in Holland and Texas. Such multifunctional buildings must be able to host nature and its processes.
Figure 26: Bat bridge in Texas
4.3.2 Use of neglected sites To construct single use structure only for the purpose of habituating animals can be preferred in neglected sites of the urban cities such as graveyards, electricity Power station, water treatment plant, etc. which is again multifunctional use of site. But, in such cases a large group of animals can collectively live in a site. Animal spaces can also be incorporated in institutions like orphanages and old age homes.
Figure 27: Animals in orphanage homes
Figure 28: Animals in old age homes
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4.3.3 Green spaces Green spaces are natural habitats for animals. A single tree can be useful for a number of insects, birds and can also provide food for other species. Along with the addition of green spaces in cities, recommendations can also be made to accommodate animal spaces in these green spaces. Design interventions can be made to provide shelter spaces for animals with the green spaces. Community parks and gardens can include amenities that can be used by humans and animals both.
Figure 29: Animal enjoying the urban green space
4.4 Recommendations to planning authorities Planning authorities play a major role in shaping the urban environment. In this section, some recommendations are listed that can be applied to form animal spaces and encourage cohabitation of non-human species.
4.4.1 Rating and certification for animal friendly spaces Rating and assessment tools for planning can be developed which can give credits to a design’s potential for co-habitation of non-human species. For example, ‘Green Star’ and ‘Land use and Ecology’ credits by Green Building Council of Australia.
4.4.2 Guidelines that can be implied Listed below are few suggestions that development and planning authorities can recommend: • •
• • •
•
Urban nature must be provided with healthy conditions. They must be an integral part of every planning process. Development and maintenance of green corridors in urban built environment between discrete projects and neighborhoods. Plants and animals are supposed to co-exist together. Parks, gardens and all the urban green spaces must include infrastructure that can be used by both animals also. Anything that harms the health of natural or artificial ecosystem, should not be built. Consideration should be given to demolishing, removing or adjusting elements of the built environment that compromise the health of natural or artificial ecosystems (Downtown, 2015) Urban planning programs should consult widely and include a Council of All Beings, or similar, to raise awareness of the needs of urban non-humans and to engage the
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community with its urban ecosystem through the planning process (Downtown, 2015).
4.5 Other recommendations at community level 4.5.1 Bird friendly tiles Use of birdhouse country tiles can be made on the eastern or northern side of the roof. These are ecofriendly, attractive and are an interesting way to provide wonderful homes for birds. These ceramic tiles are weather resistant and is advisable to place several such roof tiles in a roof.
Figure 30: Bird house tiles
4.5.2 Boundary wall modification To provide shelter to medium sized animals such as dogs and cats, boundary wall modifications can be done. Various modules of sections can be opted for such provision. A shelter is required for all animals. It will give them protection from harsh weather conditions.
Figure 31: Boundary wall options
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4.5.3 Bird friendly design While designing large sized buildings, the building volumes can be clearly distinguished by the use of visual markers. Techniques such as increasing the mullion’s density; and the use of sunshades and louvers to interrupt the reflective glasses. Reflections can be muted by angling the glass downwards to reduce the reflections towards sky. Use of bird friendly designs can help reduce the number of accidents which happen due to bird collisions every year.
Figure 32: Canted glass facade
Figure 33: Dense mullions and visual markers
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4.5.4 Green roofs Green roofs can be potential top serve as habitats for wildlife. It can accommodate various insects and birds and is also an addition to ecological benefits. Aerial animals can benefit a lot from the green rooftops. It can reduce the impact of habitat loss due to urbanization. Although the role of green roofs as wildlife habitat remains a work in progress, it is promising that a well-designed green roof can help support various insects and birds, and even aid conservation efforts by serving rare and endangered species affected by habitat loss (Pavlou, 2020).
Figure 34: Terrace garden
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5. Conclusion Along with the positive interaction with animals, there are still chances of negative interaction with them. Most of the population looks at stray animals as threat to the locality due to some incident in their life and the rest of the animals are brought to same conclusions. What people do not understand is that street animals do not harm until they are provoked, sick or in pain. Animals indeed are more loyal and trustworthy when compared to fellow humans. However, there are chances that an animal might attack a human despite him being innocent. Proper precautions such as vaccinating the community animals and sterilizing them can reduce the level of harm caused by them. But these very meagre chances should not stop humanity from providing such a valuable service to mother nature. It is very important to realize the positive aspects of the interaction with the nature. Animals are proven to be mood enhancers. They can aid humans and provide them with their valuable company. Many people have started to adopt stray animals. Animals have been an integral part of our lives since our existence. The localities in which we live, also belong to them. Animals have existed in some areas even before humans moved there. Nature has designed for every species of the world, where each species has a role to play without disturbing the ecological balance. Therefore, humans must include animals as their part of locality and learn to coexist with them. It is therefore necessary, as an architect, to design for animal habitat, take imperative measures and include them in urban environment for coexisting with nature. It is very important to realize the positive aspects of the interaction with the nature. Animals are proven to be mood enhancers. They can aid humans and provide them with their valuable company. Many people have started to adopt stray animals. Animals have been an integral part of our lives since our existence. The localities in which we live, also belong to them. Animals have existed in some areas even before humans moved there. Nature has designed for every species of the world, where each species has a role to play without disturbing the ecological balance. Therefore, humans must include animals as their part of locality and learn to coexist with them. Upcoming architecture must include a vision to share built-up world with animals.
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