LA+ Interdisciplinary Journal of Landscape Architecture
University of Pennsylvania stuart weitzman School of Design
Editor in Chief
Dr Tatum L. Hands
Creative Direction
Prof. Richard J. Weller
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Tatum Hands
Richard Weller
Production Manager
Colin Curley
Production Team
Aaron Stone
Ian Dillon
“Selyin” Yi Ding
Editorial Assistants
Aaron Stone
Madeleine Ghillany-Lehar
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ISSN: 2376-4171
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Back cover illustration by Laurie Olin
Copyright © 2021 University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design
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Recommended citation: LA+ Interdisciplinary Journal of Landscape Architecture, no. 14 (2021).
ARTHUR LAM
Avesspp.
Birds have long been considered sacred in various cultures, acting as both the bridge between heaven and Earth, as well as symbols of hope and freedom. In spite of the important role they play in our lives, many of our actions are detrimental to their survival. As a result of anthropogenic climate change and build-up of dead trees in forests, the recent mega-fires in California have wreaked havoc at an unprecedented scale, ridding many native avian species of their food and shelter. Although it was once true that many forests and their ecosystems would regrow stronger following a forest fire, the same can no longer be said given the current environmental state of our planet.
With birds being some of nature’s most effective seed dispersers and exterminators, the intent of this design is to create a temporary safe haven for birds to return to so that they may facilitate the regrowth of their natural home. This can be achieved
through the construction of a modular simulation of their natural environment. With regard to materiality and spatial quality, the primary structure mimics the scaffolding branches of a tree. Using the knowledge we have about these creatures, ideal spaces intended for private and public use can then be plugged into the scaffolding structure to provide birds with shelter, food, and plenty of seeds to disperse. Not only does this design aim to restore the ecological balance of the land, but it moreover strives to shed light on the critical role that these beautiful creatures play and the wonders that they can achieve.
Ground level shelters serve as storage spaces for simple reforestation equipment as well as contemplative rest spots for human visitors.
Nest Box Specifications:
Occupiable space: 4.5”x4.5”x8”
Height above ground level: 3’-25’
Entrance Hole: 1.2” radius at 6” above the base
Accommodated Species
Black Capped Chickadee, Blue bird, Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, etc.
The tops of the dwellings are relatively flat, allowing for shared spaces to easily be formed for these sociable creatures.
Nest Box Specifications:
Occupiable space: 8”x8”x8”
Height above ground level: 8’-15’
Entrance Hole: None
Accommodated Species
American Robin, Scrub jay, Oriole, etc.
Feature:
The lack of an entrance hole provides these birds with a free and open environment.
Nest Box Specifications:
Occupiable space: 6”x6”x12”
Height above ground level:15’-28’
Entrance Hole: 2.5” radius at 9” above the base
Accommodated Species
Flicker, Screech Owl, Kestrel, etc.
Feature:
The entrance hole is concealed by a cur tain of vines, providing cavity nesters with warmth and privacy.
Bath Specifications:
Occupiable space: 2’-3” radius x 3” depth
Height above ground level: 28”-80’
Accommodated Species
Small Birds, Open Nesters, and Cavity Nesters
Occupiable space: 3.5’x2.5’
Height above ground level: 28”-80’
Planter Specifications: Accommodated Species
Primarily Small Birds and Open Nesters
Nest Platform Specifications:
Occupiable space: 6’x6’
Height above ground level: 80’-115’
Entrance Hole: None
Accommodated Species
Bald Eagle, Red-tailed, Hawk, Large Owls, etc.
Feature: Platforms are open to the sky and provide a panoramic view of the surrounding environment.
1. Human Occupation
2. Small Bird Dwelling
3. Open Nester Dwelling
4. Cavit y Nester Dwelling
5a. Public Space: Shaded Bird Bath
5b. Public Space: Large Planters
6. Large Bird Dwelling
Much like leaves in a tree, the perforated cloth shades provide a seemingly stochastic environment within the structure.
Joint members form micro-communities from individual units, allowing for previously unfound relationships to be established between different species.
The primary structure is constructed from recycled 2”x2” lumber. Not only does it act as a receptor for habitable spaces, but these branch-like structures also allow for inhabitants to perch and rest on them
LORI GRUEN
TIMOTHY MORTON
KATE ORFF
JENNIFER WOLCH
CHRIS REED
ANDREW GRANT
FARRE NIXON
NIKO DELLIC
AMBIKA PHARMA
CATHERINE VALVERDE
YOUZI XU
ELIZABETH SERVITO
FERAS ABDALLAH
CALLA ROSE OSTRANDER
BINGJIAN LIU
HEEJUNG SHIN
ESTHER JUNG
ARTHUR LAM
MARZIA MICALI
ZHOU WANG
HILLARY DEWILDT
AROUSSIAK GABRIELIAN
DAN PARKER
STANISLAV ROUDAVSKI
AASHTI MILLER
AITOR FRÍAS-SÁNCHEZ
JOAQUÍN PERAILES-SANTIAGO
CONOR O’SHEA
HUONG DINH
SADIE IMAE
NATALYA DIKHANOV
YIRU WANG
YUN WANG
