Design brief
The climate crisis and rapid bio diversity loss gripping our planet mean we need to do everything we can to help nature. The Arts SU Green roof society have planted fruit trees and bushes on the Roof Terrace at CSM providing some food, but little in the way of shelter. To attract a wider diversity of wildlife and restore the balance of nature to our Concrete Palace, our clients [the birds] have requested your help!
Referencing Bauhaus design principles of form following function, experimental colour theory and geometric sensibilities, this brief asks you “to provide an affordable, artistic, utilitarian design for every ... [bird]" Ross 2020
The design should encourage feeding, bathing or nesting for your choice of bird. Please research the specific needs of the local birds* here and follow up with your own in-depth research.
A blackbird has recently been sighted feeding on berries [sparrows, starlings, robins, nuthatches, blue, great and long tailed tits could also be attracted], and there is even a Hawk resident in Kings cross station!
Nesting - Appropriately sized nest hole should be considered, making sure they provide good perching and entry opportunities, protection and ventilation. The height the boxes are placed will attract different breeds of bird. Some nest holes may need protection from scavengers.
Feeding - The boxes should feature a variety of feeding opportunities for the birds [ seeds, nuts, fat balls, water ] that are integrated into the architectural design of the box. The boxes should be easy to clean to avoid mould.
Bathing - Birds love a good bath, both water and dust. These should be separate to both feeding and nesting boxes.
Durability - The boxes should be durable and weatherproof. We encourage you to consider the materials using natural, untreated, locally sourced wood and other natural materials whilst avoiding plywood, virgin hardwoods [ especially tropical wood ] and plastic.
Placement - The proposal should consider where they would be placed on the CSM Roof Terrace. The boxes shouldn’t be exposed to extreme elements. Nesting birds are territorial, so consider their privacy.
Security - The boxes will need to be secure, avoiding damage to the structure or risk to those that use the terrace. This will be negotiated with the Green Roof Society and the college Estates team.
Maintenance - Boxes should be easy to inspect and maintain. Consider a hinged roof or sliding panel to clean it out, replace food, bedding etc.
More Details
Partnering with MAKE @ Story Garden the winning entries will be produced for the CSM Roof Terrace, but will also be made available as open source designs to be produced as part of MAKE’s twilight DIY events for the local community.
How to apply
We can offer some technical support and materials, and there is a stipend of £200 per winning design. The designer will be credited and promoted on CSM social media. Please submit your entry form (Word 616KB) and supporting work to g.j.campbell@csm.arts.ac.uk Supporting work can include concept drawings, scale models, reference images, working drawings, prototypes and previous work.
Time frame
Thursday 20 Feb 2020 - Design briefing and prototyping MAKE @ story garden 3-7pm. This is a chance to meet the MAKE team, and check out the facilities and materials on offer.
Sunday 1 March 2020 - Final Proposal Deadline (Midnight)
Monday 2 March 2020 - Winners announced
Monday 9 March 2020 - Installation on CSM Rooft Terrace with the Green Roof Society
Thursday 16 April 2020 - Presentation of winning designs at MAKE @ Story Garden at 4.30pm
References
Young peoples trust for the environment