Birdway

Basic information

Project Title

Birdway

Full project title

Architectural bird nesting installation in public park

Project Description

The Birdway is a sustainable urban project in Tartu, designed to enrich urban biodiversity and add visual interest to the community. It contains 12 Bird nesting spots for different species. By creating a birdshelter on top of a walkway this installation blends seamlessly together urban and natural environments.

Geographical Scope

Local

Project Region

Tartu, Estonia

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

EU Programme or fund

Description of the project

Summary

The elongated form of the shelter is strongly location-based and is influenced by Raatuse Street, which serves as the axis traversing Tartu's city center, extending from Town Hall Square to Puiestee Street, passing through the arch bridge. Its central placement in the middle of a pedestrian street creates an exciting and diverse situation and space. Similarly, the structure is positioned along the axis in the opposite direction, along the green belt next to the Emajõgi River. The shelter acts as a bridge, where urban space and the natural environment converge. As the volumetric part of the structure is raised above ground level and is on a kind of second level, it does not obstruct pedestrians on Raatuse Street. Moreover, it is designed for those moving in the green belt, including birds.

The city is not merely a human habitat. Positioned in an active urban space, the shelter unexpectedly engages with the natural environment. Within the architectural installation's shell, 12 bird nesting boxes (of two different types) have actually been built, intended to provide nesting places for bird species residing in the green belt along the Emajõgi River. This project strongly supports the coexistence of various species in the city and aligns well with the idea of biodiversity and the expansion of green areas (which is already quite exemplary in Tartu).

The load-bearing part of the structure's timber frames is solved as spatial frames, relying on concrete posts. The timber frames are constructed with rigid joints following the principles of Virendel frames. The frames are assembled from 70x70mm cross-section timber beams. The stiffness of the joints is achieved with elements cut from steel sheets in a '+' shape, which are screwed to the timber beams with wood bolts.

The Shelter Milky Way creates a hybrid functioning space for both humans and birds, being an important facility within the framework of Tartu 2024 that directs attention to a green Tartu.

Key objectives for sustainability

The Birdway project stands as a beacon of sustainability, seamlessly amalgamating ecological consciousness, urban planning, and community engagement. A primary objective is the utilization of ecologically sourced wood for bird boxes strategically placed in a public park to address the scarcity of avian breeding grounds. The sustainability extends to the materials, featuring easily dismantlable precast concrete blocks for future adaptability. The upper wooden part not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to carbon absorption, showcasing a dual-phase material utilization strategy. The Birdway sets a standard for sustainable architecture, emphasizing its respect for the environment and significant contribution to biodiversity. It serves as an exemplary model for bridging the gap between nature, culture, and society.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

Nestled in the heart of Tartu, The Birdway serves as a vital link connecting districts, breaking spatial barriers, and fostering social cohesion. Inspired by the culturally significant Kaarsild bridge, the project pays homage to heritage while addressing modern challenges. Its integration with surrounding trees further enhances its seamless connection with the environment, and its minimalist, aesthetically pleasing contemporary form has transformed a monotonous area into a local landmark.

Key objectives for inclusion

Public accessibility is a cornerstone of the Birdway's design philosophy, located strategically in the middle of a pedestrian walkway. This deliberate placement not only ensures accessibility for everyone but also enhances the functionality of public space for locals. Communication efforts have been bilingual (Estonian and English), facilitated through various channels, accompanied by simple information signage in both languages, reinforcing the project's commitment to inclusivity.

Results in relation to category

The Birdway's impact is multifaceted, contributing to enhanced biodiversity, improved public spaces, and strengthened community connections. It has become a local landmark, providing both direct and indirect benefits to the community while serving as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through thoughtful architectural interventions.

How Citizens benefit

Stakeholder involvement has been a linchpin of the project's success. Extensive discussions with various stakeholders and members of society have been integral, ensuring that the project aligns with the public's interests and serves as a community asset.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Innovative character

The Birdway's innovative character lies in its unconventional approach to design, shifting the focus from humans to nature. Its construction by young students introduces a fresh perspective, offering creative solutions to address the challenges of tomorrow and injecting vitality into the architectural landscape.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The interdisciplinary nature of the project involved representatives from diverse institutions during the design process, including Tartu municipal body, Estonian Academy of Arts, and Estonian architects. Regular discussions with the municipality, collaboration with biologists from Tartu University, and consultation with ornithologist Marko Mägi ensured that the project aligned seamlessly with both architectural and ecological principles.

Methodology used

The project's methodology is rooted in the objective of improving biodiversity in Tartu's urban area. Students, in their design process, envisioned solutions that consider the challenges of the future, making it a forward-thinking and innovative endeavor.

How stakeholders are engaged

At the local level, the municipality spearheaded the project with collaboration from different departments and experts, providing a multifaceted perspective at every stage. On a national scale, The Birdway sets a benchmark for other cities, showcasing the value of offering artists, architects, and urbanists professional opportunities in the public sector. This approach not only provides them with freedom but also instills a sense of responsibility for shaping shared living environments.

Global challenges

On a global scale, The Birdway addresses the pressing challenge of biodiversity loss by offering local solutions. Ecosystem boosters integrated into communities exemplify a model that can be adapted to various contexts, contributing to the global effort of creating sustainable and biodiverse urban environments.

Learning transferred to other parties

The replicability of the Birdway lies in its positive example of creating bird habitats coexisting with human spaces. This project showcases a symbiotic relationship between natural and human environments, while the involvement of young students in the construction process introduces a novel approach to urban landscape design.