A total of 39 NDSU second-year architecture students are set to display their talents during the "Architecture for the Birds: A design competition," scheduled for Monday, March 21, to Friday, April 1, at Fargo's Plains Art Museum.
Awards for “Best Translation of the Pritzker Architect’s Design Philosophy," as well as “House Best Suited for Bird Species” will be given as determined by a jury of bird experts, architects and artists.
In addition, the public is encouraged to cast votes for the “People’s Choice for Best Overall Design."
The competition, which is in its seventh year, is being organized by Joan Vorderbruggen, assistant professor of architecture; Darryl Booker, associate professor of architecture; and Ron Ramsay, associate professor of architecture.
According to Vorderbruggen, the first component of the competition was for students to randomly select a Pritzker-Award-winning architect to research. They then analyzed and interpreted a particular piece of architecture to understand the design philosophy and inspiration the Pritzker-laureate incorporated in the design process.
The students then worked with the local Audubon chapter to understand the “client” – in this case, one of seven birds in the area that is known to nest in man-made birdhouses.
"Students were required to explore the bird’s favored environment, immediate nesting habitat, size, numbers of family members using the house and patterns of use – all issues similar to designing a dwelling for anyone," Vorderbruggen explained. "Houses vary in size, depending upon the bird, and all design solutions needed to be compatible and usable by that bird, made of non-toxic materials and able to withstand local weather conditions."
“Students approached the design of the birdhouse in a way that they felt their chosen Pritzker architects would have designed for that particular bird,” Vorderbruggen said.
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