Birdhouse lets budding ornithologists interact safely with the birds

One of the more interesting and “interactive” ways we can commune with nature is by observing birds. There’s a reason why there are a lot of birdwatching groups and bird watchers themselves, even though it’s not always a hobby for everyone. While most of the time birds are observed in their natural habitat, there are also times when helping them nest in birdhouses is needed, especially during harsh weather.

Designer: Siberian Design Centre

Domik Ptashki is a wooden birdhouse that was especially designed to be attractive to both birds and humans but be as close as possible to the natural habitat and also be environmentally safe. The round shape is designed to resemble the natural tree hollow which birds take shelter in at times and also to reduce the impact of weather conditions like rain, snow, and wind. Its tophole also has a deep cylindrical shape to protect them from other predatory animals.

Because it has a low centre of gravity, the birdhouse can be fastened between the branches of a tree without the danger of damaging the tree itself or needing additional fasteners. It doesn’t have sharp corners that may harm the birds and it is also less visible in its natural environment. It is also made from natural materials and impregnations and can be assembled and disassembled easily.

The Domik Ptashki is meant to be used by humans to not just protect the birds but also take the position of an ornithologist. The designers recommend studying what’s the best place to put the birdhouse in and also comes with instructions on what to do with it once the birds leave this particular nest. It is meant to be used in places like gardens, parks, and personal plots so the minimalist design lets it blend seamlessly into the background.

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Street number is a nesting space for tiny birds in the cities

I live in a city where seeing birds out in the concrete jungle is very rare since all the noise, smog, and the tall buildings have probably scared them away. So when I visited New Zealand and saw birds just “walking” around and mingling with people (and stealing their food at times), I was enchanted and wished our cities were bird-friendly as well. It’s a good sign when an urban space has birds freely flying around and not afraid of people and their environment.

Designers: Mikołaj Nicer and Paweł Frej

Numbird is a nesting box that can invite small birds to rest and stay in it while also doubling as a street address marker since they’re shaped as digits. There’s a small hole in the middle that serves as the space where the birds can nest. So it’s just tiny birds that can fit into that although the bigger birds can perch on the numbers if they wanted to. The birdhouses are easy to assemble so it can be a group activity in your family or it can also be a community project to show that people and birds can co-exist even in a highly urbanized area.

The nesting box is made from waterproof plywood components that were impregnated with natural oil. The kit has all the necessary parts and tools needed to put together the birdhouses that are also your house or building number. It looks pretty easy to assemble so both kids and grown-ups can have a fun and easy time putting them together. They say that the shared number is not only a practical thing but also a symbolic element into “improving the lives of all city inhabitants”.

A lot of the natural habitats of these birds, particularly the small ones, have been destroyed by rapid urbanization. These digit-shaped nesting boxes cannot bring back their original homes or make them less afraid of interacting with humans but it’s a step towards helping humans and the avian species in our urban spaces “co-exist peacefully”.

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A Linoleum Birdhouse Game That Educates and Instils The Values Of Sustainability

In an interesting collaboration, design studio Mano de Santo has joined forces with French design atelier Tarkett to introduce ELVI. This innovative urban birdhouse game delves into the transformative potential of reusing materials. An eco-friendly and adaptable creation that not only highlights the versatility of linoleum but also aims to provide an interactive learning experience, fostering awareness and coexistence with urban wildlife.

Designers: Mano de Santo and Tarkett

In the world of birdhouse games, ELVI is not your everyday player. It stands out for its incredible ability to fit in just about anywhere – be it on streetlights, trees, balconies, or bars. It has a way of seamlessly blending into different spots, making it the go-to choice for those who appreciate a touch of beauty. What makes it even cooler is its modular design, making it super easy for anyone to put it together. You can be your own urban designer, customizing the birdhouse to match your style. The DIY aspect of ELVI adds a unique and personal dimension to the birdhouse-making process. By allowing individuals to assemble the birdhouse themselves, it creates a sense of connection to the project. This hands-on approach not only fosters a personal connection with the final product but also instills a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

But this birdhouse is not just about looking good; it’s on a mission to teach us some important values. Imagine it as a wise friend, sharing knowledge about linoleum – a material often used for floors. It’s not just comfortable and durable; it’s also super versatile. You can find it in schools, hospitals, and many other places. The birdhouse takes this material and turns it into a piece of art that fits perfectly into our daily lives. The DIY nature encourages more people to actively engage in sustainable practices. As individuals take part in the creation of their birdhouses, they become more conscious of the materials used and the environmental impact of their choices.

Beyond its good looks, it takes on another important role as an educational tool. It’s like a guiding light, showing us how linoleum can be recycled and why it’s so good for the environment. It’s a product of the values of Tarkett, emphasizing how linoleum can be recovered and reused after we’re done using it. By pointing out the linoleum’s cleanliness and its ability to become new floors, the birdhouse wants us to feel responsible for taking care of our environment.

The hands-on experience serves as an educational tool, promoting a greater understanding of the importance of reusing materials like linoleum and contributing to a culture of sustainability.

By creating ELVI, a birdhouse game that goes beyond just being pretty, the project adds a special touch to urban spaces. Its design and focus on the eco-friendly qualities of linoleum make it more than just a decoration; it becomes a symbol of responsible choices and a reminder that we can live in harmony with nature even in our busy cities.

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