Protecting avian biodiversity: Bird observatories to help spread awareness & save rare bird species.

Known as evolutionary cousins of dinosaurs, birds have evolved from theropods (meat-eating dinosaurs) and the oldest bird fossils are about 150 million years old. 

The scientific study only started in the 17th century with Aristotle's books on bird habitats and migration patterns.  Since then, records of different birds in the form of written manuscripts and drawings have enriched our knowledge of biodiversity. As scientific studies, wonderment, and awareness of these species increased, they became an inspiration for human flight. 

Birds beautifully co-exist with nature and also share a cultural relationship with humans. They are one of the most crucial members of our ecosystem. By providing food for scavengers and decomposers they help maintain sustainable population levels of their prey and predators. 

Thereby, indirectly balancing nature’s relationship with the human world. 

Although in recent years, there is increased pressure on birds and their role due to rapid urbanization. 

While avian diversity in India has been limited to the study and conservation in protected ecosystems. There is a varied bird diversity outside these areas that remains neglected.  

Further coastal areas are under serious threats of land reclamation and pollution. It has led to the destruction of natural habitats, as they are under serious threats due to sand dredging, coastal land reclamation, and pollution. 

The coastline of Alibaug, Raigad comprises 30% of resident birds and 70% of migratory species. With the current state of development in and around Alibaug, the stress to residents and migratory birds is inevitable.

How can we reduce this human intervention and still maintain our balance with these species? 

Rare species of birds are found on the coastline of Alibaug. In an extraordinary instance, the species of Woodchat Shrike which barely reaches Baluchistan was found in the region.  Species like Oyster-catcher, Plovers, and Ruddy turnstone can also be spotted. 

With the provision of Ro-Ro water services and ferries, Alibaug has become a weekly recreational spot among the inhabitants of Mumbai city. Demands for beach views and other recreation have led to rapid infrastructural encroachment into natural habitats. Since the coastline is not protected by officials, it is necessary to create awareness about its rich biodiversity. There is a need to document and conserve it.  

What if this need is integrated into the tourism of the region? Can a balance be created between these species and us? 

Brief: The challenge was to design a sustainable observatory with a visitor's center with spaces for awareness and information that would balance and maintain the region’s landscape. 

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Some of the Best competition projects are as follows:

 

Winning Project: The Shrike

By: Lei Lin

^{Fig: 1 Site Plan and Section Plan}

Description: A bird observatory site planning in which users may experience a boundary-less connection with the natural beauty of the coastal environment. Shrike is a bird obeservatery set amongs the diverse coastline of maharashtra, India. It is a construct that reaches into the wild habitat around, whilst maintaining a safe and inclusive experience for all visitors…

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People’s Choice: Nests

By: An Dra, Anca R. Teodora & Nicolae Baciu

^{Fig: 2 Site Plan and Section Plan}

Description: Realizing a mean to let the coexistence between man and the natural environment happen. Our concept starts from the idea of looking at the world through different eyes. We tried to create a scenario that would allow watching birds from oversized nests that fit the human form. 

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Editor’s Choice: FLY HIGH

By: Anna Kosmala

^{Fig: 3 Floor Plan, Section Plan and site image}

Description: Creating a relationship between birds and humans.  The concept of the project was to design an observatory that would draw attention to the source of various threats to the birds in Alibaug in India. The idea was aimed at reducing resource consumption and imitating of the carbon footprint.

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Editor’s Choice: FLY - Bird Observatory

By: Ritu Deshmukh

^{Fig: 4 Section, Sectional Elevation and site view}

Description: The design of the sustainable observatory and visitor center would help to spread awareness about the bird species. The concept of the structure is derived from a weaver bird’s nest that is flawlessly suspended between the earth and sky in midst of lush trees and a calm coastline.

                             

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