A Smart Space Design for Birdwatching
This concept focuses on the spatial renovation of the barren island south of Jingchun Garden at Tsinghua University. Centered around the theme of birds, the project aims to enrich local ecological diversity while integrating birdwatching into the visitor experience, revitalizing this previously underutilized space.
Following the bird survey route outlined in the paper “Study on the Habitat Characteristics of Birds in Tsinghua University Based on Field Investigation”, we visited 12 potential sites for renovation. This allowed us to both assess the feasibility of the proposed modifications and verify the accuracy of bird distribution data presented in the paper.
Although the southern island of Jingchun Garden has lower vegetation coverage and bird diversity compared to its surroundings, with fewer birds and limited visitation mainly along its edges, it holds greater potential for revitalization. By utilizing the resources of nearby spaces and attracting both birds and people, this area can be transformed into a new, bird-friendly smart space on campus, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
The design of the "Smart Birdwatching Pavilion" is based on the concept of "respecting birds, respecting the environment, and respecting nature." It aims to create a multifunctional building that integrates sightseeing, observation, science education, and smart monitoring, all while preserving and not disturbing the existing ecological landscape. Here, humans and birds coexist, sharing the beauty of the ecosystem.
With the preliminary design concept and positioning established, we have also developed initial design principles and strategies to provide guidance and suggestions for the design process. The design strategies are divided into two aspects: the "birdwatching experience" for people and the "living experience" for birds.
After determining the specific spatial functions and design strategies, I used AI tools to generate some renderings of the space as inspirational references.
The spatial design of the Birdwatching Pavilion is essential as it influences visitors' first impressions, tour experiences, and educational impact. It also affects the installation, maintenance, operational costs, and sustainability of the smart birdwatching technology.
While advancing the design of the Birdwatching Pavilion, I must continually ask myself whether the space can effectively support the related technologies. Similarly, when designing the pavilion's smart systems, I must consider whether the technology can operate efficiently in the actual space, and what costs and spatial support are required.