BIRD WATCHING SHELTER IN THE CHESTER MEADOWS
International Design Competition
Viewing Nest
The viewing nest depicts the idea of a habitat. Apart from being a mere shelter the nest gives enclosure and platform to witness the ultimate phenomenon of nature in Chester meadows. The vision was to create a shelter that merges with the surrounding environment and can be easily assemble and would decay with time only leaving the substructure that can be used to regenerate. This way the building itself act as a part of nature and may go along with the natural cycle of the meadows with time.
The establishment or the foundation is made with reused old scaffoldings, touching a minimum number of square meters on the sensitive flora and fauna. The building footprint is less, and the substructure is transparent, not highly obstructing the ground pathways of the wildlife. Main material is bamboo used on the super structure forming an organic shape twisted in the top level. This may create a stack ventilation device while also accommodating for new bird habitats. This way the building caters for people and for birds as well. It may create an interactive zone for both parties.
The tree branches are collected and used to create wall coverings in the nest and clay were used to cover the roof and to create inbuilt seating for the interiors. A tree branch layer is also can be seen in the bamboo twisted area providing platform for birds to make nests and breeding grounds. The whole deck level is elevated from the scaffolding providing ample height to face flood hazards during the season and to withstand in the natural context.
Viewing nest provides with wider views with its shape for bird watching and site seeing. Also acting as a contemplative pavilion, the sense of place and identity is uplifted by the fusion it holds with the nature. At the end note the inspirational poem ‘Birds’ Nests’ that reminisced the essence of such a place is beautifully expressed by Edward Thomas as follows,
The summer nests uncovered by autumn wind,
Some torn, others dislodged, all dark,
Everyone sees them: low or high in tree,
Or hedge, or single bush, they hang like a mark.
Since there's no need of eyes to see them with
I cannot help a little shame
That I missed most, even at eye's level, till
The leaves blew off and made the seeing no game.
Tis a light pang. I like to see the nests
Still in their places, now first known,
At home and by far roads. Boys knew them not,
Whatever jays and squirrels may have done.
And most I like the winter nests deep-hid
That leaves and berries fell into:
Once a dormouse dined there on hazel-nuts,
And grass and goose-grass seeds found soil and grew.
