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Bird’s-eye view

2023

Featured competition proposal

The Torbiere del Sebino has seen numerous geological transformations throughout history, contributing to new generations of micro-environments that overlap and give rise to a complex ecological mosaic of incredible value. This fragile yet resilient environment is therefore the catalyst of a new system of small-scale site interventions and three wildlife pavilions that take an active role in the ecological conservation and restoration of the reserve: First, the birdhouse – conceived as a simple line at the intersection of the reserve’s three trail systems. The birdhouse is made from aluminum I-beams infilled with danpalon panels. The lightweight structure reduces the size of foundations, and the translucent panels blend with the environment without mirroring it to protect birds from crashing into them. Second, the bird fountain – a disc of water lifted slightly above the bog’s surface. This fountain inhabits the water without displacing habitat. Since water within the bog is only lost through evaporation, its recharge is therefore very slow, resulting in eutrophication (low oxygen levels). To help mitigate these effects, the bird fountain continuously aerates bog water without disturbing aquatic wildlife. Lastly, the bird garden – a subtle tilt of the ground plan in the shape of a square. The resultant vertical surfaces are lined with log ends to provide habitat for insects such as bees and dragonflies - an ideal meal for the colorful European bee-eater. The garden interior restores existing lawnscapes with endemic vegetation. Along with several site interventions, this garden acts as a catchment for agricultural runoff, which is one of the greatest threats to the ecology of the bog.
︎︎︎ Terrestrial Ecoregions of Italy Torbiere del Sebino is positioned between the temperate divisions of the Po Plain Province and the Central and Eastern Alps Section in the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy. This geographic location implies several important ecological and terrestrial observations for the natural habitat of the reserve.






︎︎︎ Anthropic areas, areas of high habitat value, and settlement patterns in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy.


︎︎︎ Illustrative Site Plan showing three new wildlife pavilions along the central and south trails, and at their intersection at the foot of the eastern escarpment.




 ︎︎︎ Diagram of Interventions along the north, south, central, and accessible trails at the Sebino Nature Reserve. Plan and section.




   
   
 
︎︎︎ Site & architectural interventions A system of small-scale site and architectural interventions help provide habitat for wildlife, reduce waste, improve wayfinding, and expand trail accessibility.



Pavilion 1: The “Bird Fountain”


Pavilion 2: The “Bird Garden”


Pavilion 3: The “Birdhouse”