Inhabiting the interstitial: design experiments in aviary architecture and habitat creation

Liu, Ruolin

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Description

Title

Inhabiting the interstitial: design experiments in aviary architecture and habitat creation

Author(s)

Liu, Ruolin

Issue Date

2013-05-24T21:52:31Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Hindle, Richard L.

Department of Study

Landscape Architecture

Discipline

Landscape Architecture

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.L.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• interstitial space
• habitat analysis
• nesting prototype
• avian architecture

Abstract

This thesis explores the potential of urban interstitial spaces in bird habitat creation. An interstitial space is the space in-between, underneath, beyond, enveloped, and outside our traditional concepts of habitat and urban space. It is the space between spaces, the space that eludes maps, an aggregate of remnants that collectively represent a habitat of the in-between. Similar to urban plants and animals, urban interstitial spaces are often overlooked, underappreciated, and marginalized, yet they represent an important element of the urban landscape. This thesis aims to redefine the notion of interstitial space and its role in urban ecology by exploring its potential as a habitat for birds and a site of architectural intervention. Although conventional approaches to the habitat design in cities emphasize the role of natural areas, parks and green roofs as the primary habitat, between these spaces is an interstitial space that may help to connect habitats and form intimate, visible, and thoughtful, human-bird relationships. This thesis proceeds with a series of mappings, ecological studies, and design prototypes for aviary architecture in downtown Chicago. Bird habitats will be introduced into urban interstices by identifying the unique requirements of habitats and the conditions of interstitial spaces and species.

Graduation Semester

2013-05

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Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2013 Ruolin Liu

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