Eastern Sky Sanctuary

This five-week project focused on designing an avian sanctuary tailored to the needs of the Eastern Bluebird. The design process began with research into the species' behavior and habitat preferences, including the features that attract and support its well-being. By prioritizing the bird's needs first and then considering the experience of the consumer, the project explored how thoughtful design can create a functional and engaging space that benefits both wildlife and people.

Bird Research

Understanding the Species to Influence Design

These birds are cavity nesters so they use tree hollows and bird houses as shelter.
Make the birdhouse deep and hollow as well as natural and quite to best mimic the tree and fit in with the surroundings.
Use untreated lumber
Floor space is 4 in. x 4 in.
1.5 in. entrance hole
Structure should be 12 in. tall with the entrance being 6 -1 inches from the bottom.
Bluebirds use perches but predators also use perch to get into nest.
Bird will normally lay one egg per day for 4-6 days. Incubation will last for 14 days. After being born birds stay in the nest for 17-21 day
Dimensions: 6-8 in. long eggs are normally 0.7-0.9 inches wide and 0.8-2.4 inches long

Reasons for declining population and being endangered.

Habitat loss- Removal of lost or dead trees which causes nesting spaces to be scarce and competitive
Pesticides
Invasive species- House Sparrow and European
Starling
Diet: Insects, berries, and fruits and their diet varies by season
Summer Diet: Normally eat insects like beetles. crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spiders, earthworms, and snails.
Winter Diet: Feed on fruits and plants like blackberries, honeysuckle, dogwood, red cedar, wild grapes, blueberries, black cherries, pokeberries, mealworms, sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, currants, peanut pieces, and sunflower chips

Design Goals

Defining the Objectives of the Project

Designed and built a functional avian sanctuary
Focused on the Eastern Bluebird as the primary user
Considered the human buyer as a secondary user

Conduct valuable research to ensure a habitat that is specific to the species
e.g., entrance hole, interior dimensions ,placement height, predator protection etc.

Use eco-friendly, sustainable materials for construction
Ensure the sanctuary is weatherproof to withstand outdoor conditions
Design for durability to provide long-lasting protection for birds

Prototype

Testing Ideas Through Physical Models

Built low-fidelity prototypes from foam core
Used Kongsberg machine to quickly convert 2D designs into 3D models

Created mid-fidelity prototypes from plywood
Used to practice building the sanctuary with final material

After attempting to create the curved roof out of wood using the kerfing technique, a quick design change had to be made to the roof to allow for the roof to work.