Flying in a Tank-Industrial Heritage Bird Sanctuary Design

Project details

Student Mengqi Gao

Programme

Design Studio Design Studio 6

Year 1

Friesenheimer Insel is an artificial island that was created by the straightening of the Rhine in the early nineteenth century. Today, this post-industrial site faces a decline in birds.

This project proposes to design a bird sanctuary utilising the decommissioned oil tanks on the site. The design consists of several spaces which represent five different levels of human-to-bird land occupation ratios. The sanctuary also aims to bring together birds, bird lovers, and researchers, creating a community and fostering knowledge exchange between the different groups and achieving a vision of joint prosperity between humans and birds.

Bird Habitats Study

Different feeding and nesting habits of different bird species.

Site Analysis

The development of factories and farmland has led to the loss of large areas of natural forests and grasslands, and many animals that depend on these environments are threatened.

Masterplan

The main design area is located in the north-western corner of the island. To provide habitats for birds and other species in the area, the straight Rhine channel is opened up from the side and water flows into the site.