Meiqing Tian · CLIENT: Mei
This outdoor installation connects urban communities with local wildlife by combining a periscope and bird feeder, allowing users to observe birds without disturbing them. It engages the public through playful, educational elements, raising awareness of urban wildlife and addressing species loneliness. Designed with minimal moving parts for durability and low maintenance, the installation fosters respect for nature. Feedback from experts and park-goers was gathered to refine the concept and assess its environmental impact.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This design explores how park installations can enhance connections between urban communities and wildlife. Combining fun and educational elements, it engages the public, boosts environmental awareness, and fosters appreciation for nature. Research offers insights for urban planning and public art.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 135mm x 187mm x 1135.5mm
- Tags
- public space, installation, wildlife, community, education, playground, park
- Production Technology
- Powdercoated aluminum.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge in designing this outdoor installation is minimizing the number of moving parts to ensure functionality while reducing the risk of wear and tear from public use. The design must also consider durability, aiming for minimal and simple maintenance requirements to ensure long-term usability in outdoor settings.
- Project Duration
- The project started in October 2023 and finished in May 2024 in New York.
- Operation Flow
- This installation is designed for public spaces such as community gardens, playgrounds, and parks. Once installed by staff, it allows birds to interact with the feeder while visitors can observe them up close from a distance, ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds' natural behavior. Staff will need to periodically refill the feeder, and regular cleaning of the installation is necessary to maintain hygiene and the quality of the visitor experience.
- Research
- Expert interviews were conducted with a diverse group, including an education learning coordinator, a naturalist, the NestWatch project leader, an industrial designer, and a landscape architect. These experts were shown the concept drawings and the first prototype to gain their insights, experiences, and perspectives on integrating nature into urban environments, as well as their opinions on the overall concept.
To gather potential users' thoughts, I took the prototype to a local park and engaged with random park-goers for their feedback. The diverse perspectives included input from a bird magazine editor, bird enthusiasts, a wildlife observer, a dog owner, a father of two... Their feedback provided valuable insights into the potential user base. While everyone expressed interest in the idea, they also shared some concerns, which have been noted for further consideration. - Inspiration
- Combining a periscope and bird feeder, it allows users to observe birds from a distance without disturbing them. It blends playful and educational elements to engage the public, raising awareness of local urban wildlife and fostering a reconnection with nature. Addressing "species loneliness," it encourages appreciation and celebration of city wildlife. The project aims to foster respect and responsibility towards the environment, using experiments and interviews to assess impact.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Meiqing Tian, 2024
Image #2: Photographer Meiqing Tian, 2024
Image #3: Photographer Meiqing Tian, 2024
Image #4: Photographer Meiqing Tian, 2024
Image #5: Photographer Meiqing Tian, 2024
Video Credits: Photographer Meiqing Tian, 2024
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