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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.L.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Liu, Ruolin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hindle, Richard L.

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

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Ruolin Liu

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/44143

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/44143