Bird Research
Yellow Warbler
Nest 10-30ft. above the ground
Three to six inches long
Breeds and nests in moist, forested areas
Diet of insects and caterpillars
Face parasitism from the cowbird
Create a shelter that protects its inhabitants from parasites and predators
Too Boxy
Required Elements
Multiple windows for sun
Overhang for rain with open areas to allow for a moist nesting area.
Roughly 5x5x10 in
Surface to stand on
Protected and hidden area for nesting
Design Objectives
Aesthetic Inspiration
Craft a durable home that will last years and shelter the inhabitants from the elements
I drew the inspiration of my form from the rudimentary, angular shapes of the Memphis movement and the structural components of mid century architecture. The aesthetic goal was a bold and elegant structure.
Form Exploration
Ensure the sanctuary is catered towards the yellow warbler - correct size and combination of open and closed off areas
Modelmaking
remove extrusions
Low fidelity models of a few of my final form ideas. 
I decided the roof silhouette I would continue with, but the angles of my sanctuary felt random and uninteresting. I decided to make angled walls perpendicular to the roof which made the shelter a lot more bold and emotional. I then created mid-fidelity models of my updated design
Applying wood fill and oil based polyurethane finish
Cutting, gluing, and clamping wood
5 WEEK PROJECT - SPRING 2025
The Avian Sanctuary carefully considers the needs of the yellow warbler and caters to them, while being an aesthetically intriguing and long lasting piece of art.
Skills Used - Empathetic Design, Sketching, Modelmaking, Fusion 360, Woodworking
