The Nest
Lindsey Bray, Thais Carino, Alex Corman, Anddy Franco-Alcivar, Matheus Godinho, Nour Hammoudeh, Wei Huang, Arvind Jayakanth, Alyssa Laurenciana, Kimberly Lawton, Isabelle Letham, Jaileen Lorenzo, Joshua Lunis, Frank Mateo Alvarado, Austin Mazza, Khushi Sanjivbhai Mehta, Samuel Morshed, Mona Pandya, Cooper Quigley, Jaime Rios, Natalia Rodas, Lowell Rosete, Anum Syed, Oscar Villalobos, Anthony Volpe, Jason WittlingerInstructors: Erin Pellegrino and Charlie Firestone
This design studio course explored the fascinating intersection of architecture, design, ornithology, and birdwatching, while emphasizing the integration of nature and man-made elements. Students engaged deeply with the study of the interconnected relationships between birds, humans, nature, and the built environment.
Students explored the intricacies of avian architecture through research, observation, and design-build exercises. The focus was on the New Jersey Meadowlands as a unique and bio-diverse habitat for a variety of bird species. By studying avian behaviors and their observers, the habitats of each, and bird migration patterns, students gained insights into the wonderful world of birds and their watchers.
The studio component of the course focused on the design and construction of a birdwatching structure that seamlessly blended into the natural landscape of the Meadowlands. Students learned to integrate architectural principles, sustainable design strategies, and bird-friendly features to create an inviting and functional space for both birdwatchers and avian inhabitants. Emphasis was placed on promoting the coexistence of humans and birds, fostering ecological awareness, and providing educational opportunities for visitors.
During the semester, students engaged in field trips, site visits, and birdwatching expeditions to develop a deep understanding of avian habitats and behaviors. Guest lectures by ornithologists, architects, and landscape designers provided additional perspectives and expertise. Students also had the opportunity to collaborate with local environmental organizations and community stakeholders to ensure the project aligned with the needs of the Meadowlands ecosystem.
Lindsey Bray, Thais Carino, Alex Corman, Anddy Franco-Alcivar, Matheus Godinho, Nour Hammoudeh, Wei Huang, Arvind Jayakanth, Alyssa Laurenciana, Kimberly Lawton, Isabelle Letham, Jaileen Lorenzo, Joshua Lunis, Frank Mateo Alvarado, Austin Mazza, Khushi Sanjivbhai Mehta, Samuel Morshed, Mona Pandya, Cooper Quigley, Jaime Rios, Natalia Rodas, Lowell Rosete, Anum Syed, Oscar Villalobos, Anthony Volpe, and Jason Wittlinger are pursuing Bachelors of Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Erin Pellegrino is a Professor of Practice at NJIT, where she co-leads design/build studios alongside Charlie Firestone. She is the co-founder of Out of Architecture, a career resource network and is the principal of Matter, a design/build studio that explores design problems through small-scale investigations.
Charlie Firestone is a Professor of Practice at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design (NJIT). He is also partner in Matter, a small design/build firm.
This project was published as part of Transect Volume 5: Pedagogy (2024), Jacob Swanson, Daniel Girgis, Dhruvi Rajpopat, Fatima Fardos, Jimenna Alcantar, Elizabeth Kowalchuk, eds.