Thank U, Nest

Although we design and build the spaces around us to address our own needs, we forget that we are not alone in our urban habitat. Our animal neighbors are negatively impacted by environments constructed for human habitation. Urban environments today are designed to maximize advantages for human life and convenience while causing distress, displacement, and death for other species. 

Our proposal for Sukkah City addresses the harmed and displaced wildlife in our city. Traditionally Sukkahs act as temporary shelters for human inhabitants to rest, share meals, and sleep. Our project shares these amenities with our local and migrating avian friends. Thank U, Nest acts as a sanctuary for birds seeking shelter, food, and water in the harsh urban environment. 

The Sukkah is constructed using natural sustainably sourced materials, such as wood and branches found and collected from downed trees which are best suited for bird habitation. Taking the temporary and migratory nature of the Sukkah structure into account, the droppings and fallen seeds from birdhouses and feeders attached to the outer perimeter of the Sukkah will persist long after the Sukkah has gone away. The ground, if left to grow wild, would one day again help to feed birds and provide structures on which to build nests. 

Thank U, Nest acts as a way to engage with and educate city-dwellers who may not be immediately aware of the negative effects of the urban environment on indigenous plant and animal life. By designing a space for both humans and animals, we hope to inspire others to rethink our relationship with nature and help create better ecosystems for cohabitation between animals, plants, and people within our communities.