Helping CIID students get in touch with their bird neighbors.
“Look Up!” encourages the humans of CIID to appreciate their bird neighbours, as a first step toward coexisting more thoughtfully. So often, busy students spend their time looking down at their screens. They miss out on the fascinating ecosystem that exists right above their heads – in the trees, the sky, and even the rafters of the CIID building.
The “Look Up!” team has designed the concept for an installation that showcases the daily activities of local birds by projecting their forms inside the CIID atrium and kitchen. Cameras mounted to the outside of the building capture birds stopping by or flying overhead. An AI visual model identifies the bird species and indoor projectors cast their shadows inside the building. A web app then allows users to scan the projections and view information about the specific bird.
Through their research, the team learned about the role of amateur birders in helping scientists track the population and health of different species. They spoke with a local botanist and wildlife enthusiast, who told them about the local bird population, including a new species (the Yellowhammer) that had recently moved back to the Astino Valley following de-industrialisation efforts. They received mentorship from non-human mentors in the male frigatebird, who uses size as a visual signal to attract attention, and the sea anemone and clownfish, whose cooperative relationship creates mutual benefits.
Through this exploration, the “Look Up!” team hopes that the humans of CIID will feel more connected with their local wildlife and consider engaging in large or small acts of stewardship for our beautiful Astino Valley and its residents.
