WSU EUNOIA Volume III

Programmatically, 60% of Portland’s
Urban Wild & Exotic Bird Center is for
native birds, 30% for exotic birds, and
10% for humans. The building was
merged into the existing slope, onsite
irrigation was created, and ADA
accessible circulation was implemented.
Entrances are at both the north and
south habitat spaces, the rooms have
controlled temperature, and educational
balconies are installed for interactions.
Diffused daylighting illuminates the
Portland’s Urban Wild & Exotic Bird
Center with a sliver between the forested
and grassland sides. The butterfly roof
was designed to catch and collect
rainwater for a connection to the interior.
It allows a controlled system to simulate
a tropical rainfall for the exotic birds and
vegetation as the water overflowed into
an on-site pond/birdbath. The designs
contrast between building and site
creates an educational understanding of
birds while providing shelter and habitat
for Portland’s native and exotic species.
PORTLAND’S URBAN WILD &
EXOTIC BIRD CENTER
Reconnecting with wildlife, specifically wild birds, is an important relationship between
us individuals to have. However, the more we dive into this inclusion of wildlife, the
more questions start to arise. What do the birds and people of Portland, Oregon need
and have in common? Why and how can this relationship be improved? Through
Portland’s Urban Wild and Exotic Bird Center, a harmonious connection between the
two demographics can form. This project facilitates an understanding of both native
and exotic birds by providing them a habitat, food, and shelter to flourish in.
ALEXANDRA GEISEN
GRADUATE ARCH STUDIO | SPRING 2021
The project site is located in Portland,
Oregon at the northern end of
Shemanski Park downtown. This creates
a perfect position to encourage rewilding,
protection, and proper habitat
conservation in the middle of downtown
Portland. It also provides an opportunity
to educate people on the importance of
wild and exotic birds. With one in every
six citizens participating in bird watching
in one way or another, this project seeks
to reintroduce bird ecology into the
urban environment.
Studio led by Paul Hirzel
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volume iii
eunoia