Birdscape/KUŞLUK

Istanbul, Turkey

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Birdscape/KUŞLUK

Istanbul, Turkey

Firm

OKTAA

Type

Cultural › Pavilion Sculpture
Landscape + Planning › Public Park Playground

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2016

SIZE

0 sqft - 1000 sqft

BUDGET

$0 - 10K

KUŞLUK - BIRDSCAPE

“Kuşluk” is a Turkish word that literally means “for birds.” In this sense, it could mean a large cage for birds; it could also mean a space for birds. In colloquial Turkish, the expression “kuşluk vakti” means “time for birdfeed.” It refers to that time of the day which is just before lunchtime when people have very little to eat with their coffee. They eat little so as not to spoil their lunch. The small amount they eat is just enough for birds. So, if you are meeting someone at “kuşluk vakti” you expect to eat very little, like birds. The project title “kuşluk” is a word-play with these expressions.
The project takes its inspiration from both the time and space alluded to in these expressions – a space for birds and making time to feed the birds. The project is an art installation in a public park, which creates an artificial forest for birds. The aim of the project is to create a place within an urban public space where people can take the time to feed the birds and be with them. People can fill the pots with seeds and children can play among the poles. The presence and the movement of the birds leave traces on the black surface when the birds defecate. The poles are covered with fluorescent paint so they glow in the dark extending their function into the night. It offers an additional dimension to the design of parks and gardens that enriches the public space.

Feeding guide for birds: Bread, wheat, barley, oats, corn, millet, rice, lentils, vetch, beans, peas, canola, hemp, flax, Sunflower Seed, Safflower