Work
Banana, Fiber, and Birds
The project comprises a series of habitat enrichment pavilions constructed for the Richmond Avenue Green Trail in Houston. This project serves a dual purpose: it explores the use of marine waste as a building material and provides essential nesting materials for urban bird species.
Houston, despite its significant urban development over the past century, remains a crucial stop along a major bird migration route in North America. Situated just 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the city processes tons of marine waste daily, including the often-overlooked Malina Rope, a marine rope made from banana leaf fiber. This project bridges the seemingly unrelated aspects of the city, namely migratory birds and Malina ropes. It conducts experiments to extract fiber from the rope for thatching, creating fluffy pavilions along the green trail that offer nesting materials for birds.
This towering pavilion, set amidst the bustling Richmond Ave, plays a vital role as a gathering point for birds seeking essential nesting materials in the subsequent spring. In striking contrast to its concrete surroundings, the sculpture captivates viewers with its marvel, evoking curiosity from the local residents.
Location: Houston
Status: 2024