Murmuration Installation Present for Bird Conservation in Atlanta

The bird population decline is a hot topic in the United States caused by habitat loss in nature and human threats to birds. "Murmuration" means when a large flock of birds flies together and forms different patterns. SO-IL built the Murmuration Installation of a green mesh structure at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. The installation is shaped like a green tree covering an area of 218 square meters to support future bird and environmental conservation efforts.

Murmuration Installation to support bird conservation efforts

The installation in the museum's piazza results from Brooklyn-based architectural firm SO-IL's collaboration with Atlanta-based engineers Uzun & Case to develop a constellation of metal frames hung from six poles and wrapped in green mesh, which creates the shape of the installation. The shape adopted in this installation refers to the natural form in which birds migrate together with their group, hence the name "Murmuration". While the canopy is also like leaves suspended from a steel frame and enlivens the surrounding environment on the right and left sides of the installation, which is a green land filled with trees.

View of the installation that blends with the surrounding trees

"Creating a sustainable future for Atlanta includes maintaining or increasing the number of trees. In its title and concept, Murmuration also directly advocates for conservation efforts towards birds, questioning their loss and the conditions for our future environment."

In addition to the above motivations expressed by SO-IL, this installation has a positive impact on the environment, which can provide shade for visitors below, improve air quality, and help reduce stormwater runoff.

This installation has a positive impact on the environment

Besides being a place for bird murmurs, visitors can interact by baiting birds with many hanging feeding places. Another experience that can be felt is sitting and relaxing under the canopy while observing biodiversity. This activity will bring humans closer to nature, provide opportunities to chat with animals, and in the end, make humans aware to always take care of the earth in the future.

A place to relax from a hanging net structure

Visitors can sit, lie down, and relax under the canopy

With a dynamic form, the installation will seem exciting and is a natural form that cannot be found anywhere else. When viewed vertically, Murmuration Installation is like five trees with a height of about 4.7 meters and is made with a sophisticated system. Therefore, the installation, which ended in November 2020, is expected to remain in the minds of visitors and as a call to action to appreciate the universe.

Top view and section of Murmuration Installation