This course examines why birds matter and why they can't see glass, causes of bird collisions, how "bird-friendly" can be defined, mandates and guidelines promoting bird-friendly design, and how bird-friendly construction is compatible with other goals of green design.

You'll gain crucial insights into:

• The staggering scale of bird collisions and why certain building types pose the greatest threat.
• Fundamental differences between human and avian vision, and how these impact birds' perception of glass.
• Effective visual markers and spacing guidelines, including the critical 2x2 inch rule, to prevent collisions.
• The latest advancements in bird-friendly materials, from fritted glass to innovative photovoltaic solutions and UV-patterned glass.
• How surface reflectivity affects the visibility of patterns and the role of technologies like BirdViz in evaluating glass performance.

Learn about existing legislation and emerging trends in bird-friendly building codes, understanding the necessity and feasibility of integrating these designs. We'll also explore various retrofit options for existing structures, from films and patterns to external screens and netting. This course will shift your perspective on architecture, empowering you to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also vital havens for birds, demonstrating that bird-friendly design is both achievable and essential.