OUGD603 - Brief 7 - Build a home for Wildlife - Development - Sketches - Idea 3 - Bird Box - Log / Tree Trunk

Log / Tree Trunk Bird Box

- The bird box design could reflect the shape of tree trunk / log as a reference to the context in which bird boxes are found and the natural habitat that birds nest in. Birds often nest in hollows within tree trunks so this was used as a reference 

- It was considered that the bird box could be cylindrical in shape to reflect the shape of a tree trunk / log that had been cut. Simplifying the concept to a geometric shape would create a contemporary interpretation of a tree trunk / log.
- The top of the box could have a design reflecting the rings within a tree trunk printed or etched onto the box to create the impression this is the cut edge of a piece of a log / tree trunk
- Potentially the shape of the box could be adapted based on the way the log is 'cut' with the top of the box being flat or potentially at more of a slope. The use of the slope would allow the design on the top of the box to be more visible as the box would be placed higher up so potentially you wouldn't see a design on the top of the box if it was flat. The slope would also allow the rain to run off the box.
- The cylindrical shape could be created by layering up laser rings which when glued together would leave a hollowed area inside for the birds or alternatively blocks of wood could be cut to create a circular outside and square hollow inside.
- Potentially it could be difficult for a cylindrical box to be attached to a tree or wooden post.
-  Also the cylindrical shape would make it difficult to apply any sort of design to the outside without having to paint the box

- To allow more of the printed / etched grain design to be seen on the bird box it was considered the cylindrical shape of the box could be cut in half. This would create a flat edge on the front of the bird box in which the design could be more visibly seen, creating the impression of a cross section of a log / tree trunk. 
- To create this shape and it have enough space in the middle for bird to nest in it was considered that the curved section could be made from lasercut elements glued together or alternatively blocks of wood could be cut and arranged together to create the form of the box and the square hollow within for the birds
- To create a better sense of the texture and shape of a tree trunk it was considered a bird box could be made then other curved wood pieces added to the outside to create a more wiggle shape, which would be more reflective of the shape of a log.  
- It was considered that different woods could be used for the birdboxes to reflect different types of tree.

- Alternatively the box could reflect the shape of a sliver of wood with the grain pattern on the front, which would make the design more visible.
- This would also allow the hole of the box to become more integrated into the design
- The shape of this would be much more organic however the box would have to be made deeper than a sliver to make sure there is enough space for the birds within.

- It was also considered that a rectangular bird box could still reflect this idea of a cut log. The sides of the box could be made from different reclaimed dark woods to create the impression of bark. These pieces would be glued together to create panels, with the ends of these visible from the front of the box as well creating the impression of bark around the inner tree.
- The panel on the front would have a wood grain design etched onto the front to reflect the inside of the tree. This combined with the darkwood ends would still reflect the idea of a log / tree trunk cross section  

Moving forward:

- Using a rectangular bird box shape and applying a wood grain or bark pattern over the box may be a more realistic and functional way of reflecting the same idea.
- Some of the other shaped bird boxes would be difficult to create with the resources on offer in the workshop
- Different grain or bark patterns could be used on different bird boxes to reflect different trees. A series of bird boxes could be created.
- Having a overhanging lid of the box would allow the rain to run off the box and protect it more.
- This shape would allow multiple surfaces for a design to be applied to.
- It was considered that the designs could be etched onto plywood to create a design that would be long lasting, stand out on the material but also compliment the material
- Alternatively a design could be screen printed onto the boxes or applied using wood paints and a stencil of the design