impossible birdhouses, 2022
Designer: Yongwook Seong
Impossible Birdhouses is a series of imaginary birdhouses that are juxtaposed in natural settings. These ‘impossible’ birdhouses are anthropomorphized to mirror human society in various spatial forms. For example, they transform into a high density strata, an outdoor cafe, a prison and etc. In such a reversed way, the project attempts to reveal the anthropocentric mode of thought and its limitations.
Perhaps, Impossible Birdhouses would not aim to draw birds to inhabit in certain ways, but the intent is to provoke new thought process towards birds-humans relationship.
DIY - A birdhouse is often artificial construction that superimposes its forms and materials by using birds’ nesting behaviour. DIY creates a niche opportunity for a cross-species dialogue between birds and humans.
Capsule Condos - These high-rise Capsule Condos enjoy wide green space and scenic panoramic views. Higher units tend to be more desired and valued as they boast better views and security from intruders.
Unidentified Cohousing - The unidentified strata went astray in the mist, on a journey of looking for its future residents.
Kind Scarecrow - Humans and birds are known to share about 65 percent of genetic information. An atomized human replica hosts bird nesting and befriends a sparrow.
Windowless Cafe - It is estimated that near one billion birds die from window collision annually in North America alone. Windowless Cafe is an architectural gesture that invites birds into a “window-free” structure. Four bird-feeders are placed inside the voided frames.
Climbing House - The act of climbing would be rooted in our survival instinct whether it is in a form of moving, hunting or escaping. Climbing House presents tension between two different survival drives (to climb vs not to be climbed).