What design flaw causes bird collisions at NTU?

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The School of Art, Design and Media building's funnel-shaped glass design at Nanyang Technological University causes bird collisions.

The reflective facade of the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) building at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has been identified as the primary cause of frequent bird collisions. Migratory birds mistake the glass-fronted structure for the sky, leading to an estimated 122 collisions involving 22 species over three migratory seasons, according to Project Avigate, a student initiative. The building's distinctive funnel-shaped glass design exacerbates this issue, particularly during peak migration periods when collisions are reported to occur almost daily.
Funnel-shaped glass design leads to bird fatalities

The ADM building's architectural feature, a funnel-shaped glass design, is pinpointed in a report by Project Avigate as the main reason for the bird collisions. This design, combined with the building's reflective facade, creates an illusion of open sky for migrating birds. Over nearly two decades, this has resulted in a significant number of bird deaths, with over 200 collisions recorded across the NTU campus since the issue gained attention.
Student initiative seeks to mitigate risks

Project Avigate, launched in 2022 after a student witnessed birds striking the building, is actively working to address the problem. The initiative aims to raise S$30,000 to fund the installation of decals on high-risk windows. These decals are intended to increase the visibility of the glass to birds, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions. The project is collaborating with university officials to implement these measures.
NTU commits to significant funding for upgrades

Nanyang Technological University has pledged substantial support for the bird-safe upgrades, agreeing to cover 70 per cent of the total S$100,000 cost. This commitment underscores the university's role in addressing the issue. The School of ADM has already implemented some measures, including reducing roof glare and installing protective netting, as part of broader efforts to enhance the building's safety for avian wildlife.
Implementation scheduled before next migration season

The student team and university officials are working towards implementing the necessary bird-safe measures before the next migratory season, which is expected to commence in September 2026. The project's focus on heat- and weather-resistant decals highlights the need for specialised materials and scaffolding, contributing to the overall cost of the upgrades. NTU views this initiative as a pilot for future bird-safe building designs.

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What design flaw causes bird collisions at NTU?

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