Reflections on Collisions

More than 1 billion birds are estimated to die each year after colliding with windows in the U.S. alone.

Birds collide with windows for the simple reason that they do not see windows as solid objects, especially when windows reflect the sky or surrounding landscape. UMass Amherst, a hub for both architectural design and sustainability, is positioned along a migratory flyway and provides a perfect setting to examine and address this pressing issue. This exhibit is about the science of bird-window collisions, and the architectural solutions that offer some hope for interspecies benefit in the face of global bird declines.

Our campus hosts a range of buildings that represent historic changes in the use and size of windows and glass. In the Olver Design Building, the expansive glass wall of the studio wing promised a literal and figurative transparency into the workings of the school. Such glass walls provide an intimate connection with the natural world, positioning us in close visual proximity to the native plantings surrounding the building. However, while full of architectural promise and appeal, these glass walls have proven deadly to birds. The risks lie in the transparency and reflectivity of glass, coupled with lights on at night and landscaped habitat that attracts birds closer to buildings. Fortunately, many solutions exist to reduce the hazards glass presents to birds while also improving the human experience of the building.

Bird Safe UMass is an interdisciplinary group of ecologists, architects, historians, and students. Since 2023, we have collected data on the UMass buildings most dangerous to birds, and engaged hundreds of students in documenting this pervasive issue. This exhibition documents what we’ve learned about bird collisions and our campus architecture, and invites viewers to engage with solutions while we reflect on the collisions around us.

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 2, 5:00 - 6:30 PM in Design Building Gallery