Cliff Swallow Homes

Cliff swallows have been unphased by humans conquering the landscape. They've adapted to embrace our infrastructure, out of the way of our selfish endeavors, preferring tucked away corners otherwise utilized. In return, Cliff swallows are seen as pests. Vermin. A nuisance. It's illegal to eradicate their intricate, intertwined architecture, but when the punishment is only a $500 fine, the barbaric barrier to (their homes) entry is low. Cliff swallows deserve better. They are a sensitive species relying on community support and ritual for food, shelter, and protection. And in a world where human greed and individualism is dividing our already diminishing community, we have a lot to learn from these humble little birds.

The goal of these interactive nests are to reimagine these ubiquitous, "unsightly" structures as what it is: a materialized, culminated network of helping thy neighbor. Here, we can experience a day in the life of a Cliff Swallow from collectively gathering hundreds of mud balls to make a nest - each a labor of love-, to soaring high in the sky for food, to cultivating a home. A place of comfort. A place free from the stresses and surprises of outside life. A place of community and contemplation.

Cliff swallows aren't pests. They aren't vermin. And they are most certainly not a nuisance. They are birds trying to find a home and plant their roots in this busy, messy, unforgiving city, just like you and me.