The 2019 Pollinator House Design-Build Competition is an open and one-stage contest in which entrants are asked to deliver a functional, contemporary pollinator house to be auctioned off to support both Gardens Buffalo Niagara and Buffalo Architecture Foundation's programs.
The spirit of the competition seeks to bring awareness to the wide array of pollinators in Western New York. This competition aspires to generate awareness of pollinators of all types and challenge the notion of how these Pollinator Houses can or should look. The competition also encourages all to participate by becoming designers and advocates for these critical animal partners.
Pollinators have been increasingly threatened through the 20th and into the 21st century with the heavy use of pesticides, invasive species, disease and parasites, and loss of habitat. Specific issues such as colony collapse (bees), white nose syndrome (bats), climate change (all pollinators) have led to the severe population loss of many pollinators, across the region, country and world.
With pollinator numbers in decline, having a pollinator house in the garden can help solitary-nesters by providing them a cozy home to live in and raise their young. By providing habitat for pollinators to dwell, as well as planting a plethora of native flowering vegetation, providing a clean water and mud source, and limiting pesticide use, we can do a great deal to help out with the plight of pollinators.
Each entry should address the needs of its target animal while simultaneously addressing the basic demands of an outdoor enclosure.
The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2019.
more: buffaloarchitecture.org (359)