Good Solutions (Planned buildings)

Compared with other materials, glass undoubtedly has many advantages and will have a great future in structural and civil engineering. However, when man builds over pieces of land, he has to accept that he does this in the habitat of the local fauna and that he has a certain responsibility for the free-living animals. Thus, there is a moral obligation to take a minimum of measures in order to avoid obvious traps for animals and to ensure that the local fauna can remain in this zone.

Too often, glass panes are such deadly traps. We would like to point out that protection measures are cheaper, more effective and more durable when designed already during the planning stage.

When you use glass at sites where it could pose a danger for birds, please consider:

• Does it have to be transparent or highly reflecting glass?
• Could a translucent but not transparent solution be an alternative?
• Would a type of construction be an option where the panes are moved back between walls? Can transparent corners be avoided? Are there possibilities such as eye-catchers, logos, special designs or artistic decors which could distinguish your building in a positive way and which might in the same time act as preventing system?" Might a shading system put in front of the panes and being in use during most of the time be a solution?
• Is there an acute danger remaining and how could it be prevented?
• Are there ornithologists or institutions around who could advise you?

This newly built shopping-centre clearly has several bird-friendly aspects. The glass panes have a low degree of reflection. The conspicuous colours of the wall behind aren't attractive for birds. In addition, also the decoration with huge flowers marks the panes. The surroundings are unattractive for birds, with only a few small trees planted. A shading system reduces the reflections on sunny days.