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The opportunity to propose a new design for a replacement birdwatching tower in Pape national park, Latvia, has incited a reflection on the past. With particular focus towards understanding the relationship previously established by the now decimated tower, and its interaction with the natural surroundings and ecology. The architecture showcased local timber construction derived from low tech traditional construction methods that proved effective, and resilient towards frequent contact with surface water and constantly challenging geological conditions. Adhering to its strict design function, the tower provided a secluded space for bird observation, whilst deeply embedding itself in the habitat of the birds. Although defined by the nature of the activity by the nature of the activity (bird watching) the blunt separation of man and nature has established itself as the core design challenge. The Perching tower proposal looks to provide visitors with moments and opportunities to intimately experience birdwatching.  

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On approach to the site, the redesigned walking bridge guides the visitor indirectly to the final destination. The pathway meanders through the site under the cover of trees in an attempt to facilitate a low observability signature of the visitor. The first major reorientation of the path marks the arrival point to the remains of the previous observation tower, in which the destroyed posts have been redesigned to support small timber bird feeding platform. The ground floor of the tower features an opening that frames the bird feeding platforms which provide an initial moment to reduce the distance of bird observability enhancing the experience. The organic nature of tower design looks towards biomimicry of the surrounding trees in the landscape. The porous structure provides an opportunity for the birds to pass through and inhabit the internal space when it’s not occupied. upon ascending to the three 60 degree viewing platform characteristic of its low profile roof, looks at camouflaging the bird watchers whilst providing moments for intimate meetings with the birds., as they perch on the modular timber members that extend beyond the parametric timber screens that wrap the structure symbolic of the feathers of the bird.