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Prosthetic hollows aim to help wildlife in degraded ecosystems. Globally, thousands of bird and mammal species depend on tree hollows to shelter from weather, hide from danger, and raise young. However, most of these animals cannot build their own hollows. Instead, they rely on cavities made by woodpeckers, termites, or decay-causing organisms. A tree planted today will not host suitable hollows for decades or even centuries. Human-made hollows, such as nest boxes (birdhouses), can support some species while trees regenerate and mature but their shapes, materials, and performances differ significantly from that of tree hollows. Consequences can be severe when nest boxes overheat, break, or fail to attract target species. The projects on this page seek to improve designs by: (1) using novel tools, technologies, and materials through computer-aided design and manufacturing, and (2) engaging the community for educational purposes, integrating local knowledge, and encouraging uptake of conservation initiatives. Outcomes include several installations in Australia and Italy as well as reusable workflows to adjust designs for local ecosystems and cultures.

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Collaborators: Alex Holland, Professor Brendon McNiven, Dr Bronwyn Isaac, Dr Chiara Bettega, Chiara Fedrigotti, Jim Greenwood, Judith Alcorn, Julian Rutten, Dr Kylie Soanes, Dr Luigi Marchesi, Dr Martin T. Lockett, Dr Mattia Brambilla, Nick Bradsworth, Dr Paolo Pedrini, Rebecca Rasmussen, Dr Stanislav Roudavski, Dr Therésa M. Jones, Tim Uebergang, and Tony Yu 

Supporters: Future Cities Grant (Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute), Knox City Council, Melbourne Tree Care, NextLab, The Hemp Building Company, William Stone Fund (University of Melbourne), Moonee Valley City Council, Urban Bushland Initiative, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Liverpool City Council, Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve, Paneveggio-Pale San Martino Natural Park, and MUSE – Science Museum of Trento

Featured: Sydney Morning Herald; Sweaty City Magazine; ABC Catalyst; International Conference on Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (CEES 2023)

Awards: Honourable Mention in the LA+ (Landscape Architecture Plus) Creature, Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania; Best Thesis Runner Up in the Bates Smart Award

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Watch a snippet featured on ABC Catalyst's The Secret Lives of Our Urban Birds below

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