Bright Sparks 1

THERESA SMITH Urban viewpoints - city life meets wildlife

Urban viewpoints

How can busy people in cities be made aware of the rich mix of wildlife that is often an unnoticed part of their daily lives? Designer Theresa Smith began her research into considering how physical structures could mediate a relationship between people and the seemingly ‘hidden’ wildlife in cities. She began with research into existing viewing points and codes of conduct in established wildlife centres, to develop new design ideas for viewpoints in urban settings where people could observe and experience wildlife in new ways. Looking at a variety of micro green spaces, sites under development, brownfield areas and streetscapes, the project sought to create new opportunities to connect people and wildlife and to incorporate findings into best practice in public policy and guidelines on biodiversity.

However, by working with professionals from a range of relevant practices and professions, Theresa ventured off her planned path to discover a new direction in her research. She drew on the expertise of renowned wildlife photographer David Cottridge, (pictured with Theresa left) to guide her on the use of bird hides and camouflage, and urban ecologist Dusty Gedge of Living Roofs, a UK resource for the research and promotion of greener roof systems, escorted Theresa to the most unlikely spots of the capital to point out thriving ecosystems.

“Originally I was interested in how a physical structure like a bird hide works and what would be the best way to develop such a facility for an urban setting. However, within the unique opportunity of the Bright Sparks awards, I was able to develop beyond my initial aims and objectives and explore alternative and more suitable options. What I began to find more effective was a kind of signage to tell people where and what to look for, and that is the approach I’m currently looking to take forward with some local authorities. What was unique about Bright Sparks was that I was completely free to explore and draw my own creative conclusions – that has been a hugely valuable process to me. It gave me the creative space to follow my own direction of research without any pre-conceived ideas of what the outcome should be, and the benefits of this approach are clearly evident.”

Theresa’s final research into developing a new form of ‘wildlife signage’ aims to raise awareness of opportunities for wildlife engagement in otherwise overlooked urban areas, which in turn supports the biodiversity agenda at local authority and community level. Her work identifies opportunities to create visually stimulating markers and structures that pique curiosity and nurture an interest in connecting with the wildlife that shares our cities.

Theresa Smith is the creative brain behind Mooch, a design consultancy based at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London. Established in 2001, Mooch is an award winning creative practice specialising in public realm art and design. Theresa is an active community artist and designer with hands on experience of community consultation processes and creative project delivery.

As part of her Bright Sparks research Theresa worked with a number of individuals and organisations, building a strong network of supporters. These include Gerry Pittaway from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; Jan Hewlett, Biodiversity Manager for Greater London Authority; Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL); The London Wildlife Trust; Wild Foul and Wetlands Trust; The Disabled Birders Association; Natural England, and Nick Pond, Biodiversity Officer for London Borough of Lewisham where Theresa is now working to install some of her signs.