Prudhoe Bay, AK is home to the nation’s largest oilfield as well as a large bird population, partially due to its location near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (also the origin point of all 4 major North American flyways). Studies have shown that oilfield infrastructure provides optimal perching sites for predator bird species, endangering smaller prey species in the region. This project envisions a future for the site, post-oilfield depletion, using material from corrugated steel “wellhouses” to be recovered from the site. The proposal serves three purposes: a) research facilities for ongoing bird-oriented research in the region b) a travelers’ commune for visitors to the region c) nesting spaces for the aforementioned smaller prey bird species, protected by an array of cables meant to keep out larger predator bird species. Arctic foxes are also able to nest in the region beneath the bird mesh.
