Winners have been announced for the “Architecture for the Birds” exhibit and competition held annually by the NDSU Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. The event at the Plains Art Museum is sponsored by the Longspur Prairie Fund.

During the challenge, students are asked to interpret the design philosophy of a Pritzker Award-winning architect and adapt it to the specific needs of a North American nesting bird.

“The focus of the semester is about what it means to dwell – first, birds; second, people in small dwellings; and third, dwelling as a community of dwellers,” said Darryl Booker, associate professor of architecture. “In addition, students are introduced to precedent philosophies in the form of accomplished architects, who talk about how they approach design and to better understand how architecture is shaped by various dwelling influences like mind, body and soul.”

This year’s winners are:

• First place and People’s Choice Award – Beau Norby, a second-year student in the architecture program from Benson, Minnesota, for his interpretation of architect Zaha Hadid. His client was the American Kestrel.

• Second place – Alixandra Hermanson, a second-year student in the program from West Fargo, for her interpretation of Renzo Piano’s work. Her client was the Black-capped Chickadee

• Third place – Augustina Teuber, a second-year student from Eagan, Minnesota, for her interpretation of Rem Koolhaas’ projects. Her client was the White-breasted Nuthatch

• Honorable mentions went to students Valentina Contreras from Chanhassen, Minnesota; Taylor Ford from Fargo; and Sijia Li from China.

The display in the Plains Art Museum’s Starion Gallery continues through Aug. 23.

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