Eco Vine Guardians
Project 1.a
Simbiosi mutualistica
IN DEX
Four of the 24 native bat species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to intensive agriculture. The protection and conservation of bats are crucial for preserving biodiversity.
Bats can be particularly helpful in agriculture, especially in Southtyrol.
The “Simbiosi mutualistica” project aims to emphasize the collaboration between animals and humans to enable an ideal coexistence for both.
Facts
Bats are highly effective insect hunters, contributing to pest control in urban areas. This helps contain the spread of insect-borne diseases and minimizes damage to agricultural crops.
Some bat species also play a significant role in plant by carrying from flower contributing reproduction.
species significant pollination pollen to flower, contributing to plant reproduction.
Bat droppings, called guano, serve as excellent natural fertilizer and are successfully used in agriculture in some regions.
Problem
A central issue is that many bat species are endangered or facing extinction, primarily due to habitat loss. Numerous bat habitats are unintentionally destroyed by human interventions, especially the removal of cave-rich old wood from forests.
Beneficial animals
In addition to bats, many other animals provide benefits for viticulture. For example, there are bird species that consume pests, and bees that serve as perfect pollen carriers. Therefore, I have decided not only to focus on the installation of bat boxes but also to undertake the construction of a bird and an insect box.
Concept
Bats are vital for the existence of all living creatures and the equilibrium of our ecosystem. Intensive industrialization and climate change are endangering numerous bat species. My project aims to highlight the natural synergy between bats and agriculture, mainly in viticulture, where they consume pesticides and enrich the soil with natural fertilizers throughtheir droppings. Furthermore, I seek toestablish new habitats for bats and other creatures, providing additional benefits for us humans.
Sugi Ban
This striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire, making the wood more weather resistant to increase durability and lifespan.
Process
Construction of cardboard models to understand potential problems
Burning the outer layers of the boxes to enhance durability
Cutting various parts of the prototype with a wood laser
Removing carbon deposits with a wire brush for a smooth surface
Assembling components with natural wood glue and nails
Applying linseed oil to achieve a long-lasting waterproof surface
Cutting and inserting bamboo tubes in the insect box
Installation on concrete pile in a vineyard near Bolzano
Technical drawings
Technical drawi
Inside the bat box, there are engraved grooves that facilitate the entry of the animals into the box.
Bats
The lower side is open to allow the excrement, which is nutritious for the soil, to fall directly onto the ground.
This bird box is particularly suitable for starlings, wrynecks, great spotted and woodpeckers, which use the entrance hole to access the larger brood chamber.
Birds
Insects
The insect box is inspired by insect hotels, providing a nest made of bamboo sticks for various beneficial insects. Bamboo is an extremely robust and resilient raw material.
Installation
The installation was carried out by placing the boxes on concrete poles in a vineyard in Magrè sulla Strada del Vino (BZ).
Thanks to the hole on the lower side of the boxes adapted to the poles, they could be easily attached and removed.
The boxes were placed in the vineyard with sufficient distance between them to provide each animal with enough space.
Faculty of Design and Art
Free University of Bolzano
WS 2023/24
Project 1.a Simbiosi mutualistica
Project by Diana Del Longo
Supervisor
Francesco Alessandro Faccin
Riccardo Berrone