Temple University has expanded rapidly in the past few years, a growth spurt marked by the rise of new glass-encased buildings on the main campus.
Trouble is, the buildings are in the path of migratory birds. Up to 1,000 die each year after colliding with the glass facades, according to the school.
The issue is not unique to Temple, but the university wants to do something about it, according to Keith Russell, outreach coordinator for the Pennsylvania Audubon Society.
"One of the greatest dangers to birds is the widespread use of glass in urban structures," Russell said in an interview posted on the school's communications office website.
As a result, the Tyler School of Art, the Audubon Society and Temple's Office of Sustainability are hosting an exhibition of designs for window films that will help stop the collisions called, "Bird's Eye View."
The juried exhibition showcases students' designs for protective films that would allow birds to recognize the glass as an obstruction.
"We're hoping that the exhibit both raises awareness and provides examples that can be tested for future production," Russell said.
The exhibit is currently on display at the Tyler School of Art, Graphic and Interactive Design. The students are believed to be the first to create decorative window film. Winners of the competition will be announced later this month.
