UK design studio Foster + Partners Industrial Design has introduced a sleek new bird feeder that could make backyard birdwatching safer for birds everywhere. Unveiled at Milan Design Week, the Ori bird feeder was created to reduce disease transmission, which can happen when birds share contaminated feeders. According to a Dezeen article by Tom Ravenscroft, the project was initiated by renowned architect Norman Foster.
The feeder’s clever design makes it easy to dismantle for regular cleaning, a step many experts say is essential for keeping birds healthy. Made from spun aluminium cones and threaded tubes, the Ori can be configured as a hanging feeder, a floor feeder, or even a water bath. It also includes swappable feeding tubes and cages to cater to different bird species and seasonal needs.
Mike Holland, head of Foster + Partners Industrial Design, told Dezeen that many traditional feeders are major disease spreaders. The team wanted a solution that was functional first but still beautiful enough to feel like a sculptural piece for any outdoor space.
Color choices were made with birds in mind, too. Initial versions are dark blue—a shade birds find appealing—with dark red and green options coming soon. Interestingly, white was avoided because birds dislike it.
This thoughtful design highlights how even small actions, like improving bird feeders, can help protect wildlife and Support healthier ecosystems.
If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, consider swapping plastic feeders for more sustainable, wildlife-friendly designs like the Ori. Better yet, think about planting native flowers and trees to create a true sanctuary for birds and other creatures. Every choice we make can bring us closer to a kinder, greener world.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 11 April 2025. Lead Image: Image Credit :Leo Bucher/Shutterstock.
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