The giant glass window sweeping across The Link from Randall Hall provides a calming space for studying while the sun shines in. In August 2024, UNCW welcomed Discovery Hall as the newest addition to the library. Since then, students agree that it has become a beautiful and necessary space for success; however, behind the scenes there have been unexpected concerns.  

About a year ago, a student in the Seahawk Audubon Society contacted Feletia Lee, Chief Sustainability Officer at UNCW, with distress after discovering a dead bird outside The Link between Randall and Discovery Hall. The student went to Lee to see what could be done.  

Lee immediately began researching bird’s deaths before contacting the library; she found that birds cannot see glass as a barrier when it holds a reflection of the sky or natural spaces. It became evident that birds are colliding with The Link due to their inability to differentiate glass windows from the sky.  

Lee brought this situation to the attention of Lucy Holman, Dean of the Library. Holman decided to sit down with Laura Weigand McBrayer, Associate Dean of the Library, to figure out a solution. “We were very happy to have such a beautiful glass space for students to feel bright and welcoming,” Weigand McBrayer explained. She said she was interested to learn the space’s impact on the birds, as it had not been considered during the planning process. Lee shared that the library was very supportive of making changes.  

This was the first time the library had heard of this issue. Though there is no doubt it is a situation that needs to be fixed, the numbers lately are not overwhelming, with only six reported deaths. Students, faculty and staff have the ability to report bird deaths on iNaturalist, an online social app where people report biodiversity in their area. If someone on campus comes across a deceased bird outside The Link, they can snap a photo in the app to help the library track how many deaths occur on campus.  

Renovation seemed more manageable in Lee and Weigand McBrayer’s mind than it has turned out to be in action. The library reached out to Capital Project Management, a consulting firm, who was able to contact the original designer for The Link and Discovery Hall. Lee said this has made for a great team effort that will lead to the best visual solution for both the human and  bird eye; “Someone open to hearing about the issue of a space, doing something without shrugging it off, you can’t ask for a better outcome of a partnership.”  

When considering an adjustment to the glass to maximize bird protection, they must select the best material: what product has the most longevity, cost and best fits the current layout of The Link. Lee shared that the biggest challenge has been the warranty. The glass has a warranty of about five years; in a place like Wilmington that is susceptible to high winds, it is important to keep it valid for as long as possible. Therefore, nothing can be placed directly on the glass; no stickers and no vinyl. “That really hampered the less expensive options,” Lee said. It is necessary that the product does not void the warranty, is affordable for all involved, provides long-term sustainability and meets the university aesthetic. “We have had to consider how to get all those things with that perfect little blend,” Lee explained. 

Vinyl cling, string and paracord were all considered as they can be fixed to the outside of the building, creating a visual distinction for the birds. Though these products didn’t touch the glass, long-term sustainability and aesthetics were not successful. Currently, the team is looking at sample shades and curtains. In either case, the university would have the ability to raise and lower the product, so it is not always in view. 

The shade would be used from a very specific material that is catered to the bird’s eye, but can be seen through when sitting inside the building. After working with a bird expert, the designers brought forth the idea of a shade with polka dots or lines; this contrast is scientifically proven as noticeable to the bird’s eye, steering them away from the window. It is also important to consider the spacing of lines or dots, known as bird deterrent. Lee and Weigand McBrayer are working through ideas to make the potential shades fit the UNCW aesthetic, as it is difficult for them to imagine consistently seeing some of these patterns as you make your way up to Discovery Hall.  

At the end of the day, the university is here to provide its students; the student’s viewpoint has been a valid concern for both Lee and Weigand McBrayer. With such a vibrant space, they are concerned a shade would take away from the experience. “It is not our top choice, but it may be our best choice, our only choice,” Weigand McBrayer said. Throughout this process, they are working to incorporate student feedback. 

Weigand McBrayer stated that the library is committed to learning all they can to create the best solution. One aspect of the consideration is bird migratory patterns. After further research, Lee and Weigand McBrayer found that migration occurs more at night. Many cities in North Carolina engage in a lights-out period during these hours, so birds do not get distracted from light. One potential short-term solution is controlling the lights on Discovery Hall. The team considered motion sensors, dimming the lights, or even a timer. This could be a preventive measure while planning the permanent solution regarding infrastructure. Weigand McBrayer said the library may have the ability to control lights in the courtyard, which could be a benefit. Ensuring minimal lighting, especially during the evening or on campus breaks, is something she would like to investigate. This would be a great component for sustainability as it minimizes energy consumption and light pollution, reducing our campus environmental impact. This was a win for the team as lighting can be implemented sooner without getting caught in the warranty. Lee shared that this aspect is more realistic with a shorter wait time.  

After seven years at the university, Lee has found that the biggest struggle of a new project is how long it takes to make things happen. In her previous background with privately owned businesses, she had the ability to talk to the owner personally and get something done; this time frame does not apply to the university level. “Lots of considerations have to happen before implementation,” she said.  

Before beginning the next step of researching grants and funding, all the solutions and ideas need to be laid out. Lee and Weigand McBrayer put together each potential product with an explanation of why it works, why they chose it and a ranking to show they have put in the effort to find the best course of action; “We have another meeting coming, more solutions coming and Capital Project Management has been keeping up with it all.”  

Lee shared that she knows the solution is a success when it hits all four of the necessary criteria, and everyone on the project agrees with it. She also finds success in knowing a solution has been created that can be replicated in other areas. The Link is not the only place this happens; it can happen in cities, homes and other campus buildings. “We find a solution that allows us to enjoy the space, without hurting the space,” Lee said. She strives to keep the solitude and sunshine The Link provides to students without detriment to the environment around us; a key aspect to sustainability. “We are coexisting within a space that we are feeding and making healthy but also feeds us and makes us healthy.”  

One potential long-term outcome would be writing standards for buildings that take bird collisions into consideration during the design process. “I have heard conversations on campus about trying to ensure that future projects consider this from the outset,” Weigand McBrayer said. She was involved in the building of Discovery Hall and The Link from beginning to end; her vision of success includes being proactive instead of reactive. “This is a lesson learned that I hope we include in future plans.”  

The process has been deliberate, and while a distinct time frame is not yet clear, the team’s commitment to a finished product is evident. Lee and Weigand McBrayer together with administration, the library and the team of designers have taken the initiative to create a solution that fosters a healthy, sustainable environment for both the UNCW community and the natural spaces we share. 

The Library Student Advisory Board is set to meet Feb. 12.