Student Advocacy Drives Bird-Safe Retrofit at ADM

Anti-collision decals were installed across the ADM building’s glass panels, helping to protect birds while preserving its iconic façade.

Years of student-led efforts have led to a bird-friendly retrofit of NTU’s iconic School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) building, aimed at reducing fatal bird-window collisions. Completed on 31 July 2026, the initiative saw anti-collision decals installed across approximately 800 sq m of glass panels identified as high-risk areas for bird strikes. The patterned decals are designed to help birds recognise the glass as a physical barrier while remaining largely unobtrusive from a distance, preserving the architectural character of the ADM building.

The project builds on years of efforts by the NTU community, including Project Avigate, a student-led initiative launched in 2022 to document bird collisions, raise awareness and advocate for preventive measures. Students and alumni also rallied public support through a fundraising campaign, with NTU providing additional funding for the installation.

With the decals now in place ahead of the annual southward bird migration season, the Project Avigate team will continue monitoring their effectiveness. The team hopes its findings can contribute to wider conversations around bird-friendly architecture and encourage similar measures across Singapore.

Read the full story on The Straits Times.