Nocturnal Narratives

The bat is a nocturnal animal protected by Danish law and the Habitats Directive. Escalating urbanisation endangers this winged mammal, however, and Nocturnal Narratives examines the possibility of creating better living conditions for bats in large urban areas for this very reason.

Eight different bat species are found in Copenhagen’s inner city. Some prefer the city’s trees, whereas others seek out structural niches, cracks and holes where they can rest, protected and warm.

Based on a study of bats’ habitats in the inner city, the project maps out new potential habitats and proposes two interventions in the existing building culture that are designed to meet bats’ needs: a brick and a ridge tile. The manufacturing process is optimised by means of ceramic 3D printing, which enables the bricks to provide the unconventional curves that make them suitable for this nocturnal animal’s habitats. The grooved texture makes the design bioreceptive for the bat, as well as other flora and fauna.