Design Museum Academy Adult Workshop
Workshop: Designing for Birds
What does it mean to think, care and ultimately design for birds? In this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to design an object for birds – be it a birdhouse, birdbath, bird feeder or other – from ideation to realization, and learn about the design process along the way.
What to expect
Designing for the nonhuman involves not only understanding the needs of other beings but also understanding humans’ relationship to the natural world. This workshop will explore how creatives can better relate to nature through the creation of the physical world.
The session will start with an overview of more-than-human design and the history of birdhouses, with a guided visit through the Dwellings, Rehomed display. You will start generating ideas for your piece through sketching, modelling and group discussion, and refine the concept for your bird-related object. You will then construct your piece with wood offcuts, building in features for your chosen birds or use, and share your outcomes with the group to reflect on the process and insights gained.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore a different creative discipline.
You will learn:
- Considerations around more-than-human design
- Ideation, sketching and concept building
- How to work creatively with wood offcuts
Please note:
- Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
- All equipment and materials will be provided
- This workshop is suitable for adults
Facilitator
Jesse Crabtree Butterfield
Jesse is a designer and researcher based in London. His work considers the reciprocal influence between design and the world it inhabits; how materials, and infrastructures co-produce meaning, value, and form. Engaging with hands-on-making as both method and inquiry, his projects often unfold through the dynamics of material behaviour, embracing unpredictability as a site of knowledge. He is one part of Computer Room, a research-orientated design collective forging new narratives within material culture.
Book online
Booking information
Adult: £114
Early bird adult: £103
Student: £103
Early bird Student: £93
Members*: £92
*Please note that this benefit only applies to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not those of additional guests
Early bird tickets are available until Friday 15 September 2025.
Check out the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy here.
Additional Information
- Please note that this workshop is for participants over 18 years old, and the content and complexity have been tailored accordingly
- If you would like to let us know about any access requirements, including neurodiversity, there is the option to notify us at the ticket checkout
- If you would like to have 1:1 support for this workshop, you are welcome to bring a companion to support you on your project, at no extra cost. To request a companion spot, please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org with your booking information
- This session has a capacity of 18 participants, with up to two facilitators leading the session.
- If you have any questions, please contact DMAcademy@designmuseum.org
Related exhibition
All images by Jesse Crabtree Butterfield.