The installation, part of the "Chim liu, chim lo, chim to dieu gi" public art project, is sponsored by the Goethe Institute. It's a collaboration between the German artist group Baltic Raw Org from Hamburg and the Vietnamese organization Think Playground.
Designed like a treehouse, the structure encircles a "sau" tree (Dracontomelon duperreanum). Microphones hang from the branches to capture birdsong. Near the entrance, a small, house-shaped wooden box contains an AI-powered device.
Vu Quang Hung, a coordinator from Think Playground, explained that when someone approaches the box, a sensor triggers a greeting. If birds are singing, the system analyzes the sounds, time, and location to provide scientific information about the birds' behavior and characteristics. This information is then translated into Vietnamese audio for visitors. If there's no birdsong for three minutes, the system introduces one of 12 local bird species, such as the red-whiskered bulbul and the Japanese white-eye.
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The art installation in Chuong Duong forest park. Photo: Phuong Linh |
The art installation in Chuong Duong forest park. Photo: Phuong Linh
Visitors can explore the installation freely. The best times to hear birdsong are from 5:30 to 8:30 am and 5 to 7 pm, when birds are most active.
Artist Moka Farkas of Baltic Raw Org stated that after its launch, the project, which will run for six months, will be managed by the local community. A similar installation will be placed in Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City. Farkas added that if the Vietnam project is successful, they will expand it to other locations.
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Moka Farkas (right) and visual artist Berndt Jasper at the launch event on 19/9. Photo: Phuong Linh |
Moka Farkas (right) and visual artist Berndt Jasper at the launch event on 19/9. Photo: Phuong Linh
Ecologist Nguyen Hoang Hao noted that around 140 bird species have been recorded along the Red river, from Nhat Tan bridge to Chuong Duong forest park. He hopes the project will raise awareness about ecological conservation in Vietnam.
Ngo Nhu Y, head of residential group 5 in Hong Ha ward, has lived in the area for over 40 years. He believes the project is well-suited to the location and improves the environment. Five years ago, the site was a neglected garbage dump. During the project's development, he and his neighbors cleaned the area. In the coming months, he plans to have staff near the installation to assist visitors. "This is a novel and meaningful project for both children and adults," he said.
Phuong Linh
