On the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day, a National Symposium will be held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on May 12, 2026, to address the critical, yet often overlooked, issue of bird–window collisions. The event brings together a coalition of architects, urban planners, government stakeholders, and researchers to examine the intersection of modern architecture and urban ecology.
While glass structures have become a hallmark of contemporary design, they pose a significant threat to avian populations. Globally, it is estimated that nearly one billion birds die annually in the United States alone due to collisions with glass buildings. In India—a country situated along major global migratory flyways—this phenomenon remains critically understudied and undocumented.
The symposium aims to move beyond identifying the problem, focusing instead on collaborative, evidence-based solutions specifically suited to India’s diverse landscapes. By bridging the gap between architectural innovation and wildlife conservation, the event highlights the pivotal role architects play in mitigating these collisions through bird-safe design practices.
The initiative is supported by a group of leading organizations, including:
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati
- Nature Conservation Foundation
- Feather Library
- Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, New Delhi
- Rainmatter Foundation
Architectural professionals, the press, and industry stakeholders are invited to join the dialogue as the community works toward a more sustainable and bird-friendly urban future.
Full schedule for the event is below:
