Parakeet Gall Node
A 2046 bio-grown feeding system for urban coexistence
RCA 2026 Graduation Project
Independent Research Project
Parakeet Gall Node imagines how London could live with ring-necked parakeets in a more careful and less harmful way. Set in 2046, the project proposes bio-grown feeding nodes placed on selected urban trees.
The project begins from a real tension: many people enjoy seeing parakeets in London’s parks and gardens, while others worry about noise, nesting, native birds and future population control. In other cities, growing parakeet populations have already led to controversial responses, including culling programmes in Spain and earlier monk parakeet eradication attempts in the UK. This project explores feeding and access as a quieter, earlier and non-lethal way to manage coexistence before conflict grows.
Research
The research combined case studies, expert interviews and system mapping. I studied how different cities respond to contested urban species, especially when ecology, public feeling, animal welfare and local governance are connected.
The research helped me identify three main needs: earlier decision-making, more visible monitoring, and public trust. These points guided the project towards a small-scale, non-lethal feeding system.
Development
The project first explored several directions, including feeding, nesting, habitat and public communication. Feeding became the clearest route because it already exists in everyday city life.
In London, many bird feeders are placed for native birds, but parakeets also use them. This means people are already shaping parakeet behaviour without always noticing it. The design developed from this point, turning feeding into a more controlled and visible access system.
Concept & Programme
Parakeet Gall Node is a bio-grown system placed on selected urban trees. It produces hard gall pods inspired by plant galls and mistletoe. Each pod contains low-dose fertility-control feed.
The gall pod is designed around parakeet-specific access. Its hard shell includes guided cracking lines, a calcareous lining and a capsaicin coating. Parakeets use their curved beak, gripping feet and balancing posture to open the pod. After use, the gall can dry, change colour or fall away, leaving visible traces for park teams to monitor activity.
