# Colossal Bird Structures The Clemson Clay Nest is the 80-Ton Wonder of the Avian World By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-03-28 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clemson-clay-nest References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/03/an-80-ton-birds-nest-built-at-the-clemson-university-botanical-gardens) & [clemson.edu](http://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/art/sculptures/list/clay_nest.html) At first glance, what may appear to be the [nest of a Roc](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog) (Greek mythological giant bird) is in fact the Clemson Clay Nest, a collaboration between Bavarian artist Nils-Udo and the Clemson University. The inspiration behind the Clemson Clay Nest springs from Nils-Udo’s passion for the aesthetics inherent within nature. Often working with the manipulation of naturally forming objects -- running water, freshly sprouted plants -- Udo’s art is a “response to the landscape and materials he finds around him," according to the Clemson website. The Clemson Clay Nest was built around the unique formation of the landscape. Using 80 tons of [pine logs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seed-stories) and hundreds of bamboo stock was carefully arranged in a circular pattern and emerged within [solid red clay](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birdwood-house). The project was eventually dismantled but these images preserve what was an artfully constructed tribute to natural beauty. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Nature-inspired Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new ways to incorporate natural materials and forms into artistic creations. - **Large-scale Installations:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Pushing the boundaries of size and scope in art installations, creating immersive experiences for viewers. - **Sustainable Sculptures:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Using organic and renewable materials to construct environmentally-friendly sculptures. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging innovative techniques and materials to redefine artistic expression. - **Architecture and Landscaping:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing large-scale sculptures in outdoor spaces to enhance the overall aesthetic and experience. - **Environmental Conservation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating art into environmental conservation efforts to inspire and raise awareness about sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Futuristic Curved Islandic Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nest-2.md) - [Giant Chicken-Like Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heir-and-a-spare.md) - [Greenery-Surrounding Lush Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nest-house-1.md) - [Floating Duck Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nesting-plan-vi-call-duck.md) - [Modernism Birdhouse Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dwellings-project.md) - [Elevated Treetop Modern Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buitenverblijf-nest.md) - [Floating Creek Pavilion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roost-1.md) - [Rentable Miniature Modern Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nest-1.md) - [Sustainable Off-Grid Remote Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daria-sheina.md)