WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHY WE ARE DOING IT

You will collaboratively design and construct a treehouse with a specific design concept

To gain experience in design thinking, specifically collaborative work, collective creativity, and confidence in creating something tangible

Final Project Expectations

Your treehouse and branch should be able to integrate to the trunk and all other branches.

Create a treehouse that is both imaginative and serves a clear purpose, such as a residence, gallery, playground, or other function.

Materials: Limited to using cardboard, paper, tape, and other low-fidelity materials specified in the studio prompt.

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ACTIVITY MATERIALS

The challenge is to collaboratively design and prototype a unique treehouse branch that integrates with a shared trunk while ensuring that the design has a specific concept.

THE CHALLENGE

Who will use your treehouse, and what primary function will it serve?

User & Purpose

How do you want the occupant to feel when they are in the treehouse, and how will your design interact with the surrounding environment?

Experience & Environment

How will your treehouse incorporate unique architectural features or innovative use of materials to create a distinct experience?

Design Elements

There are many different types of treehouses already out there!

Precedent Research

Individually:

Have a look at the Precedent Library in the Toolbox Tab.

Choose 3 precedents and sketch / write what you find inspiring and what you would change.

Answer these questions:

What is so special about being in a treehouse?

What does a treehouse have that a normal house wouldn't?

15 mins

15 mins

1.

With the person next to you:

Share your findings and write down inspiring design details you want to bring into your project.

Think about the design concepts for each of the examples.

Brainstorming

Read through the different design concepts on the next slide to find inspiration.

Individually list out multiple ideas for your treehouse's function and design. Use the next slides to inspire your ideas!

Share your ideas on the whiteboard. The teacher will facilitate a discussion and group similar ideas together.



Pair up with classmates who have similar interests and consolidate your ideas into two main concepts.

5 mins

10 mins

10 mins

30 mins

5 mins

2.

Who will use your treehouse, and what primary function will it serve?



For example, will it be a space for relaxation, creativity, social gatherings, or a specific activity like reading or gardening?

User & Purpose

How do you want the occupant to feel when they are in the treehouse, and how will your design interact with the surrounding environment?

Consider aspects like adventure, tranquility, inspiration, or a connection with nature.

Experience & Environment

Examples

How will your treehouse incorporate unique architectural features or innovative use of materials to create a distinct experience?

Think about the use of light and shadow, structural challenges, and aesthetic appeal.

Design Elements

The Escape - Designed to promote adventure and an ideal escape through the experience of the treehouse within its environment. Ex: A Spa in the Trees

The Studio - These are treehouses which are created to promote the visionary work/studies/artistic endeavors of the occupant. This treehouse is a space which allows the person to live fully in their own fantastical world while appreciating the unique environment they are sited in. Ex: The Writers Nook

The Object - These treehouses are exciting experiments pushing the boundaries of architecture forward. They challenge the idea of what a treehouse has to be by creating striking architecture through pushing the boundaries of structure, space, and material. Ex: The Bridge in the Jungle, The Invisible Treehouse

The Collection - The main purpose is to create spaces which emphasize the interaction with, storage and display of a certain collection. ex: The Treehouse of Glass Objects

Examples

Sketching

In pairs, sketch out your two consolidated treehouse concepts.

Share your sketches with another group and provide each other with constructive feedback.



Based on the feedback, refine your ideas and choose one final concept to pursue.

15 mins

5 mins

30 mins

10 mins

3.

Prototyping

If possible, go outside and find a branch to use where your treehouse will be built. If not, quickly prototype a branch using cardboard or wooden sticks!

Use the lo-fi materials to build a prototype of your treehouse design.

Ensure your prototype can be securely attached to the shared tree trunk.

Look through the Cardboard 101 presentation located in the Toolbox.

Use these cardboard techniques to help you build your design.

2 hrs

4.

Assembly

Once all groups have completed their prototypes, gather to attach each branch and treehouse to the trunk, creating a collaborative tree.

2-3 hrs

5.

Reflection

How does each treehouse relate to the others?



What were the main challenges and successes during the project?

2-3 hrs

6.