Before our studio begins, we would like you to explore your current understanding of architecture and design by building a tree house model that fits within the constraints of 6" x 6" x 6". We would like you to construct a model that represents a specific design concept of your choosing. Design concept examples are listed below: 


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 of, and or display of a certain collection. Ex: The Treehouse of Glass Objects


Including restrooms and kitchen space is not necessary. The primary function of the tree house is determined by each designer and may be a residence but it could also be any number of programs. Ex: gallery, playground, tea house, greenhouse, umbrella making shop, studio, library, observatory, etc. 


Directions:

- Create a study model at LEGO figure scale using Bristol paper. This model is based on complete intuition and the extents of your imagination. Sketch out multiple quick ideas testing out a few potential concepts. Build a model within 45 minutes, capture the essential aspects of the idea. Your 3D model can be supported by drawings and writing. We will discuss our concepts on the first day of studio. 


Pre-Studio Activity

Chris Perry

Creating Your Studio Setup

Materials 

When looking to build anything, the materials chosen become very important, and this is no different for our project.  We will be on the look out for a few different types of materials with varied uses.  The best location to begin your search is the recycling bin, but please make sure to approve this with adults prior to delving in.

For each of these properties, have a picture ready and your reason for why you chose it. No re-using materials, each should be a different material.

  1. Strong: Find a piece of material which is very strong. When we use the word strong, how does this fit your material?
  2. Weak: Find a material which is weak.  Does this fit the same definition from your strong material or do strength and weakness take on different meanings for different materials?  Why would you want a weak material in your bot?
  3. Flexible: Find a piece of material which is flexible.  Does this material return to its original shape after being flexed or does it stay in a new shape?  Is is harder to flex in one direction than another?
  4. Fold-able: Find a material which folds.  How is this different from your flexible material?
  5. Easy to cut: Find a material which you can easily(and safely!) cut with scissors.  Why would this material be useful for your bot?
  6. Hard to cut: Find a material which is hard to cut (and please do not try to cut it now). Why might this be useful for your bot?  What might be a challenge when using this?