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. 

Sunrise, Sunsit incorporates the pleasure of watching a sunset or sunrise, sitting down while also providing an intricate aspect of shade. This permits park guests to enjoy the beautiful environment of LakeBonnet, mesmerized by the ecosystems and the kinetic machine that we replicated. The simple mechanism only requires a rotation of the bottom (large) gears, connected to the top (small) gears by a rope chain, revolving the dowel that withholds the panels.

Creating Your Studio Setup

For this activity, you will be creating a space where you can work on your robot over the next two weeks. There are two parts to this activity:

Part 1: Space 

1. To start off, you will need to find a space where you will be able to work, and to clear it off completely. Perhaps you have a desk or table that you can use, or maybe prefer to work on the floor. 
2. Once you have staked your claim and cleared it off, you may want to clean it as well (either wipe it down, brush it off, etc.)
3. Take a picture of your work surface to share with the studio 

Part 2: Materials

1. In addition to the materials we have sent you, collect any other tools you may have or think that you might need.
2. Organize those materials in your space, for how to organize, you can check out this video on Knolling
3. Photograph the materials you have knolled to share with the studio

Deliverable

Once you complete this activity, be sure to take at least  (2) photos of your work surface and knolled materials. We will go over how to post documentations into the Response tab when we meet as a studio.

To report a bug or see release notes, visit the platform page.

If you have used the NuVu Platform before AND you remember your password, then skip to STEP 4 and 5. If this is your first time using the Platform or if you have forgotten your password, then follow all of the steps below. 

STEP 1: In the top-right corner, click the word "login." 

STEP 2: When the black menu appears, click "reset password," and enter your school email address, and then click "Send Password Reset Link."

STEP 3: Check your school email account for an email from NuVu. Be sure to check your junk email folder as well if you don't see the email in your inbox. Follow the instructions in the email to reset your password.

STEP 4: You should now see your name in the top right corner. Success! (your screen will look slightly different than mine). Under "Studios" click on our current studio, "Cyborg Enhancements". You can also find this studio by clicking on your name in the top right corner.

STEP 5: You are now on the landing page for our studio for the rest of the term! To let me know that you have succeeded in making it this far, make a celebratory comment under the post "comment here!" This post will only appear if you have logged in successfully. 

Session 1: Jul 6-17, 2020

Architecture forms the fabric of our cities with buildings that not only provide protected spaces to live, work, learn, worship, and be entertained, but also create urban character. Beyond the advent of steel structures, architecture hasn’t changed very much in the last few hundred years: most buildings have concrete or stone foundations, solid structures made out of wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, glass windows that either open or are sealed shut, and floors that hold people and equipment. Now that we spend most of our time at home, how can we alter this environment to become more responsive and adaptable to our current needs?

In this studio, students will connect with experts in living and responsive architecture, and through materials based research. Students will propose ways we can we break out of the status quo and prototype architectural elements that are adaptable and sustainable. We will research designers such as Philip Beesley, who creates ‘living’ sculptures that breath and undulate in response to the environment and the Prairie House in Illinois that uses color changing cladding technology that darkens and lightens in response to outside temperature. This studio will explore what it means for a structure to be alive and connected to its inhabitants.

REGISTER HERE!

Focus Skills/Subjects/Technologies:

   Design

   Architecture + Urban Design

   Engineering

   3D Modeling

Social Sciences

Prerequisites:

• Enrolling students must be any of the following:
  • High School Student
  • Post-High School Gap Year Student
    
    

REGISTER HERE!