Another Nature
Architecture sought to segregate humans from nature, through shelter, with an artificially created “comfortable” environment. The distinction between nature and man made environments is becoming ambiguous and new environments are emerging. For these new environments, a new theory of architecture is needed. I think it is very important to think about how people can find comfort and how can we define “comfort” in architecture. This goes on to explore, throughout the semester, that comfort can be easily found when merging architecture and nature. Thinking about children, the most important thing that came to mind was the importance of growth of children under five years old. Taking inspiration from the site, I was inspired by the verticality of the tress presented adjacent to the site. Therefore, I wanted to make an extension of the forest inside the classroom. Starting of with wooden log columns placed on a grid, I envisioned a hollow space inside.The columns later became inspired by the Baobab trees in Africa and shown in the little prince. Baobab tree is often known as the tree of life that proves shelter, food and nourishment for people. I thought this would help to cultivate the growth of children. I then, lifted the grid on top and the roof became a series of two way canopy like roof beams following the placement of the columns. The roof concave up or down depending on the placement and height of the columns. The classroom spaces are outside the columns and made with removable walls so the entire space can become a free space giving the impression of a forest.