Symbolism has been used in architecture and interior design for years. It is a way to make the viewer really connect with the environment they are in. In this case the architecture is designed to symbolize adolescence and childhood. Growing up as a child I can recall they days when I would climb up into my tree house and simply get away for a while. Almost every person can recall memories like this or to something of this nature. Children love to climb things and be adventurous. These pieces of architecture are merely grown up versions of tree houses. A German company called Baumraum designs and builds theses solid tree houses out of all natural materials. Each one is individually designed based on the wants of the client and the preexisting layout of the land.
They can be constructed from practically any wood type and can be places people can virtually live in. The treespaces walls are insulated giving ultimate protection for the outdoor climate. “They can be outfitted with sitting and sleeping benches, storage spaces, a mini-kitchen, heating, glass windows, lighting, as well as a sound system for multimedia” (www.thecoolhunter.net). The houses are even eco-friendly since they are attached with ropes minimizing the impact of stress on the trees it sits on. They truly are tree houses designed with an older market in mind.
“As we get older, the urge to climb trees subsides as we ride elevators up to our offices in the sky and look out across the cities where we live” (www.thecoolhunter.net). Even though these urges go away it is still nice to come back and visit the pleasant memories of our youth. In truth it all symbolizes humans wants to be kids again. Children do not have to deal with all the pressure of adult life. They go to school, eat a snack, and go play outside. We want to return to those memories and think about them ever so often. These houses truly are a place people can go to “climb trees again.”
Do you believe this space could make you feel like a kid again? If so how?
It is almost to childlike is some aspects?
How could these treespaces be appeal even more to an adult audience?
I think if I visited one of these tree houses I would act like a child. That excitement of being off the ground and up in a tree brings me back to childhood memories. I don't think it's too childish, because the interior is somewhat sophisticated. It would be a great place for adults and children to enjoy together. To appeal to the adult audience more, the designers could have put something similar to a mini bar in the treespace. The majority of adults go to bars and drink to have a good time. By adding something similar to that within the space would draw a greater adult crowd.
ReplyDeleteThese tree houses look so fun! It makes me jealous that I don’t have a tree house anymore. I believe that they really could make you feel like you were a kid again; just the act of climbing up a ladder to enter your “secret” hideout would make someone remember their childhood days. I think with the use of modern looking materials and the ability to be outfitted with glass windows, sound systems, sleeping units, ect. these tree houses are successfully able to attract an adult crowd. Like Katie mentioned though, a min-bar, or maybe even a place where a pool table or big screen TV can be located would make these tree houses more appealing to the adult population.
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I never had a tree house of my own, though there was one in a neighbor's yard I spent a great deal of time in. As a result, I spent much of my time drawing up pictures of my own dream (tree) house, which naturally I pestered my dad day in and day out to build. I had it all planned out... where things would go, the rope ladder to keep everyone out, the porch it would have. Looking at the pictures of these tree houses takes me right back to that wish I had as a child to have my own place up away from everything else. I believe being in one of these spaces would take me right back to that time and feel as if I finally had that child's dream come true. And as a result, I would probably feel much more relaxed, playful, and excited in such an atmosphere. I also feel that, even without the additions of mature recreational activities, these tree houses could also cater to adults. Much like beach houses and cabins provide a certain amount of seclusion or escape from the stresses of the world and allow people to relax and clear their minds, so could one of these tree houses. Depending on the decor and users, it could be either playful and uplifting or serene and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea, it becomes a place where adults with a ton of stress and responsibility in the real world could go back in time and enjoy the simple life again. Honestly I think having a place like this to go to would help a lot of people dealing with depression or on the verge of divorce. It would give adults a place to vent regroup and enjoy the simple things in life again. Some of the happiest people i know are still in some way in touch with there inner child, a side that is adventurous, happy, and excited about what's to come. And then to share that side with another person can create deeper bonds with one another (possibly saving a marriage). These spaces aren't at all too kid like, they're just the right amount of youth and sophistication.
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