Architecture

Play Perch treehouse classroom helps kids connect with nature

Play Perch treehouse classroom helps kids connect with nature
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University of Architecture students (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University of Architecture students (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
View 25 Images
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom, designed by students of the Syracuse University of Architecture (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
1/25
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom, designed by students of the Syracuse University of Architecture (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
2/25
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Gutters overhang to allow the children to watch rainwater running off and falling below (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
3/25
Gutters overhang to allow the children to watch rainwater running off and falling below (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is based around an old tree, and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a "V" shape (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
4/25
Play Perch is based around an old tree, and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a "V" shape (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is an inclusive environment in which children of all abilities can play and learn together (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
5/25
Play Perch is an inclusive environment in which children of all abilities can play and learn together (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is an inclusive environment in which children of all abilities can play and learn together (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
6/25
Play Perch is an inclusive environment in which children of all abilities can play and learn together (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
7/25
Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
8/25
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Gutters overhang to allow the children to watch rainwater running off and falling below (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
9/25
Gutters overhang to allow the children to watch rainwater running off and falling below (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The classroom is installed in the grounds of Jowonio School, Syracuse, New York (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
10/25
The classroom is installed in the grounds of Jowonio School, Syracuse, New York (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is based around an old tree, and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a "V" shape (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
11/25
Play Perch is based around an old tree, and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a "V" shape (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
12/25
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
13/25
Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The overall design of the structure is said to be inspired by both the Eastern Bluebird, and the Imperial Walker of Star Wars fame (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
14/25
The overall design of the structure is said to be inspired by both the Eastern Bluebird, and the Imperial Walker of Star Wars fame (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
15/25
Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is based around an old tree, and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a "V" shape (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
16/25
Play Perch is based around an old tree, and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a "V" shape (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University of Architecture students (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
17/25
Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University of Architecture students (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
18/25
The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which has proven therapeutic for children with ADD (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
19/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
20/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
21/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
22/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
23/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
24/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
25/25
Architectural drawings of the Play Perch (Image: Syracuse SOA)
View gallery - 25 images

Play Perch is a treehouse-cum-classroom designed by Syracuse University School of Architecture students and installed in the grounds of Jowonio School, Syracuse, New York. It was built in order to provide Jowonio's pupils – almost one third of whom have special needs – a safe and tranquil environment to interact with nature.

The grounds of Jowonio preschool contain a nature trail which the school's staff feel is therapeutic for children with ADD and related conditions. It was decided that a classroom located in the vicinity of the nature trail could offer a beneficial environment for the young pupils. Therefore, Syracuse University School of Architectures' AIAS Freedom By Design group was tasked to help bring this about.

The classroom is installed in the grounds of Jowonio School, Syracuse, New York (Photo: Syracuse SOA)
The classroom is installed in the grounds of Jowonio School, Syracuse, New York (Photo: Syracuse SOA)

Play Perch is based around an old tree and supported by six splayed pairs of columns arranged into a V shape. The overall design of the structure is inspired by both the Eastern Bluebird (the state bird of New York and Missouri), and the Imperial Walker of Star Wars fame. Its outer shell is constructed from copper and rusted steel sheets, with perforations which are modeled after the feathers of a bird.

The platform measures roughly 12 x 20 ft (3.5 x 6 m), and the roof of Play Perch features polycarbonate panels with steel supports. Gutters overhang to allow the children to watch rainwater running off and falling below.

Inside, a climbing net stretches across the opening between the floor and the tree, and toys, tunnels, and an LED-lit cove all help to create an inclusive environment which children of all abilities can enjoy together.

Source: Syracuse SOA via Arch Daily

View gallery - 25 images
No comments
0 comments
There are no comments. Be the first!