Explore Architecture: Jungle Treehouse (LIVE)
In this maker-based workshop, we explore the landscapes and architecture of Central and South America as the basis for our own modern treehouse design.
Fifi Henderson
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(306)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
We will start with a slideshow to introduce Angel Falls in Venezuela's Canaima National Park (the tallest waterfall in the world), the pyramid of the Mayan site Montegrande, Machu Pichu, The Palace of Palenque and the Hieroglyphic Stairway at Copán. Using historical landscapes and temples as inspiration, we’ll design and build our own treehouse using ideas from contemporary architecture such as the Bamboo Science Center proposed for the Amazon Rainforest, the Finca Bellavista ecological treehouse community, the “Hooch” loft houses and the sustainable resort of Playa Viva. Learners are introduced to the general concepts of rainforest preservation, sustainable architecture, how people become stewards of their local environment and the notion of ecotourism in order to craft their own version of an inhabitable jungle treehouse. We will end with a short, optional show & tell with an opportunity for feedback from classmates and the instructor.
Learning Goals
Wicked Workshop is a maker-based program that introduces youth to architecture through reality-based projects that tackle "wicked" problems like inadequate housing and environmental health. We teach decision-making strategies, complex problem solving, and critical thinking methods recognized as vital 21st century skills necessary to succeed in work, life and citizenship through a straightforward hands-on curriculum based on authentic projects that foster independent thinking, self-directed learning, exploration, iteration and creativity.
In Jungle Treehouse, we focus on using historical context as a design tool while introducing modern concepts of rainforest preservation, sustainable architecture, environment stewardship and ecotourism. Students practice fine motor skills and empathy while working to connect several parts and pieces to create a convincing habitable tree house.
Other Details
Supply List
We will be demonstrating some basic modelling ideas for starting your own treehouse with these simple materials: It's a good idea to have: colored paper a cereal box bamboo skewers masking tape scissors Feel free to think outside the box! Having other materials just for fun and embellishment is great too. Here are some ideas: sticks from the yard dowels clothespins smoothfoam (for a base) bamboo skewers fabric (for a canopy or hammock) pom poms for fun forest flora and fauna artificial plants, leaves, flowers string (making a terrifying treetop canopy rope bridge or zip line?) straws balloons popsicle sticks
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
306reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Wicked workshop is taught by Phyllis (Fifi) Henderson. A mom to two active girls, an architect and an educator, Fifi creates learning experiences opportunities that build self-esteem, independence and critical thinking skills. As an educator with a PhD in architectural history and theory, she recognized that Design Thinking was being used outside of professional design practice to help resolve issues in multiple industries including business and societal sectors. Design Thinking is a non-linear, strategy-based process for problem solving that tackles issues through empathy and iterative hands-on making. It was developed by Stanford University’s “d” school for people in business, higher education, the public sector and K-12 education as a process to create real change. As an architect, Fifi practiced this methodology and recognized it as a direct extension of her traditional university architecture school curriculum. After completing her PhD, she decided to scale that learning experience for a younger audience. Working with kids on big problems has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career and she is continually energized by the ideas, dynamism and joy that kids bring to wicked problems.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-18 learners per class
