January 2019

In this project whilst at Schumacher College, we were drawn to explore our direct and embodied experiences of our human-nature embodied in the present moment and connected to place as a means to heal the separation with nature that the modern world conditions us with.

We explored the idea that in connecting to the spirit of place by becoming aware of the qualities of aliveness in a space, we are able to connect deeper to our own true nature, a nature that is whole within and with all of life. 

As the mind settles we become perceptive to the wonder-filled lessons that nature has to offer, without any of the preconceived ideas or judgements of the mind. Nature is the eternal teacher. 

The platform is placed in a way that feels tall within the trees to naturally aid in sharpening the senses and the attention of the sitter. Whilst canter-levering above the stream, a feeling of expansion into place occurs as senses merge out into the surrounding landscape. We placed the platform in a way to reduce the friction in the mind and the sitter to connect to the landscape. Through the use of a balance stool that requires constant movement and presence to stay centred, we created a further experience to aid in the embodiment of the mind in place. 

This project was inspired through spending time contemplating within the forest, climbing trees and connecting to the spirit of place.

The structure of the prototype was designed to be constructed, moved and adapted easily using clamp mechanisms around the trunk instead of direct fixings into the tree.