The ACES Treehouse is a pro bono project from Charles Cunniffe Architects, who created the elegant design for the Buddy Program, a kids mentorship program in Aspen, Colorado. The treehouse is being used in conjunction with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (better known as ACES (hence the treehouse's name)).
The goal behind the ACES Treehouse was to create multiple levels for enjoying and learning about the forest's surrounding ecology. On the ground level, students can get up close to the various flora that grow in the forested area. Climbing the stairs that ascend to the top level, students can then get a better vantage point to observe the various fauna from the region, including deer, foxes, bears, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, and even a golden eagle that lives in the surrounding area.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Eco-tourism
- The ACES Treehouse project showcases opportunities for innovative sustainable design in eco-tourism.
- Nature Education
- The multi-level design of the ACES Treehouse highlights the rising trend toward experiential nature education.
- Outdoor Adventure
- The ACES Treehouse is an example of how businesses can create innovative outdoor adventure experiences that connect people with nature.
Where This Applies
- Architecture and Design
- The ACES Treehouse project provides opportunities for architects and designers to create sustainable and interactive structures in natural settings.
- Environmental Education
- The trend towards experiential environmental education will continue to grow, and businesses can seize opportunities to provide unique learning experiences for students of all ages.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Businesses can incorporate unique sustainable structures, like the ACES Treehouse, into their offerings to draw in eco-conscious travelers looking for outdoor adventure experiences.
