Tuesday, 5 January 2016

12 Times Humans Respected Mother Nature — And The Results Are Stunning

Trees usually make obstacles for architects and builders. They're problems. They're big and immovable, and their root systems cause hellish problems for foundations. 
However, how the architects approach a problem like a tree makes a huge difference. Yes, taking out a tree that's in the way of your build makes things much, much easier. And it's certainly better for the building's structure. But you lose a tree in the process — and a tree is an opportunity.
sustainable development respecting nature

The trend of simply cutting down trees is changing, though. Some architects have started recognizing the opportunities trees provide for a unique design. Clearly they have different ways to go about it, but that's the great part — the architects still get to bring their own approach to the problem and put their special mark on the project. 
Check out some of the ways architects have respected Mother Nature in their designs.

1. Ring Around A Tree, Tokyo, Japan

2. The Tea House, Shanghai, China

2. The Tea House, Shanghai, China
via Archi-Union

3. Tree In The House, Almaty, Kazakhstan

4. Sure, it's just a fence, and it's kind of ironic that the tree is surrounded by wood, but clearly somebody didn't want to cut down even one more tree than necessary.

4. Sure, it's just a fence, and it's kind of ironic that the tree is surrounded by wood, but clearly somebody didn't want to cut down even one more tree than necessary.
via imgur / smallstone

5. This villa in Izmir, Turkey

5. This villa in Izmir, Turkey
via reddit / smartforever

6. Private residence, West Virginia

6. Private residence, West Virginia
via Travis Price Architects

7. These apartments in Poland incorporate the surrounding forest into their design.

7. These apartments in Poland incorporate the surrounding forest into their design.
via Piotr Fuora / W Drzewach

8. Casa Vogue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

8. Casa Vogue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
via Architectism

9. Private residence, Austin, Texas

10. 25 Green, Turin, Italy

10. 25 Green, Turin, Italy
via Beppe Giardino / Arch Daily

11. Private residence, Los Angeles, California

11. Private residence, Los Angeles, California
via Ethan Pines / New York Times

12. Casa Corallo, Guatemala

Main image via Travis Price Architects
Collage images via 1. A. Masow Architects 2. Beppe Giardino / Arch Daily