Up And Down Again: A Hobbit's Tale is a temporary treehouse designed by me and Takuma Johnson, with aid from PLAD Studio Architecture and Design. Of 27 designs, our submission was one of seven winners to be built across Cheekwood's grounds in the summer of 2012. In the words of Nashville Arts:

A true feast for the senses, this treehouse structure will feature an underground retreat, slide, living wall, wooden fort, tunnel, ramp, climbing space and a garden landscape, all designed for hands-on exploration. The inviting sculptural form will emerge seamlessly from the ground, wrap between two trees and reach toward an adjacent pond, creating two worlds: one above and one below. Cheekwood’s guests will delight in climbing, sliding, and discovering a secret passage as they experience both the underground world of the Hobbit’s hole and the beautiful view from the top of the treehouse.

Our team of four explored the unique design challenge of designing for joy and interaction. We worked together to synthesize a play structure that would be stimulating, beautiful, and easily erected and removed.