TREE-MENDOUS TREE-HOUSES

In the summer of 2003, a special exhibit of tree houses was on display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Eleven custom-designed, site-specific structures were winners of a competition intending to stretch the definition of the classic tree house. All designs were required to be “tree friendly” and not cause damage to the host tree. The example shown, by David Bucciero, explores the relationship between architecture and nature through its three-dimensional movement, structure, and form. Next week we'll take a look at this and some of the other temporary tree houses.

INVENTING THE MODERN SCHOOL HOUSE

During the second half of the 20th century, the Texas architecture firm of Caudill Rowlett Scott (CRS) grew impressively in size and influence. They became known as masters of modern practice management, and they introduced innovations in programming, construction management, and school design. Next week firm biographers Jonathan King and Philip Langdon will describe the evolution of CRS school designs and explain how they mirrored the firm's own development.