ARBORSCAPE: A FRAMEWORK FOR REGROWTH

Arborscape aims to re-establish a harmony with nature that has been depleted due to harmful human activities. In the speculative future of the project, the legend of the Disseminator is spoken about within the community in Palermo: tales of a human/animal hybrid creature which could work and manipulate trees around structures for people to live in, in order for them to be at one with nature again. Overpopulation and deforestation are the key principles which have caused this decline in living standards, with native Palermo people using principles from the Disseminator to try and establish new communities living closely with, even in the trees. The process starts with the workers selecting a suitable site for the Arborscape development to begin construction. Once the main pod structure is constructed, the tree seeds are sown, in the marked locations. The process of manipulation is then carried out after careful attention is paid to by the Arborscape workers on site. Tying down branches and members, in order for the tree, once it reaches full maturity at 50 years to grow through the structure and take its form. To the north of the site is the Alternative Performance stage, which hosts an array of live performances, including rhythmic and alternative dance acts along with an arena for speakers to discuss the Arborscape development to the general public and internal discussions the residents may have. To the south of the site are the sleeping pods, which can house a family per pod, with higher level sleeping bunks and communal cooking/ relaxing areas situated amongst the tree branches.