The Seeds of Imagination
“Naturescaping” has gone far beyond the simple idea of incorporating plants and small artificial trees into an atrium. Creative architects and designers now have a much broader palette to enhance their themes in a wide variety of residential and commercial interior design environments; from restaurants and hotels to libraries, museum exhibits and theme parks. Cutting edge designers now include NatureMaker sculptures as free-standing elements, or as “column wrap” trees, to camouflage pillars or I-beams. When integrated into interior landscaping design, the steel art tree brings the architect’s design concept to life.
Initial Consultation
NatureMaker typically consults with the architect or designer at the beginning of the building design process, so that the necessary structural supports or footings for the tree sculpture can be incorporated into the engineering of the space.
By working together early in the design process, the space planner can more effectively include NatureMaker replica trees as prominent design elements, rather than as afterthoughts. This is essential in creating environments of respite, beauty, and meditation, which is the major purpose for interior landscaping.
From Concept to Installation
In conceptualizing the completed installation, whether a single, six-story “hero” tree, or a “pocket forest” of birch and maples, the designer or architect specifies the intended locations in the space, as well as the configuration of the trees; also, if they are to be free-standing, column clad, wall mounted, or interactive. Basic considerations, such as tree variety, height, canopy diameter, levels and density of foliation are most easily addressed at this time.
NatureMaker’s methodology allows for the inclusion of other elements, such as lighting, A/V, surveillance cameras, sprinkler systems and duct-work. These features have, on numerous occasions, been designed and incorporated into the steel substructure of the tree.
Trees as Experience
Theme park designers, exhibit planners at zoos and museums, and library designers include NatureMaker Steel Art Trees as enhancements to the story telling of their themed environments and exhibits.
A NatureMaker giant walk-though tree trunk with lighting, video screens, and other elements built into the massive interior structure has been commissioned by a child development center in Connecticut. The children's sense of awe will encourage them to linger and learn within the nurturing environment of the intricately detailed trunk.
Amusement park and casino designers have always been at the forefront of experiential design. The beauty, realism, and textural integrity of NatureMaker’s Steel Art Trees allows for a more authentic experience of nature.
The design aesthetic of NatureMaker is to imbue each tree sculpture with natural imperfections such as worm holes, lightning strikes, areas of exposed wood, knot holes, areas of insect infestation and color variegations.
The graceful sweep of the limbs and the canopy silhouette invites one to stop, ponder, and enjoy. The sensual element of touch is also inherent in the textured feel of the hand-carved, hand-sculpted, and scenically-aged tree bark.