Discovering the emotional connections that people have to places can assist in creating habitats that people are drawn to and experience in a holistic way. Through research into rural community hardships, understanding how these issues may be mediated through place attachment, and emphasizing the specific experiential connection people have to natural surroundings, this thesis aims to enhance local commerce opportunities, bring awareness and positive experiences to the area, and incorporate connection to the land and surroundings. Utilizing local materials and resources helps realize the design intent to revitalize local architecture and highlight the beauty of historic structures.

Humans have an intrinsic psychological need to connect with nature and the natural environment. Architecture is created when humans build in response to the environment around them, and continuous creation of architecture creates the built environment. The treehouse, which is created in response to the environment of trees, is built for the interaction with and/or appreciation of the natural environment. The experience of being in a treehouse brings one to a deeper and more personal connection with nature.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.