Sycamore Trees to Sustainability

Sycamore Trees to Sustainability:
A Process of Growth and Change

A tree and its symbolism work well as a metaphor for architecture, primarily because the tree is able to represent many different aspects pertinent to architecture. First, the life cycle of a tree is similar to that of architectural structures in several ways. Trees are first planted- the foundation is established. Once nourished and taken care of, the tree grows and develops. Similarly, a building or structure that is designed for longevity must begin with a strong foundation. Following that, the architect must imbue into the building elements necessary for the building to be perpetrated through time. The more caliber and craft imbued into the building, the more likely it is that the building will last through time. However, many trees are never allowed to reach their full potential and to die natural deaths. Rather, they are cut down in order to make way for civilization, or to be used in production. Similarly, many old buildings are razed to make way for new, modern structures, catering to the new preferences of a new generation. While we still have the Arc De Triomphe and the oak tree, we now also have sustainable design and plant hybrids existing in parallel relationships.
The trees rings serve to establish this relationship even further. The rings of a tree are vestiges of the growth of the tree that has occurred through time. They can vary in size and shape, from season to season and can be dependent upon natural conditions such as drought or weather events. Similarly, architecture varies throughout the ebb and flow of time. As architectural movements come and go, they leave their marks on the regions and spaces that they encompass. As the rings leave traces on the past growth of the tree, so too can we find vestiges of past architectural conventions and designs in modern structures.

Evangeline Grace Tan
Jayson W. Parker
Meg McMillan
Cary Cotton