Research and Creative Work

In the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver, students and faculty engage directly with our vibrant city, dynamic community, and magnificent landscape by working on real projects that make a real difference. 

Subterranean Treehouse

AlixMalz_Shelter2
Principal Researchers: Alix Malz Faculty Advisor: Mira Woodson

Subterranean Treehouse is a shelter to better connect with nature while sheltering away from the urban environment. By utilizing biophilic design principles alongside a linear spatial organization, this structure immerses the visitor deep into nature both physically and emotionally while still being just a short distance away from a busy intersection in the heart of a major city.

AlixMalz_Shelter2

Visitors will feel a slight temperature change, the smell of the pine needles and grass will intensify, the sounds of the nearby street will dissipate, and the surrounding urban environment will disappear with every step down into the shelter. The central wall is illuminated from within, and highlights the linear, abstract wall treatment, as well as creating an even more immersive experience as the design itself makes you feel like you are walking into a forest.

Iterative Models

AlixMalz_Shelter
Iterative Models_2

College of Architecture and Planning

CU Denver

CU Denver Building

1250 14th Street

2000

Denver, CO 80202


303-315-1000

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