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In inland California, Sequoia National Park facilitates the protection of the endangered giant sequoia tree. A part of the redwood family, unharmed, giant sequoias can live for millennia. Two suspended platforms raised 40 meters above ground allow visitors of the national park to appreciate the flourishing ecosystem of these iconic trees. Embracing their monumentality the steel cable structure is anchored to surrounding column-like trees using a ring system to prevent damage to their bark. A suspended spiraling staircase emphasises the massive girth of the sequoia’s trunk spanning 7 meters at its widest. Looking down from the platform visitors encounter a breathtaking view down the trunk to the forest floor. The experience of the structure is intended to draw out the importance of this unique forest to ensure its survival amongst human intervention.

In collaboration with Hannah Roorda

upper platform

lower platform

detail

Stair from Lower Platform to Upper Platform fastened to Sequoia Tree.

detail

In compliance with the theme of ‘suspend’ we chose to suspend the staircase going up 30 meters to the Lower Platform. To stabilize the spiral staircase we conceived of continuous curved C-beams encircling the tree.