Plan Tree ∈ Hong Kong
=====================

Introduction
------------

*Plan tree* is an undertaking that works with a transformational idea to create
housing environments from a *living* resource - trees! It is an attempt to
integrate Hong Kong’s subtropical vegetation with technology.

At the core of *plan tree* is the construction of a simple house from living
trees using a combination of traditional construction techniques and
contemporary engineering. This is a long term project that could be done in
collaboration for example with local schools and potentially with partners
worldwide. Residencies are offered to individuals who want to get involved into
the project over a period of weeks or months.

*The house grows together with those who take care of it.*

Timeline
--------

There are two tracks: one focuses on planting, and the other one on research and learning, which could run in collaboration with a partnering institution anywhere in the world.

[][2]

[Full size][2] – *use left/right to navigate through the map*

It is important to understand that, once planted, the house will take years, if
not decades to grow. Nevertheless, it has utility from day one! Planted on the
scaffold are strangler figs, which send aerial roots to the ground. Eventually
they strangulate the bamboo from which the scaffold is made. As the trees gain
strength, support structures can be removed. In the meantime the house can be
used as a place for work or play. Continuous maintenance, such as pruning and
health monitoring, is necessary.

Network
-------

There are various potential partners, and it will require patience to forge
collaborations.

[][1]

[Full size][1] – *use left/right to navigate through the map*

Learning objectives and impact
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Learners are all those who participate in the project.

* Structural engineering & architecture

"Living" houses is a concept that already exists in various variations. It
is mostly a simple utilisation of trees suitable for housing in natural
environments: trees create shelter through their growth. The difference of
the current undertaking is to achieve a certain degree of functionality and
explore various usage scenarios as well as to open up natural housing
alternatives.

* Botany / plant biology

The fact that we are dealing here with a growing plant requires knowledge in
plant biology and also a deep understand of how people and trees can
coexist, grow and transform together.

* Learning process

One of the intented use options for the created space is to have it as a
learning environment in the context of a primary school. Within this
context it can have numerous implications, e.g. living body that grows with
children who attend the school; specific space to connect deeply with nature
and see links between the developments of all living organisms, biology and
adaptation; learning from nature how to live on this planet.

* Team work

* Patience

* Sustainability, ecologically as well as economically

Site
----

Requirements:

* Footprint of house itself, without tree crown: 5×5 m

* Plenty of sun for photosynthesis

* Additional space for construction materials and for maintenance access.

Expenses
--------

Aside from the initial investment in land, expenses are very roughly estimated
at:

* Scaffold (bamboo, [foundation][5], etc.): 50,000 HKD

* Saplings: 10,000 HKD

* Tech, i.e. cameras, humidity sensors, irrigation system, etc.: 50,000 HKD

* Travel, accommodation: depends on location

* Compensation for tutoring: depends on partnership concept

Openess
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Discoveries and communication are openly and immediately shared. This motivates
others to get involved from anywhere in the world. An example for this strategy
is [OSE][3], a successful American project about developing open source
machinery and architecture.

Entrepreneurialism is encouraged. Spinoffs can use the information however they
like.

Future
------

More advanced building technologies can be eventually incorporated, such as
robotic arms directing the growth of plants. This leads to the creation of a
research base for bleeding edge architecture and construction, akin to the
computer clubs and hacker spaces that were the breeding grounds for much of the
technology in the late 20th and early 21st century.

Team
----

*Felix E. Klee* has an academic background in architecture and physics. He is
exploring tropical regions for opportunities to construct with strangler figs
beyond the living root bridges, something that is not possible in his home
country Germany. In 2020 and early 2021, he was visiting Hong Kong, where he
did experiments with vines, including a sound installation in the jungle atop
Victoria Peak together with noise artist 3x3x3. In 2019 he showed two
installations related to adaptable architecture in Hong Kong, one of them
created from bamboo, coconuts, and electronics. He is partner in the Berlin art
production company Rieger & Klee GbR.

*Anastasia Zagorni* has an academic background in humanities and business. She designs and implements entrepreneurship programs and explores opportunities of working with the city. She has been supporting creative individuals and teams working toward establishing their business or professional profile. She is also involved in biodiversity-oriented projects in Brandenburg where she resides.

*Kimberley Vanessa Cheung* is a professional fencer, representing Hong Kong in
international competitions. She graduated with first class honors from Hong Kong
University of Science and Technology, receiving a BSc in biochemistry and cell
biology. Kim got trained in data science and machine learning. She created the
AI Physio Assistant. In 2020, she joined Felix to form team a-to-m, which won
the [International Game Design Challenge][6].

[1]: http://sites.inka.de/W1787/plan-tree/house/network/
[2]: http://sites.inka.de/W1787/plan-tree/house/timeline/
[3]: https://www.opensourceecology.org/
[4]: https://www.dimsumlabs.com/
[5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_(engineering)
[6]: https://awrd.com/en/award/game-design-challenge-learning