Hood Design Studio's innovative design for Discovery Place Nature in Charlotte, North Carolina, aims to rejuvenate a forgotten forest on the edge of Little Sugar Creek, guided by the concept of Three Natures (terza natura). The entry gardens embody the cultural use of landscape for pollination, stormwater management, performance, and leisure. A winding trail within the forest features installations as apertures, offering fresh perspectives on the forest environment. Elevating the visitor experience is a canopy walk, threading through the forest's upper layers, featuring two distinctive treehouses that provide transformative interactions with the natural world. The "Nest" treehouse boasts a 30' wide net, inviting visitors to recline and gaze upwards at the sky and tree canopy. The "Climber" treehouse navigates vertically through the canopy, culminating in an overlook that connects visitors to the expansive landscape beyond, thus fostering a deeply immersive and enriching experience with nature.

Charlotte, NC | In Progress
Budget: $10M
Size: 16 Acres