Start Slideshow
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe <a href="http://www.imamuseum.org/" target="_blank">Indianapolis Museum of Art</a> recently commissioned design team <a href="http://www.visiondivision.com/" target="_blank">Visiondivision</a> to create an incredible concession stand and swing set made from a single giant tree for its beautiful <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-ruth-lily-visitors-pavilion-meshes-art-architecture-and-nature/" target="_blank">100 Acres Park</a>. Dubbed Chopstick, the project utilizes a horizontally suspended tree that has been kept whole from trunk to tip, fusing art and nature in an unexpected new way.1
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkVisiondivision used a 100 foot yellow poplar - Indiana’s state <a href="http://inhabitat.com/kjellgren-kaminskys-clear-cut-helps-us-envision-the-life-cycle-of-trees/" target="_blank">tree</a> - as the foundation for the concession stand, which is dubbed “Chopstick.”2
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe tree was carefully stripped of its bark, which was then cut into strips and kiln dried. The stripped <a href="http://inhabitat.com/urban-woods-a-parasitic-wood-exoskeleton-which-will-soon-be-covered-in-ivy/" target="_blank">tree</a> was then suspended horizontally so that it hovers above the ground on wooden supports and the small concession kiosk.3
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe kiosk is covered with the dried bark shingles, which are naturally durable and can last for up to 80 years without much maintenance.4
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkBeyond the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/minneapolis-repair-kiosks-help-you-service-your-bike-on-the-fly/" target="_blank">kiosk</a>, swings for school children hang from the sturdy trunk -- 100 Acres is regularly visited by families and schools.5
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe end-side of the trunk will hold a bench <a href="http://inhabitat.com/dismantled-german-nuclear-plant-transformed-into-incredible-wunderland-kalkar-amusement-park/" target="_blank">swing</a> for adults and couples.6
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe firm is planning to use the entirety of the tree in the Chopstick project, so its pressed leaves and flowers will be used to decorate the kiosk, and inspire the children.7
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe roots can be made into teas and tonics sold in the stand.8
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkSmaller <a href="http://inhabitat.com/omar-huertas-solar-light-trees-grow-real-plants/" target="_blank">branches</a> will be used as legs for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/axe-and-stump-lounge-chair-gives-new-life-to-upturned-tree-trunks/" target="_blank">tables and chairs</a>.9
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkExcess wood will be shredded into <a href="http://inhabitat.com/cute-and-colorful-lamp-shades-upcycle-plastic-bags-and-sawdust/" target="_blank">sawdust</a> and used for insulation.10
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkThe top end of the tree will sit between joint braces, keeping the entire trunk level.11
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres Park<a href="http://inhabitat.com/chop-flops-made-from-repurposed-chopsticks-spotted-at-icff/" target="_blank">Chopstick</a> is at home in the lush 100 Acres park, where it now serves as a visitor’s destination for all to enjoy.12
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres ParkChop Stick diagram13
Visiondivision Chop Stick Kiosk at 100 Acres Park<big><a href="http://www.visiondivision.com/" target="_blank">+ Visiondivision</a></big>14
