Tree houses are usually reserved for kids with a boundless imagination but Benjamin Verdonck holds a different opinion as he built a tree house at a senior home.
This Antwerp-based visual artist, director and writer decided to build a tree house in Vogelenzang park for the art festival Track, a contemporary exhibition in Ghent, Belgium.
This senior home is actually a clubhouse for the elderly and was first built in the 1950s. Verdonck created a replica of a segment of the actual building and although the tree dwelling is inaccessible, it's meant to offer people the notion of the connection between young and old. Benjamin Verdonck deliberately chose this setting to have people make the distinction of this evocative work by exploring the realities of both the past and present.
Ironic Senior Tree Houses
Benjamin Verdonck Builds a Child Fantasy for the Elderly
Trend Themes
1. Intergenerational Art Installations - Creating art installations that bridge the gap between different generations, encouraging interaction and dialogue.
2. Reimagining Senior Living Spaces - Designing innovative living spaces for the elderly that promote creativity, exploration, and a sense of wonder.
3. Artistic Reflections on Aging - Using art as a medium to explore the themes of aging, memory, and the passage of time.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Culture - Art festivals, exhibitions, and organizations can embrace intergenerational collaborations to create unique and thought-provoking experiences.
2. Senior Living and Care - Senior home operators and architects can incorporate innovative design elements like tree houses to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
3. Creative Aging Programs - Non-profit organizations and community centers can develop programs that use art and creativity to promote positive aging and intergenerational connections.