Doing their bit for the society, students of the Syracuse University School of Architecture recently designed and built a 'Play Perch' on the grounds of Jowonio School, a non-profit institute in New York for the differently-abled children.

'Play Perch', a tree house-cum-classroom provides a secure and serene environment for the school's students, enabling them to interact with nature.

The classroom was built by Syracruse's AIAS Freedom by Design group in the preschool's nature trail. The staff believes that being surrounded by nature could prove beneficial and therapeutic for children with Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and related conditions.

On the whole, the design of the structure is inspired by the Eastern Bluebird (the state bird of New York and Missouri), and the Imperial Walker of Star Wars fame and is built around an old tree. Play Perch is supported by six pairs of columns arranged in a 'V' shape. Its outer covering is made from copper and rusted steel sheets, with perforations which are modeled after feathers of a bird.

The roof of the structure features polycarbonate panels with steel supports. Gutters have been installed to allow the children to watch rainwater running off and falling below.