Poe Elementary Mechanical Shade Tree
Edgar Allan Poe Elementary, located in the tree-lined neighborhood of Southhampton, was desperately in need of a courtyard renovation when the Poe Parent Teacher Organization and the Graduate Design/ Build Studio joined forces. The collaboration resulted in the design of a "Mechanical Shade Tree," a galvanized steel structure with two movable panels, which could provide for the physical education classes' rope courses. The 29-by-45-by-20-foot "Tree" rests on a conrete-pier foundation and supports with steel columns and trusses two movable roof panels, which offer shelter from the rain and sun.