Form beats function. At least it did here, in A/LTA Architects’ Arbre à Basket. What an eccentric, fun way of approaching the basketball hoop. Yet it does nothing for multiple users as the architects imply. Only if you organize a baby game, kid game, and adult game at once would this be functionally functional. But who cares if large-scale tournaments of set-piece basketball aren’t capable of being hosted here. Located in front of the Maison des Hommes et des Techniques in Nantes, France, it gives a lot more to its surroundings than a mere sports instrument. It is functional in that way. And individuals or groups of kids will always find a way to play with just about anything. Give ’em time and they’ll invent a game.
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.