Design Summit: Inspiring Discovery and Creativity

https://base-camp.me/2020/12/22/design-summit-inspiring-discovery-and-creativity/

A series of mysterious boxes sat on the table, each adorned with a simple design. A door, opened ever so slightly, beckoning the viewer to peek inside.

David C. has overseen many design and architectural projects in his past – but none of them have ever started quite like this.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said David C., who joined architect David L., Brett M., Greg L., Lauren H, Mark J. and Brandon C. for the BaseCamp Design Summit. Together the team opened each of their individual boxes, peeling back the first layer to discover art supplies, a unique hand-written prompt, and another mysterious box inside.

“This art box was intended for you to reflect,” read the first prompt. “It is a box that was carefully curated to inspire creative action. Art in its true form is uninhibited, an expression of Self. Let’s envision the spaces that evoke calm. How do we develop structures that gently guide our guests to question Self and start their trek to their greatest summit?”

“It was profound,” said David C., who said he’s never had that feeling after any other meeting. “This approach is not used anywhere. We had this unique opportunity to be in a calm spot, to really focus. We were inspired to be creative, to be open and honest and vulnerable in a space that was judgement free. It gave us a sense of freedom that colored everything that followed.”

What followed over the two-day Design Summit was nothing short of breathtaking. Between excursions to explore the 500-acre Clam Bay property, the 250 acres of marsh land known as the Hanger, the Boat House, the Beach House, the Landing and the West Beach property, the team began to map out the physical future of BaseCamp, exploring ways to build out each location in a manner that helps guests connect to nature, each other and themselves.

For David C., finding a sense of calm and balance through his art box heavily influenced his final concept.

“I painted one of the outsides of the building as if it were either sunrise or sunset so it had a glow on one side and a shadow on the other. Having the view of the lightness and shadow gave it life. It made me think – here’s something that’s more than just a building.”

BaseCamp spirit is many things. It’s about creativity and compassion, calm and courage; it’s about fostering deep connections to your team by encouraging honest vision, communication, and trust; about discovering your Self – who you are and where you’re going; and about understanding who and what you need to progress along to the next phase of your journey. BaseCamp dreams big – and big dreams can be born from inspiring spaces designed to curate authenticity, beauty and balance. It’s no small task – but the Design Summit is the first of many steps to help BaseCamp get there.

“We were only there for two days, but it felt like we were there for a week when I look back and see how much we accomplished,” said David. “I think there’s this time shift at BaseCamp. Your brain goes into overdrive and you accomplish so much. It’s hard to believe it was only two days.”