Most of the animal and plant species that exist on earth have inaccessible habitats. Gilles Ebersolt’s Ikos structure allows scientists to research the wealth of life at close quarters in the tips of rainforest trees. The roughly spherical, mobile cell can be raised with a hot-air balloon without disturbing the vegetation. The structure accommodates two to three scientists, who can spend up to five days in it. With a diameter of 3.20m, the “sphere” contains working areas, cooking facilities, a WC and three sleeping hammocks. Within the flexible outer skin, there is a rigid floor of laminated sheeting. A removable sunscreen membrane or a waterproof transparent film can be used as protection against the elements. Secured with a net, the upper level serves as a viewing and observation platform. As the name suggests, the geometry of Ikos is resolved into an icosahedron – a solid figure, consisting of 20 plane equilateral triangles. Fixed at the 12 tips of this structure are 40 mm thick Duralumin bars with disc nodes.