The alchemist ‘airport of the city’ becomes ‘airport = the city’.The concept extracts the idea of collision among a large variety of different cultures in the subject, airport infrastructures, and revitalize it through flexible devices in a heterotopia environment to house different cultures and different people.
they unite to be a stool, separate to be chairs
〈グロット・リトリート・西窯頭〉
農村らしさを継承するやわらかな形のレンガ建築
A( )VOIDが中国の農村活性化プロジェクトの一環として設計した〈グロット・リトリート・西窯頭〉
〈グロット・リトリート・西窯頭（Grotto Retreat Xiyaotou）〉は、中国の過疎化した農村を共同農園とする、活性化プロジェクトの一環として建てられたリトリート施設です。
現地のプリミティブな住まいから着想を得た「グロット」という双曲面のボリュームと木の橋で構成され、公私が共存するコミュニティとなるよう計画されています。
中国の設計事務所A( )VOIDが設計しました。
（以下、A( )VOIDから提供されたプレスキットのテキストの抄訳）
取り残された村の活性化
「空洞村」は中国の農村によく見られる現象である。村の先住民のほとんどが新たな農村の住宅地に移り住み、荒廃した家屋が残されている。
農村活性化プロジェクトを進めるFAホームステイ（Fortune Art Homestay）は、過疎化が進む中国・蔚県（Yu County）の100の村から、切り絵や木工芸といった文化遺産を考慮し西窯頭村（Xiyaotou Village）がプロジェクトの第1弾として選出された。
村は共同農園に生まれ変わり、宿泊施設や地元食材を使ったサービス、活動を通じて村人に収入を提供している。
西窯頭村の農村活性化プロジェクトは、2018年のFA Emerging Architect Awardをきっかけにスタートしたものであり、〈グロット・リトリート・西窯頭〉は12の受賞デザインのうちの1つである。
農村と都市を掛け合わせたコミュニティ
デザインコンセプトは、農村における「知人社会」と都市における「他人社会」という、ヒューマンネットワークの本質的な違いから出発している。
先住民の住んでいた洞窟住居から着想を得たプライベート空間「グロット（窯、小さなほら穴）」と、そのグロットを木の橋というパブリック空間がつないでいる。
洞窟住居というプリミティブな形態を現代的な生活様式の中に位置付けることで、公私が共存するコミュニティとなるよう計画した。
木の橋は、洞窟住居の縦横比に基づいた4×6mのグリッドで構成されている。このグリッドは通路レイアウトの基調となり、新しい建築群を精神的な意味でも支えている。
〈グロット・リトリート・西窯頭〉は、周囲の風景を眺めることができる木の橋、双曲面のファサード、松材の柱、コールテン鋼で縁取られた建具という複合的な構成となっている。
「グロット」ユニットは敷地の他の作品と調和するよう、散在するボリュームと双曲面の形状、さまざまなスケールの開口部、地域の材料と工法を用いた計画とした。
高さ7mの天井高さを持つ「グロット」の天窓は、西暦200年代の詩人である劉玲の詩「天と地を家とし、家を衣とする」になぞらえ、居住者に空間の垂直性に集中するよう促すものである。
また天窓は、陽の傾きを敏感に感じ取り、「夜明けから夕暮れまで働く」という農村のリズムに合わせるための設計でもある。冬は天窓から入ってきた熱を二重のレンガの壁で蓄熱し、夏はユニットの形状と開口部により生じた煙突効果で熱を排出することができる。
ファサードから突き出ているレンガは、職人がレンガ壁を作成する際に竹の足場の仮支持として使用されたものである。
双曲面に投影される突起や木橋の影は、陽の傾きによって変化し、刹那的な時間を生み出している。
Japanese writing translated by tecture株式会社
“Overlooking Mount Olympus” is a transformative installation that depicts a scene where Aeolus spent his afternoon observing the dynamics on Mount Olympus from Aeolia, it marries the ethereal matte translucence of acrylic with the enduring luster of silver. This is a theater of alchemy, where materials converse and tales of gods and mortals are retold.
The three modules are odes to the flexibility of the modern, the variability of mythos, allows the space between to be filled with the play of imagination.
“Overlooking Mount Olympus” is a journey through the mutable and the immutable. The Lego-like modules offer endless configurations, each a new myth to be told, each rearrangement, a different perspective on the pantheon of tales.
photo credit: aeolus_studio
based in Macau, since 2012
La Union, the Philippines
Conceptual studies
2024
Nestled on a gentle forested slope, epitomizes the seamless integration of architecture with nature, light, and shadow. Clad in locally sourced stone and reclaimed wood, the structure harmonizes with its environment, featuring a green roof that promotes biodiversity and thermal insulation. The interior uses bamboo flooring and stone accents, with strategically placed skylights and light wells that create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Translucent partitions and custom shadow art enhance this effect, fostering a serene atmosphere. Sustainable features include solar panels, passive design techniques, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling, all contributing to the house's minimal ecological footprint. Multi-level terraces and natural pools offer panoramic forest views and serene outdoor spaces, while edible gardens and wildlife habitats foster a deep connection with the ecosystem. Harmony House stands as a testament to how contemporary design can coexist with and celebrate the natural world, creating a living space that is both innovative and deeply rooted in its surroundings.
based in London, UK
In the realm of ancient Greek mythology, Aeolus, the deity of the wind, doth chance upon the valiant protagonist Odysseus and in his boundless generosity bestoweth upon him a bag replete with all the winds, thereby aiding him upon his momentous odyssey. This myth doth serve as a poignant reminder that life's tapestry is often woven with unforeseen and profound encounters. As our paths do intertwine, we doth aspire for our own emblematic "bag of wind," akin to the transformative essence of the dragonfly, to act as a catalyst, bringing forth mirth and triumph upon our unique voyage through life's capricious winding paths and daunting trials. Inspired by the ethereal zephyrs and the dragonfly's symbolism of adaptability and fortitude, we doth craft exquisite adornments that embody the notion of "walking with the wind," thus signifying a palpable sense of emancipation and serenity, even as the wind and dragonfly doth glide with unparalleled grace and ease.
it carries cubes of contents
Macau SAR, China
1600 sqft
2024
Nestled in the vibrant context of Nape Macau, this 1600 sqft space is envisioned as a transformative canvas that seamlessly integrates ergonomic innovation with architectural fluidity, overlooking the serene Kun Iam Statue as a testament to adaptability and inspiration. At its core lies a flexible void, an ever-evolving stage for creativity that transitions effortlessly from hosting captivating performances to facilitating intimate meetings. The transformative centerpiece, a 3.5m conference table, ascends to become a chandelier, liberating the floor and accentuating spatial versatility, challenging conventional boundaries and allowing the space to breathe and transform according to its function. Ergonomics is the invisible muse, shaping both form and function, with stackable chairs discreetly housed within the colonnade serving dual purposes as high stools, embodying a seamless blend of utility and elegance, creating an environment where comfort fuels creativity and encouraging a seamless flow between physical ease and imaginative exploration. The cabinetry along the long wall is a narrative of multiplicity and purpose, featuring architectural drawings, poster frames, utility enclosures, model displays, partition systems, and acoustic integration, all contributing to crafting adaptable spaces and enhancing the overall experiential quality. This creative enclave in Nape Macau embodies the ethos of transformation and innovation, inviting users to engage, adapt, and transcend the ordinary, fostering a community of creativity and inspiration through the lens of ergonomic harmony and architectural ingenuity.
Beijing, China
1800 sqm
2021 - present
The Courtyard House in Beijing is an exploration of spatial and cultural continuity, reinterpreting the vernacular Siheyuan to create a residence that bridges past and future. Organized around interconnected courtyards that serve as nuclei for the surrounding living spaces, the house offers a sequence of experiences oscillating between intimacy and openness. Traditional grey bricks form the primary envelope, grounding the house in the local architectural language, while weathered steel and glass bridges create a dialogue between the solid and the ephemeral. These elevated pathways are vantage points offering perspectives on the interplay of light and shadow. Each courtyard is a microcosm—whether a contemplative garden, an outdoor living room, or a private retreat—blurring the lines between inside and outside. Light sculpts the spaces, transforming the house as the sun moves. Designed for flexibility, the house adapts to the changing needs of its inhabitants, with natural ventilation and passive cooling minimizing environmental impact. The Courtyard House is a tapestry woven from threads of history, culture, and modernity, where old and new coexist, embodying the spirit of Beijing in every brick and beam.
Shanghai, China
2500sqm
2022-present
The River and Mountain House in Shanghai draws inspiration from the undulating mountain ranges and the sinuous flow of the Huangpu River, creating a harmonious integration of landscape and architecture. Structured around tiered levels that mimic terraced slopes, the house features dynamic volumes clad in locally sourced stone and textured concrete, evoking the ruggedness of mountains, while the interiors flow seamlessly with smooth, organic shapes like the river’s path. Fluid connectivity between spaces is achieved through pathways and open-plan areas, guiding inhabitants through the house as if following a river’s course, with large panoramic windows framing views of the surrounding landscape and allowing natural light to flood the interiors. Water features such as reflecting pools, cascading fountains, and serene ponds enhance the sensory experience, contribute to natural cooling, and provide moments of tranquility. The rooftop, an elevated garden mirroring mountain topography, supports biodiversity and sustainability with rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels. This residence is a symphony of natural elements and architectural innovation, capturing the essence of Shanghai’s geographical and cultural landscape, embodying the timeless interplay of mountains and rivers in every stone and curve.
Macau SAR, China
1400 sqft
2022-2024
photographer: Fernando Nascimento
The luxury retail interior evokes a sense of cinematic grandeur, channeling the essence of Hollywood's red carpet allure while weaving in the layered complexity and profound depth found in films like "Interstellar" and "Inception," setting the stage for a journey through time and space. The grand entrance, framed in satin gold, hints at the opulence and deeper narrative within. Three art-deco decorated beams enhance the human scale of the 18m (depth), 6m (width), 4.8m (height) valley-like plot of the store. A centrally located staircase reveals itself as one moves inward, leading to the signature star of the brand. Upstairs, a privileged area receives prestigious customers, while underneath, preparations take place.
An open floor plan orchestrates a seamless flow between distinct sections dedicated to handbags, jewelry, watches, and clothing, each space carefully curated to evoke the glamour of a star-studded event while subtly exploring themes of time, memory, and identity. The handbag section displays vibrant pieces on rich, light, and dark oak shelves accented with gold, under subtle, ambient lighting that suggests an interplay of light and shadow—an echo of dreamscapes.
The watch and jewelry section, a study in sophistication, features pieces encased in crystal-clear glass and brushed metal, complemented by plush velvet seating that invites intimate, personalized consultations—a nod to the exclusivity of a private lounge and the relativity of time. In this space, the notion of time is both a luxury and a profound concept, inviting customers to reflect on moments both fleeting and eternal.
The material palette—oak flooring, velvet upholstery, and veneer wall coverings—harmonizes with high-end finishes of sandblasted metals and mirrored surfaces, creating a tactile and visual feast that invites exploration and introspection. Lighting is a pivotal element, with natural light during the day transitioning to strategically placed spotlights that highlight key pieces, while glittering pendants and streetlights inject a touch of cinematic glamour, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring visuals of Wes Anderson’s movies.
Situated at the Jinshan District in Shanghai, a garden with the programmes of hostels, open spaces of different sizes, gallery and bistros have visitors lingering around. The complex attempts to nurture tourists via the journey across it, through constant interchange between the duality of the opposite, real and imaginary, nature and manmade, interior and exterior, light and dark…
Learning from the delightful garden of eastern China, various sizes of frames capture times-spaces with diverse apertures, the spaces with respective vanishing points blur the sense of scales and distance within a viewport. The aforementioned tectonics mirages aperspectival sight, expressed through the playful while articulate fenestration of the separating/connecting walls.
Infusing the restroom and pantry space with a profound sense of expressiveness, sensuality, and spatial poetry. By sculpting the journey, embracing tactile materials, harnessing transformative lighting, ensuring immaculate cleanliness, we aspire to create an extraordinary environment that transcends the ordinary and invites users on a transformative sensorial experience.
Nestled in the vibrant context of Nape Macau, this 1600 sqft space is envisioned as a transformative canvas that seamlessly integrates ergonomic innovation with architectural fluidity, overlooking the serene Kun Iam Statue as a testament to adaptability and inspiration. At its core lies a flexible void, an ever-evolving stage for creativity that transitions effortlessly from hosting captivating performances to facilitating intimate meetings. The transformative centerpiece, a 3.5m conference table, ascends to become a chandelier, liberating the floor and accentuating spatial versatility, challenging conventional boundaries and allowing the space to breathe and transform according to its function. Ergonomics is the invisible muse, shaping both form and function, with stackable chairs discreetly housed within the colonnade serving dual purposes as high stools, embodying a seamless blend of utility and elegance, creating an environment where comfort fuels creativity and encouraging a seamless flow between physical ease and imaginative exploration. The cabinetry along the long wall is a narrative of multiplicity and purpose, featuring architectural drawings, poster frames, utility enclosures, model displays, partition systems, and acoustic integration, all contributing to crafting adaptable spaces and enhancing the overall experiential quality. This creative enclave in Nape Macau embodies the ethos of transformation and innovation, inviting users to engage, adapt, and transcend the ordinary, fostering a community of creativity and inspiration through the lens of ergonomic harmony and architectural ingenuity.
The latest series of collage-esque drawings overlays urban fabrics with a fresh lexicon of architectural forms and animated inhabitants, all captured within the visionary terrains of my imagination. Rendered with organic precision and adhering faithfully to scale, these works continue to embrace the methodological rigor of their predecessors. The foundation often remains a monochromatic sketch—subsequently reproduced and infused with the vibrant hues of watercolors, pencils, or gouache.
Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
820 sqm
2019 - 2021
"Hollow villages" are a common phenomenon in China rural areas. Most of the aboriginal households of the village have moved to the new rural residential areas, leaving their dilapidated homesteads. Considering the cultural heritage in Yu County such as paper-cutting, wood crafting and ‘Fiery Trees and Silver Flowers’, the Fortune Art (FA) Homestay selected Xiyaotou Village, out of 100 villages in Yu County, as the beginning of village poverty alleviation. The village have been transformed into communal farms to provide local villagers with income via offering accommodation, local food services and activities. The rural revitalization project of Xiyaotou Village started with the 2018 FA Emerging Architect Award. "Grotto Retreat Xiyaotou" is one of the 12 winning designs.
The design concept starts with the radical difference between the rural and urban interpersonal networks, the native cave dwellings of the site are re-interpreted as vertical "grottos”. By flowing the bridge of connectivity in between the private “grottos”, the design attempts to realize a community in which public and private coexist. The bridge is supported by a hidden four-by-six-meter grid, which is derived from the length-to-width ratio of the original cave dwellings on the site. It serves as the keynote for the layout of the corridor structure and supports the new building complex in a spiritual sense. Wandering under and above the wooden bridge, one could oversee surrounding landscape and aboriginal architecture of Yu County, which are framed by the hyperbolic facade, pine wood columns and corten-steel fenestration of the complex. For the treatment of the vertical "grottos” unit, with the implementation of scattered volumes, hyperbolic shapes, various fenestration dimensions, local materials and construction methods, the building complex attempts to be compatible with the site and amongst other works.
With assistance of the seven-meter-high ceiling, the sun roof of the vertical "grottos” encourages residents to focus on the verticality of the space, "housed by the sky and the earth, and clothed by the house" (Liu Ling). The introduction of generous skylights contextualises residents to rurality’s rhythm of "working from dawn to dusk" and further expose their sensitivity to the sun's trajectory. Climatically, in order to warm the three quarters of Zhangjiakou averaging 10 Degree Celsius, sun rays enter through skylights and are preserved by double-layered brick walls; during summer, heat can be discharged via chimney effect given rise by the collaboration of the unit’s geometry and fenestration.
The protruding bricks on the elevation, as the vehicle of a part of the construction process, were the position where the scaffolding found its temporary support for bricklayers to complete the double-layered brick wall with an average height of 7 meters. Their visibility on the facade depends on the intensity of the sun and cloud density. The shadow of the protrusions and wood bridge cast on the hyperboloid morphs with the sun’s trajectory, emerging ephemeral time-spaces.
Macau SAR, China
800 sqft
2022
photographer: Fernando Nascimentos
SHIZUKU is a sake bar and retail project with approximately 800 sqft, inserted on the ground floor of a 6-storey residential building, which was built in 1972. It is located in the Rua Central, facing the cultural heritage of the Tribunal Velho (Old Court House), in Macau SAR.
Shizukuzake (雫酒), meaning "drip sake", is a method of separating sake from the lees without external pressure by hanging the mash in bags and allowing the liquid to drip out under its own weight by gravity. The Chinese word ‘雫’ can also be read as ‘雨下’, meaning ‘the dripping rain’. Therefore, the design conceptualised around the elements of rain. Everyone shares a shelter under the rain, overseeing the moon on the other side. The seemingly omni-morphing ceiling, which is inherited from one of the most historical Taishō Era (大正) pattern (石畳紋) of Japan, which was also embedded into the 2021 Tokyo Olympics logo. The fixture houses lighting fixtures, display shelves, smoke/heat detectors and access panels. Moreover, there is a hidden hanging system, behind the offsetted panels, which will be used for hosting weeks/months-long collaborations with parties including local animation, dancing, photography studios, jazz bands, etc. This will be one of the venues to host a ‘City as museum’ series, launching exhibitions and events at places of different categories over the same period of time.
The pixelated arch frames the classified 20th century architecture and the vivid daily life of the pedestrians, tourists and neighbours, visualising a Japanese version of the metropolitan nature of the post-colonial city, on the other hand, respecting the memory and time of the historical building in the old neighbourhood.
Various types of seating are implemented into the sake bar in order to offer ergonomical freedom for individual sentiments. Tall bar stool when one feels more shining; regular dining height for a more cozy encounter; the lowest 700mm tea table to allow an even more relaxed experience. The angled approach of the bar counter minimises the difficulty of communications among drinkers and servers, and the turning point momentarily becomes the pivot of the venue.
Anji, Zhejiang, China
30°37′48″N 119°40′17″E
450 sqm
2022 - present
Boohaven Bookhouse explores a spatial language, aiming to explore how the interior space closely integrated with the ecology of the site, which is constantly evolving with the alternation of seasons and the flow of time, like a nature-themed drama. Studying the interactions among the boundaries of space, physical activity, changes in light atmosphere, air circulation and natural scenery. Different openings, on the building skin, frame different landscapes. The alternation of indoor and outdoor allows visitors a different encounter with nature. The construction uses local building materials and crafts as much as possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.
Macau SAR, China
500 sqft
2022
photographer: Fernando Nascimento
graffiti artist: MCZ
EV by Explorvine is a winery and retail project with approximately 500 sqft, inserted on the ground floor of a residential complex, located in the Rua da Doca dos Holandeses, in Macau SAR.
Explorvine is the combination of Explore + Wine, which are represented as yacht and wine glass, respectively, in the original logo. Therefore, the concept spirals around the experience inside a yacht.
The design features an array of modular wine cubes, which are used for logistics, that serves as the bar counter, storage and seating area. The aforementioned modules and functions are connected into one piece of installation with cubical undulation, running from the interior to the exterior. The ceiling of the bar counter area is lowered with the material and feature of ship decking, in order to create coziness via an adjustment of human scale.
In ancient times, as the Chinese folktale “Kua Fu Chasing the Sun” goes, there lived a group of mighty giants deep in the forests in the north and Kua Fu was their leader. At that time, the world was desolate, infested with vipers and beasts. In a year when the weather was extraordinarily hot, the plants were scorched, the rivers were dried and people were suffering from the intense heat of the sun. Kua Fu swore to catch the sun and tame it to serve for all. The sun moved fleetingly in the sky, while Kua Fu chased it like wind on the ground with his bare foot.
Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
40.7675° N, 114.8863° E
820 sqm
2019 - present
“Hollow Village ”
is a common phenomenon in rural areas of China. The indigenous people of the entire village have moved to the new rural residential areas. Their homesteads are still there, the old houses are ruined, and noone is truly revitalising the countryside.
In addition to paper-cutting, flower blossoming firework and other intangible cultural heritage, Zhangjiakou Yuxian has more than 100 hollow villages. The FA Designers’ Community selected Xi Yaotou Village as the first shot for the renovation of the hollow villages, which includes 16 homesteads .
Following the renovation, it will become a communal farm with more than 40 rooms, providing farmers with the benefits of the homesteads. The employment of some poverty-stricken households will hopefully revitalise the intangible cultural heritaga of Yu County.
While aiming to realise a public yet private community through juxtaposing the ancient fashion of living with the modern idea of connectivity, alongside the agrestal locality of Yu County.
Via exploring the organic way of living, we are aiming to establish the potential cohesive bondage between that and the modern ways of living.
He, who punctuates the constructural erections, populates and sets the tones and restraints for the imminent idyll. The derivation of him, the plot (4x6m), is coming from the formerly-peopled dwellings and will be cradling the freshly grown rurality.
With the re-interpreted dwellings paving the blanket , chants come into play. Grotto-shaped overpass along with the velvety ripples, swimming through the inherited landscape. They have been choreographing the nature and the man-made, while all of this is seeking to mirage an aperspectival mural.
The formalistic outcome of the dwellings being a rationalised cavern with scents of collective randomness. Slanting towards one side, minimally scupted 10° cut along with the fenestration which varies in both sizes and pivotal directions. Utilising the advantage from our perspectival vision and the angular placement of the units, they feel as kinfolk as they are cloned.
lower to be a floating counter, seated to be a table, raised to be a chandeleah
Shizukuzake (雫酒), meaning "drip sake", is a method of separating sake from the lees without external pressure by hanging the mash in bags and allowing the liquid to drip out under its own weight by gravity. The Chinese word ‘雫’ can also be read as ‘雨下’, meaning ‘the dripping rain’. Therefore, the design conceptualised around the elements of rain.
Shanghai, China
580 sqfm
2021 - present
Inspired by the classical silhouettes of Macau's colonial architecture, this chair reinterprets the traditional plinth. Contradicting its usual permanence, the lower section serves as adaptable storage for guests' personal belongings, adding a dynamic and functional layer to the design.
A vision of modular living adapted to the local spirit and climatic demands. This project is an symphony of interlocking forms, a manifesto of communal life attuned to the tropics. Each module, crafted from local materials and integrated with sustainable technologies, fosters interconnected communities. Wide, plant-filled terraces blur the boundaries between indoors and out, welcoming the breeze and soft sunlight, mitigating the tropical heat.
The design dialogues with nature and responds to the rhythm of daily life in the La Union. Elevated platforms rise above flood lines, and robust structures withstand typhoons, embodying resilience against climate challenges. It is a living organism that adapts and thrives with its inhabitants. It's a future vision, rooted in current realities, showcasing how design can elegantly and functionally meet cultural and environmental needs. Here, architecture liberates, connects, and shelters, setting a standard for tropical living.
The design approach aims to ensure a smooth transition between the old dwellings and the new complex. More importantly, it is to conserve the organically-formed ruralism and develop based on the existing dynamism. The 3 x 3.5m plywood column-beam grids, being the empirical unit of the old dwellings, are plugged into the existing structures, new components(roofs and partitions) are being installed nearby the old dwellings after the construction of structural grid. Later on the old structures will be demolished and removed from site. Last but not least, other modules such as the louvers, fences or other local components can be added to desirable locations.
By means of light intensity/geometry/level of enclosure, in-between spaces have been created in between living room, bedrooms, kitchens, ranch and other areas. Residents can take or attracted to numerous paths to travel around the complex, passively or spontaneously. Fences of different geometries, height and perforation enrich the diversity of path taken by according individuals. Modular louvers enhance the lighting vibrancy within the 3 x 3.5m column-beam grid.
Certain modular approach of the design allow residents to adjust, extend, subtract the complex according to their needs and demands. The controlled mayhem offered by the system ensures the design to evolve with time. Such ideology can be applied to different parts of Africa, which is cost efficiently and offers smooth transition between old and the new.
Macau SAR, China
800 sqft
2022
photographer: Fernando Nascimento
SHIZUKU is a sake bar and retail project with approximately 800 sqft, inserted on the ground floor of a 6-storey residential building, which was built in 1972. It is located in the Rua Central, facing the cultural heritage of the Tribunal Velho (Old Court House), in Macau SAR.
Shizukuzake (雫酒), meaning "drip sake", is a method of separating sake from the lees without external pressure by hanging the mash in bags and allowing the liquid to drip out under its own weight by gravity. The Chinese word ‘雫’ can also be read as ‘雨下’, meaning ‘the dripping rain’. Therefore, the design conceptualised around the elements of rain. Everyone shares a shelter under the rain, overseeing the moon on the other side. The seemingly omni-morphing ceiling, which is inherited from one of the most historical Taishō Era (大正) pattern (石畳紋) of Japan, which was also embedded into the 2021 Tokyo Olympics logo. The fixture houses lighting fixtures, display shelves, smoke/heat detectors and access panels. Moreover, there is a hidden hanging system, behind the offsetted panels, which will be used for hosting weeks/months-long collaborations with parties including local animation, dancing, photography studios, jazz bands, etc. This will be one of the venues to host a ‘City as museum’ series, launching exhibitions and events at places of different categories over the same period of time.
The pixelated arch frames the classified 20th century architecture and the vivid daily life of the pedestrians, tourists and neighbours, visualising a Japanese version of the metropolitan nature of the post-colonial city, on the other hand, respecting the memory and time of the historical building in the old neighbourhood.
Various types of seating are implemented into the sake bar in order to offer ergonomical freedom for individual sentiments. Tall bar stool when one feels more shining; regular dining height for a more cozy encounter; the lowest 700mm tea table to allow an even more relaxed experience. The angled approach of the bar counter minimises the difficulty of communications among drinkers and servers, and the turning point momentarily becomes the pivot of the venue.
This design proposal is conceived as a picture of the landscape of thousand hills that represents the city of kigali, rwanda.
The dental centre as the starting point, to help, to train and to educate the people, as the ultimate goal of this project by his hands on africa (hhoa).
By giving the meaning to maximize the views of the greenery into the design, a series of simple rectangular form of the buildings enters into a relationship with the city fabric by shifting themselves depending on the contour of the kigali site and perceived differently on the observer’s vantage point by maximize the view of landscape.
The result of this structural ingenuity, then, is not only an iconic roofline that provides natural light, but a highly flexible interior space that accommodates offices, warehouse, and gallery space under a single envelope. The roof is detached from the slabs and walls, giving rise to a numbers of small hills.
The heart of the building 1 creates distintive open courtyard, a large central communal space (approx. 320m2), that it’s experienced not only as a courtyard, but also as a meditation, a natural gathering point across by connecting different functions. The fences is linked up to connect the three buildings with openings allowing a look through the wall to the outside and the courtyard formed gives people the feeling of being sheltered in a cozy village.
The stacked local bricks cover the facade on all sides, highlighting the modules and to accentuate the traditional artisanal pattern of imigongo as the art of rwanda.
The 5m grid modular system is applied on the short side of the site that aim to attests to the same concrete structure designed to meet the mixed programmatic needs and budgeted construction that gives a more efficient works and shorten the project schedule.
Macau SAR, China
300 sqft
2020
The design statement introduces a local vegetarian restaurant and café located in the dynamic city of Macau, deftly intertwining a robust Japanese influence with an inviting café ambiance. By amalgamating the tenets of Japanese design with the intimate and comforting atmosphere of a café, our concept endeavors to forge a space that harmoniously accommodates guests seeking to relish vegetarian fare while indulging in the pleasures of a delectable cup of coffee.
Joint Master Trader is a Macau building material supplier specializing in building system solutions and a wide array of finishing materials. The illustration is a 3D visualisation of the logo of JMT, it shows the diverse product line of theirs in an axonometric view.
Explorvine combines exploration and wine, represented by a yacht and wine glass in the logo. The yacht symbolizes adventure and discovery, offering a unique journey and the thrill of exploration. The wine glass represents indulgence and elegance, signifying the pleasure of fine wine and a luxurious experience. The logo represents the concept of enjoying exquisite wines while immersed in the beauty of the open seas or coastal landscapes. Explorvine aims to provide a seamless blend of exploration and wine, inviting individuals to embark on a memorable yacht experience that combines adventure, luxury, and the pleasures of fine wine.
Macau SAR, China
1080 sqft
2022
photographer: iskm
A multifunctional space combines the programmes of living room, showroom, workshop, tea house and pre-function within an area of 100 sqm. Line and grid linguistics set the tone of the design, offering a hide-and-seek element at a small scale. A play of closure and openness creates a dynamic relationship with artificial light and shadow.
Tea house is situated at the very end of the longitudinal space, being lifted up 400mm above the finish level, inducing a more intimate association with, the surrounding stone wall and greeneries, nature.
Danilo’s Italian texture paint are used in all the wall and ceiling finishes to enhance the sense of touch and mimicking of nature.
Wuhu, China
400 sqft
2022
HOME for community | BASE for movement quality
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OPENING HOURS :
🕚MON-FRI 18:00-22:30 🕚SAT-SUN 13:00-22:30
The ramen restaurant concept draws its design inspiration from the intricate and comforting structure of a bird’s nest, creating an interior that envelops diners in a warm, sheltering atmosphere. The restaurant’s design features walls and ceiling treatments crafted from interwoven wood and fibers, mimicking the organic, intertwined structure of a nest. Seating areas are arranged in circular, semi-private nooks that resemble the cozy compartments of a nest, providing an intimate dining experience. The lighting is soft and diffused, echoing the way light filters through a nest’s materials in nature, enhancing the sense of being cradled in a safe, secluded space. This nest-themed design not only offers a unique aesthetic appeal but also aims to give diners a comforting, immersive experience that evokes the security and tranquility of being nestled in a nest, while they enjoy their meal.
The “(UN)SCHOOL COPENHAGEN is a place designed for individuals to intuitively exercise their self-determinedness through constantly facing choices and attractions in terms of permeability, illumination, ventilation, materiality, etc. rather than simply feeding knowledge to students from a book without arousing their autonomy.
With aforementioned intention in mind, our project formalistically inherited the diversified spatiality of the chronicled Viking hubs, such qualities and ideas have been embodied chiefly via the distinctive ‘A’ frames with interlocking gestures, and enriched by carved-out voids (internal courtyards). Visual connections with the idyllic site of Hekla Park are optimised with linkage (bridges and platform) between volumes.
Individual’s daily path may vary greatly by virtue of the exposure to multiple dualist pairs of light and shadow, nature and artificial, interior and exterior, etc. Throughout their daily activities, the dynamic surroundings drive them into different events and help develop their subconscious conceptualisations of ideas. In addition, ‘streets’ are introduced in between masses for potential temporary creation (knowledge reinterpretation) by students, inspired by the ‘Adventure Playground’ proposed by Carl Theodor Sørensen, a Danish landscape architect.
Modular construction approach encourages users to shape and adjust the span and fenestration of the building suchlike the way they shape their educational policy with time. Expansion, contraction or fragmentation are achievable with designed modularity and we aspire to offer resilience for hopefully long-lived (UN)SCHOOL COPENHAGEN.
The design anticipated a time when architecture would have to respond to the mobility, fast-pace, and transformability of Ginza, a globalized location resulted from social currencies and social medias – the sharing of one’s information, experiences, opinions, and emotions.
The word “encyclopedia” comes from enkukliospaideia, Latin for “all-round education”. With the duality of dynamic architectural space as the primary framework, the design flips the concept and timeline of encyclopedia. It references the mechanism of a tree, where architecturally, all education started from in ancient times, and adopts a technology that would “breathe in” and detect human emotions generated from public shared social data, and give off by passively analyzing and transforming into varied architectural spaces, public or private, big or small, that would be in need for the people at that certain moment across different locations, religion and cultures, and fit into the dynamic population of emotions and context of Ginza.
Anji, Zhejiang, China
30°37′48″N 119°40′17″E
380 sqm
2022 - present
The design concept stems from the inclusivity for diversity of the Chinese garden, which includes the functions of the tourist service center, public toilets, two tea rooms and four groups of small landscapes. The openness and privacy of each function are different. In terms of fenestration, each space allows designed entry of natural light and change of light and shadow, considerations of landscape and human scale smoothens the transitions between spaces. The service center uses wood as main structure, and local bamboo tiles and wood tiles as the cladding. We attempt to achieve a creative architectural design which fits in the rural context through local materials
She Tells is a Shanghai-based enterprise specializing in female hair care products, catering specifically to the unique needs of women's hair. It distinguishes itself with a logo design inspired by the art and aesthetics of hairstyles, suggesting a deep connection to hair styling and fashion trends prevalent in one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities. This strategic focus on visually appealing, hairstyle-inspired branding not only enhances its market visibility but also resonates strongly with its target audience, potentially setting the brand apart in the competitive beauty industry.
In traditional Suzhou garden design, windows and doors are the mediums connecting the two spaces. The elements of traditional windows have been arrayed onto the initials of Suzhou Jinji Lake Biennale(SJLB) to foreshadow the connection between the exhibition and the world.
Macau SAR, China
560 sqft
2019
the conceptual framework for the 50sqm condo that embraces the quintessence of wabi-sabi philosophy, while seamlessly integrating functional and aesthetically pleasing wall cabinets throughout the space. The primary objective is to fashion a harmonious living environment that exalts imperfections, simplicity. The aim is to engender a serene and tranquil living space that fosters a profound sense of serenity, mindfulness, and communion with the nature
The design anticipated a time when architecture would have to respond to the mobility, fast-pace, and transformability of a globalized world resulted from social issues related to recycling, migration, affordable housing, post-disaster shelters and the optimal use of space in overcrowded cities.
With the duality of dynamic and static architectural space as the primary framework, it adopts the coming age of AI based on these subjects through lightweight sensors that measures human needs, and changes accordingly to their emotions and demands that aims to architecturally solve matters through the dynamics of the concept of a ‘home’. It incorporates mechanisms to use wind as the instrument to alter variable spaces through turbines attached to architectural elements, and naturally transforms overtime varying in openness, light level, ventilation and volume based on the movements of nature’s wind forces. The word “nature” comes from natura, Latin for birth – from which the words nation, native and innate are also derived – the elementary concept of ‘home’.
Through creating dynamics via nature and AI, it reveals the potential of a precisely measured ‘home’ to achieve a balanced harmony of human, nature, technology and architecture when juxtaposed together, and the birth of a new reactive typology of ‘home
Macau SAR, China
1800 sqft
2022
Situated in the Roosevelt Macau ground floor, SOUL spa has been meticulously crafted to offer a transformative experience, fusing the tranquility of nature with the energetic pulse of the surrounding cityscape. Drawing inspiration from Koolhaas' avant-garde architectural style, the spa's design aims to provoke a dialogue between the built environment and the natural world.
Upon entering SOUL, guests are enveloped in a carefully curated atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Koolhaas' signature design elements, characterized by bold geometries and unexpected juxtapositions, create a dynamic spatial experience. The interior spaces feature a harmonious blend of organic materials, evoking a sense of calm and grounding amidst the urban chaos.
The spa's layout has been meticulously orchestrated to encourage exploration and discovery. Guests are invited to follow a series of meandering pathways, reminiscent of forest trails, leading them to various treatment rooms and relaxation areas. These pathways may incorporate elements of surprise, such as sudden openings to reveal lush greenery or unexpected vistas, stimulating a sense of wonder and anticipation.
