Vivian (Duo) Xu
Life is Nothing but Breath and Sunlight: The project seeks a balanced coexistence of nature, human activity, and architectural form.
Life is Nothing but Breath and Sunlight
The project seeks a balanced coexistence of nature, human activity, and architectural form. Intermediate elements such as verandas, galleries, balconies and terraces extend the living areas, adapting to both human needs and weather conditions.he project embraces the mundane in architectural elements—columns, beams, windows, decks—by reassembling them to shape areas, enclosures, and coverings. The modular nature of prefabricated components and moveable partitions allow for reconfiguration of spaces, facilitating both personal and communal activities while fostering a fluid and adaptable living experience.
A long gallery runs along the front of each dwelling, serving as a transitional space before entering the private homes. Operable doors and windows challenge traditional definitions of spaces, maximizing internal flexibility.
Each dwelling features a winter garden at its entrance, functioning as a translucent threshold that reinterprets the traditional veranda. Sliding doors blur the boundary between inside and outside, while multiple layers of thresholds dissolve the distinction between individual and communal spaces.
Roof terraces and elevated ground floors create communal areas that offer equal opportunities for social interaction. Green spaces framed by the architecture seamlessly integrate nature into the built environment, softening architectural lines and enhancing the visual experience of all dwellings through transparency.
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