Both formalism and formality play balancing roles in the tea ceremony, and these two characteristics help compose the architectural character of Bamboo Courtyard Teahouse in Yangzhou, China. Designed by Sun Wei of HWCD (aka Harmony World Consulting & Design), the teahouse introduces a hierarchy of experiences through visual transformations created by the bamboo façade. The striated, semi-transparent cages – fixed and rigid in form – are blocks of spaces that serve as transitional space between the fully enclosed volumes and the open-air courtyard guarded within the complex. Despite the orthogonal figures, the teahouse is dynamic, changing with the temporal environment as the frame casts an ever-changing shadow as the sun moves across the sky. Similarly, the undulating reflection of the teahouse upon the lake presents a rich, organic departure from the structural formality of the bamboo columns.

via

    string(8) "Kimberly"
Avatar photo

Kimberly

Kimberly is a graduate from MIT's Department of Architecture, and has recently joined the publication team at MIT OpenCourseWare. While architecture remains her first love, her interests encompass literature – epic poetry and Medieval romances are her favorite – and also fashion.

Tags: ,
    • The Big Zip

      Architecture

      A modern cows’ shed designed with spacious areas and a walkway that allows visitors to…

    • Apartment with a Library

      Architecture

      The collaborative renovation and transformation project of a Milan apartment with an unconventional layout. Located…

    • The Fyrgani Holiday House

      Architecture

      A charming dry stone house designed with blue elements that reference the color of the…

    • Casa Ulìa

      Architecture

      A contemporary stone house, nestled among olive trees in the Italian countryside. Carefully built among…

    • House in Kutná Hora

      Architecture

      A thoughtful redesign and modernization of a 19th century house. The renovation of an aged…

loader