A symbolic villa design language based on modular order, timber logic, and the idea of the house as a living image of human development.

FOREST PAVILIONS — Architectural System

Forest Pavilions is not a single house model.

It is an architectural language — a modular, symbolic, and spatial system developed for villas, retreats, estates, boutique developments, and premium residential environments.

The project begins with a simple 3×3 meter grid. But the purpose of the grid is not only efficiency. It is a grammar. Like letters forming words, or zeros and ones generating digital worlds, a limited number of architectural elements becomes capable of producing an unlimited number of spatial variations.

In this sense, Forest Pavilions is not merely a modular housing proposal.

It is a system of form, meaning, and growth.

House as Principle

A house is never only shelter.

At its deepest level, the house is one of the oldest images of the human being: a place where body, memory, identity, ritual, and aspiration become spatial. In dreams, myths, and symbolic thought, the house often appears as an image of the psyche — not as persona, not as social mask, but as a deeper structure of the self.

Forest Pavilions treats the house as an exponent of personality.

Not personality as style alone.

Not personality as decoration.

But personality as an inner order: the relation between what is visible and what is hidden, what is private and what is shared, what is rooted and what is expressed.

The house becomes a reminder that architecture can still carry ethical ideas: development, discipline, balance, individuation, and the slow formation of the self.

Architecture as an Ideal

Contemporary architecture often reduces the house to function, investment, lifestyle, or image.

Forest Pavilions proposes another possibility: the house as an artwork that can serve as an ideal.

Not an ideal in the sense of luxury alone, but an ideal in the older sense — a form toward which life can orient itself.

A house can remind its inhabitant how to live.

It can establish rhythm.

It can organize attention.

It can create a daily encounter with proportion, order, nature, material honesty, and symbolic depth.

Here, design is not understood as the production of objects, but as a form of knowledge. And knowledge is not complete until it changes behavior.

A meaningful house does not merely represent the user.

It educates the user.

It becomes a spatial discipline.

Timber and Duality

Timber is not chosen only as a warm or ecological material.

In Forest Pavilions, timber carries the symbolic structure of the tree.

The tree is one of the clearest images of duality: root and crown, hidden and visible, earth and sky, interior accumulation and exterior expression.

The root withdraws, gathers, stabilizes.

The crown expands, produces, communicates.

Between them stands the trunk — the axis, the mediator, the relation.

This is the philosophical core of the project: creation begins through duality, but duality becomes meaningful only when it is held together by relation.

Forest Pavilions translates this principle into architecture.

The house is not treated as a closed object, but as a living mediation between opposites:

inside and outside,
privacy and openness,
structure and atmosphere,
nature and geometry,
the one and the many,
the latent and the manifest.

Facade as Script

The facade system is not decoration.

It is a symbolic grammar.

The visible timber skeleton, modular infill panels, vertical and horizontal members, and red stabilizing elements form a language of signs. These elements operate as architectural graphemes — the smallest units of meaning within the project’s visual syntax.

The red markers generate tree-like ideograms: simple, readable, almost archaic signs of growth.

They resemble diagrams, fossils, branches, roots, and pictographic traces. Their role is not ornamental, but mnemonic. They remind the inhabitant that architecture can still speak.

Each facade becomes a script.

Each panel becomes a fragment of a larger sentence.

Each house becomes a readable organism.

Six Morphologies of Growth

The Forest Pavilions system begins with six symbolic facade morphologies.

Each morphology represents a different condition of growth:

asymmetry, expansion, balance, analysis, vertical discipline, and dual integration.

Together, they form the first vocabulary of the architectural language.

One ideogram may suggest growth through imbalance.

Another may express openness toward the other.

A third may represent symmetry and stabilized identity.

Another may point toward discipline, method, and conscious work.

One may become an image of vertical ascension.

The last may hold the tension of duality: two forces, two paths, two identities, sharing one origin.

These are not arbitrary patterns.

They are symbolic diagrams of development.

House as Architectural Biography

Forest Pavilions is designed as a system capable of growth.

A house can begin as one configuration and later expand through additional modules, altered facades, new spatial relations, or site-specific adaptations.

But this growth is not only quantitative.

It is not only more rooms, more area, or more value.

The growth of the house can follow the growth of the user.

Each new module may become the spatial trace of a new phase of life.

Each facade may become a diary of transformation.

Each variation may express a different relation between identity, nature, privacy, ritual, and openness.

The house becomes an architectural biography — not a frozen object, but a living symbolic structure.

Style in the Digital-Informational Age

The 3×3 grid gives Forest Pavilions a contemporary logic.

Its grammar belongs to a binary and informational age: repetition, variation, modularity, code, system, recombination.

But the project does not accept the digital age as pure abstraction.

It brings digital logic back into contact with timber, craft, landscape, ritual, and symbolic memory.

This is why the style of Forest Pavilions is not simply minimalist, modular, or contemporary.

It is a synthesis.

A binary structure softened by natural material.

A coded system animated by archetypal signs.

A contemporary villa language that remembers the forest.

A System for Villas, Estates, and Developments

The three initial houses — Radix, Arborium, and Integrum — are not the limit of the system.

They are the first grammar.

The Forest Pavilions language can be expanded through new configurations, larger villas, estate compositions, boutique retreat developments, and site-specific adaptations.

For private clients, the system offers a house with symbolic identity.

For developers, it offers something rarer than another villa model: a recognizable architectural world.

For prefab, timber, modular, and premium residential companies, it offers a design language that can be licensed, adapted, and developed into a distinctive product line.

Beyond Customization

Forest Pavilions does not treat customization as a choice between layouts, materials, colors, or facade options.

The deeper aim is personal-symbolic architecture.

Instead of asking only how many rooms a client needs, the system asks how the client relates to beauty, nature, order, privacy, openness, ritual, growth, and identity.

These answers can be translated into:

custom facade grammars,
new ideogram lexicons,
spatial motifs,
material atmospheres,
symbolic gestures,
and coherent architectural narratives.

The result is not simply a modified house.

It is a personal architectural identity.

Project Status

Author: The Architectural Mythologems
Status: Architectural system / licensable design language
Focus: Symbolic villa design, modular grammar, timber logic, architectural identity
Base Logic: 3×3 meter grid
Initial Typologies: Radix, Arborium, Integrum
Use: Architectural study, licensing basis, bespoke development, high-end villa customization

Forest Pavilions is an architectural study and conceptual design system.

The study does not grant the right to construct, reproduce, or commercially develop the system. Any construction, adaptation, development, or commercial use requires a separate written license issued by The Architectural Mythologems.

Closing Statement

Forest Pavilions is not only a house system.

It is a proposition that architecture can still carry meaning.

That a house can be more than function.

That timber can be more than material.

That a facade can be more than image.

That style can become the expression of an age.

And that a home, when treated as a principle, can become a visible form of inner development.

→ View the complete Forest Pavilions system

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Srpska verzija / Serbian Version

Audio Essay: Beobasta – Factory Complex

Beobasta – Urban Complex | Serbia

The project was developed for the company Beobasta, which commissioned a design proposal for a complete 9-hectare complex in Serbia.

The brief included the design and spatial organization of several different programmatic zones: a factory, glamping units, children’s playground, shop, warehouse, auxiliary/service facilities, sports courts, and surrounding landscape areas. Rather than treating these functions as isolated objects, the proposal organizes them into one coherent architectural and landscape composition.

The complex was conceived as a multifunctional environment where production, recreation, tourism, commerce, and nature coexist within a single spatial system. The factory forms the productive core of the site, while the additional programs expand the project into a broader public and experiential landscape — a place for visitors, workers, families, and the local community.

Through this approach, the project transforms a large industrial brief into a complete spatial narrative: not only a functional complex, but a designed environment in which architecture, landscape, and program work together to express the identity of the Beobasta brand.

Prolegomena:

Proposition 1:
Given that the idea behind the project is a dynamic future (Proto-City), rather than traditional staticity (Ethno-Village), we propose a solution of a processual nature that expresses transformation.

Proposition 2:
In order to achieve what we are aiming for, we must rely on references of truthfulness.

These references are as follows:

– The present—not (only) the future—is focused on health. We speak from both an economic perspective and from the standpoint of collective and individual consciousness.

– The future is the coming generations—children.

– The “future” (only) stands on an objective Present if it sees the Past.

– A mature Present perspective understands the Past (History), and based on History (repetition) and Context, it anticipates (builds) the Future.

Thus, the main postulates outlined above—Present, Past, and Future—will serve as tools for constructing the Narrative-Design Map.

Present

Factory

The Present is a Factory. A place (in time) that represents the ontological foundation for the development of everything else. The drawn rectangle at the base offers us a symbolic image of the Earth, or rather its four sides (the Four Cardinal Directions – the Four Sides of the Square), thus providing the ideal initial context for the Present.

The Present is a thin line that exists between the Past and the Future — a paraphrase of Aristotle.
Or, more precisely, the Present is a point in space (not time) that separates two infinities.

Dualism

The main (Northern) facade of the Factory represents the Dualistic Essence of the Present Moment.

The facade, divided by the line that stands between the Past and the Future, constitutes the entire position of the Present. Left — Future; Right — Past.

On the right (Past), there is a predictable rhythm because the Past has already occurred. This predictability, or the geometric regularity of the rhythm, is also visible on the Western Facade, which follows this flow. The rhythm takes the shape of the letter V, a symbol of Woman and Birth.
On the left (Future), an arrhythmic ideogram is formed due to the nature of its unpredictability, which exists only in anticipation. The arrhythmic flow extends onto the Eastern facade as a natural continuation.

Homage to Rain

Homage to the Gods of Rain

The main design element consists of simulated raindrops that celebrate the Idea of Water as the foundation of all growth. The droplets are evenly spaced but form different ideograms depending on whether they are positioned to the left or right of the Present Moment.

The right side depicts an articulated rhythm of the already known Past — Historical Repetition.

The Droplets

The left side of the building depicts the unpredictability (arrhythmia) of the Future, yet with implications of Past Rhythms.

The material of the “Future Droplets” shares the same shade as the facade cladding of the “Past,” and vice versa — the “Past Droplets” are materialized in the facade cladding of the Future. Here, we obtain the implication of the Future within the Past, and the Past within the Future — an elaborated Yin and Yang symbol illustrating the overlap of two temporal directions at the boundary of the Present moment.

The Chimney

Redefining the new Factory as a place of life’s birth rather than pollution.
The wooden Chimney as an Alchemical Symbol of industrial transformation.

The Chimney as a Symbol — Deconstruction of the Symbol

At first reading — The archetypal (industrial) design of the old Factory — the silhouette of a familiar archaic image.

At second reading — A circle inscribed within the rectangular form, which gives us the beginning for what follows and represents one of the main motifs of the entire campus — the Map of Civilization.

At third reading — A landmark within the complex symbolically represented as a Lighthouse.

The Staircase

On the symbolic interpretations of the Spiral Staircase

Spiral staircases are used in art (and also in psychoanalysis and dreams) as symbols of Individuation.

The staircase is positioned at the center (the Line of the Present) and visually divides the building into two parts — Future and Past.

The staircase begins at the “Historical Side” of the base (Origin) and ends in the “Future” of the Roof (Goal).
This placement of the element is quite precise and fully aligns with the concept of development.

Lighthouse — Watchtower

The watchtower is located on the “Future” part of the Roof, which contextually aligns with what we aim to convey:

“The completeness of the Circle (Wholeness) resides in the Future, which has the capacity to see the Past.”

Myths and Facts — Planters as Encyclopedic Content — Educational Apparatus

Glamping

Past

Landscape Installation

A mature and synthetic vision of the Present through the constituents of the Past. Here, we pay tribute to History and draw the Map of Civilization.

The Time Polygon — Map of Civilization

Description and Concept:

The Time Polygon “Map of Civilization” is designed as a unique educational and recreational space that guides children and adults on an interactive journey through time. Inspired by the Cosmic Calendar and Montessori Methodology, this polygon is organized into a series of concentric circles, with each circle representing a key period in the development of human civilization. Through exploration, children and adults move backward through history, starting from the present, getting acquainted with the most important events, cultures, and figures that have shaped the world as we know it today.

Structure and Design — The Polygon as an Educational Playground for Children

Starting Circle — The Present:

The journey through the polygon begins immediately after the factory, which serves as the visual exponent of the Present. This circle represents the modern era and the starting point for their journey backward through time.

The starting circle is designed to gradually introduce children to the concept of time and history, featuring interactive elements that prepare them for deeper exploration of the past.

Concentric Circles:

As children move away from the starting circle—the “Present”—they transition into earlier epochs such as the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, Antiquity, and finally ancient civilizations like Ancient Greece and Sumerian culture. These circles are physically marked by special bands (markers), creating visually distinct boundaries between different historical periods.

Within all the circles combined, there are about 200 specially designed planters. These planters are not merely aesthetic elements but also key educational tools. Each planter denotes an important historical figure or event, and their position within the circle corresponds to the time period they belong to. For example, in the Renaissance circle, children might encounter a planter dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, while in the Antiquity circle, they could find a planter dedicated to Aristotle.

The plants growing in these planters symbolize longevity, vitality, and the lasting impact of those historical figures on the world as we know it today.

Planters as Historical Monuments:

Each planter within the circle represents a small interactive monument. On the planter, there are brief biographies and key characteristics of the figure or event it symbolizes. The planters are designed to allow for constant rearrangement — old figures and events can be replaced with new ones, introducing new personalities and occurrences into focus. This flexibility enables the polygon to remain dynamic and continually engaging for visitors.

Interactive Elements:

Journey Through Time and Missions:

At the start of the game, children receive a mission — a task to find and discover a certain number of key historical figures strategically placed throughout the polygon. This mission begins in the starting circle, the “Present,” where children are given a map displaying the different circles and the locations of planters containing hidden clues.

As children move from one circle to another, using the map as a guide, they arrive at planters containing information or puzzles that they must solve in order to proceed further.

Inside each planter, there is a hidden drawer containing a puzzle related to the respective figure or event. These puzzles are designed to encourage children to explore, think critically, and interact with their surroundings.

The drawers in the planters allow for flexibility in tasks — for example, Leonardo da Vinci might be part of one mission focusing on the “Mona Lisa,” while in another mission, children explore the “Last Supper.” In this way, tasks and missions can be continually refreshed, offering children new challenges with each visit to the polygon.

Conclusion:

This game concept offers children the opportunity to learn about the past and significant historical figures in an interactive and enjoyable way. Through the search for planters and solving puzzles, children gain an understanding of how “visually” distant these figures are from us in terms of time. This “hide and seek” game not only encourages critical thinking and an investigative spirit but also enables children to connect historical events with concrete personalities, making the past more tangible and comprehensible. In this way, learning becomes a dynamic experience that leaves a lasting impression on children about important moments in history.

Interactive Elements:

Thematic Path:

Children move through the polygon following a Thematic Path, designed in the shape of a growing and branching plant, symbolizing the expansion and development of knowledge.

Practical Workshops: Workshops Through the Epochs

A series of diverse workshops is proposed, covering key aspects of civilization’s development and thematically linked to specific historical periods.

Workshop “Beginnings of Civilization” (Neolithic, Early Bronze Age, Early Civilizations up to 2000 BCE)
Workshop “Cultures and Empires” (2000 BCE – 500 CE)
Workshop “Middle Ages and Feudalism” (500 – 1300 CE)
Workshop “Renaissance and Discoveries” (1300 – 1700 CE)
Workshop “Industrial Revolution” (1750 – 1900 CE)
Workshop “The Modern World” (1900 CE – Present)

These workshops offer children and adults the opportunity to experience key aspects of civilization’s development through hands-on activities, enabling a deeper understanding of history and its impact on today’s world. Each workshop is thematically connected to a specific period, but together they provide a comprehensive insight into the evolution of human civilization.

Garden of Wisdom and Finale:

At the end of their journey through history, children arrive at the final “Garden of Wisdom,” where they collectively plant the seeds or plants they have gathered during the game (from the drawers in the planters). This garden symbolizes the culmination of their learning and progress, where the knowledge gained is transformed into a tangible act — planting a living symbol that will grow and bloom as a representation of their educational journey.

After the planting, a small ceremony is held where each child receives a certificate or a “Guardian of Knowledge” badge as recognition for their participation and successful completion of the mission. This ceremony further strengthens their sense of achievement and provides children with a lasting memento of their journey through history.

Children’s Playground

Game Theory – The Relationship Between the Circle and the Square

In relational dynamics, the Circle and the Square stand in deep, fundamental opposition. Their conflict is not merely aesthetic, but archetypal: the Square is the exponent of adulthood—a crystallization of mature consciousness that strives for clarity, stability, and defined boundaries with the outside world. It is a form that knows how to say, “here is where I end, and there is where you begin.” In contrast, the Circle is a symbolic representation of childhood potential—an open infinity, an unbounded and unrestrained movement that knows neither beginning nor end. The Circle is the eternal impulse of play, freedom, and a naivety that sees the world as an endless field of possibilities.

The playground, as a part of the proto-city, remains the only fragment of the urban fabric that follows an organic, circular stylistic language—mimicking the rhythm of nature, and the childlike perception of time and space—a rhythm that expands, spins, and multiplies without rigid rules. The transparent moments of this architecture of naivety are not accidental, but necessary: they preserve the memory of childhood’s open heart, still unframed by the concerns of adulthood.

Yet it is important to note — that circular installation can exist only because it rests upon a stable foundation, a square paving laid down by the adult generation. The foundation is square, static, and serious. This urban composition, with a square base and a circular top, offers us a refined image of a deeper principle that transcends the playground itself: we find the same principle in the image of a factory — where the base, the foundation of the facility, retains the square, solid character of the adult world, while the top, the chimney, emerges in a circular form, as a sign of release, exhalation, transformation. Thus, through this subtle mimicry, we are presented with two architectural constructions greeting each other in the same pose — affirming one and the same eternal principle: that stability and freedom, boundaries and infinity, are inseparable and mutually dependent poles of the same being.

Sport

Leonardo da Vinci – Treatise on Painting (paraphrased excerpt):

“Observe the plant: it does not come into being by itself. It depends on the soil that nourishes it, the rain that waters it, the sun that gives it warmth and light, and the wind that spreads its seed. Thus, the plant is not merely what we see—it is the sum of all these influences, a part of a larger cycle of life. In the same way, one who wishes to paint nature must understand all causes and effects, must grasp how one thing gives rise to another, and how nothing exists in isolation, but as part of an endless web of reasons and consequences.”

Just as, according to Da Vinci’s definition, a plant is not merely a plant but a visible moment within a larger process, so too is the ideogram not a mere sign, but the eidetic exponent of the entire product in its totality.

The Beobast ideogram is not merely a sign, but a condensed story of the entire life cycle of a product — from seed to table. The sun within it represents the original idea and the light that initiates growth; the clouds and sky reflect the strength and breadth of the vision that allows that idea to expand and evolve. The rain embodies the multiplicity of processes — the work on the land, careful cultivation, nurturing, and effort through various stages of ripening. The plant symbolizes the dual nature of action — rooted in tradition yet reaching toward innovation. The earth, as the feminine principle, bears witness to the matter from which all things emerge and to the dedication to preserving the natural cycle. In this way, the ideogram becomes a reflection of Beobast’s philosophy: no part of the process stands alone — cultivation, production, and delivery are inseparable threads of a single fabric of life, devoted to simplicity, quality, and deep respect for nature.

The Future, or the Present with Historicity

Entrance

The future is here “marked” by the presence of fictional characters from (literary and cinematic) futures.

Ironically, visitors first step into the future, only to discover the past afterward — but this inversion is not accidental. It is necessary.

The future is constantly present; the present and the past are illusions—elusive shadows in an eternal flow. We are never truly in the “now”; we are always one step ahead — in the future.

The great heroes of fiction stand here as beacons of what is to come. They are not merely symbols, but guides—role models poised on the edge of an unknown tomorrow. Their presence is a greeting, a gesture of welcome, making it clear to visitors from the very threshold: this is the Future — and you are already in it.

Shop

Site Renders

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Audio Essay: Community Center, Kindergarten and Landscape Design

Fengxi Community, Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai ​

Central Green Valley Program Concept Design​

Huaxin Town: Positioned as the core area of the Hongqiao International Open Hub, Huaxin Town is renowned as the first express delivery town in China, highlighting its pivotal role in the logistics network.

Qingpu: Serving as the gateway city of the Shanghai metropolitan area, Qingpu is a new urban space that seamlessly blends the ancient charm of Jiangnan with the advancements of modern civilization.

The objective of this Design Mission was not to provide a coherent design syntax but to establish a diversifying contextual beginning that can serve as an aesthetic-philosophical reference for any style. We consider this the ultimate point of any integration.

Analysis of the Problem:​

In addressing the multifaceted needs of diverse age groups—young, middle-aged, and elderly—it becomes evident that simplistic and uninspired designs fail to satisfy our profound emotional, intellectual, and spiritual demands. A truly fulfilling environment cannot be achieved by catering to isolated needs or imposing strict separations; instead, it must emerge through holistic integration, where the surroundings organically reflect and enhance our personal identities.

Design Response:​

Mutual influences – Because it is Natural​.

Influences of Architectural Elements:

Symbolic Ideogram of the Circle: The landscape design employs the circle in various interpretations, symbolizing unity and continuity, laying the foundation for an architectural lexicon.

Squaring the Circle: This concept represents the rational thought process, structuring the architectural narrative through logical compartmentalization and categorization.

Tree of Life: Illustrating interconnectedness, the Tree of Life metaphor highlights the intrinsic link between all components, with branches and fruits symbolizing different functions and their interdependencies.

The branching structure of the Tree of Life represents the natural growth of ideas and spaces, creating a dynamic and evolving environment. This interconnected design supports various activities and interactions, promoting a lively and cohesive community. Each element, from public to private spaces, contributes to the urban ecosystem’s overall harmony and functionality.

“Nothing in the universe exists in isolation. Everything is connected to every other thing.” – Gautama Buddha

Something about Basic Philosophical Guidelines.

Translating Potential into Reality.

Why Circle into Square?

Circle is potential. Infinite freedom in a cyclical representation.

Square is a category. A category made of 4 choices.

Solution: Find 4 points within the circle.

Four choices within freedom. Logically drawing, such squaring of the circle can offer an exit. Four objective choices standing in diagonal alignment across the central point.

The central point, if of a gravitational nature, implies a general direction. Direction implies a path, and the path is translating a possibility into actualization.

Doubling pairs, the number 2, has implications of the female principle. The whole phenomenon of the square, guided by Pythagorean mathematics, algebraically stands in the symbol of the woman, in the number 2.

A square implies two vertical and two horizontal lines in the case of a square that stands in an unequal side relationship (square in an unbalanced form – transitional period). Horizontal lines are closer to the center (the central point) than Vertical ones. The Earth symbol, in relation to the Heaven symbol, has a greater proximity to the Center in this case. Since the lines are representatives of content, we will assume that this is a place where further choices can be made, i.e., the final choices necessary for secure and permanent existence. Choices that do not arise as a consequence of the “pushing force of the Cosmos” but as entities in the making, pulled by the gravitational force from the future.

Comments:

Horizontal is the field, and vertical are constituents and participants.

Horizontal is the context, and vertical is the individuality.

This project is conducted in collaboration with JALP London LTD.

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Audio Essay: Community Center

Urban Village | 城中村

The “Urban Village” project of Fengxi Community in Huaixin Town

Architectural language not only responds to society’s functionalist necessities but also answers questions concerning spiritual-aesthetic needs.

One “vs” Many (Individual “vs” Collective)

The design consists of individual functional units combined to form a multi-functional organic whole.

While “one versus many” might seem like opposites, they actually exist in symbiosis, constantly complementing each other. The goal of the “one” is to contribute to and elevate the “many”, and in turn, the “many” elevates the “one”. For the Many to act as One, connections, directions and unifications are essential.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” – Aristotle

Influence Of Shanghai Landmark Village Architecture​

• Small Stacked Volumes (Houses) ​
• Shaders on windows, doors​
• Courtyards (Siheyuan)​
• Distinctive roof lines​
• Narrow lanes​
• Materials: Stone, Brick, Wood

Modern Village Typology​

Rather than a singular, monolithic centre, our design ethos gravitates towards a Village Typology characterized by exploration, diversity, and fluid movement. Embracing a contemporary interpretation of the Traditional Chinese Village paradigm, our vision encapsulates a vibrant nexus of communal life.

Dispersed Entrances​

Our architectural typology strategically disperses entry points throughout the building and across various floors, encouraging visitors to engage with the structure from multiple vantage points. By distributing access points in this manner, we mitigate congestion at entrances and offer diverse experiential journeys with each visit.

This project is conducted in collaboration with JALP London LTD

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Office Building | Bamboo-Weaving the Threads of Design

Weaving the Tale of Duality

• Twin buildings, alike yet distinct
• Duality and the beginning of multiplication
• Dynamic Symbol – Balance | Yin-Yang 
• Three ideograms | The Three Star Deities
• The bridge, the connection
• Homage to local paper-cutting and bamboo-weaving
• Final Comment  

Audio Essay: Knotting Duality

Duality

In the realm of contemporary architecture, where innovation and symbolism intertwine to create authentic spaces, our proposed architectural project aims to bring forth a profound philosophical concept – Duality. Through the architecture of twin buildings, similar yet distinct, we seek to embody the first principle of multiplication and evoke a sense of balance and contrast as polar opposites of one singularity.  

Duality as the First Principle must be seen as a cohesive entity in order to convey its dynamic purpose. For us to see the complete image, we must find the missing pieces.

Missing Pieces

In our architectural narrative, each building compensates for what might be considered its ‘missing part’ through the language of architectural dance. Like the intertwined duality of the yin-yang symbol, the imprint of one building is delicately presented on the other. This architectural reciprocity mirrors the essence of dynamic movement behind the symbol of Duality.

Exegesis of artwork – Swapping elements

The Three Ideograms 

The Three Star Deities

In Chinese mythology, the number 3 is linked to the Sanxing, also known as the Three Star Deities. These deities are Fu (福, meaning happiness), Lu (禄, meaning prosperity), and Shou (寿, meaning longevity). They are often depicted as elderly figures, each holding a symbol of their respective attributes.

Together, these deities symbolize the three essential elements of a fulfilling life—happiness, prosperity, and longevity. 

The Three Ideograms – Fu (福)

The Three Ideograms –  Lu (禄)

The Three Ideograms – Shou (寿)

Unifying Presence

The Glass-Enclosed Bridge

A transparent bridge connects the two structures at the heart of our architectural twins, forging a symbolic and functional union – two chains that bind two buildings. This shared space is a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese gate.

Transformations 

Facade Elements: Growth, Simplicity, and Local Artistry

The façade of our twin buildings is not merely a structural component; it is a canvas for storytelling, adorned with the vibrant threads of local artistry. In a harmonious tribute to the region where these structures will take root, the façade pays homage to the area’s rich artistic heritage, drawing inspiration from the profound symbolism found in indigenous paper-cutting and bamboo-weaving traditions.

These traditional crafts, revered for their intricacy and delicate allure, impart a profound sense of cultural integration into our architectural endeavor. The very essence of our design is woven into the intricate patterns and motifs inspired by these local art forms. As such, our twin buildings become more than structures; they become living testimonies to the artistic tapestry that defines this distinctive region.

Final Comment

Business is motion

“Motion is life,”  Leonardo da Vinci.

How does all of the above relate to the office (business) building?

Business is motion; it’s a process. Business represents a dynamic state of existence. It deals with and fills the missing pieces.

Our intricate yin and yang symbol explains these concepts precisely. “Compensation facade elements” form dynamic patterns that signify the complexity behind a logically articulated business. This pattern isn’t simple, nor should it be. Only when the viewer comprehends all the components can they grasp the meaning behind the pattern.

Why did we deconstruct the ideas of happiness, prosperity, and longevity?

All of these ideas are things we continually seek in life. Even though we have a general understanding of their appearance and feeling, they still appear before us as a puzzle image that we must connect and piece together.

Ultimately, the means to connect these images in real life is through the tool we commonly refer to as “business.”

This project is conducted in collaboration with JALP London LTD

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Designing with Flavors | The Architect’s Sensory Palette

Design Inspired by the 5 Tastes of Architecture

In the world of design, innovation knows no bounds, and creativity is limited only by the imagination. Today, we embark on a unique journey—a journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of architecture and ventures into the realms of taste and sensation.

‘The Grammar of Taste’ is a project that brings together two seemingly distinct worlds: the art of architectural design and the sensory delight of culinary mastery. Here, we explore the intriguing parallels between flavours and forms, where the five primary tastes of cuisine find their architectural counterparts in the five ontological elements of design.

Join us in a realm where spaces become dishes, and designs become flavours. We invite you to savour not only the culinary creations but also the very essence of design itself, where innovation meets inspiration, and creativity knows no bounds. Welcome to ‘The Grammar of Taste,’ where taste and architecture merge to create an unforgettable experience for the senses.

Audio Essay: The Grammar of Taste

Symbolism Unveiled
Decoding the Language of Point, Line, Triangle, Square, and Circle

In the realm of culinary delights, flavours come to life through the harmonious combination of five primary tastes: Sweet, Salty, Sour, Bitter, and Umami. Yet, in the world of architecture, a similar culinary-inspired framework can be applied to create spaces that tantalize the senses. This is the intriguing concept we explore in the fusion of restaurant design and the five ontological elements of architecture: Point, Line, Triangle, Square, and Circle.

In the lexicon of gastronomy, the notion of ‘spicy’ evokes a unique and exhilarating sensation that doesn’t conform to the conventional classification of tastes. However, for our culinary architectural endeavour, we’ll embrace ‘spicy’ as an essential ingredient in the recipe for creating spaces that leave a lasting impression.

Unlike a home dining area, a restaurant is no ordinary place for experiencing tastes. Through its architecture, a restaurant should transcend the ordinary, elevating its purpose and embodying its unique essence. It should resonate with the very elements that define its existence.

Much like the artistry of a master chef who crafts delectable dishes from a palette of flavours, architecture draws from a foundational palette of five ontological components. Each of these elements holds the potential to be as versatile and profound as the five tastes of cuisine.

Point

In the architectural realm, the ‘Point’ serves as a singular focal element, akin to the tangy ‘Sour’ flavor that awakens the taste buds. Just as a zesty twist of citrus can invigorate a dish, the ‘Point’ in design adds vibrancy, directing attention to specific details that deserve recognition.

In the world of art and philosophy, the ‘Point’ transcends mere physicality and ventures into the realm of abstraction. Wassily Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, extolled the ‘Point’ as a spiritual element. For Kandinsky, the ‘Point’ represented the beginning of a journey, a singular mark that could evoke profound emotions and ideas. Much like the philosopher Immanuel Kant’s notion of the ‘noumenon,’ the ‘Point’ exists beyond immediate perception, serving as a gateway to deeper realms of thought and aesthetics.

Line

The ‘Line’ in architecture serves as the structural backbone, much like the bitter undertones in culinary creations that provide depth and contrast. It offers guidance and definition to spaces, similar to how bitterness enhances and balances flavors in a dish.

The ‘Line,’ an elemental force in architecture, resonates deeply within European artistic traditions. Explore the works of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, known for his contributions to De Stijl, an art movement that sought to distill visual language to its fundamental elements. Mondrian’s iconic abstract paintings, characterized by grids of lines, epitomize the movement’s quest for visual harmony and purity. Much like the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s dialectical process of thesis-antithesis-synthesis, the ‘Line’ in Mondrian’s art symbolizes the synthesis of opposing elements into a unified whole.

Triangle

Architectural ‘Triangles’ embody equilibrium and harmony, akin to the ‘Umami’ taste in cuisine that enhances overall flavor. Just as a dash of soy sauce elevates a dish, the ‘Triangle’ element in design introduces a sense of balance and vitality to a space.

The ‘Triangle,’ symbolizing balance and harmony, resonates artistically with the architectural principles attributed to the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras. Pythagoras had an enduring fascination with the number three, considering it the first true number and a symbol of cosmic harmony. In his teachings, he emphasized the triad as a fundamental principle, where the One represents the origin, the Two embodies wisdom, and the Three signifies the ultimate harmony. The ‘Triangle,’ composed of the
number three, evokes the mystical and stable nature cherished by Pythagoras, symbolizing the divine union of the One and the Two.

Square

The ‘Square’ in architecture embodies stability and order, much like the ‘Salty’ essence in food that adds structure and balance to flavors. Similar to how salt enhances and balances the taste of a dish, the ‘Square’ element contributes depth and sophistication to design.

The ‘Square’ in architecture encapsulates principles of stability and order. Just as the German architect Walter Gropius championed the Bauhaus movement’s emphasis on geometric purity and functional design, the ‘Square’ symbolizes the pursuit of precision and equilibrium in architectural composition. In the artistic domain, German painter and art theorist Josef Albers delved into the profound elegance of the ‘Square,’ as evident in his iconic ‘Homage to the Square’ series. Within our architectural narrative, the ‘Square’ serves as the meticulously structured canvas upon which life unfolds—a testament to the enduring quest for perfection and harmony.

Circle

The ‘Circle’ in architecture symbolizes unity and continuity, much like the sweet ‘Circle’ that completes a delectable dessert. The ‘Circle’ element seamlessly connects elements, providing a sense of completeness and satisfaction.

The ‘Circle,’ mirrors the philosophical concept of the eternal and the infinite. It invokes the ideas of artists who believed that circles represented the spiritual and the cosmic. In architecture, the ‘Circle’ serves as a symbol of completeness, echoing Plato’s philosophy of the eternal and unchanging Forms. Our architectural ‘Circle’ encompasses the boundless potential of design, inviting us to contemplate the infinite possibilities that arise from unity and continuity.

The Art of Senses | Where Geometry Meets Gastronomy

In this exploration of architectural symbolism, we are reminded of the profound connections between art, philosophy, and design. Each element—Point, Line, Triangle, Square, and Circle—transcends its material form, inviting us to delve deeper into the realms of creativity, perception, and philosophy. Just as artists and philosophers have sought to express the ineffable through their chosen mediums, our architectural
elements beckon us to ponder the profound questions of existence and aesthetics in the spaces we inhabit.

The Bar

The bar wall, mirroring the intricate design of the ceiling, seamlessly extends the mosaic of our architectural ideas—Point, Line, Triangle, Square, and Circle—across both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This harmonious continuity echoes the philosophical concept of unity in duality, where the earthly experiences at the bar harmonize with the celestial grandeur above. It’s a visual and conceptual testament to our dedication to crafting a holistic dining experience where every element, from floor to ceiling, is meticulously choreographed to delight the senses and inspire the soul.

Immerse yourself in the rich symbolism of architectural elements, where ‘Points’ punctuate moments of focus, ‘Lines’ lead your gaze, ‘Triangles’ evoke balance, ‘Squares’ signify stability, and ‘Circles’ encompass unity.

Amidst our architectural masterpiece, a modernistic Red Sculpture—a trio of interconnected boxes—stands as the embodiment of the ‘missing link,’ adding a tantalizing touch of spice to our sensory symphony. This sculpture enjoys its own illuminated enclave, inviting contemplation and curiosity, as it symbolizes the unexpected and unifying ‘spicy’ element within our design.

The ceiling serves as the grand culmination of our architectural culinary masterpiece—a vibrant mosaic where all the ‘flavors’ seamlessly meld together, crafting a symphony for the senses. This magnificent canopy represents the pinnacle of our design narrative, akin to the ultimate dish on our menu of design.

The Dualism

In our restaurant, every design element tells a story, and the dualism between wood and stone is a captivating narrative that separates and unites spaces with both visual and functional finesse. As you traverse our tiled walking paths, the cool, grounding touch of stone beneath your feet guides your journey. Step into our dining area, and the warm embrace of wooden floors welcomes you to a space where culinary magic unfolds. This deliberate contrast of materials not only visually defines zones but also enhances the overall dining experience. It’s a harmonious dance between the rugged strength of stone and the inviting warmth of wood, illustrating the perfect blend of aesthetics and function that defines our architectural innovation.

Our restaurant’s innovation extends beyond the culinary realm, where five grand ‘Menus’ transcend their conventional role. These towering structures, each representing one of our architectural elements—Point, Line, Triangle, Square, and Circle—embrace a dual purpose. While they symbolize the heart of our ‘Grammar of Taste’ design, they also function as elegant privacy separators, gracefully delineating the bustling walking paths from the serene dining area. These monumental installations not only invite you to explore the rich symbolism within our space but also offer a sense of seclusion and intimacy, creating a uniquely immersive dining atmosphere that balances openness and privacy in perfect harmony

Within our architectural wonderland, the final two ‘Menus’ serve as dedicated separators for our exclusive conference room area, tailored for discerning business meetings and gatherings. These distinctive zones are not only defined by the striking presence of these architectural marvels but also enhanced by the elegant integration of glass paravans that seamlessly connect with the ‘Menus.’ In this unique enclave, the fusion of aesthetics and purpose redefines the art of corporate dining and collaboration.

Moreover, in the interplay between the ‘Square’ and the ‘Circle,’ there lies a profound symbolism that resonates with our commitment to business excellence. The ‘Square,’ with its structured precision, embodies the ideals of organization and order—the very foundations of successful enterprises. Meanwhile, the ‘Circle’ represents unity, inclusivity, and the constant flow of ideas—a reminder that innovation and collaboration are at the core of our business ethos.

This project is conducted in collaboration with JALP London LTD

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“I still have no way to survive but to keep writing one line, one more line, one more line…”
― Yukio Mishima

“Possessing by letting go of things was a secret of ownership unknown to youth.”
― Yukio Mishima

“Only knowledge can turn life’s unbearableness into a weapon.”
― Yukio Mishima, The Temple of the Golden Pavilion

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Audio Essay: REPLICA

This work is the architectural com­mentary of the existing architecturally-formed claim. Philip Jonson, in his New Canon house, artic­ulated a socio-critical thesis and represented it through his work: Public Persona is open – Private Persona is concealed.

The methodology that has led to such a conceptual representation of the idea is clear: If archi­tecture is conceptualized to its simplest logically-aesthetic units, and if the basic logic element is completely refined, all further complications can be read from this element. The realization of these theoretical elements is achieved in the following way:

a) public rooms are made of glass and open to the environment (second level in New Canon house)

b) private rooms are made of con­crete and enclosed to the environment (first level in New Canon house)

We hold that Jonson’s methodology is completely right into important points:

First, in rethinking private-public relations and second, in the idea of taking simplicity as a potential carrier of pol­ysemic meanings. However, the problem arises in selecting the exponents/exemplars of this idea. Spatially grouped units (public on one and private rooms on the other side) are (in the constitu­tive sense) to general notions and no fundamental concept can be derived from them. This, of course, stands if we want this concept to be able to connote high complexity within itself (second point of Jonson’s methodology). In fact, Jonson’s problem is the problem of non-recognition of nu­ances between which there are different semantic properties.

If we want to name this problem a mistake, then we have to distance ourselves and say that this error exists today, but not during Jonson’s time. We say this for one basic pragmatic reason. The exterior walls of the functionally grouped rooms (again, public and private) are not any more in­volved in broadcasting or hiding our intimacy and individuality.

Completely marginalized interior dividing walls are now in charge of defining the borders of our intimacy, half-intimacy and public persona. The distribution of these walls in the syntax structure of the house limits the boundaries of our, conditionally speaking, “free” behaviour. This way of dissociation from other people (especially people from our own family) exponentially grows with the increase in the urbanity of the environment in which we live.

“Time for yourself” or “personal time” does not mean going to sacral and contemplative space any­ more. This is now a retreat into a physical space which is a prolonged intimate persona. On the other hand, as we turn more to nature, the need for these types of separation disappears. The primal instinct or Russell’s primordial pleasure brings us together and invoked group activ­ities as opposed to group stagnation. With increasing global urbanization, the human spirit is in a constant sense of deprivation of integrally natural stimuli. This kind of explication of one of the characteristics of modern civilization (alienation) is one of the strongest indirect suggestions for returning to natural beauty.

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In the symbolic representation of interior elements, number three represents the basic form and structure of the world as a whole. It represents the relationship between thesis and antithesis, as well as the integration of these opposing forces. The triangle is the fundamental shape of all surfaces and represents the first surface or the first rational world.

The presence of the number two represents basic dualities and the concept of doubling. This can be seen in the two libraries, which represent the duality of knowledge and its storage.

The door, as a single constituent, represents the gateway to the “further” interior. It serves as a dividing line between the outside and the inside and symbolizes the transition from one state or place to another.

The construction and deconstruction of these interior elements is a process of creating and dismantling structures and systems. It represents the building and breaking down of the physical and symbolic structures that make up the world. This process is essential for growth and change, as it allows for the creation of new structures and the modification of existing ones.

Overall, the symbolic representation of interior elements reveals the fundamental principles and dualities that shape our understanding and experience of the world. It highlights the importance of structure and balance, as well as the role of transitions and change in shaping our reality.

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