Knotting Duality | 结对性 | ZHEJIANG | CHINA
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
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
