Dexin First Glory Mansions

The aesthetics of this project follows modernism to express simplicity and logic. This is done through carefully sculpting the bricks and glass and respectfully following the intrinsic nature and context of the property. The uniqueness in modernism is accentuated by the symmetric elevation, pure façade and simple materials. Industrialization and human behavior have kept us farther away from nature. The balance between materialism and humanity is achieved through space transitions. Transitioning between the interior and the exterior becomes ambiguous with paved exterior floor and deck extension, which creates multiple textures and mixtures of nature and man-made environments.

To cater to the buyers’ needs, one must consider the commonality among elites. Who are the elites? Having spent a more extensive period in the academia, elites can be interpreted through red bricks and white strips on the building façade, which represents the characteristics of schools and the interface between life and work. The memories of the users, both the palpable and the impalpable, are recreated in depth and experienced through architecture.

Can one touch wind? How shall the formless wind be conveyed physically in architecture?

To continue the idea of decking, horizontal and vertical blinds are placed at the balcony and the windows to direct wind flow. The wind is filtered and controlled by the user, who in turn alters the blinds to form different geometry on the elevation.

Can one see wind? How shall it be seen gracefully? How shall one see it day and night?

One can see flags flying, canvas flapping, water rippling, and flames fluttering in the wind. The garden pool is designed so that during the daytime, the water ripples caused by wind are reflected by light and thus visible. The fire pit in the center of the pool illustrates wind through the fluttering flames, which are seen at night. The design enables one to experience the formless wind through human senses.

How can one hear wind? Is it pleasant-sounding?

For the first time, the idea of a concert hall is adopted to portray the wind as the principal instrumentalist. The tuning boards at the lobby give a professional and high tech impression of a concert hall. The architecture creates a space not only fit for living, but also embracive for arts.