venice architecture biennale 08: next gene 20 ray chen

designed by architect ray chen, ‘floating courtyard’ brings together the spatial ambiance of the eastern world and combines it with the modern architectural methods of the western world.

the design has a small semi-outdoor corridor which leads one into a courtyard where water scenes can be seen from inside the living space, moving outwards into the greater landscape. the construction looks at how the improvement of technology has helped modernize our living spaces, providing solutions in which to make them more comfortable. however, amidst all these advancements, tradition should not be forgotten. ‘floating courtyard’ no longer looks at architecture as a reflection of social culture, but rather an icon of the local economic environment.

water scenes are visible within the living space – image from next-gene 20 exhibition catalogue

image from next-gene 20 exhibition catalogue

image © designboom

image © designboom

image © designboom

more next-gene 20: http://www.next-gene20.com venice architecture biennale: http://www.labiennale.org