howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
‘sky courts exhibition hall’ by american firm höweler + yoon architecture is located in the international intangible culture park in chengdu, china. the development internalizes the traditional courtyard house to create diverse spaces within a single building. the interior is divided into a series of scaled halls wrapped around seven patios.  the interior is divided into a series of scaled halls wrapped around seven patios. the aggregated areas are situated within a larger complex which becomes a network of sectors linked together by multiple paths producing a sub-divided corridor.

 

the sequence through these precincts creates a series of layered spaces where from one courtyard one can peer into the other. the centre of each area maintains a rectilinear shape while the perimeter of the building produces irregular site lines. the geometry of the roof consists of a series of inward sloping surfaces that vary in heights creating peaks and valleys. this is achieved through the ceramic tile coverings which allows for tolerances for the non planar condition.

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
image © höweler + yoon architecture | main image © yihuai hu

 

 

the walls of the structure vary in height from 11 to 15 meters which are made from locally produced grey brick. it is detailed to emphasize the tectonics of the material to create an oriented texture with a serrated quality. the windows and doors are clustered on the facades to showcase a larger massive composition. the apertures are placed together using faceted steel which cuts into the edifice expanding upon the typical openings.

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
image © yihuai hu

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
window opens covered in faceted steel
image © yihuai hu

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
bamboo garden
image © yihuai hu

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
image © höweler + yoon architecture

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
packed together openings
(left) image © höweler + yoon architecture | (right) image © yihuai hu

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
construction detail
image © yihuai hu

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
(left) textured brick work | (right) swinging door
images © höweler + yoon architecture

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
interior
image © höweler + yoon architecture

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
exterior glowing with light
images © höweler + yoon architecture

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china

spatial diagram
image © höweler + yoon architecture

howeler + yoon architecture: sky courts exhibition hall, china
(left) detail drawings | (right) model
images © höweler + yoon architecture