Yinyang (阴阳)

DESIGN 60 | Winter 2024

Overview

A peaceful and tranquil space designed for prayer, meditation, and contemplation.

Inspired by a fusion of ancient and modern architectural influences from across the world.

MATERIALS: Foam core, hot glue, toothpicks.
TOOLS: Box cutter, scissors, hot glue gun, ruler.

TIMELINE: 1 week

Upper Level

Twin Stairways: Inspired by the stairs built into monuments such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China.

Gazebo: The south stairs lead to a small platform containing a gazebo with a seat for contemplation, inspired by Chinese and Japanese architecture.

Skylight: The west stairs lead to a square skylight that allows light to pass down to the lower level and creates a perimeter for visitors to walk around.

Terrace Platforms: The platform of the Upper Level is connected to two smaller terraced areas (north and south balconies) where visitors can stand and absorb the scenery around them.

When viewed from above, the Upper Level platform contains two square components:

(1) A gazebo – a shelter extending upwards, utilizing positive space.
(2) A skylight – a hole punched into the platform, utilizing negative space.

I was inspired by the Chinese philosophy of yinyang, which describes life as a perpetual cycle where the two forces of life (ying and yang) act in opposite but complementary ways to drive our existence.

Together, I designed the gazebo and skylight to resemble the taijitu, or the main symbol of yin and yang.

Lower Level

The lower level features two platforms for contemplation.

North Platform: The smaller of the two platforms, containing a small bench for a single person to sit on. This platform connects to the north balcony and is supported by thin wooden posts (inspired by traditional Japanese tea houses).

West Platform: The larger of the two platforms, containing two long contemplative benches facing each other, with two small tables between them. This space receives light from the skylight above and is designed for meditation in small groups.

Walkway: This pathway connects the two platforms and bridges the water underneath.