contac
//commercialAAA - Phoenix Fleet
AAA - NGBDiscount Tire
//healthcare
Royal Oak - Dining Renovation
Boundaries & Transitionsa
//residential
Changing Horses
//installationDiscrete Expression
//exhibition
[VITAE RERUM]
contac
//commercialAAA - Phoenix Fleet
AAA - NGBDiscount Tire
//healthcare
Royal Oak - Dining Renovation
Boundaries & Transitionsa
//residential
Changing Horses
//installationDiscrete Expression
//exhibition
[VITAE RERUM]
Year: 2021
Professor: Claudio Vekstein
Location: Taipei City, Taiwan
Skills/Tools: Rhinoceros + Grasshopper, Revit, V-Ray, Adobe Suite, Conceptual Design, Graphic Design
This project explores the profound relationship between architectural boundaries, transitional spaces, and the human experience of convalescence and assisted living. Inspired by the metaphorical curtain between life and death—an unseen threshold that has shaped myth, religion, philosophy, and the arts—this design seeks to create a prototype for dignified living spaces for the elderly in their final years. Drawing from Josef Albers’ Homage to the Square and Luis Barragán’s architectural mastery—particularly his own home, where he experienced his final journey—this study examines the intersection of art and architecture. By integrating spatial transitions with psychological and physical well-being, the project reimagines environments that honor the passage of time, fostering comfort, reflection, and dignity.
Situated on the site of an abandoned barracks along the threshold between urban development and the natural landscape, this project is uniquely positioned within a dynamic residential and commercial district. The location offers a diverse environment enriched with ample medical resources, ensuring accessibility and support for its users. Its proximity to the economic center and surrounding neighborhoods provides both convenience and connectivity, while the high-traffic flow during peak hours reflects the site's integration into the city's vibrant fabric. This setting creates a balance between urban energy and natural tranquility, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
INSPIRATION Luis Barragán masterfully defined spatial boundaries within his home, creating a secluded world in the heart of Mexico City’s urban fabric. His architecture harmonizes intangible elements—intimate spaces, mystical light, tactile materials, and bold colors—resulting in an environment that is tranquil, spiritual, and profoundly poetic.
Drawing inspiration from Josef Albers’ Homage to the Square, this project explores spatial boundaries, transitions, and relationships through principles of color adjacency, contrast, and complementarity within Casa Luis Barragán. By deconstructing and reinterpreting the house, boundaries were shifted, dissolved, or reimagined, revealing new spatial prototypes with the potential to shape innovative convalescent environments.
DESIGN Space is defined by its boundaries—both physical and psychological—shaping our experiences and interactions within it. Every space serves a purpose, and its essence is rooted in the limits that enclose it. Boundaries not only frame our perception but also influence the way we navigate and inhabit the built environment.
Metaphorically, the boundary between life and death is like a curtain—concealing what lies beyond while evoking curiosity about the unknown. This transitional state has inspired myth, religion, philosophy, literature, and civilization, influencing some of history’s greatest works of art, music, and architecture.
In the ever-evolving urban fabric of Taipei City, architectural boundaries shift with time, users, and spatial functions. Convalescent spaces, where visible and invisible boundaries play a crucial role in recovery, healing, and assisted living, serve as the final threshold for many. These institutions are not just places of care but transitional spaces—bridging the journey between life and death with dignity and meaning.