Yapin Xu

The project seeks to explore the relationship between real and perceived boundaries. By exploring the overlapping floor plans of Edinburgh and Brno, the project identifies enclosure and the edges of architectural space as felt by the human body.

Elements such as natural and warm building materials are used to define the space. Wooden grilles enclose corridors to link and continue the views across the site. The design of the eastern setback and raised ground floor soften the hard angles and edges of the walls at the base of the plan. The original trees and landscaping on the eastern side of the site are combined with a translucent metal mesh structure to redefine the architectural space, eliminating the sense of real boundaries imposed by the building. The design also integrates the landscape throughout the site and uses the mirror canopy soffit to reflect the surrounding greenery. The Belvederes in the building and the site cross and overlap to blur the figure ground relationship.

The project plan is freely arranged to meet the needs of young people's activities. Semi-open spaces, enclosed by walkways and translucent metal mesh, offer further possibilities for the development and activities of young people. These redefined borders and spaces act as Belvederes and as a tool for the development of young people, making use of landscape or light building materials as furniture for creating a new semi-open environment and concealing the harder materials that are necessary in building. This approach seeks to extend the principles of modern architecture, which emphasises the use of legible forms and materials to create functional and flexible spaces.