Rock-It

Attention to tectonic – the poetics of construction

Time: 2015
In collaboration with Jackie Yong Leong Shong, Junran Yang, Lanqin Wang, Yixin Zhou, Chan Linq Chyi
Tsinghua Tectonic Studio

The studio required us to build a project within a 2.4m cube, inviting comfortable sitting for 4-5 people. A pair of adjectives describing spatial experience was chosen beforehand as a guide to material and joint selection. Also, sponsored by Häfele Hardware, we were encouraged to explore the creative expression of their products.

Cool x Cozy

Two adjectives were chosen to create the spatial experience inside and outside. The outside metal material encourages seeking and wandering, while the inside polycarbonate and sofa feel soft and placating.

Different materials are chosen to communicate the adjectives. From the outside, it looks like a spaceship with beautiful patterns on perforated aluminium panels; from the inside, it is a safe haven with soft touches for you to be placated. The rounded bottom of the object makes it fun and engaging.

Within a cube of 2.4m side length, ergonomics is used to guide our form finding of the inside outline. The radius of the bottom curve is decided to prevent being toppled over while possible for gentle rocking

After the construction, our project was left like an ongoing experimental installation in the new Department of Architecture of Tsinghua University. Students just love it and they define its usage in their own ways.