Something Old, Something New

Located near the historic imperial palace and juxtaposed against the bustling commercial hub of Wangfujing, WAY Studio has transformed an old, secluded courtyard into a vibrant micro-mixed-use urban complex. Courtyard 35 honours the rich heritage of Beijing’s siheyuan (traditional courtyards) while challenging conventional notions of preservation. WAY Studio approached the design with the philosophy that preserving tradition is not about replicating historical forms but about fostering a spirit of innovation. By introducing new elements into the courtyard’s existing spatial order, the studio has created an interplay of old and new, exploring the relationship between natural and man-made spaces.

The courtyard’s undulating form is inspired by natural curves, creating a fluid dialogue between architecture and the natural environment

Originally an introverted, irregular courtyard marked by fragmented renovations, the space has been redefined with a focus on negative space. Rather than altering the existing buildings, the design centres on the cloud bridge, a striking installation that floats above the courtyard. This intervention reshapes the spatial flow, transforming the courtyard into a public gathering space and reconnecting it to the urban fabric of the city.

Serving as the heart of the transformation, the cloud bridge is both a functional structure and an artistic statement. Its organic, undulating form is inspired by natural curves, creating a fluid dialogue between architecture and the natural environment. Floating above the courtyard and embracing two towering ancient trees, the bridge offers visitors a fresh perspective, abstracting the surrounding architecture into a surreal landscape.

The reflective surfaces of the cloud bridge distort and reinterpret the traditional skyline, blending rooftops and treetops into a seamless, dreamlike composition. This design introduces a sense of elevation, allowing users to experience the courtyard from a vantage point that feels suspended between earth and sky.

The renovated courtyard is more than an architectural statement – it is a functional and dynamic urban space. Designed with a degree of ambiguity to maximise flexibility, the project incorporates four core components, including a coffee and teashop in the original guardhouse, an exhibition shop and restaurant as well as a VIP room and cultural exchange studio. These elements create a seamless integration of modern amenities with traditional spatial principles, catering to contemporary needs while fostering social interaction and cultural exchange.

The restaurant that forms part of the urban space

The design for Courtyard 35 is also an attempt to explore Chinese aesthetic values, allowing people to break free from the conventional impression of ‘Chinese space’ and instead embark on an imaginative journey between modern functionality and the abstract and more impressionistic aspects of Chinese aesthetics. Chinese values are honoured by the flexibility of the space, where experience and functionality are integrated in a state of flux. The space invites visitors on an inspirational voyage, celebrating the fluidity of Chinese aesthetics and the harmony between functionality and experience.

Images by Yuan Gao, Zeng Hao and AkunLee

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