Courtyard Studios

Client: Huang Rui; Thinking Hands

Description: 12 art studio grouped in the suburbs North East of Beijing.
Project name Dao Fang(岛坊) or Creative Courtyards(灵动庭院).
Urban plan for total site area and architectural design of the art studio villa.

North of Beijing, amidst factories and pastures renowned artist Huang Rui asked us to provide a space for his home, gallery and studio. The objective was to maximize surface area and privacy while creating a connection to the best parts of the surrounding environment. The Chinese courtyard, similar to the artist’s ancestral home in the center, provided the ideal typology. The private quarters are elevated, so public functions can continue freely underneath. The three parts are connected by a central courtyard, on request, like a Beijing courtyard, only accessible with an outdoor hallway.