Jiawei Yang, I[N]ATURE [×]

In the current era, people are increasingly dependent on technology and virtual space, which leads to a state of profound alienation between humans and the natural environment. This has diminished people's perception of the interconnection between the external natural environment and the interior. Our present society's pursuit of material things combined with the encroachment of technology into every aspect of our lives leads directly to the disappearance of nature which provides a space for gratitude and a space for people to think about meaning and value.
Under the influence of COVID-19 these tendencies have been exacerbated. The design project attempts to address this issue asking: how may we design interior spaces so that people can experience the restorative wonders of nature, as well as the changes of time, season and weather while working or living indoors?
I have applied these ideas to the context of the workspace where I believe they are most needed. I have designed a system for a top floor office site as a model for future workplaces. The proposed design opens this working space to the dynamic variation of the natural environment. It transforms the existing systems in this scenario (such as lighting, drainage system, exhaust system, etc.) by opening them to the fluctuations of the natural elements so that people can feel the presence of nature while working.
The purpose of this project has been to integrate the indoor and outdoor as much as possible so individuals can feel the natural elements of light, water and wind and the changes of weather whilst continuing to work inside. Ultimately this is to provide a reimagined relationship between the interior and the exterior within the office workspace so as to transform the experience of working and confinement indoors.