Oak Bay

A sense of tranquility and a pure land forsoul, it is an escape of hustles and bustles from urban life. A garden can be verymasculine with marvels hiding in mountains and water. However, a garden canalso be very feminine with changings between lights and shadows, softness andsweetness hiding in crystal-clear fountains. These characteristics are not onlythe cognitions and appreciations of the space, but also the realizations ofdesigners’ inner states, which contribute the harmony, and elegance of thespace of the “THE BEST OF YOUTH”. The project, located outsideof west 4th ring road in Beijing- the place where are usually perceivedas complex field conditions and chaos environment, is totally the opposite ofour expectation. The thought of restraint is produced gradually in the processof the project. Due to the complex relations between the land use of the siteand perimeter city interface, the boundary of the site needs to contribute asymbiosis with the existing retain walls, municipal trees, low voltage powerlines and traffic lights. The idea of entrance withseveral turnings is emerged in the process of the project. Rather thancompromising the irreconcilable relationship with the various externalenvironments, we focused on how to invite people into the space and create ahuge contrast after the introduction. The sense of conflict also constitutesthe value and expectation of the work. Softness is an innerinstinct developed from the spirit of the site. When entering, the hill stoneafter the filamentous line carves creates a sense of distance. Afterwards thespring fountains jump on the hill stone, which indicating a sense of endearingfriendliness. Accompanied with a glimmer of green, these series of spatialchanges make the entrance a prologue of the garden. After the general tone hasbeen set, our design direction changed to inviting light into the small yardand shaping shadow to create the softness of the space. We want to make the spacefull of diversity and not easily defined. It is a leisurely and relaxed placehiding in a green island with no rush and muddle. People who enter the placecan step on the water, listen to the spring, walk or settle down in a cornerfreely. No matter where they go, it is life just could be.