| Gewu Study House is a cultural and educational space guiding individuals in mindful practice. The materials used are sourced entirely from nature and are constructed in strict accordance with the wisdom of traditional Chinese architecture and philosophical systems. |
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Gewu Study House
Interior Design (Built)
Firm
Dongfang Gewu (SZ) Culture & Tech Co., Ltd.
Architect/Designer
Yicheng Li
Design Team
Dongfang Gewu (SZ) Culture & Tech Co., Ltd.
Location
Shenzhen
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©Dongfang Gewu (SZ) Culture & Tech Co., Ltd.
Website
N/A
Instagram
N/A
Facebook
N/A
Whatsapp
N/A
| The dojo is the core area of the space, embodying profound design wisdom and philosophical concepts. Its ceiling comes with Asia’s largest single-unit natural spectrum lighting system, with spectral characteristics that closely replicate natural sunlight, in order to promote relaxation and enhance focus. The surface of the lighting fixtures is engraved with the core symbols of ancient Chinese astronomy and astrology, the Twenty-Eight Constellations diagram. Directly beneath the light source, the floor features five differently colored soil samples, green, red, white, black, and yellow, corresponding to the traditional Chinese Five Elements philosophy (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), representing the energy distribution of the earth. With the Twenty-Eight Constellations above and the Five Elements below, a harmonious structure is formed, resonating between heaven and earth: the ceaseless movement of the stars above and the continuous cycle of the Five Elements below. This design not only embodies the ancient wisdom of “the unity of heaven and humanity” but also makes the flow of energy within the space visible and perceptible. Practitioners sit in meditation around this installation, attuning to the rhythm of natural energy, using it to harmonize their own qi (life energy) with the surrounding environment, gradually entering a deeper, more focused mental state. The unique acoustic design forms a crucial element in creating an immersive learning environment. While maintaining complete natural material integrity, the designers achieved a perfect enclosed acoustic field through specialized bamboo materials and an innovative sandwich composite panel structure. Additionally, bamboo’s natural humidity regulation properties enable dynamic thermal-moisture buffering, maintaining a relatively stable microclimate without external intervention. This dynamic temperature and humidity regulation mechanism relying on natural materials is also extended to other areas of the academy. For example, the surface coating made using glutinous rice mortar technique on the ground and walls outside the Taoist hall continuously releases negative oxygen ions under the catalysis of light and water vapor, while autonomously regulating the microclimate. |
Located in Shenzhen, characterized by high temperature and humidity in southern China, this system completely eliminates condensation during the “return to the south”. Compared to spaces with conventional latex paint, humidification energy consumption during the air-conditioned season is reduced by 47%, notably decreasing reliance on modern electrical appliances like air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This approach achieves efficient, stable, and low-energy microclimate regulation through natural means, embodying a sustainable design logic rooted in the essence of materials, not merely adapting to the environment but actively creating an ecological practice space in harmony with nature.
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