Sky Courts

Location:
Chengdu, China
Scope:
Architectural design (new construction)
Program:
Exhibition hall
Dimension:
67,500 sf
Credit List:
Höweler + Yoon Architecture, Eric Höweler, J. Meejin Yoon, Ryan Murphy, Meredith Miller, Matt Chua, Casey Renner
Photographer:
Yihuai Hu
Year:
2011

A reinterpretation of the Chinese courtyard typology as a contemporary exhibition hall, Sky Courts uses its constraints (the building typology and a mandate for sloped roofs) as opportunities to transform this traditional building type into a contemporary architectural proposition for a modern mixed-use program.

The multiple courtyards bring natural light deep into the interior of the building, while an articulated brick wall is punctuated with windows at its perimeter. 

The brickwork has a distinct grain, giving the non-orthogonal wall a saw-toothed texture and creating an orienting device for the building.