Saturday 7 July 2012

Chinese Friendly Space

WRONG


RIGHT


Something that the Western culture loves, needs to be avoided when designing for your chinese client: big, beautiful exposed beams.

It is very Canadian (especially in the snow chalets of Whistler), to have expressive timber beams running through a space, in the kitchen, over a dining area or through a lounge room and even in the bedroom.

This is not acceptable to the Chinese client who experiences these beams as 'knives', dangerous elements that could cut you through anytime. Added to this, for Chinese, the beams create a visual heaviness that gives an overall feeling of an 'oppressive' space.

2 comments:

  1. My house is full of exposed beams! What do the Chinese do if there are already exposed beams?

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  2. Generally the older generation would put in a lower ceiling and cover them all up. At least it makes repainting easier.

    Thankfully, younger Chinese and those born in the west would enjoy the beams and the beauty of seeing the structure.

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