Four Seasons
Hung-Yi Li
The project is situated in the bustling city center, surrounded by dynamic entertainment venues and a fast-paced atmosphere. My site analysis revealed that while the area is lively, it lacks green spaces where people can pause and rejuvenate. Strong odors from nearby restaurants and cafés further diminish the sensory appeal. Observing pedestrian behavior and the surrounding environment, I identified an opportunity to create a sanctuary for emotional and sensory connection amid the chaos.
The site is located in the city center, a fast-paced area surrounded primarily by dynamic entertainment venues. As the area surrounding the site is mainly occupied by restaurants and cafés, which tend to have relatively strong odors, I conducted an analysis of odor intensity changes within a two-block nearby the site every three hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. My observations revealed that temperature and wind intensity on a given day significantly influence the strength and spread of these odors. These changes in odor dynamics not only shape the sensory experience of the area but also highlight the importance of considering environmental factors when designing for comfort and ambiance.
My design takes the four seasons as its central theme, with each season symbolizing a stage in the natural cycle and representing a unique functional experience. The transition from spring to winter mirrors the journey of life, where every stage holds its own meaning and emotional resonance. Seasonal plants and flowers, along with their natural scents, light, colors and various textures of materials, are integrated to create an immersive, multi sensory space that offers visitors a moment of tranquility and emotional renewal amidst the bustling city.
YOGA SPACE
Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and vitality, characterized by blooming flowers, fresh air, and a sense of awakening. To embody these qualities, the space representing spring has been envisioned as a yoga studio, a sanctuary for physical rejuvenation and mental clarity. Yoga, much like spring, symbolizes balance, renewal, and connection to nature. The open, airy design of the space mirrors the season’s essence, with natural light streaming through translucent curtains to create a serene and uplifting atmosphere. The transparency of the materials invites the surrounding environment into the space, fostering a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor elements, akin to spring’s harmonious transition from winter.
SCENT GALLERY
Summer is a season of vivid sensory experiences—vibrant colors, rich aromas, and tactile warmth. To capture the essence of summer, this space has been conceptualized as a scent gallery, where visitors can engage multiple senses through a journey of olfactory and tactile discovery. Through rotating the art pieces, visitors can activate scent diffusion mechanisms that release the scent of each work. Guests are encouraged to touch and feel the materials. Each material exuding its own distinctive scent, influenced by its composition and finish.
IMMERSIVE LIGHTING SPACE
Autumn is a season of transition, introspection, and quiet beauty, marked by the soft glow of shorter days and the warm hues of falling leaves. To encapsulate the essence of autumn, this space is designed as an immersive light experience, reminiscent of the contemplative and poetic atmosphere of this season. Drawing inspiration from installations like teamLab, the space invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and immerse themselves in the interplay of light and shadow. Within the dimly lit environment, dynamic lighting elements mimic the shifting tones of autumn, creating an ever-evolving ambiance that mirrors the passage of time.
RESTFUL SPACE WITH NATURE
Winter is a season of stillness, reflection, and quiet beauty, often associated with retreat and rejuvenation. To embody the essence of winter, this space has been designed as a tranquil resting area that harmoniously integrates natural elements, offering visitors a serene environment to pause, reflect, and connect with nature. This resting space is not only a physical retreat but also an emotional sanctuary. It invites guests to embrace winter’s slower pace, to reflect on the beauty of simplicity, and to find comfort in the presence of nature—a quiet yet profound celebration of the season’s peaceful essence.
