Architecture Asia Special Issue - ARCASIA Awards for Architecture 2020

HONORABLE
MENTION
Dajia Villa
A-2
Multi-family
Residential Complexes
Architect:
Lacime Architects
Location:
Suzhou, China
Lacime Architects have drawn on the rich vernacular and history of Suzhou to create a modern
take on classic courtyard living. Inspired by the Pingjiang map’s depictions of water-friendly
communal spaces in the city of Suzhou, the architects decided to make water the central
element of the new housing project. The project spans two blocks on either side of a placid
river, and each block comprises multiple courtyards. The entire site is highly ordered; courtyard
houses with multiple entry points demonstrate a rhythmic progression from the public sphere
to the private sphere created through a passage linking the outer courtyard to the inner
sanctum.
JURY CITATION: Dajia Villa is a well-detailed project with an interesting interpretation of
Chinese traditional housing typology. In a large neighborhood, it provides different unit
types for different family structures, with high-quality public facilities that serve the whole
neighborhood.
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