'the bamboo lantern' by atelier FCJZ
image courtesy atelier FCJZ

atelier FCJZ have designed the bamboo lantern, a dialogue between opposites.
the floor plan, a circle nested within a square, draws from ancient chinese symbolism
with the square representing earth and the circle representing the heavens. the directionality
inherent in the square is used to organize the surrounding exterior viewing space while
the stillness of the circular shape that defines the interior intimately collects the
'rest space.' 


'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


indentations of 'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


indentations of 'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ

the depth of the indentations across the exterior surface of the box change in relation
to the thickness of its walls; the corners are deepest while the middle of each side of
the box is thinnest. when viewed in perspective, tension is revealed between the circular
interior space and the square exterior. from the outside the varying indentations hint
at the cylindrical form of the interior space. from the interior, the opposite occurs as
the changing depth of the indentations on the cylindrical space hint at the square exterior.


'the bamboo lantern' split in two
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


'the bamboo lantern' split in two
image courtesy atelier FCJZ

the bamboo lantern is split in two halves that can be separated to allow visitors to
enter and occupy its interior. a circular hole occupies the center of the floor-plane
of the interior space providing standing room for a few people. the small size of
the hole ensures ample space in the interior by limiting the number of people when
the two halves of the box come together. when the box is closed, visitors may sit on
the floor-plane and enjoy the small meditation space.


'the bamboo lantern' connected together
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


'the bamboo lantern' split in two
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


inside 'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


inside 'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ


'the bamboo lantern' illuminated
image courtesy atelier FCJZ

its structure is built of transparent vacuum-formed and welded plastic (PVC) while
its skin is .3mm bamboo veneer. the artificial material of its interior is covered by
the natural beauty of bamboo skin. when the bamboo lantern is open and only lit
by natural light, the box appears as a heavy solid mass. when the bamboo lantern
is closed, it is illuminated by internal lights.


'the bamboo lantern'
image courtesy atelier FCJZ

credits
project: bamboo lantern
clients: gwamgju design biennale
completion: 2009
principal: yung ho chang
project architect: jimmy shen
project team: qingmin guo
photographs: atelier FCJZ