C+ architects illuminates a beijing office with strategic sun-drenched courtyards

C+ architects has produced an office space in beijing whose design is oriented around the strategic infusion of natural light into the body of the building. nestled beside the japanese and US embassies, the offices were previously used in the film industry, and a number of darkrooms existed within the original plan that had to be opened up for use by the new client. bringing sufficient light into the space was the first consideration of the team.

bringing sufficient light into the space was the first consideration of the architect
all images by xia zhi

to achieve this goal, C+ architects has punctuated the building with three sun drenched courtyard spaces. the courtyards, which benefit from the ever changing lighting effects of the weather, direct sunshine into the interior halls and can be used as conference rooms, working areas or administration offices. atmospherically tied to the world outside, the mood of the courtyards is defined by the current weather and provide an opportunity for workers to connect with the natural environment. in addition to this, portholes installed in the ceilings of the halls work alongside artificial lighting to create a workplace that is bright and aerated at all times. 

circular holes are repeatedly used to direct light into the space 

to further encourage the suffusion of light throughout the space, interior partition walls have been removed and are replaced with either glass windows or translucent polycarbonate sheeting. these light penetrating walls can reduce the pressure in the space while ensuring the privacy of independent offices.

portholes work alongside artificial lighting

translucent polycarbonate sheeting is used to replace interior partition walls

the courtyards benefit from the ever changing lighting effects of the weather

the offices were originally used by the film industry, and included a number of dark rooms

dramatic skylights draw sunshine into the halls

a model of the newly designed offices

the three courtyards as seen from above

project info:

lead architect: cheng yanchun
design team: cao pengfei, li zhaoye, yang chao, zhang ran
program: office, building renovation
timeframe: march-august 2016
status: completed
location: no.50 yansha, beijing
area: 688 sqm

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