Fourteen a.m.

The Way of Homes:

The Living Space

(息境 - Rest Realm)

相與無事坐，便是修行人
蘇軾

Sitting together in peaceful company - this too is cultivation

Su Shi

(Creating spaces that nurture both connection and calm)


Ancient Chinese Wisdom: 

The principle of "和而不同" teaches us that true harmony embraces diversity rather than enforcing sameness. In traditional Chinese architecture, this manifests through "通天徹地" - spaces that flow freely between different modes of being. The concept of "隨緣" shows us how rooms can adapt gracefully to the moment's needs, whether hosting animated conversation or peaceful solitude. This mirrors the natural world, where a garden can be both a place of vibrant gathering and quiet contemplation.

Japanese Spatial Poetry: 

The Japanese concept of 寄り合い (yoriai) enriches this understanding through spaces designed for organic gathering. The principle of 変化 (henka) - graceful transformation - shows how rooms can shift their character while maintaining underlying serenity. This flexibility allows the space to support both intimate conversations and moments of personal reflection.

fourteen a.m. design principles: 

In our City Sanctuaries, we translate these Eastern philosophies into living spaces that breathe with life:

  • Flexible seating arrangements that encourage natural conversation flows

  • Acoustic design that maintains clarity of speech while softening harsh sounds

  • Layered lighting that adapts to different social situations

  • Thoughtful placement of elements that create natural gathering points

  • Materials and textures that ground social interactions in calm Each element works in harmony to create a space that supports connection while maintaining an underlying sense of peace.

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