Fourteen a.m.

The Way of Homes: The Kitchen

(智域 - The Realm of Wisdom)

為學日益，為道日損

In the pursuit of learning, one increases daily In the pursuit of Dao, one decreases daily

老子 Laozi

(Creating spaces that remind us true wisdom often comes through simplification)


Ancient Chinese Wisdom: 

The principle of "書齋" (scholar's studio) in Chinese architecture teaches us that a study should be like a "月到風來" space - where moonlight and breeze naturally enter. In traditional design, the concept of "庭外之院" shows how a scholar's space should maintain a connection to a small private garden or courtyard (小院), allowing natural phenomena to become teachers. The practice of "高壁淨几" - high walls and a clean desk - creates the optimal conditions for both focused work and spontaneous insight, reflecting Laozi's teaching about reduction leading to clarity.

Japanese Spatial Poetry: 

The Japanese 書院造り (shoin-zukuri) architecture enriches study spaces through precisely considered elements:

  • 違い棚 (chigaidana) - staggered shelves that display a limited selection of objects, each placement deliberate and considered

  • 床の間 (tokonoma) - alcove for a single scroll or artwork that can be changed with the seasons, creating a dedicated space for contemplation

  • 側光 (sokkou) - side lighting principle where natural light falls gently from the side, supporting focused work without visual distraction

These architectural elements work together to create a space where every detail has been carefully planned to support scholarly pursuits, following the Japanese principle of precise intention in design

fourteen a.m. design principles: 

In our City Sanctuaries, we translate Eastern spatial wisdom into contemporary studies:

  • Considered rug placement beneath the desk area creates a subtle threshold, grounding the scholarly space

  • Clean, light-colored wall ahead for focus

  • Desk positioned perpendicular to windows, for optimal side lighting

  • Built-in shelving with alternating depths behind the seated person

  • Dedicated pause point (like a window seat) for breaks and contemplation

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