RLA behind-the-scenes:
The idea of a garden enhances spatial quality. Just having a view out - or direct access - to a well-kept garden can be a visual treat, even an aesthetic experience. That is how traditional viewing gardens of China and Japan came about.
An architect once told his clients that a five-star house with an awful garden makes for a shitty property - compared with a two-star house with an exquisite garden. We have to agree with him on that. Having a garden truly uplifts the spirit and enhances well-being.
This can be a challenge in densely urbanised Singapore. Most of us live in high-rise, enclosed apartments with little space - let alone land - for gardening. The lucky ones among us may have an airy balcony, but the rest of us will have to make do with just a window on an upper-floor unit.
This led us to wonder if we could make the window more than what it is. Assume we gathered miniature trees, shrubs and garden rocks into a viewing composition by the window, could that recreate a bit of the “viewing garden” effect?
We tested this idea out with our studio window. Notwithstanding the accompanying gardening clutter (fertiliser sprays, etc), our window became a breathing entity. It’s literally teeming with life - moss, earthworms, baby lizards, even unwanted garden pests. (!)
We find it an inspiring template for architecture as a vivid and lived reality that makes us feel more human. We would definitely like to further develop this idea of “an expanded, living window” in future projects if we get the chance.
Image Above: “Living Garden Window “ in RLA Studio