In the Song Dynasty, there was a passage that reads, ‘Whoever enters the Aomuro can explore the depths; whoever ascends to the Guzen can see the darkness’, and the term ‘Aomuro’ is still used in the Japanese language today.
At Ao no Mori, our design thinking and work is based on unique insights into space. We focus on specific architectural elements in space
such as scale, function and materiality on the behaviour and emotions of people. By experimentally exploring the relationship between the human body and the form of each part of the space, in order to
the relationship between the human body and the form of each part of the space, we complete the creation of space and environment with the human experience as the core.
With the intention of exploring the unexplored possibilities of architectural space, we consider our thoughts on spatial theories and experiments with materials and construction methods as design methods.
We regard thinking about spatial theory and experimenting with materials and construction methods as an important part of our design methodology. The results of these open thinking and experimentation are also deposited in our
The results of these open-minded thoughts and experiments are also embedded in our practice, which includes installation works, interior design and architectural design.
Ao Yang
B.S. Architecrure, Tsinghua University
M.S. Architecture, Tokyo University
Worked for Kengo Kuma & Associates (Tokyo Office)
Currently as the Principal Architect at Ao. Archlab
MJ Zhan
B.A. Growth and Structure of Cities, Bryn Mawr College
M.S. Historic Preservatioin, Columbia University
Worked on the renovation of the Wukang Building
Currently as the Principal Partner at Ao. Archlab