Reflective Domesticity | AD CASA

In collaboration with AD, Neri&Hu presents exhibition "Reflective Domesticity" at House 19, a typical Beijing Siheyuan. This project draws from several existing discourses and past design projects in order to rethink, restructure and reflect upon preconceived ideas and subjective perceptions of psychological constructs related to the idea of "home" such as shelter, privacy, intimacy and sense of security. Neri&Hu conceptualized each of the six rooms with its own theme. Beginning with "Extrospection" and "Introspection" , "Curiosity", "Pain", "Restoration" and finally "Memory". These themes aim to communicate dualities within the range of emotions and feelings one can have in association with "home".

Neri&Hu's concept for this project include considerations of German philosopher Martin Heidegger's work "Building, Dwelling, Thinking." where he explains that "a boundary is not that at which something stops but... from which something begins its presencing."

Dwellings bear the markings of our daily rituals of inhabitation. They serve as vessels for the accumulated artifacts of our everyday lives. And beyond serving as a container and backdrop for life, they are expressions of our values which extend from our most intimate planes of existence and personal attachments.

Neri&Hu aimed to communicate Gaston Bachelard's concept of tension between house and universe — where the house resists the hostilities of the universe by declaring its insistence to inhabit the world, "in spite of the world." We manifested this tension through the concept and design of AD CASA where the dwelling holds its conceptual and physical power by being rooted within the realities of the universe.

ROOM 1A&1B: EXTROSPECTION/INTROSPECTION

Home is where we feel the most comfortable and free. Whether we feel this freedom through our bodies or our minds, home is where we most often examine ourselves deeply, inside and out. Perhaps it is strange that when we close ourselves off from the outside world, we simultaneously open up to ourselves, self-reflection and self-criticism can both bring discomfort and shame upon ourselves, however, deep awareness brings feelings of warmth, optimism, and content.

ROOM 2: CURIOSITY

We are fascinated and attracted to things that ignite our sense of curiosity. We are most familiar with and accustomed to the objects that occupy our home. However, changing the angle in which we view those objects, can result in new perspectives. Our imaginations for these objects result in endless scopes of thought where we can envision moments that have passed as a result of a scent, think deeply about the world we inhabit and even reimagine everyday objects to assist in our daydreaming.

ROOM 3A&3B: PAIN/RESTORATION

People are all born as thinkers. However, with introspection, extrospection and curiosity comes inevitable feelings of pain. Thinking invites feelings of confusion, regret and frustration. However, experiencing and living through the pain is more often than not what allows us to emerge from the other side, thinking clearer, despite the chaos that surrounds us. At night, the pain that we feel briefly leaves us as we sleep and rejuvenate for the daytime where we aim to heal and find strength all within the place we call "home".

ROOM 4: MEMORY

Whether it is the tea set that is used each night by the family or the round table in which New Year's dinner is consumed, the objects in the home and the space we call home are key witnesses for everyday memories like chatting, eating, relaxing and laughing with family.