SHORT DESCRIPTION

This home improvement project emerged from the 2020–2022 pandemic as a rare solo endeavor, entirely conceived and constructed by the designer. Drawing from his personal experiences, he centered the project on the universal concept of a family haven. Life is a voyage, and home serves as its harbor—a profound idea that transcends geography and unites people across cultures. The pandemic heightened this shared understanding, inspiring the designer to create a "family harbor" in his courtyard. More than a home improvement project, this work is a proactive response to the pandemic’s social dynamics, using a small courtyard to tell a broader societal story. Through the imagery of the boat of life gracefully breaking through waves, the project pays tribute to human resilience during turbulent times. The harbor metaphor brings together an array of sculptural "boats," making the space more than just a living environment. The courtyard unfolds as a grand yet intimate scene, with 68 "boats" docked in dynamic arrangements, creating a sanctuary that offers relief from the pandemic’s pressures. A fusion of Eastern and Western influences, bridging past and present, reimagines home as an interactive, vibrant, and joyful space. Interconnected and immersive, the project embraces new, networked ways of thinking, standing in stark contrast to traditional courtyards. It explores meaningful innovations within the most fundamental living unit, transforming the space into a large-scale, functional piece of environmental art. The yard is an ecological and sustainable haven, integrating solar power, rainwater collection, permeable surfaces, and repurposed natural materials. Single-handedly built at a remarkably low cost by a 60-year-old designer, the project exemplifies adaptability and sustainability. Interwoven with interaction and innovation, it redefines courtyard living, inspiring new approaches to future environments—providing solace, spiritual uplift, and enduring memories of the pandemic era.