Visión | CYCU Ph. D. Program in Design | World Design Awards 2025

CYCU Ph. D. Program in Design: Winner of World Design Awards 2025. Originally an empty apartment, the residence offered no predefined layout or finishes—every element, from the floor plan to the material palette, was built from scratch. The designer embraced this blank slate as the project’s guiding concept, shaping a home that reflects the owner’s personal tastes and lifestyle. At its heart lies the idea of “comfort through interaction between people and space,” resulting in an interior that balances functionality with warmth.

Visión represents more than just vision—it speaks to the ability to look beyond the surface and imagine the future shape of one’s life. Just as travel is a gradual accumulation of moments, the home is composed of fluid, evolving fragments—spaces left open, like pages waiting to be written. Over time, these fragments slowly coalesce, forming a landscape that is truly one’s own.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION／DIFFERENTIATION	The highlight lies in minimizing the sense of confinement typically caused by partition walls. By adopting an open-plan layout, the design maintains overall transparency while cleverly addressing the need for privacy. At the junction of the TV wall and adjoining surfaces, the designer layered wood veneer with mineral paint to create a rich visual texture. A world map was also integrated into the space—serving as a record of the occupant’s travels and memories, transforming the home into a living extension of personal experiences and stories. The core design theme is “bright,” achieved through both visual and spatial strategies. Large areas of clean, neutral tones set the foundation, softened by glass partitions, curved lines, and suspended cabinetry that reduce the sense of bulk. Natural light flows freely along the open circulation, establishing a soft, airy atmosphere. The living, dining, and study areas are seamlessly connected, allowing sunlight to reach the heart of the home.
PRODUCTION OR REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY (AND MATERIALS)	Materials include solid wood flooring, wood veneer walls, and mineral coatings that reveal their full richness under natural lighting. Instead of conventional iron hardware, painted aluminum components were used to reduce weight and improve sustainability. Stone finishes on the TV wall and island add durability and texture. Smart glass partitions enhance openness while offering adjustable privacy. The overall palette balances neutral warm grays with natural wood tones, accented by metal details to evoke a sense of contemporary warmth.
SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS / PACKAGE / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES	The interior spans approximately 165 square meters, configured as three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, two bathrooms, and a study. The original unit was delivered as an empty stage with no partitions or fixtures. The designer reorganized the circulation and zoning: the living room, dining area, and study are linked with no partitions to create a social area, while private rooms are enclosed to ensure privacy. Areas with insufficient daylight were addressed by removing walls and adding floor-to-ceiling windows and glass partitions, significantly enhancing the overall sense of light and openness.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION／FUNCTION	“This is a space that makes you look forward to coming home every day.” Guests are often struck by the expansive glass surfaces and world map, calling it “a home full of memories.” The layout excels in natural ventilation and spatial efficiency, with no wasted corners. After adjustments to window placement and airflow design, natural breezes flow freely, keeping the interior cool without relying on air conditioning. The clean, bright palette helps maintain a calming ambiance while adding depth, making this a space that harmonizes practicality with aesthetics.