When it comes to the decoration of exterior building facades, aesthetic appeal must be balanced alongside key issues such as planning guidelines and maintenance requirements. Kathryn Lloyd, Colour Specialist from leading paint manufacturer Crown Paints, explains how the confident use of colour can assist specifiers in creating building designs that stand the test of time.
MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has revealed its design for ‘Courtyard Kindergarten’ in Beijing. Located on the site of a traditional siheyuan courtyard that dates back to 1725, MAD’s scheme includes a new building that not only protects the existing buildings but also restores them for use. The design features a dynamic floating roof that surrounds the historical courtyard. While preserving the cultural heritage of the site, it forms a multi-layered urban narrative, where old and new coexist.
