These categories allow me to systematically organize my daily observations, practices, and so on into a book—a knowledge base for everything that would help me to design and build environments that are in tune with nature, ensuring they are functional, beautiful, and nurturing for both people and life. It shall be available for anyone to read, use and develop. In that sense, this ongoing Building Journal could also be viewed as the draft stage of a larger book project.

This is not a deed of one person alone; therefore, the sooner it is shared, the better.

01 World as It is

Reflections on fundamental principles. These ways of looking at the world give possibility for viewing building and design as one unified process.

02.1 Experience and Observation

Insights gained from everyday life.

02.2 Study Notes

Notes distilled from structured sources such as books, online courses, or in-person teachings.

03 Inquiry: Unsolved Dwellings

A record of crucial questions. They linger in my mind all day, unsolved. I cannot forget them but have yet to come to a certainty. Perhaps by continually revisiting them, I am already finding some form of resolution.

For example: Why does “the development of all structures based on a central axis, with arrangements divided symmetrically on the left and right” create an effect “suitable for formal occasions of solemnity”? (Liang Sicheng, History of Chinese Architecture) Can’t symmetrical design also evoke a sense of comfort and ease? Perhaps this has more to do with scale?

04 Material and Technique

This section will cover not only traditional timber framing techniques but also materials like bamboo, straw, clay, gravel, and sand—natural elements both geological and biological. I will document my evolving understanding through day-to-day interactions with these materials, along with the designs that emerge from this understanding.

05 Approach

Every project requires a clear approach. Some of the key perspectives will be documented here.

For example: Materialize to give form to “a sense of sacredness,” in order to build environments that are deeply rooted in everyday life while transcending it.

05.01 Human Behavior

A significant subcategory of 05 Approach. Grounding design in our daily actions ensures practicality.