Can Feliz and Japanese Architecture

Whilst analysing Can Feliz, it became evident that significant Japanese and Chinese building traditions and techniques have been adopted into the location, orientation aswell as the design and the plan of the building.

Similar to Japanese architecture, rooms have been positioned according to their importance. Within Can Feliz, I believe that public spaces are of highest significance and therefore are of much larger scale than the rest of the house. These spaces have been positioned in locations with extensive views of the surrounding hillside with intense natural lighting. Rooms have also been connected according to their functions.

Within the Public spaces, large room openings and the absence of doors lead the spaces to receive substantial views of the surrounding landscape, allowing its inhabitants to form a closer link to nature and as many Japanese architects have explored, a stronger relationship between man and natured if formed.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws of both heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi (life force). Feng shui is a method by which the most auspicious/ fortunate orientation and location of a house is selected.

According to Feng shui, the best location and orientation is to be surrounded by a mountain at its back, looking out onto an open plain. I found it quite interesting that Can Feliz compliments Feng Shui; facing the water, looking out onto an open plain with a mountain surrounding its back.