Initial research of Can Feliz

Utzon emphasizes light and shadow playing a part in his creation, as he underlines the importance of the light reflected upon the Mediterranean Sea, as Louis Kahn quotes “light is the giver of all presences” and here we see Utzon’s inspiration to nature. Sources explain the result of an uncomfortable glare as the reflection of light upon the sea is extremely strong and unbearable. The living room captures most of the light as it was described as breath taking seemingly as we see a transition of darkness and brightness from the front of the building to the open terraces where one will receive such light.

We see a recurring theme of Greek and Chinese architecture as his fascination of courtyard houses from Japan and Chinese blends in by using local materials and components.

Chinese Architecture:

Traditional Chinese architecture would consists of one or more courtyards usually depending on wealth and size of the family; it also imposes the two main aspects of a traditional Chinese design focusing on orientation and layout similar to that of Can Feliz. Traditional Chinese architecture often uses stone columns then of a western design where Stones walls are often used to structure the building. The orientation of a traditional Chinese house would normally face south. These houses were often rectangular similar to the layout of Utzon’s Can Feliz. Courtyards were traditionally used during the Yuan Dynasty, it symbolises Chinese architecture.

Greek Architecture:

Greek architecture was famous for using a variety of columns as we evidently see in Utzon’s design in Can Feliz. Materials used in Greek architecture normally consist of stone slabs, tiles and pebbles to be able to control the humidity and temperature.

Section & Floorplans: