The Courtyard Museum blends natural elements with ambiguous spaces that merge the indoors and outdoors, like courtyards and tunnels. Functioning as both a museum and community center in San Gabriel Valley, it fosters neighborly interaction in communal playgrounds while letting visitors enjoy California’s climate amidst art. Its design primarily features courtyards, historically akin to gardens, filled with elements like “bridge over pond” and “moon gate,” typical of Chinese gardens. This approach melds natural and artificial aspects, with shifting spaces across floors. Key areas include a lobby, theater, showroom, exhibition spaces, and lecture hall, with a varied elevation adding depth. The interplay of light, nature, and architecture throughout the museum emphasizes a continuous transition between different realms.