Portfolio After PennDesign 2020

PORTFOLIO 2020

Wenhao Xu MSD-AAD University of Pennsylvania B.Arch Chongqing University

ACADEMIC WORK 01 Follies in the Postindustrial Garden Halic Imperial Shipyard, Istanbul 02 Introspection Memorial Hall of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin 03 This is [Not] a Hive Compound Being and Devious Topography 04 Accumulated Individuals Flexible Youth Hostel 05 Movie Palace for Everyone City Movie Theatre

PROFESSIONAL WORK 01 Wangwenzhuang Middle School Education - School Design 02 Lutai No.1 High School Education - School Design 03 Jizhou District Hotel Hospitality 04 6443 Factory Residential Development Housing 05 Jiefang S. Road CBD Development Urban Design

01 Follies in the Postindustrial Garden Halic Imperial Shipyard, Istanbul Design Research Studio, PennDesign Individual Instructor: Ferda Kolatan Spring 2019 Oddkin: Beings (and things) requiring each other in unexpected collaborations and combinations. Being situated someplace and not noplace, entangled and worldly.

- Donna Haraway, Staying with the Trouble (2016) This design research studio will seek to define new concepts for both the architectural folly and the garden in the postindustrial age. The philosophical basis is the word “oddkin” introduced by Donna Haraway. Rather than viewing the world through predetermined categories and strict hierarchies, Haraway sees odd couplings and hybridization as the actual manifestation of our reality.

Under this circumstance, we seek to make “odd” combinatorial choices through eliminating the boundary of the natural and the technological, therefore to create a new aesthetic — “oddkin aesthetic”.

The site of the project, Halic shipyard, lies in Istanbul, one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It was built in the 15th century on the Galata side of the Golden Horn across the historical peninsula. It has been continuously used as a shipyard until today. It is now an old shipyard with obsolete machinery and functionalist architecture with three main basins for ship maintenance.

This project is focused on the water control system of the existing shipyard.

By hybridizing new hydroelectric generators working with the cistern and underground channels of the shipyard, a new machine is created. The mechanism of this machine further hybridize with moss, rust, stain and manmade colors to turn the dim and humid cistern into a fully articulated and colorful vertical underground garden where nature and machines coexist.

Center Object It works as the engine of the whole project. Machinery, water, the natural, manmade, colors, moss, rust, concrete, metal... all expressed in this piece.

Academic 01 - Vertical Garden

Haliç Tersaneleri The site is the old Halic shipyard in the Karakoy neighborhood of Istanbul with direct views to the old city across the Golden Horn. While it is still partially in use, the city is planning on reprogramming this site into a mix-use development in the near future.

The plans for this development lack any sensible recognition of the location’s historical heritage.

Pump Room

Aerial View

Longitudinal Section This section shows the mechanism of the project: Water flows down through the two channels and push the turbines that generate electrical power to light up the whole chamber. The water fallen into the bottom of the cistern then creates a colorful pond and allows moss and rust to emerge naturally at the places it falls. This mechanism also triggers the manmade color on the walls to creep up and then hybridize with the indentations, pipes, handrials and lights to form the ambiguity between elements. Therefor the "oddkin aesthetic" is created.

Academic 01 - Vertical Garden

Underground Channel

Digitalized Ebru

Entrance

Ebru

Vertical Garden Academic 01 - Vertical Garden

Academic 01 - Vertical Garden

02 This is [Not] a Hive Compound Being and Devious Topography Design Research Studio, PennDesign Collaborator: Nikos Kalantzopoulos Instructor: Simon Kim Fall 2019 The hive is a framework of coexisting worlds. Bees and humans operate side by side in an internal spring scenario, creating a heterotopic space of illusion, exposing every real space and thus establishing a microcosm of different environments.

The object seats in a basin in a forest, suggestive of a space that that needs to be discovered. Its spherical core generates both heat and steam, resembling a ritual or purification. Spaces are isolated and penetrable yet not freely accessible like a public place. Steam is an integral part of the architecture, acquiring space with more layers of meaning or relationships to other places, enabling the cohabitation of its occupants at the top, while, at the same time creating an aromatic chamber deep in the bowels of the building.

Academic 02 - Hive

SECTION

AXONOMETRIC

DETAIL

DETAIL Academic 02 - Hive

HOMUNCULUS (PHYSICAL MODEL) Whereby models require a critical capacity for abstraction - this is a stand-in for that, here is a full-scale object - prototypes and homonculur architecture that allows for testing and instrumentality.

At full scale, these tubes and chambers are distributed and arranged in formulations that test and try out instrumentation of the medium of air.

The ordering and the syncopation of elements can be switched and moved as needed.

Academic 02 - Hive

02 Introspection Memorial Hall of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin Personal Project Individual Fall 2017

Liang Sicheng( 梁思成 ) and Lin Huiyin( 林徽因 ) are probably the most inevitable figures in the history of modern Chinese Architecture.

This revered couple are considered to be the founders of modern Chinese architecture education. Their devotion to the research of ancient Chinese architecture and the protection of ancient Chinese cities like Beijing are fundamental and irreplaceable.

Ironically, after a life time of hardwork on protection of architectural treasures, their former residence in Beijing was demolished in January 2012. The demolition of the former residence triggered great social discussion about the attitudes by which we treat our own culture, tradition, and architecture. Especially among Chinese architects, the question about whether we should absolutely abandon the old forms to adopt international forms or to inherit the essence of Chinese architecture in the design of new buildings has been raised again.In memory of this couple of masters and teachers, the design of Liang & Lin's memorial hall begins.

Academic 03 - Memorial Hall

梁思成 Liang Sicheng 1901 - 1972

Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin both graduated from University of Pennsylvania in the 1920s. They are considered to be the most important architects, scholars of architecture history, city planners and educators. During 1931-1937, Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin were living at No.3 Beizongbu hutong. It was during this period that this great couple made great contribution to Chinese architecture and Chinese culture.

In september 2009, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage declared that the former residence of Liang and Lin has "significant historic value" and should be labled as "Officially Protected Monuments and Sites".In October 2010, the former residence was labled as "Immovable Historical Relics". However, in january 2012, the former residence was demolished with no permission. The greedy estate developers executed the demolition at night to avoid attention of the public. It is a pity that we lost such a place with memories and stories.

Reconstruction Strategy

As the Original

Reinterpretation

The best way to reconstruct such a site is not to restore it as it was, especially such a culture-related one. To memorize the people and stories this place once homed, a new structure with respect to both the traditional and the modern is the perfect choice.

林徽因 Lin Huiyin 1904 - 1955

Square and Circle The best way to commemorate the two masters, pioneers, and our great tutors is to deeply understand the situation that we Chinese architects are facing.

The rapid economic development, the preferences of those who hold great polictical powers, the vulgar aesthetic tendency of the real estate developers and the succumbing of the architects have obliterated the essence and roots of Chinese architecture and make modern China cities look “BRAND NEW� and like cities in any other country in the world. Being subject to this horrible reality, Chinese architects should have a place for themselves to think, meditate, regain their honor, and take up the cup of making things right.

Academic 03 - Memorial Hall

胡同

广亮大门

外院

1

2

3

Hutong

The entrance of the memorial hall is an abstraction of Hutong, which is the typical lane of ancient China. By placing white cobbles along side the path, the "Hutong" at the beginning of the sequence of visiting implies a sense of serenity.

Guangliang Gate

Guangliang Gate is the main gate of Siheyuan and a symbol of entering the first layer of the court yard, which is a semipriviate area.

Out Courtyard

The out yard of Siheyuan is transformed into an empty yard with a mirror pond. The reflection of sky and white walls prepare the visitors with a peaceful mind before getting into the inner courtyard.

垂花门

参道

阶梯

4

5

6

Chuihua Gate

Spirit Way

Steps

Pine is the symbol of eternity in Chinese culture. The spirit way through the pines gently inclines to the ring in the center of the yard. The inclined path implies that the space for memorial activities are underground and the fact that ancient China is gone.

The narrow spiral steps leads people down to the underground lobby. Placing the halls underground is a metaphor of "Death".After stepping down the steps, visitors finally finish the outdoor sequence of memorial experience.

Passing the Chuihua Gate means being allowed to enter the private realm of a family. The abstraction of Chuihua Gate by using modern architectural language designates the real beginning of the sequence of memory.

Academic 03 - Memorial Hall

Ring of Meditation

Drawings

Sections

Ground Level Plan

Hall of Confusion

Underground Level Plan Academic 03 - Memorial Hall

04 Accumulated Individuals Flexible Youth Hostel Studio Work, Chongqing University Individual Instructor: Yudi Liao Spring 2012 Each individual is like a primitive person, isolated yet longing for connection. Youth hostel are places where this kind of connections happen. Inspired by Jiangzhai site, which shows the primitive spatial organization of an ancient village, this project aims to reinterpret the ancient organization through modern architectural language.It also draws inspiration from metabolism to create a temporality and soft impact to the environment by using prefabricated metal structural components and standard capsule units.

Academic 05 - Youth Hostel

Primitive Spatial Organization

Metabolism of Cells

1st Stage Multiple cells form a stable system.

Model of Jiangzhai Settlement Layout of Jiangzhai 4300-4900 BCE.

2nd Stage Some aged cells are replaced by newly generated cells.

Spatial Organization Palaza surrounded by huts.

Modern Interpretation Capsules surround public space.

Jiangzhan settlement, a neolithic settlement in China, shows the spatial organization in ancient time -- a big plaza surrounded by round and square huts. This type of spatial organization reflects the fact that the ancient people usually gathered in the center of the village to attend public activities. Moreover, the discretely distributed huts suggest that individual family had occured, which possessed of private property and was in need of privacy.

This kind of primitive organization of spaces is highly compatible when being applied to the design of youth hostel -- highly concentrated public functions and discretely distributed sleep capsules.

3rd Stage As time passes, only a few mumber of original cells are left.

Fianl Stage Finally, the system is filled with new cells.

In the metabolic process, aged cells are replaced by new cells to maintain the overall vitality.

Buildings designed according to this theory can be adjusted and replaced by basic units to adapt their scale and function to the needs of reality.

Installation

Life of the Structure

Inception In the beginning, the building serves its customers and the citizens as designed.

All the capsules are produced in the factory and transported to the site. Cranes are used to hoist the capsules and construction workers can fix these capsules easily on the steel frame structure. This system will reduce the time used for construction and reduce expenditure.

Prosperity When need rises, additional capsules can be installed easily to provide more rooms.

Structure System

Recession When need reduces, some of the capsules could be dismantled.

The steel frame structure system can also be expanded or dismantled according to occassions that may occur. The design of the special steel joint allows the structure to expand vertically and horizontally.

Obsolescence When obseleted, the structure could be transformed to playground for children.

Academic 05 - Youth Hostel

Capsule A

Capsule B

Four Beds Capsule A provides four beds and is the basic element of the system.

Capsule C

Double Bed Capsule B has a double-bed installed, suitable for young couples.

Capsule D

Eight Beds Capsule C has 8 beds, providing a greater chance to communicate with others.

Capsule E

Library Capsule D is a mini library that provides books and stimulates the young to exchange their minds.

Capsule F

Music Room Music capsule is the room where people can both play and listen to music.

Theatre This small theatre serves as a relaxing space and makes movie fans easily become intimate friends.

Exploded Axonometric

Academic 05 - Youth Hostel

Access to the Lake The lobby, steps, main hall, and the waterfront platform forms consecutive spaces that connects the higher ground to the lake, providing various spatial experience and allow light and wind to penetrate the building.

Lake View Deck

Courtyard Academic 05 - Youth Hostel

03 Movie Palace for Everyone City Movie Theatre Studio Work, Chongqing University Individual Instructor: Jie Leng Spring 2014 The rapid economic growth has enabled Chinese people to pursue a better life and more harmonious personal relationships. People ask for entertainment and want to share their joy with friends. A cinema is a place where this kind of needs are satisfied. Therefore, it is important for a cinema to be accessible for everyone. Especially, in such a crowded city with millions of people, a welldesigned public space will attract a great number of people and act as a catalyst in the communication of citizens. In this sense, an independent cinema with more concerns about public property will be beneficial to the investors of the cinema and at the same time be beneficial to the society.

Academic 04 - Cinema

CITY OF CHONGQING

"CROWDED" is the keyword of Chongqing.

This is a city exactly shows the features of "Asian Crowded Culture", just like Hong Kong. As a mountain city crossed by two great rivers, the landscape of Chongqing has determined its culture -- raw, crowded, and lively. But the public spaces of Chongqing are far from comfortable. Not like the ancient parks in Beijing, the public spaces in Chongqing are narrow lanes an small squares.

BAZI - PLAZA

COVERED PLAZA

SHELTER

AMPHITHEATER

STEPS

STEPS Academic 04 - Cinema

GROUND FLOOR

CLIFF HALL

LOBBY

IMAX HALL Academic 04 - Cinema

SECTION A-A

SECTION B-B

01 Wangwenzhuang Middle School Education Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute Time: February -December 2016 Floor Area: 312,150 sqft Position: Project Architect Stage: SD, DD Job: Plan, Facade

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Gymnasium Classroom Art & Science Lecture Hall Office Library Canteen Parking Professional 01 - Middle School

02 Lutai No.1 Highschool Education Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute Time: March 2016 - April 2017 Floor Area: 855,700 sqft Position: Project Architect Stage: SD, DD Job: Planning, Plan, Facade

GROUND FLOOR PLAN Professional 02 - High School

03 Jizhou District Hotel Hospitality Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute Time: December 2015 - February 2016 Floor Area: 82,200 sqft Position: Project Architect Stage: SD, DD Job: Plan, Facade Professional 03 - Hotel

04 6443 Factory Residential Development Housing Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute Time: August 2014 - June 2016 Floor Area: 2,368,000 sqft Position: Project Architect Stage: SD, DD Job: Plan, Section

Counstruction Photo

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN Professional 04 - Residential

Tower A Plans

Tower A

05 Jiefang S. Road CBD Development Urban Design Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute Time: February 2017 - April 2017 Site Area: 100 Acre Position: Architect Stage: SD Job: Program Research, Modeling

Tower C

Tower B Plans

Tower B

Tower D

Tower C Plan

Tower D Plan Professional 05 - Urban Design

Wenhao Xu Address : 4404 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA, 19104 E-Mail: henrywenhaoxu@gmail.com