Portfolio 2013 by Curtis Lai

architectural portfolio

curtis jaron lai

CURRICULUM VITAE C U R T I S

J A R O N

L A I

‘13

CJL c u r t i s

j a ro n

STUDIO PROJECT

STRUCTURES

o p e n

h o u s e

t r i n 3 t y

v u l n u s

s p a

ro m a

c a m b r i d g e

t o ro n t o

i s l a n d

l a i

architectural portfolio

CJL larutcetihcra oiloftrop

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c h a i r

f o r

K i i c h i ro

To y o d a

PERSONAL WORK s n a p s h o t s

2013

Curtis Jaron Lai

CURRICULUM VITAE

19 Gemini Crescent, Richmond Hill ON, L4S 2K6

(C): 647-294-8707 (H): 905-770-2207

Relevant Skills

Experience in several architectural environments Committed work ethic Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment Excellent physical modelling, rendering, and drafting skills Technical proficiency in: Adobe InDesign AutoCAD Adobe Premiere Google Sketchup Final Cut Pro Vray Microsoft Office Suite Adobe Photoshop Mac and Windows operating systems Adobe Illustrator

Education

University of Waterloo, School of Architecture, Waterloo, ON Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Honours, Cooperative Program

University of Toronto Schools, Toronto, ON

Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Honour Roll Graduate

August 2013

June 2008

Interests

Music (Guitar, Bass, Cello, Drums) Composing music Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer Photography

Work Experience Peggy Chiu Architect Toronto, ON Architectural Intern

January - April 2013

DIALOG Design Toronto, ON Architectural Intern

AKB Architects Toronto, ON

Architectural Intern

SIM Canada (Serving in Mission) Lusaka, Zambia Architectural Design Consultant

January - August 2012

May - August 2011

September - December 2010

KPMB Architects Toronto, ON Architectural Intern

January - April 2010

T.S. Chu Architects Ltd. Kowloon, Hong Kong Architectural Intern

Church Intern Toronto, ON Intern

July - August 2008

June - August 2007

OPENOPENHOUSE HOUSE Openhouse is a project proposal for a multi-unit housing complex placed just south of Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city-centre, on Viale Ostiense. The project addresses the site on two scales: firstly it deals with the street condition of Viale Ostiense itself which is in need of desperate urban re-planning, while the second scale is a large plot of land to accomodate for the actual housing units themselves. The project aims to capture and re-create the urban density that runs throughout the city of Rome, emulating different scales and levels of public gathering through piazza-like spaces that engage users and pedestrians alike. The process begins by taking a standard volume with modular interior layouts, and juxtaposing those units in three main zones that create the main living spaces of the project. Within these three zones of units are found public areas of gathering that create a heirarchy of social spaces. A network of adjoining balconies above creates added complexity of social space and programmatic aggregation sectionally through the project.

1_VOID OVER VOLUME Outside > In

2_OPEN HOUSE Spill Out

3_AGGREGATION

Formation of a network

4_INDIVIDUALITY WITHIN UNIFORMITY Value through diversity

GY 1 MORPHOLOGY UNIT MORPHOLOGY 2 MORPHOLOGY UNIT MORPHOLOGY 3 MORPHOLOGY UNIT MORPHOLOGY 4 MORPHOLOGY ORPHOLOGY UNIT 1 UNIT MORPHOLOGY 1 1 1.5m UNIT MORPHOLOGY UNIT 2 UNIT MORPHOLOGY 2 2 UNIT MORPHOLOGY UNIT 3 UNIT MORPHOLOGY 3 34_NETWORKING UNIT MORPHOLOGY UNIT 4 UNIT MORPHOLOGY 4 4 1_VOLUME 2_FLEXIBLE FOOTPRINT 3_TERRACING 15m plate with offset 50% terrace coverage creation of terrace network

8m x 8m unit

blocks 8mx8m unit blocks 8mx8m unit blocks

15m plate with 1.5m offset

15m plate with 15m 1.5m plate offset with 1.5m15m offsetplate with 1.5m offset

Up to 50% footprint coverage

50% terrace coverage 50% terrace coverage 50% terrace coverage

UNIT MORPHOLOGY

SITE MORPHOLOGY

ACE TERRACE TYPOLOGY 1 TERRACE TYPOLOGY TYPOLOGY TERRACE 1 1TYPOLOGY 1

creation of terrace creation network of terrace network creation of terrace network Creation of altimetric relationships

TERRACE TERRACE TYPOLOGY 2 TERRACE TYPOLOGY TYPOLOGY TERRACE 2 2TYPOLOGY 2

TERRACE TERRACE TYPOLOGY 3 TERRACE TYPOLOGY TYPOLOGY TERRACE 3 3TYPOLOGY 3

STREET PLAN

2 STREET ION 3

CONDIT

STREET

ION 2

CONDIT

STREET CONDIT IO

4 Storeys 3 Storeys 2 Storeys

UNIT DISTRIBUTION - PLATFORM INFRASTRUCTURE

SITE PLAN

1 3 5 2

1_WHITE STUCCO FINISH 2_WOOD LOUVERS 3_SLIDING GLASS/SHUTTER SYSTEM 4_METAL FRAME TERRACE 5_POLISHED CONCRETE TERRACE FLOORING

NORTH-SOUTH SECTIONAL ELEVATION

1.0

1.1

2.0

2.1

3.0

3.1

1.2

PROGRAMMATIC LEGEND

RECREATION

STUDY

DINING

REPOSE

EXERCISE

GARDEN

EXTERIOR STUDY

DINING

LAUNDRY

PLAYGROUND

SPORTS

COOKING

2.2

SECTIONS - ZONE 1

3.2

PLANS

SECTIONS - ZONE 2

SECTIONS - ZONE 3

TRIN3TYTRIN3TY-SPA SPA

PARTI DEVELOPMENT

2 1

3 PARTI DRAWING

2 2

PARTI/ DEVELOPMENT

In its conception and parti, Trinity Spa is a project that aims to create an experience for the user that fulfills the 3 primary requirements of a typical spa-program: removal, reflection, and rejuvenation. As a primary precedent, the archetypal hero myth serves as a model for the type of experience that the project aims to embody. First, there is a call to action, followed by the crossing of a threshold into a stage of ordeal or contemplation, and culminating in a resurrection or return to new life. The building is divided into three major programmatic bars, all of which adhere to a central changeroom area that acts as the hub of the entire experience. As one progresses through the three bars in sequential order, the experiences of removal, reflection, and rejuvenation are manifested in the programs that are engaged. In Bar 1, movement studio and workshop areas allow the body of the user to expel toxins and negative energy in preparation for the contemplative experience of the spa. In Bar 2, the typical wet and dry sauna programs coupled with the treatment area allow users to enter into a contemplative and reflective state. Finally, in Bar 3, cafe and public lounge areas, accompanied with office program and part-time residences, allow the body to be rejuvenated and to find new strength as they complete the analogous cycle of the archetypal hero myth.

SITEPLAN

MORPHOLOGY

PROGRAMMATIC CONFIGURATION

CENTRALIZED CHANGEROOM

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS | EXTERIOR WALL/ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 - 140mm x 38mm top plates run along the exterior wall studs- typ. 140mm x 63mm bottom plates run along the exterior wall studs- typ.

140mm x 38mm exterior wall studs frame the building, spaced at 400mm o.c.- typ.

MORPHOLOGY

PROGRAMMATIC BARS

400mm x 63mm roof beams @ 600mm o.c. - typ. 2 - 400mm x 63mm roof joists that run the length of the roof beams and anchor to the exterior wall top plates - typ.

MORPHOLOGY

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS | WOOD FRAMING

100mm reinforced slab, imbedded with supply and return air ducts and radiant heating coils, on grade - typ.

MORPHOLOGY

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS | CONCRETE SLAB ON GRADE

300mm concrete foundation wall on 600mm concrete footings below curtain wall and shear wall construction; 1200mm depth typ.

MORPHOLOGY

ELEVATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

150mm slab at cistern location.

MORPHOLOGY FINAL FORM

MORPHOLOGY

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS | FOUNDATION WALL

STRUCTURAL DIAGRAM

FLOOR PLAN | LEGEND 1. Reception 2. Change Area 3. Workshop Room 4. Movement Studio 5. Shower Area 6. Lockers 7. Wet Sauna 8. Dry Sauna 9. Treatment Area

10. Outdoor Sauna Zone 11. Plunge Pool 12. Cafe Area 13. Outdoor Cafe Area 14. Kitchen 15. OfďŹ ce Area 16. Mechanical/Electrical/Recycling/Receiving Room 17. Residential Unit 1 18. Residential Unit 2

5 2 3 1

11 7

8 13 9

Plunge pool and outdoor sauna area

Plunge pool andMain entry porch outdoor sauna area

Outdoor cafe

Main entry porch

Outdoor cafe

LANDSCAPE | OUTDOOR LANDSCAPE PUBLIC ZONES | OUTDOOR

LANDSCAPE | PEDESTRIAN LANDSCAPE PATHWAYS| PEDESTRI

LANDSCAPE | CONCRETE LANDSCAPE RETAINING WALL | CONCRET

LANDSCAPE | PLANTING LANDSCAPE | PLANTING

Primary path services the parkingPrimary path services the parking area and main entry area and main entry

Second path services the cafe area, Second path services the cafe area, residences, and service laneway residences, and service laneway

Concrete retaining wall to be extended Concrete in order retaining wall to be extended in order to create public zones adjacent to tothe create sauna public and zones adjacent to the sauna and cafe program areas cafe program areas

2 1

Food production area adjacent toFood production area adjacent to the public zone between Bar 1 and the public zone between Bar 1 and Bar 2 Bar 2

FLOORPLAN

LANDSCAPE DIAGRAM

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS | FLAT PLATE/PV | FLAT PLATE/PV PANELS PANELS Flat plate solarFlat collectors plate solar are collectors utilized to are provide utilized theto provide the main source ofmain heating source for of theheating water tank, for the while water a tank, while a secondary boiler secondary adds necessary boiler adds heating necessary when heating when required. Photovoltaic required.panels Photovoltaic are also panels installed are on alsothe installed on the same roof, providing same roof, additional providing energy additional collection. energy collection.

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS | EXHAUST| EXHAUST AIR SYSTEM AIR SYSTEM A typical exhaust A typical air system exhaust is utilized air system for is utilized for programmaticprogrammatic areas that require areasdirect that require ventilation direct ventilation independent of independent the return air of ductwork. the return A air ductwork. A separate exhaust separate system exhaust negates system potentially negates potentially unwanted air contamination, unwanted air contamination, and is exhausted and is exhausted through the roof through assembly. the roof assembly.

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS | AXO | AXO

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS | AIR DISTRIBUTION | AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SYSTEM A typical air-distribution A typical air-distribution system is utilized system foristhe utilized for the main heating, main cooling, heating, andcooling, ventilation andofventilation the of the building. Heated building. and cooled Heated air and is cooled both supplied air is both supplied and returnedand throughout returnedthe throughout building,the inclusive building, inclusive of the residential of theunits. residential units.

SYSTEMS SYSTEMS | RADIANT| RADIANT HEATING/COOLING HEATING/COOLING A supplementary A supplementary radiant underďŹ&#x201A;oor radiantsystem underďŹ&#x201A;oor is also system is also implementedimplemented in key areas in of key the areas building, of the providing building, providing additional heating additional and heating cooling capacities and coolingincapacities in conjunction with conjunction the typical withairthe distribution typical air system. distribution system.

SYSTEMS DIAGRAM

SECTION A

SECTION B

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUT

AST ELEVATION

EST ELEVATION

UTH ELEVATION

PLAN DETAIL

VULNUS VULNUS Faced with an opportunity to change the landscape of the Toronto Island Airport, the project aims to beckon the existence of a manicured forest while integrating an elevated boardwalk that engages programmatic elements with the surrounding environment. The result is a place that provides an escape from the city, while maintaining visual relationships, and a myriad of experiences both on the boardwalk and within the forested areas of the island. As a means of reciprocity between the project and the Toronto core, the forested areas of the island also serve to provide lumber for the city integrating different forest typologies including forest plantations, manicured forests, arboretums, and species specific zones of harvesting. Combining the natural growth of the trees with seasons of harvesting that together constantly change the landscape of the island, the forests become a dynamically transforming relationship of open and enclosed spaces that offer uniquely new experiences over the course of time. Thus the project becomes an array of experiences within the forest that are optimized by the presence of a boardwalk that cuts through the island creating an experience of its own.

PROJECT MORPHOLOGY

FOREST

existing condition

forest integration

fores

4 3

3 2 2 1

8 9

st partitioning

lumber harvesting

boardwalk integration

Programmatic Distribution

1 Market 2 Cafe/Restaurant 3 Spa (Beneath Boardwalk) 4 Catacomb 5 Aquarium/Marine Sanctuary 6 Public Pool 7 Rock Climbing Wall 8 Ampitheatre 9 Lumber Processing

Spadina Crescent

7 8

Chinatown Nathan Phillips Square

Trinity Bellwoods Park Museum of Contemporary Art

Saint James Park Roy Thompson Hall Union Station

St. Lawrence Market

Distillery District

CN Tower/Skyline

BMO Stadium

Harbourfront

Molson Ampitheatre

Selected Artifacts Toronto

Urban Artifacts of the City Toronto Spadina Crescent

Chinatown

Nathan Phillips Square

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Chinatown

Spadina Crescent

Trinity Bellwoods Park

ylin

Museum of Contemporary Art

CN Tower/Skyline

BMO Stadium

CN Tower/Skyline

Spadina

Harbourfront

t To ro

nto

Distillery District

Crescen

St. Lawrence Market

Saint James Park Roy Thompson Hall Union Station

Molson Ampitheatre

Trinity

Park

Distillery District

Retail Vector

Spadina Crescent

Chinatown

Boardwalk Vectors Informed by Selected Artifacts Chinatown

Programmatic Integration Informed by Boardwalk Vectors

ylin

Trinity Bellwoods Park

ylin Sk nto t To ro

Museum of Contemporary Art

Cemetery Spa

nto t To ro Crescen

CN Tower/Skyline

Urban Vector BMO Stadium

Harbourfront

Public Pool Aquarium/Marine Sanctuary

Molson Ampitheatre

Leisure Vector Rock Climbing Wall Ampitheatre

Perspective Vector

Urban Vector Public Pool Aquarium/Marine Sanctuary

Saint James Park

Roy Thompson Hall Union Station

Crescen Spadina

Nathan Phillips Square Perspective Vector

Market Cafe/Restaurant

Cemetery Spa

Spadina

Chinatown Trinity Bellwoods Park

Park

CN Tower/Skyline

Market Cafe/Restaurant

St. Lawrence Market

Trinity

Spadina Crescent

Chinatown

Retail Vector

Park

rence Market

SITE PLAN

Trinity

s Park

Distillery District

Leisure Vector Rock Climbing Wall Ampitheatre

TREE SPECIES zoning + statistics

Zone 1 12 m

Zones 7,8,9, plantation areas

Zones 3,4

Zones 2,5,6

24 m 7.5 m

18 m

15 m 9m

White Pine Coniferous Maximum Height Annual Growth Maximum Spread

Green Ash

15m-24m 60 cm + 6m-12m

Maximum Height Annual Growth Maximum Spread

Deciduous 15m-18m 60 cm + 7.5 m

Chinkapin Oak Maximum Height Annual Growth Maximum Spread

Deciduous

12m-15m 30-60 cm 15m-18m

Trident Maple Maximum Height Annual Growth Maximum Spread

Deciduous

6m-9m 30-60 cm 6m-9m

Forest Regrowth Study over 100 years

100% Growth 80% Growth 60% Growth 40% Growth 20% Growth

Full Maturation

Year 1 Harvested Zones

SITE INFRASTRUCTURES

BOARDWALK The boardwalk is a tool for public access of the island, the programs attached to it, as well as the forested areas that engulf it

LOGGING ROUTES The logging routes are designed to provide access to all areas of the island. The form is an inflection of the boardwalk, and also serves to bring pedestrians into deeper areas of the forest

PLANTATION TYPOLOGY The forest plantations are meant to direct views from the boardwalk towards their intended precedents in the urban fabric of the city, while providing passageways for pedestrians to further access the island.

TOPOGRAPHY The topography of the island is designed to maximize South and South-West sun exposure to all areas of lumber production. The highest point of the island is found adjacent to the lumber processing plant, and slopes downwards towards the southern tip of the island.

Year 20 2,4,8

Harvested Zones

Year 40 1,6

Harvested Zones

Year 60 8

Harvested Zones

Year 80 5,9

Year 100

BOARDWALK programmatic distribution

Market

Restaurant

Spa (Beneath Boardwalk)

Catacomb

Aquarium

Public Pool

Rock Climbing Wall Ampitheatre

SECTION autumn

SECTION winter

SECTION summer

SECTION autumn

CHAIR CHAIR a chair for kiichiro toyoda

ASSEMBLY POSITIONS

LOUNGE POSITION

BENCH POSITION

COMPONENTS

LOUNGE POSITION

BENCH POSITION

A chair for kiichiro toyoda was designed with the ideology of combining simplicity, efficiency, and excellence. Functionality, aesthetic integrity and structural stability were all primary goals, and carried through the design concept of the chair. The chair aimed to be aesthetically simple, yet structurally complex and efficient, displaying its beauty through usability and functionality. Flexibility was also a key component, designing the chair to be operable in two unique positions by a simple process of re-arranging one of the two main componenets.

ASSEMBLY process

SNAPSHOTS SNAPSHOTS

CJL