Architecture Portfolio

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO. 2015-22 Selected Work

CHENG Yuk Sing Alex yuksing.cheng.alex@gmail.com

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Sep 2020Jun2022

The University of Hong Kong HK Master of architecture

Nov2020

The University of Hong Kong/ HK Master of Architecture

+852 69741083

University of Plymouth/ Plymouth, UK BA(Hons) Architecture 2:1 Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education/ TY, HK Architectural Studies

https://alex1217posts.tumblr.com

Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education/ KT, HK

[ Tsim Sha Tsui & Tung Chung ]

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INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE - Yan Lee Construction Co., Ltd (4 Weeks) - Yen Chow Street, Kowloon Design and Build of Modular Integrated Construction Units - Paciic Extend Limited (3 Months) - West Kowloon Nursery Park

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 - 23 Symbiotic Interaction In Architecture

24 - 45

46 - 65

Tower Village

Responsive Structure

66 - 69

70 - 73

Work Experience

Appendix

- Single-Family House Redevelopment - UA Cinema - A&A Works for FS Improvement - Modular Integrated Construction

- Work Proof - Reference Letter

Symbiotic Interaction In Architecture Between Machinery and Biomimicry 2022/Thesis Project This thesis project re-thinks the existing mitigation measures (shaft spillway) for natural terrain landslides in Hong Kong and redesign such infrastructure to a hydropower plant by using the existing water momentum.

Most of the design for the hydropower plant room is the engineering approach that was built as machinery.

Our living environments are built on artificial lands and slopes and separated from nature by using concrete and steel. We use those materials to block and separate us from nature because we fear the force of nature.

It seems that nowadays we can only control nature by using concrete walls. Can those “concrete walls” not just as a support for the engineering or mitigation measures but as ecological systems that frame a dialogue between nature, human and architecture?

This thesis also opens up a topic and a possibility that we can use the architecture to adapt nature and the engineering infrastructure (shaft spillway) in order to emphasise the beauty of the site.

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Location of the Project Location Au Pui Wan Stream Project Area 10770 s.q.m.

Type Primary Use:

Hydropower Plant

Secondary Use: Hiking Trail & Hostel

Shaft Spillway in Au Pui Wan Stream

Au Pui Wan Stream Satellite Image

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This is a composite drawing of the existing spillway and gravity dam.

The drawing mainly emphasizes the details of the underground services. From the part plan, it only can see how the infrastructure is situated on the stream and the nature. However, the part section A-A and B-B illustrate the deepness of the infrastructure. Such observations become a key device to form my thesis question.

In addition, this drawing is also part of the site research that shows how such infrastructure works as a mitigation measure in order to prevent the flooding issue and natural terrain landslides. There are two ways to prevent those issues; 1. To discharge the existing stream water to the underground drainage pipe (the spillway shaft). 2. To discharge the existing stream water from the higher level to the lower level during the heavy rain period (the gravity dam).

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Methodology

Biomimicry - Form Generator One of the methodology for this thesis project will explore my first experiment (The Penetration Space) from the last semester. It will be the main element of biomimicry in this thesis project and as a base for form finding. The terraces work as a system to circulate water and nutrition by using the natural terrain and slopes. Therefore, what will it look like if applying the notion of terraces into the architecture?

The aims of the 1st experiment are to test out if using the terraces patterns as a megastructure, what kind of in-between spaces can be created and to create a new type of public spaces or victual agriculture between the existing buildings and its structures. Secondly, Thinking through the function of terraces, It is an effective measure to control soil erosion on sloping farmland, and the effects of water storage and soil conservation. Most importantly, the pattern of terraces on plan can represent the water flow and its calculation. However, if looking at those patterns as a sectional of space, what would that be? Thirdly, through a physical model to analyze how the rainwater can be running through the megastructure and as a rainwater recycling system.

The Penetration Space - Natural Mechanism

The Pattern of Terraces

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Machinery - Techinical Supports The secondary one of the methodology for the thesis blades design needs to be based on the water flow project will analyze the typical hydropower plant and the direction so as to increase the rotational speeds of the hydro turbine system. blades. The design of the water channel for hydroelectric mostly is horizontally and using Z-trap design.

The sketch (Section of Typical Hydropower Plant) demonstrated how the actual hydropower plant works effectively and the basic setting and layout of the plant.

Also, the sketch shows how the water runs through from the higher level to the lower level in order to enlarge the water flow rates.

The sketch (Detail of Hydro Turbine) illustrates the tectonics of the typical hydro turbine and the scale between the whole mechanic and the human. In addition, the

Section of Typical Hydropower Plant Hydroelectric Generator 1

Hydroelectric Generator 2

Experiment 2 Turbine + Integration of the Existing Structure

Detail of Hydro Turbine

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Functional Test of the Model

Experiment 3 Video: https://youtu.be/A7Zz8mylPPg Experiment 4 Video: https://youtu.be/JLFuCDUXrMs Experiment 5 Video(water flow): https://youtu.be/PNpvtShV2Ws (functional test for turbine) https://youtu.be/POPz5CYV4gg Experiment 6 Video(water flow): https://youtu.be/KoxO3WMxR-I

Experiment 3 - Tubine + Water Flow Rate

Experiment 5 - Tubine + Water Flow Rate

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This section will explore how to integrate the terraces system into the hydropower plant and use different devices to test out the proposed systems. The experiment will be conducted into two parts. The first test is the water flow test. Such tests mainly to test out the water flow rate and the efficacy of the form which is generated by the terraces pattern. The second test is the functional test of the turbine. Those experiments will be recorded by using drawing and video.

The drawing mainly serves as a data sheet to record how those water flows into the design and the data of the flow rate.

Experiment 4 - Water Flow Rate

Experiment 6 - Tubine + Water Flow Rate

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FINAL PROPOSAL

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Site Plan + Water Flow

1:200 Final Model - Circulation

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1:200 Final Model - Common Ground

1:200 Final Model - Roof & Existing Terrain

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1:200 Final Model - Valley & Roof

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1:100 Partial Model - Human, Stream & Walls

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I:50 Structural Model - Material and Structural Test

Section A - A

I:50 Structural Model - Top Part

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I:50 Structural Model - Bottom Part

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Section B - B

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Tower Village From Village Community to Tower Typology 2021/Studio Project By developing a multi-perspectival approach to architecture for building up sustainable, adaptive and resilient models for high-density living, the studio integrates housing with ecology in the rural context. By analysing the qualities of village community in the countryside, the studio also aims to develop pioneering models for transforming village patterns into typologies of vertical tower.

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Location of the Project Location Sha Tau Kok Project Area 17500 s.q.m.

Type Housing

Studio’s Collective Site Model

We will translate the research into a catalogue of ar-

group’s proposal and the othors.

chitectural prototypes and study issues on a given site with site analysis and site model. Several sites along

Our group has a total of 4 people including Zhuang

Starling Harbour will be provided. We will analyse

Peida, Ann Xishuo Wang, Tong Ka Chun Ben and me

the site through section and groups of 4-5 students

Cheng Yuk Sing Alex. We will propose and design the

will work together on one collective site proposal. All

master plan together and each of us will design our

groups will build one master site model together.

own individual tower. Also, the design intent of four towers shall be connected and share some community

The collective site model as a whole studio’s collective

spaces in between.

work and also as a ground that we observe not just our own site and tower but the wider context between our

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Project Location Plan

Site Issues

Satellite photo (The Jointion Between Drone Photo (To Capture the site is located between graves and villages) Frest and Saltwater)

The News (During Super Typhoon Mangkhut 2018)

Historical Map (1945)

Historical Photo (Around 1945)

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Site Issue Mapping

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Site Proposal

Site Proposal (1:500 Site Model) Tower 1 Tower 2

Tower 3

Tower 4

First Design Intend

We will develop a collective masterplan for each selected site that incorporates findings from the research for developing a sustainable environment and community.

Also, we will develop the massing for a tower of 30,000 sqm and a maximum height of 150 meters. The four towers within one site should develop a position for a village tower community together as well as within their individual tower.

The master planning and the connection between the towers are using the terrace idea that attempied to create the flowing public space in order to circulate the rain water.

Axonometric Diagram (Master Planning)

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1:200 Tower 1 & 2 Study Model

Interior Spaical Study (Chuster, Tower 1, 1:100)

1:200 Study Model (In-betwen Tower 1 & 2 Structure)

1:200 Study Model (In-betwen Tower 1 & 2 Structure)

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1:200 Study Model (In-betwen Tower 1 & 2 Structure)

Structural Performance Tests

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Final Proposal

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Tower 1 & 2 G/F Plan

Structural Diagram

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Cross Section A-A (Analyical - Tower 1 & 2)

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Typical Floor Plan (Tower 1 & 2)

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Wedding & Funeral Floor Plan (Tower 1 & 2)

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This drawing are attempted to show the site context, the ground and the structural change on both elevation and the connection part between tower 1 & 2. Also, I am trying to capture the reality of the interior space. In the reality, the space is not appeared because of a line. The space is appeared because of the shadow.

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Responsive Structure To Site and Cultural Dynamics in Peng Chau Island 2020/Studio Project Hong Kong’s diverse and international festival culture plays a vital role in defining its identity as a liberal, cosmopolitan city. Especially in times of political uncertainty, nurturing this tradition and its future development becomes of high significance.

Located on the east side of Lantau, Peng Chau increasingly attracts visitors who are interested in its historical village dating back from the Qing Dynasty. Kept aside from the last century’s urban expansion, Peng Chau retains an authentic tradition of festivals, which is rare in today’s modern metropolis of Hong Kong. However, when culture is packaged to be ‘consumed’ by a mass of visitors, the fragile local ecosystem and the cultural tradition is at threat of being eradicated. Tourism and heritage are often seen as conflicting entities. But in fact, the risk of suffocation from the local communities is not necessarily related to the number of visitors per se, but to the lack of care in the management and infrastructural installation. When planned well, culture and touristic installation have the capacity to positively nurture the social interactions and to act as a hinge between the young and the old generation.

Our aim is to prepare Peng Chau for future growth while creating an opportunity to strengthen its identity and cultural heritage.

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Location of the Project Location Tei Lei Island Project Area 400 s.q.m.

Type Fishing Port

Based on the site analysis and additional research, a responsive structure for fishing in the southwest of Tai Lei on Peng Chau is designed. There are three main design ideas, including to respond to the environment for easy fishing, promote self-sufficiency for local residents and create an attractive journey for people to experience Peng Chau’s slow living lifestyle. To demonstrate this, people can catch the fishes for food or trade and be encouraged to spend time to feel the environmental changes.

As Tai Lei Island is currently isolated as an island of utilities and the most popular fishing spot on Peng Chau, there is an opportunity to attract people from the center of Peng Chau by upgrading the existing public ferry pier and expanding the public space for recreational use on Tai Lei. Photo of sea rock in the southwest of Tai Lei Island taken on 8 Sep 2020.

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11:00

13:00

15:00

Connection bridge between Tai Lei and Peng Chau

Public pier on Tai Lei

The abandoned green area in the south of Tai Lei

The sea rock in the southwest of Tai Lei

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Existing Key Places / Services / Issues [1] Tin Hau Temple [2] Tin Hau Parade during the 21st of 7th lunar month [3] Public Ferry Pier [4] Peng Chau to Central Ferry Services [5] Peng Chau to Mui Wo Ferry Services [6] Peng Chau to Hei Ling Chau Ferry Services [7] The center of Peng Chau with fragmented street layout and zoning

Opportunities [I] Public ferry pier to be upgraded as the alternative [II] Alternative ferry services to Central [III] Attracting people from the center of Peng Chau to Tai Lei Island [IV] Attracting people to visit the north of Peng Chau [V] Expansion of public space for recreational use

Design Intent The south of Tai Lei is currently abandoned with greenery, which can be potentially developed as the expansion of public space for recreational use.

Map of Tai Lei Island

Map of Peng Chau

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The existing ferry pier in the south of Tai Lei currently serves the surrounding utilities and it is potentially upgraded as the alternative for the ferry services to Central to attract people to the north of Peng Chau and tackle the overcrowding of the center of the island.

Fishing Type A - Fishing Rod

Fishing Type B - Handlining

Fishing Type D - Trawler Purse-seine Net

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FISHING ACTIVITIES

Currently, there are four types of fishing activity on Peng Chau, such as using the fishing rod, handlining, fish trap and trawler purse-seine net.

For using the fishing rod, it is composed of a long flexible rod and fishing line with a hook at the end.

The fishing reel stores the fishing line and controls its length to assist in throwing the hook to the deeper part of sea and landing the fish.

According to the length of the rod, sufficient space is required for using the fishing rod to fish.

For handlining, it is the most simple fishing method by using a single fishing line with a fishing lure or hook. Fishes are attracted by the bait and hooked by the fishing lure or hook. It is mostly applied along the shore and shallow water area.

Fish trap is another common fishing tool to attract fishes with the bait and trap them in the mesh container. It is easy to observe and harvest fishes, especially in the shallow water area.

On the other hand, trawler purse-seine net is the most efficient fishing method by a boat with a large bag of netting. The weights assist to expand purse-seine in the sea to trap the fishes. It is applicable in the deep water area.

Fishing Type C - Fish Trap

Finally, the fishes hooked by the fishing line or rod or trapped in the fishing trap or purse-seine are loaded onto the shore manually. Plastic basket and box, which are waterproof, are commonly used to contain fishes for transporting afterwards.

Loading and Packing

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COLLAGE PERSPECTIVE The designed fishing platform embraces the site with the existing ferry pier and integrates into the peaceful landscape of Peng Chau with the humble colours and materials.

Peng Chau

LONGITUDINAL SECTION (1:200) The section cut from the shore to the deep water area demonstrates the circulations for different target users and the spatial relationship between different programs.

ZONE 6

ZONE 5

ZONE 4

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ZONE 3

Lantau Island

Existing Sea Rock

Designed Fishing Platform

ZONE 2

ZONE 1

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PARTIAL LONGITUDINAL SECTION (1:75)

Sillago comm area ( Chau usuall seabe is ap spaw year, spaw ZONE 6 Fishing Rod + Observation It provides a large area of uncovered space for using the fishing rod, which is approximately 5m long, and allows people to observe the beautiful view of Peng Chau and Lantau Island.

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ZONE 5 Fish Trap near Sea Rock As the sea rock acts as a natural b is preferrable for using fish trap to

o Sihama is the most mon fish in the deep water (e.g. 2 - 8m deep) of Peng u. It is yellow-brown and ly found on the silty sand ed. Its maximum length pproximately 30cm. Its wning occurs in the whole however, its peak of wning is from April to July.

ZONE 4 Circulation barrier to attract fishes, it The static structure allows the attachment of staircase for fish. vertical circulation.

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PARTIAL LONGITUDINAL SECTION (1:75)

ZONE 3 Seating + Loading & Packing + Dock (for Trawler Purse-seine Net) The dock allows people to fish in the most deep water area, which is in the west of Tai Lei, by boat and the voids allow efficient loading and packing of fishes manually.

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PARTIAL LONGITUDINAL SECTION (1:75)

ZONE 2 Handlining + Circulation The static structure allows the attachment of staircase and ramp for vertical circulation. Also, the floating platform provides space for handlining in the shallow water area.

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Sebastiscus Marmoratus is commonly found in the shallow water area (e.g. 1 - 2m deep) of Peng Chau. It is a kind of rockfishes, which stay in the gap of rocks or any other visual obstacles for easy feeding. It is usually red or black coloured and 6 - 8.5 cm long. Its spawning occurs in the whole year, however, its peak of spawning is from November to February.

ZONE 1 Fish Trap near Shore As many species of fish, including Sebastiscus Marmoratus, are commonly found in the shallow water area near the shore, it allows easy fishing by using fish trap.

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LAYOUT PLANS (1:200) 3

1. Static Observation Deck

1

3

2. Expandable Deck to the Existing Sea Rock 3. Expandable Deck with Seating

4 7

4. Staircase

7 7

5. Ramp 6. Existing Sea Rock 7. Void

2

1

3

6

1/F - Observation + Relaxation

1. Uncovered Deck for Fishing Rod 2. Covered Space for Packing of Fishes 3. Staircase 4. Ramp

3 1

6

7

6

2

6

7

5. Existing Shore 6. Void for Loading of Fishes 7. Void

UG/F - Fishing Rod + Packing + Circulation

1. Dock for Trawler Purse-seine Net 1

2. Deck for Fish Trap 3. Deck for Handlining 4. Staircase

4 2

5

2

5. Water Area for Fish Trap 1

6. Water Area for Loading of Fishes 7. Canal

LG/F - Dock (for Trawler Purse-seine Net) + Loading + Fish Trap + Handlining

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1

5

7

1

3 6

4

6

5

3

4 7

5

3

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TRANSVERSE SECTION (1:75) The main structural system holds the building up with columns, longitudinal trusses, transverse trusses and secondary beams. Also, the expandable deck connects with the sea rock by elevating the floating deck according to the change of tide.

UG

LG/F - D

Sea Level at 2.3m

Sea Level at 1.3m

Sea Level at 0.2m

Approx. 3.5m Thk. Brownish Yellow Loose Silty Sand (Alluvium)

Approx. 0.5m Thk. Brownish Yellow Loose Silty Sand with Gravels ( Completely Decomposed Granite) Intrusive Igneous Rock - Granite

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SECTIONAL DIAGRAM (1:200) High Tide - The floating dock is raised, the deck horizontally expands to reduce the distance from the existing sea rock and the louvres transform into the seating.

1/F - Observation + Relaxation

G/F - Fishing Rod + Packing + Circulation Average Sea Level

Dock + Loading + Fish Trap + Handlining

mPD (11:04am in 5th of 5th Lunar Month)

mPD (01:17am in 5th of 5th Lunar Month)

mPD (07:01pm in 5th of 5th Lunar Month)

Low Tide - The deck horizontally shrinks to become a circulation path with louvres on the side.

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Single - Family House 2017-18/Working Experience (year-out) One of the projects that I engaged in during my year out was a redevelopment for a single-family house at Kent road. In the early stage, we started with the client-facing and design intent stage.

The most challenging part is the communication and coordination with different parties. After the submission of the government for a general building plan, we also carried out ground investigation works at the captioned works. I was lucky that I can to join the site walk and handle some contractual issues, such as tendering stage, issuing AI and IP cert. etc.

Site set up and plant mobilization

Drilling Holes and Installation of standpipe

G.I. Works

Interior Design

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Lab. test sampling

UA Cinema (Fitting Out Works Contract) 2019/Working Experience (year-out) The selected project was one of my large scale project experiences during my 3 years practice in a small scale architectural frame in Hong Kong. In this project, our company represented as a project manager and reported to the client directly.

This project is at the shop 415, level 4, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. In addition, the client intends to carry out certain fitting out works for the new cinema. The contract is a design and built contract. The project site area is about 7000sqm. The final account is approximately HK$ 71,000,000.00.

Key Project Scope To carry out the fitting out works as per the contract drawing To obtain the provisional and full licenses from the Authorities for the following:1. Place of Public Entertainment License; 2. Light Refreshment License; and 3 Liquor License To carry out all tests and fulfilment of the Statutory Requirements as required by the Architect and the Authorities

Floor Screeding

T&C (FSI)

Mockup

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A&A Works for FS Improvement Working Experience (year-out) I also handled many kinds of projects during my yearout period. The most significant one is A&A works for FS improvement. Such work gave me not just the ability to problem solves and on-site experience.

Most of the time, I also need to prepare the structural plan for SE review. Therefore, it provides me the opportunity to understand the limitation and constraint on the structural parts, especially for the old building in Hong Kong .

Key Project Scope To submit both GBP and SP to BD To obtain all the relevance cert.

Coordinatation with different parties Site inspection T&C

Fire Shtter Installation Works

Site Inspection

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Modular Integrated Construction (MIC) 2021/HKU Summer Elective (Intership) This elective provides a glimpse into the challenges that the architect and the construction team face together, such as how to build consensus, how to prioritize,, how to overcome deadlines and most importantly how to work with each other as a team.

I was so lucky to work with Yau Lee Construction Co. LTD as a main contractor during the summer internship. Such project gave me the insight that the complexity of organization, logistics, site safety, quality control and coordination of different trades is beyond textbooks of any kind.

Project Information: Location: Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon Class of Site: Class B Development Site Area: 2679.520s.m.

From Site Formation to Foundation Works

From Mock-up to Installation

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Appendix Work Proof (year-out from 2017 to 2020)

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Reference Letter (Kenchikka Limited)

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Work Proof & Reference Letter (Yau Lee Construction Co., Ltd.)

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Work Proof (Internship) (Pacific Extend Limited)

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