Portfolio by Alvin Hwang

ALVIN HWANG PORTFOLIO M. Arch I Applicant

A COLLECTION OF WORKS AS THE PREPARATION TO THE PASSION OF ARCHITECTURE

Contents

Exercise of Concept Development

Exercise of Architecture Presentation

Body Packaging: Who Am I?

Weave The Shadow

The Dancing House

An Illusion Real: The Film Archive

Exercise of Model Making

Exercise of Material Experiment

Others

Object Recreation: The Compass

The Glass Matrix 37

Sketches Paintings

Resume

01 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Body Packaging: Who Am I?

Body Packaging: Who Am I? | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 02

Body Packaging: Who Am I? Spring, 2012 Studio: Foundamentals of Design, NCTU Critic: Chun-Yu Hsieh To know thyself, and to express thyself, the project aims to build a body packaging which can be put on the desinger's own body, and expresses the concept, the idea, of who I am.

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03 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Body Packaging: Who Am I?

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Body Packaging: Who Am I? | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 04

Know Thyself In the beginning, I look for adjectives which could describe my personality. However, the result is very confusing. Many of the adjectives are contradictory with each other. The diagram on the left page illustrates the result. All the adjectives have their antonyms on the opposite side of the graph. The black ones are the adjectives which conform to my personality. The red ones, however, are the adjectives that could describe me by their opposite meanings as well. For instance, depending on the situation, I find myself very enthusiastic in general, but at times I am quite aloof and silent. I realize looking for adjectives is not the way to know myself. A person keeps changing when growing up, the self is never a composition of innate dispositions. The self is a dynamic character. Only when it is observed at the moment one interacts with others does the self become meaningful. Knowing myself does not come from self meditation. It has to be an instinctive recognition of the reactions that one has when interact with others. Knowing myself is a journey through these recognitions. Now I see that I never honestly face my inner self, especially when I find it despicable. I escape. I escape from myself subconsciously. Now I have to stop to confront it, to start the journey of knowing myself.

Self Portrait

05 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Body Packaging: Who Am I?

The concept of the body packaging is escape. I explore poses which can express the idea of escape. From the case studies, I choose to put a thistle-like structure on my body, to imply that I have been constrained by the subconscious escape. The structure in front of my body is denser and heavier.

Dense

Thin

The materials are straw and paper. By folding the paper, it allows the structure to stand by itself, and increase the weight. The packaging is an impediment, a burden, and an enclosure.

Body Packaging: Who Am I? | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 06

Paper

Straw

07 | Alvin Hwang | Weave The Shadow

Weave The Shadow | Alvin Hwang | 08

Weave The Shadow Summer, 2012 Studio: Introduction to Architecture, GSAPP Critic: Jane Kim This project uses weaving techniques to explore various possibilities of designing space. Diagrams of interested information about the site are used as an origin form or meaning of the weaving model. Then, the weaving is transfered into different scales to apply to certain programs.

09 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Weave The Shadow

The topic of this project is about the shadow. I am particularly interested in the overlapping of different densities of shadows. Shadows of trees, plants and fences are beautiful; shadows of small objects are animated and darker; shadows of buildings are crisp and lighter. While all these elements come together and overlap with each other, I find the shadows vivid and extremely appealing. Diagrams on these two pages explore ways to analyze the overlapping of various kinds of shadows around the given site twice a day. The darker the lines, the denser the shadows are, and the length of the lines indicates the height of the object casting the shadows.

Weave The Shadow | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 10

Plan Diagram of Shadows Pencil on vellum 11" x 17" Section Diagram of Shadows Pencil on vellum 11" x 17"

11 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Weave The Shadow

Macrame, one kine of weaving techniques, is used as the approach of the design. Study model 1 and 2 are further used in the concept model, imitating different densities of shadows.

Weave The Shadow | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 12

The concept model is composed of three twisted surfaces. The densest weaved surface allow little light to penetrate, yet the thinnest one only cast linear shadow, allowing more light to enter. Three of them together are able to create shadows in various densities and shapes. Based on this idea and study, I draw the diagram of ideal shadows according to the given programs, including an outdoor amphitheater, a food stand area, and the integration of subway and bus circulations. For instance, the food stand area is designed to be coverd by denser and darker shadows.

Diagram of Ideal Shadows Pencil on vellum 36" x 24"

13 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Weave The Shadow

The site model is made in accor-dance with the ideal shadow diagram, forming a serious of canopy-like structures above the site. Because the sun keeps moving, one canopy-like structure may satisfy more than one ideal shadow demand.

Weave The Shadow | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 14

Elevation and Plan on the idea shadow diagram Pencil on vellum 24" x 18" 36" x 24"

15 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Weave The Shadow

Weave The Shadow | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 16

Final Model 1/8" 24" x 24"

17 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Concept Development | Weave The Shadow

1 Bus station 2 Food stand area 3 Terrace facing the amphitheater

Weave The Shadow | Exercise of Concept Development | Alvin Hwang | 18

19 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | The Dancing House

The Dancing House Summer, 2013 Studio: Career Discovery, GSD Critic: Joanna Rodriguez-Noyola The project is to design a shared residence for two clients, a musician and a sculptor, with their unique spatial requirements. The central concept aims at circulation and programing based on privacy.

The Dancing House | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 20

21 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | The Dancing House

The Dancing House | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 22

The project starts by playing with different volumes of cubes. The idea of composing them together is ballroom danacing. The two groups of cubes would only stand while they interlock with each other. Because users have to pass through each room to get to the next one, programimg of the rooms are arranged based on the consideration of openness and privacy. The more private rooms are located at the end of the circulation path. Although the logic of connecting cubes gives the space an interesting order, it also restrict the use of space. Since the rooms are dispersed into many small volumes, each room then has only limited space.

OPEN

PRIVATE

Limited space

23 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | The Dancing House

North Section Pencil on Vellum

Considering the factors of sun light, views, and use of space, pictures of this sketch model show how the space could intertwine or merge together while stay on the logic that rooms are arranged according to privacy.

The Dancing House | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 24

Floor Plans Pencil on Vellum

The idea of forming the facade also hinges on ballroom dancing. Using the lines which were drawn from the steps, the base and top of the walls are disordered. The walls become slanting and thus create some outdoor space as terraces or balconies.

25 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | The Dancing House

Note: site model is completed as a group.

The Dancing House | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 26

Exploded Axonometric Drawing Pen on Mylar 64" x 24"

27 | Alvin Hwang | An Illusional Real: The Film Archive

An Illusional Real: The Film Archive | Alvin Hwang | 28

An Illusional Real: The Film Archive "The illusion between real and what real is as the media "film" characterizes interests me. As the "film" chooses what to show or what not to say, I think the site may do the same." Summer, 2013 Studio: Career Discovery, GSD Critic: Joanna Rodriguez-Noyola This project is to design both a permanent architecture, The Film Archive, and a temporal use of space, a seasonal Outdoor Theater, on the site in Union Square, Boston. For the Film Archive, the design concept focuses on views from inside the building to outside. For the Outdoor Theater and other open space, both adaptability and dialogue with the surrounding urban environment are considered.

29 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | An Illusional Real: The Film Archive

Collage of kinetic movement Collage of spatial concept Collage of site impression 3D Collage of study of views and rotation

An Illusional Real: The Film Archive | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 30

1 Figure ground 2 Building size 3 Type of use 4 Hardscape and vegetation 5 View distance above ground level 6 View corridor Note: Map 3 and 4 are completed by group mate Anna Ryan.

31 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | An Illusional Real: The Film Archive

Left: Diagram of Circulation and Views Right: One-Point Perspective Collage Pencil on Vellum 18" x 24"

An Illusional Real: The Film Archive | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 32

Sketch Models 1-3 Rotatable / Programs 4 Views / Circulation 5 Topography 6 Landscape

The project tries to create an environment in which the scenery and the feel contrast to the neighborhood around. I want the people who visit the site have a completely different visual experience from the surrounding environment. The illusion between real and what real is as the media "film" characterizes interests me. As the "film" chooses what to show or what not to say, I think the site may do the same. The sketch models above convey three approaches to the intention. The rotation of the floors with different programs and the main circulative path are determined by the intended views. The topographic and landscape design are meant to create scenery for all the viewers from every direction. Also ,the openness of the topography deliver accessibility to the pedestrians. The design of the windows are based on the same idea. Vertical windows shape views for the circulation. Long and low horizontal windows allow users to see the designed scenery in the widest scale from spaces such as the cafe' or workshop classrooms, while higher horizontal windows only function as a source of light.

Study of the Facades

33 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | An Illusional Real: The Film Archive

An Illusional Real: The Film Archive | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 34

Left: Floor Plans Pencil on Vellum 60" x 18" Right: Roof Plan Pencil on Vellum 24" x 18" Bottom: Section Pencil on Vellum 24" x 18"

35 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | An Illusional Real: The Film Archive

An Illusional Real: The Film Archive | Exercise of Architecture Presentation | Alvin Hwang | 36

1 Film library 2 Workshop room 3 South view 4 West view 5 North view 6 East View 7 Main Entry 8 Outdoor theater

37 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Model Making | Object Recreation: The Compass

Object Recreation: The Compass Fall, 2011 Studio: Foundamentals of Design, NCTU Critic: Chun-Yu Hsieh The project studies the composition and function of an object, in my case- the compass, and recreate it into a larger scale by only using foam boards.

Object Recreation: The Compass | Exercise of Model Making | Alvin Hwang | 38

39 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Model Making | Object Recreation: The Compass

The enlarged model of the compass is composed of designed frames which are connected only by tenons and mortises. Connections are all jointed, not glued. Foam board is the only material used to construct the object. Form and function are the main considerations when the object is made.

Object Recreation: The Compass | Exercise of Model Making | Alvin Hwang | 40

I imagine that the object becomes The Central Station when it is built into a larger scale. The rule of a compass creating countless circles is just like The Central Station linked to various places. From the center point, it extends outward reaching various circles. For the passengers, it is where the journeys start, and where the stories end.

41 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Material Experiment | The Glass Matrix

The Glass Matrix Summer, 2013 Workshop: AA Taipei Visiting School Team Members: Yu-Yang Lee, Yue Peng, Emerald Sun The workshop investigates the evolving role of glass as a physical material in design, art and architecture. It challenges us how to re-implemet the traditional techniques of glassblowing into the latest digital design process. The project is completed as a teamwork and I am responsibile for designing and making the moulds for glassblowing.

The Glass Matrix | Exercise of Material Experiment | Alvin Hwang | 42

43 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Material Experiment | The Glass Matrix

Prototypes 1 - 3

Unlike most materials used in contemporary architecture, glass has been considered as unmanageable and inaccessible due to various factors associated with its material behavior, making process, and assembly logic. Inspired by the Russian cube and the study of the factors and the constraints when blowing glass, we generate the idea of assembling the glass into three-dimensional jigsaw puzzles.

Aggregration Study Note: Diagram illustrated by Yu-Yang Lee

The Glass Matrix | Exercise of Material Experiment | Alvin Hwang | 44

We apply wood mould to blow the galss. The mould is composed of wood sheets, designed and made with Rhino and laser cutter. The traditional glassblowing technique has its restrictions on the shape and size of the glass. We must consider if the glass can be easily take out or the blowed air can fill up the mould. Thus, when we make our prototypes, we make them in smaller parts, and then glue them together

1 Gather the molten glass 2 Blowing into the pipe (Cap) 3 Define the shape 4 Blow the glass in the mould 5 Crack off Note: Because blowing glass is highly dangerous and requires experiences, all the glasses are blown by the tutor Simon Moor. We are only responsible for the design. 1

45 | Alvin Hwang | Exercise of Material Experiment | The Glass Matrix

Polished

To distinguish our three prototypes, we use wood panels to give the glass different textures.

Striped Sandblasted

Hole

One side of the glass must be cut out and leave a hole. When gluing them into the prototypes, it gives us varieties of combinations.

The Glass Matrix | Exercise of Material Experiment | Alvin Hwang | 46

Note: Collages are made by Yue Peng

47 | Alvin Hwang | Sketches

Sketches Paintings

Dog Portrait 15.5" x 11" Pure Carbon Pencil 2011.9

Sketches | Alvin Hwang | 48

Sketch of a windmill 15.5" x 11" Pastiche Fountain pen 2011.11

49 | Alvin Hwang | Paintings

15.5" x 11" Color Pencil 2011.10

15.5" x 11" Watercolor 2013.9

Paintings | Alvin Hwang | 50

Still Life 15.5" x 11" Watercolor 2013.11

Riverside Housing 15.5" x 11" Watercolor 2013.10

51 | Alvin Hwang | Sketches

21.5" x 15" Charcoal 2012.4

Sketches | Alvin Hwang | 52

Still Life 21.5" x 15" Charcoal 2012.5

53 | Alvin Hwang | Resume

ALVIN HWANG

alvinron@gmail.com +886988170420 Taipei, Taiwan

Education 2008 - 2012

Studio June - July 2013

July 2012

September 2011 - June 2012

September 2011 - Present

Bachelor of Arts Department of Diplomacy, National Chengchi University Taipei, Taiwan (GPA = 3.86) Career Discovery Graduate School of Design, Harvard University Boston, United States Introduction to Architecture Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University New York, United States Fundamentals of Design National Chiao Tung University Hsinchu, Taiwan You You Art Center Sketch / Watercolor Studios Taipei City, Taiwan

Workshop August 2013

AA Taipei Visiting School Taipei, Taiwan

Resume | Alvin Hwang | 54

Experience February - June 2012

2008 - 2010

July 2010

Management Groupe of Campus Stray Dogs Volunteer for caring stray dogs on campus National Chengchi University Taipei, Taiwan Guitar Club Leader of Activities Section National Chengchi University Taipei, Taiwan International Studies Camp Volunteer for preparation of the camp National Chengchi University Taipei, Taiwan

Work September 2008 - Present

English Tutor Instructed students aged from twelve to eighteen Taipei, Taiwan

Skill Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Rhino (Basic) Sketch, Watercolor Phtotography Language Mandarin (Native) English (Advanced) Japanese (Intermediate)