PORTFOLIO
APPLICATION FOR INTERNSHIP
LING FUNG ANSON TANG
RIBA PART II | MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
THE LINK 02 NEW BABYLON IN WALES
03 ACADEMIC WORKS
04 PROFESSIONAL WORKS
05 PERSONAL WORKS
THE LINK
BILLINGSGATE MARKET, TRAFALGAR WAY, LONDON, UK
COMMERCIAL PROJECT 2023-2024
A large-scale mixed-use market located in the now-existing Billingsgate Market site in South Poplar, East London. The main design aim is to reconnect Canary Wharf and South Poplar, two extremely diverse areas physically, socially, and economically, which are divided by Aspen Way to the north. By implementing biomimetic design, multiple finger-like linkages inspired by batwing are extended from the building to enforce the connectivity theme. Overall, the project aims to be more than just a market serving daily local needs; it aspires to become a community hub that unites the area and stands as a new landmark in London.
Before commencing the primary project, some high-resolution renders and 3D printed models are being done to envision the exterior and interior environment of the market, realistically and conceptually. Batwing was chosen as the main case study according to the biomimetic theme of the unit thus the shape of the structures. To sum up, these proved to be thoroughly enjoyable exercises that layered the groundwork for the next phase.
INITIAL EXPLORATION
CONCEPT
The main concept of the design stems from the Biomimicry primer project, with the batwing serving as the inspiration. By researching the batwing’s distinctive structural interplay within its skeleton, the finding is applied to the design practically and conceptually.
Inspired by the batwing’s form, the proposed structure features finger-like connections that blur the boundary between roof and ground to foster connections throughout the site. These connections also act as primary structural supports, akin to the fingers of a batwing to its membrane to ensure stability for the main structure. Surrounding the structure are various linkages and pedestrian footbridges spanning multiple directions. All in all, the design envisions an oasis within an urban landscape which address disparities between neighbouring areas through active linkage.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:1000
1. Main market (Food, craft and farmers market for local businesses)
2. Indoor courtyards
3. Stiff core (Offices and amenities)
4. Customer service
5. Watersports centre (Boat storage, workshop, classroom and gym)
6. Promenade
7. Piers
8. Loading and unloadng area
To fulfill the ambitions of the client, the main Schedule of Accomodation (SoA) in this project would highlight the Main Market, Walkable Green Roof and Indoor Courtyards. In addition to that, an urban forest situated to the north and a promenade to the south would help to mitigate site constraints while maximising opportunities. Surrounding the entire site are landscapes and vegetation, accentuating the urban oasis theme.
Intensive and SemiIntensive Green Roof incorporated into Blue Roof System with CLT panels (unaccessible)
Extensive Green Roof incorporated into Blue Roof System with CLT panels (accessible) 03. CFRP Glulam Primary Beams and Secondary Beams 04. Laminated Double Glazing Facade and Steel-Mesh Center-Pivot Doors
Reinfored Concrete Pile Foundations
05. CFRP Glulam Columns and Stiff Cores
06. CLT Panel Walls
EXTERIOR VIEWS
INTERIOR VIEWS
A. PROMENADE
B. ROOF
C. FARMERS MARKET
D. FOOD MARKET
E. CRAFT MARKET
F. URBAN FOREST
NEW BABYLON IN WALES
CITY CENTRE, CARDIFF, UK
MIXED-USE PROJECT 2020-2021
Inspired by the blurred boundary between living and working spaces, this hybrid experimental prototype is designed for the Welsh Romani, a local nomadic community. The project highlights the innovative use of ETFE façade material to address their specific needs. The main challenge lies in overcoming discrimination and misunderstanding toward this vulnerable population, while simultaneously reintegrating them into the community and respecting their rich culture and heritage.
SITE
While searching for sites along the railway (green) in Cardiff City Centre, two PET spaces (pink) grabbed my attention. They are separated by the railway, and that reminds me of how the Welsh Romani have been isolated by the public. Also, the areas they are in are completely different while being right next to each other, with one being more dynamic and one being more static, and only separated by the railway in between. Welsh Romani as outsiders would be the perfect fit to fill these gaps in the city and also act as a bond to reconnect these 2 areas.
Larger Site Map
Views from Unit A
Views from Unit B
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
To respect the particularity of the Welsh Romani, the design features a plug-in system considering the users live in caravans instead of traditional houses. The form of the design emphasises connectivity as the design’s aim is to reconnect the Romani population back to the public. An innovative approach was attempted by making ETFE membrane the main facade material, which allows a sufficient amount of natural lighting to be provided to encourage interactions without sacrificing building performances.
1. SHAPE
1. SHAPE
2. VOLUME
2. VOLUME
3. PROGRAMME
3. PROGRAMME
4. CIRCULATION
4. CIRCULATION
Shapes are decided with the intention of maximising the potential of inclusivity of the sites, site A is opened in the middle so the back alley can be well-used
Shapes are decided with the intention of maximising the potential of inclusivity of the sites, site A is opened in the middle so the lack alley can be well-used
The forms are then raised up to 2-storey high so as to cohere with the surrounding buildings and emphasizing inclusivity to the public in city centre
The forms are then raised up to 2-storey high so as to cohere with the surrounding buildings and emphasizing inclusivity to the public in the city centre
Programme is then positioned according to the hierarchy of spaces on the site, residential parts which are in green are placed in a parallel manner to link up 2 buildings
Programme are then positioned according to the hierarchy of spaces on the site, residential parts which are in green are placed in a parallel manner so as to link up 2 buildings
Residential parts are then divivded into small units which allow caravans to plug-in and depart conveniently to provide the intended flexibility to the nomadic population
Residential parts are then divided into small units which allow caravans to plug-in and depart conveniently to provide the intended flexibility to the nomadic population
Dynamic Unit A is the first of the two designs. Its multifunctional hall is used for more dynamic activities of the Romani, as it can be used as a performance space, market, festival venue, a place for worship etc. It also has a RCAC office which allows staff to provide immediate support to the residents. Considering the unit is on the more vibrant side of the city centre, a spacious public area is also designed to encourage interactions within the site.
STATIC UNIT B
The second design is the Static Unit B which is on the other side of the railway. Its multifunctional hall is designed for more static purposes as it can act as an exhibition space, conference hall, studio or classroom etc. Its programme is similar to Unit A having multiple live-work units to symbolise the connections between these 2 units and further, reconnect the 2 different areas in the city centre that they represent.
EDGE
• ETFE membrane welded to neoprene intermediate layer
• 76mm dia.tubular tensioning member welded to 20mm dia. threded rod; adjustment via 39mm dia. threaded sleeves
• 35mm dia. steel tube
• Three layer ETFE membane cushion with transparent inner skin
JOINT
• Splice plate
• 152 x 152 x 23 steel U-section
FLOOR
• 2mm PVC flooring
• 30mm gypsum fibre board
• 30mm cardboard honeycomb with granule infill
• 25mm LVL panel
• 45/213mm LVL ribs
1:20 TECHNICAL SECTION of the 2 storey live-work unit featuring ETFE membrane
ROOF
• Three layer ETFE membrane cushion with white inner skin
• Aluminium clamping strip
• Aluminium ventilation louvre, manually operated
• 12mm steel sheet
PUBLIC SPACE
A group of public are using the space outside of Dynamic Unit A and passersby can interact with the insiders thanks to the transluscent ETFE membrane. For the the Welsh Romani, they can directly enter their respective live-work units from the ground level where their caravans are parked and depart easily.
CARAVANS PARKING LOTS
This is the opening under the building which reconnects the under-used alley back to the city centre. The alley is now being well-utilised by the public as many would now uses it as a shortcut and thus promoting interactions within the site at the same time. At the back are the parking lots for caravans where draparies are used instead of solid walls to provide the Welsh Romani with more flexibility.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL HALL A
Inside the Multifunctional Hall A which is designed for more dynamic activities, there is a group of Welsh Romani Artists performing. The roof is constructed with ETFE membrane to provide sufficient natural lighting to the interior. On the first floor is the communal space for residents where they can interact with the users downstairs.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL HALL B
In Static Unit B, a pair of couple just entered from the entrance to the multifunctional hall B as it is currently hosting the ‘Gypsy Maker’ art exhibition which is held by RCAC to celebrate the artwork of Welsh Romani artists. The ETFE membrane with the double-heighted space of the hall makes it pleasant to be used for other static activities like conferencing and teaching.
ACADEMIC WORKS
CARDIFF
A mixed of academic works completed in my undergraduate years that helped to build the foundation for my architectural career, no matter in sense of design, representation skills, or communication techniques.
PROFESSIONAL WORKS
TSUENG KWAN O, NEW TERRITORIES, HONG KONG PUBLIC PROJECT 2021 - 2022
The year working in P&T Architects Limited was mainly focused on the construction of the new Immigration Headquarter for the Hong Kong Government. As the project was at stages 4 to 6 when I joined, I gained first-hand experience on how to manage and deliver a project in alignment with its procurement requirements.
Project Title: Design and Build of Immigration Headquarter in Area 67
Location: Tsueng Kwan O, Hong Kong
Client: Hip Hing Engineers Limited/The Hong Kong SAR Government
Designer: P&T Architects Limited
Duration: 2019-2023
GFA: 108,050 sqm
Project Cost: 500M HKD
Interior of Main Lobby
The form of the design emphasizes interactions as there are various types of buildings nearby including schools, residential buildings, government buildings and shopping malls. Safety also needs to be put into consideration as programmes like shooting ranges, archives rooms and prisons need to be provided. As a result, a total of three 16-storey towers with full curtain walls are designed with generous public green areas in between and footbridges on top to keep the towers connected. Multiple entrances ensure accessibility and are connected to the lower zone designated for more public uses while on top is the upper zone designated for more private uses.
The project was at its final stages when I joined, so was mainly doing works that can be classified into the RIBA Plan of Work Stages 4 to 6. Since the schedule was tight and numerous issues need to be finalised, the days in the office were spent quite challenging and exciting, and I definitely gained a lot of insight, especially on how to improve my communication and time management skills. Nearly every week was spent on different tasks, let alone the monthly formal submission. Yet, the one thing I learned and experienced the most is the importance of coordinating between different parties, as a project, especially a large-scale one like this, can’t be properly run without any of them.
Elevation of North Facade
Interior of Communal Area
PERSONAL WORKS
UK/HONG KONG MISCELLANEOUS 2018 - 2024
A selection of works showcasing skills in various fields, which are all practiced in different occasions throughout the years. Each of these practices has influenced and refined my approach to presenting architecture.
Painting Hand-drawing
Photography
