Dang Khoa Pham
archi.khoa@gmail.com
Selected works 2021 - 2024
Floating Dutchman
29
Espansiva Jørn Utzon Denmark | 1969
The Netherlands | 2O24 11
Aquaville Empordà Spain | 2O23
Incubator Nyhamnen Sweden | 2O24
21
Public library Saigon Vietnam | 2O21
Lund University LTH, Faculty of Engineering
Fall Semester 2023
Advanced Architecture Design I
Supervisors:
Andreea Marcu | Maria Rasmussen | Fredrik Johansson
Team:
Khoa Pham | Thea Lundahl | Fanny Kronander
(*) : Contents produced by Thea Lundahl and Fanny Koranander
Location: Empordà, Catlonia, Spain
Year: 2023
BRIEF:
This project is a proposal for Larsen Architecture’s competition, which seeks the design of a self-sufficient eco-village in the protected wetlands of Empordà.
This design challenge asks for a fully self-sustaining eco-village that will sit peacefully within the site and allow both humans and nature to share the same space and revolutionize the way we live - providing a fully independent and minimal impact lifestyle while retaining the comforts and technologies of modern-day life.
This scheme focuses on creating an enclosed circle of different activities in which the wastes produced by humans are used as different types of resources for farming and research.
The self-sustaining circle begins with the collection of both fresh and brackish water, which is then processed through a solar-powered desalination system. Grey water and excrement from daily activities are utilized for household and community farming. Furthermore, biogas extracted from the Anaerobic digester can power a turbine generator, and the C02 produced can be used to feed the algae in the site’s small ponds, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
1. Zoning
The village is located in the Northwest area for its flat typography, leaving the wildlife in the Southeast untouched.
2. The path
The path’s curve emphasizes the water border. The further into the site, the more private this path becomes.
3. Building
Determine the construction at each part along the path based on the level of privacy and the programme’s features.
The village is intended to be a community that provides shared housing for people with similar values and intentions. Three central units, Buffer, Kitchen, and Bedroom units, are attached to form a dwelling with a shared garden, living space, and bathroom.
06/ BUILDING MATERIALS(*)
Oak beams: Oak trees are typical vegetation in Spain. They can be 100-percent waterproof by completely saturating the wood with a sealant and building up the product.
Cork Bricks: The access to cork is great in areas around Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. It is very light and soft which makes the material great for absorbing sound. It is also resistant to mold and is infinitely recyclable.
Lund University LTH, Faculty of Engineering
Spring Semester 2024
Integrated Design
Teachers: Erik Serrano | Alex van de Beld | Maria Rasmussen
Team: Khoa Pham | Madeleine Nantorp | Sanin Demo (*): Contents produced by Madleine and Sanin Demo
Location: Friesland, The Netherlands
Year: 2024
BRIEF:
The goal is to establish a common conceptual framework for construction, optimization, and architectural expression in the interaction between engineers and architects during the last part of their training. The course is designed to run a number of projects in which both engineers and architects will contribute to shaping based on their individual professionalism.
This project proposes not just an individual structure but a system applicable to different bodies of water. In addition, it finds an alternative for building “in the water” with minimal impacts and is simple enough to be built by non-professionals.
The idea revolves around four key qualities: Adaptive, Lightweight, Minimal impact and Easily-built.
A modularized floating structure is proposed. Its foundation consists of multiple “cages” containing air-filled recycled plastic boxes, which keep the structure afloat.
Comparing two different anchoring structures:
Despite several drawbacks, the Anchoring rope option is more aligned with the project’s key qualities (having less impact on the ground). Hence, it has been chosen as the anchoring structure.
Inspired by the pulley, the anchoring ropes are attached to the same system and integrated with the house’s structure. The building is now adaptive to the water’s activity.
This step aims to find the general principles for integrating the anchoring system with the floating structure
1. Form a plan from the modular cages and analyze its structure.
4. To achieve more architecturally compelling results, the principle should be simplified
7. Taking inspiration from a construction crane’s principle
2. Strengthening the structure by adding tensile elements
3. Reinforcing the structure by intergrating it with that of the house
5. Aligning the cantilever structure to one direction
6. The cantilever can now be illustrated by a projected elevation
8. The final result resembles the construction crane
9. With one principle, multiple results are produced
Multiply the plan to form bigger plans that can be used for other programs
1. Different shapes produced from the same principle
*)
2. New shape as a combination of the produced shapes
3. Mutiplying the combined shape results in many interesting
The connection joints are moulded and fit in between the cages’ frames. They are made from Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) and can be printed in advance according to the design.
Lund University
LTH, Faculty of Engineering
Spring Semester 2024
Advanced Architecture Design II
Teachers:
Andreea Marcu | Maria Rasmussen | Pontus Alquist
Team:
Khoa Pham | Šimon Mlčeck
(*) : Contents produced by Šimon Mlčeck
Location: Malmö, Sweden Year: 2024
BRIEF:
The selected city for the design project is Malmö, a city with a strong historical identity and, like many European cities, a city that is experiencing rapid transformation. We will therefore begin with the exploration and mapping of the city of Malmö and the selected site, Nyhamnen.
The design project will focus on the mix-program and will be defined within the studio work. The course suggests community service projects, production or of hybrid character with a focus on either building, neighborhood, or city scale.
The existing building, Sirius, is located in the heart of Nyhamnen, a young district that is developing in Malmö. It is accessible to various amenities, such as Malmö central station, the City Courthouse, St.Peter’s Church, a Shopping mall, etc.
Sirius is currently an office building. However, despite being situated in a young, active district, most offices are vacant
Due to Malmo municipality’s vision for Nyhamnen to become a startup district and the advantagous location, we believed Sirius can be transformed without removing its original office programme
Therefore, our primary focus was to improve the building’s architectural qualities while retaining its original use. New programme is also introduced and integrated with the old one, allowing more social accessibility. The project emphasizes reusing the old structure in the most efficient, yet compelling idea.
Identifying the main disadvantages of the existing structures to provide the right strategy for the future development of Sirius
1. Sterile space
The typical floor plan prevented the atrium to open and welcome people inside.
3. Unwelcomed
The tall brick columns does not leave a good impression. The short spans gives an authoritarian feeling to the facade.
2. Confusing plan
Dead ends and long corridor splited by the ventilation cores and other amenities makes the space less than ideal for navigation.
4. Uninspiring workspace
Lack of variations. The narrow middle hallways have low ceiling, receiving little light neither from the outside nor the atrium.
Based on the analysis and programme strategy, new interventions are proposed.
1. Removing the Bridges
The current bridges connecting the north and and the south wings split the atrium in half. Having them removed offers a clear wide opening for the atrium.
2. Subtracting
Slab cuts introduce double floor heights in larger areas, such as meeting space or open office. A new grand staircase with seatings welcomes visitors and faciliates socializing.
3. Adding
Adding new extensions to some spaces. Having slightly differents of cuts and extensions in each floor allow a more dynamic atrium. Some of the vertical shafts are modified to adapt to the new layout.
4. New layout
Designing a clear layout for the programme and circulation. The circulation path has a strong connection to the atrium and a good rhythm defined by programme inbetween: meeting spaces, balconies, offices,...
Defying the new structure’s shape and integrating it with the existing one
I focused on re-designing the original plans from the basement to the 5th floor, while Simon was designing new floor plans for the residental programme. Our Biggest challenge was to communicate constantly to ensure all plans were synced while preserving the old structure.
Exterior panels for the new structure consists of used metal and wooden boards. They are made into modular frames having different compostitions for the building exterior’s dynamic look
The new structural timber columns are painted green copper to offer the the color palate of the industrial buildings, red bricks and green copper roof. This helps the renovated structure despite standing out for its new look and hospitality, still integrate with Nyhamnen as an old industrial harbor.
SECTION ( * )
The steel truss was used to hang the old bridges connecting the two wings of Sirius. It is now hanging the new staircases, adding more vertical circulation while keeping the atrium clear. Meanwhile, people sitting on the grand staircase on the otherside can enjoy a great view of the new “ floating” structure.
The new look of the atrium invites the public to explore stay for longer. Instead of having one typical plan, each floor is slightly different. These small changes in floorplan are visible in the atrium, adding double-height spaces and internal balconies.
Van Lang University Faculty of Architecture
2nd Semester 2021
Bachelor thesis - Individual project
3rd Prize 33rd Loa Thanh adward
Anual award for best Architecture/Engineering thesis
Supervisor:
Prof. My Anh Chau
Location: Saigon (Hochiminh city), Vietnam Year: 2021
BRIEF:
Hochiminh City, with a population of over nine million, has only one significant library - the General Science Library, built in 1868. While spaces like “Maker-space” are familiar with public libraries worldwide, these terms are still obscure in Vietnam. The traditional library design is heavily tied with isolated spaces to mitigate unwanted elements. Therefore, the project proposes not only a place to read but also to meet, create, and explore.
While gleaning new information for the project, I discovered the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)(*), originally used in the manufacturing industry for storing goods. Today, it has been widely used in libraries, such as California State University - Northridge and Chicago University. After thorough research and careful consideration, ASRS was implemented in this project as an embodiment of how the design reacts to its context with modern technology.
STRENGTH: Accessible from directions. The location is in the proximity of other public amenities such as schools, hospitals, and cultural centers.
WEAKNESS: The main elevation faces Northwest, experiencing high heat in the afternoon.
The main access route is from the primary road to the West of the site
Alternative 1
Pros:
OPPORTUNITY: Learning from other modern libraries around the world and implementing new technology to solve the encountered problems.
THREATS: Faulty design results in the a lack of aesthetic and a waste of resources.
2. Natural elements
The highest heat comes from the Northwest in the summer, while the cool wind is from the Southeast
- The main facade faces fewer challenges with the archive being in the back
- Easier to design the library’s operation as the Administration and Archive blocks are placed extendedly along the site’s width
Cons:
- The Social block is exposed to high heat - Fail to utilize the cool wind from the South for public outdoor space
3. Area’s density and noise Crowded apartments are in the proximity of a five to tenminute ride
Alternative 2
Pros:
- Prioritizing public spaces for the Southeast corner
- The archive is fully covered and weatherresistance, protecting the collection from the Northwest heat
Cons:
- A Solid archive block in the facade - More complex design standards and operation of the ASRS(*)
The second alternative was chosen for this project’s zoning plan. Despite its challenges, the implementation of modern technology in the operating process opens new possibilities to increase the library’s capacity and attract more visitors.
1. Zoning
Basic zoning based on the chosen zoning plan.
2. Grenery
Bringing grenery into the building and utilizing the cool breeze from the South.
3. Optimization
The Collection | Reading block is elevated and extended for a pleasing view to the outside.
4. Rooftop space
Additional rooftop space for socializing and reading.
5. Rooftop space
Solar panels for green energy and sheltering the rooftop space from the sun and rain.
6. Finalization
Landscaping the outdoor space, reducing heat of the site.
TRANSVERSAL SECTION
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
Public staircase
Public lift
Staff’s lift
Emergency staircase
THIRD FLOOR
Collections | Rare collections
SECOND FLOOR
Collections ; Private | Group-meeting rooms
Outdoor reading space
FIRST FLOOR
ASRS observatory
Multimedia collections ; Maker-space | Studios
Auditorium ; Conference room
Administration
GROUND FLOOR
Atrium ; Book-drop | Sorting system
Periodicals ; Children and Braille collections
Auditorium ; Conference room ; Café | Gift shop
Operation department
BASEMENT
Carpark ; Motorbike park
ASRS archive | Techincal department
Building’s aulixiary
Lund University LTH, Faculty of Engineering
Fall Semester 2023
Materials and Details I
Teachers:
Jesper Magnusson | Bernt Nilsson
Team:
Khoa Pham | Šimon Mlčeck | Maja Franzén
(*) : Contents produced by Šimon Mlčeck and Maja Frazén
Location: Hellebæk, Denmark Year: 1969
BRIEF:
This is not a design project but a thorough case study of the Espansiva system developed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon. A great part of the course is to investigate the relations between architecture, space, construction, structure, materials and details through model-making.
The biggest challenge for our group was that Espansiva was not a built structure but rather an innovative idea based on the precedented Addittive architecture, found by Jørn Utzon himself. Therefore, our strategy was to create different scenarios both for the system and its context to challenge it and to understand the choice of materials, structure and tectonic aspects.
The system was tested on a hilly terrain. Theoretically, changing the levels of different modules is feasible despite some minor drawbacks. However, keeping all modules leveled is still a better option, even for the sloped site due to the small scale of the houses. Besides, Denmark generally has flat terrains.
The choice to place the system within an urban context allowed us to investigate the fragments created in between the dwellings with semi-public and semiprivate spaces. The chosen site is situated in the southwest of Lund, Sweden, and has existing infrastructure, a body of water, and rolling hills.
We first tried building different dwellings from Espansiva’s five modules. Generally, the two smallest ones are used for circulation and small spaces, such as toilet and storage, while the bigger modules are for common areas like the living room, kitchen or bedroom.
However, nothing that we found was new, so we needed new strategies for the investigation. We were curious about how this system was not more popular and never took off.
FLOOR PLAN
We designed a house with the Espansiva system, including a big common space for the living area and the kitchen, one bedroom, and a toilet. The common space comprises the two biggest modules, while the hallway and toilet are built from the smallest one—the bedroom consists of two modules different in size.
Utzon’s love for Japanese and Chinese architecture was clearly reflected by the Espansiva system. It can be seen from the physical model that the sloped roof, wall panels, doors, windows and the small courtyard inherited the Japanese’s architectural attributes.
By building the physical model piece by piece with extreme details, we noticed that this modular system might not be the most cost-efficient construction method—the occupation of the double columns in the interior limits spatial usage. The assembly of individually structurally stable modules means double, triple, or even quadruple the columns’ size at the junction.
In conclusion, the Espansiva system, while not the most cost-efficient, is undeniably innovative and aesthetically pleasing. Its flexibility, however, comes at a cost, and this trade-off may have been a significant factor in its limited popularity.
Dang Khoa Pham
archi.khoa@gmail.com