WEIYONG ZHANG
SELECTED WORKS 2015-2020
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE
Hand Drawing: Metropolis Episode I (2015)
Size: 24 in x 36 in
Preface
My enthusiasm for landscape architecture and urban design can be traced back to my childhood. was raised in Macau, one of the densest cities in China and in the world, There, was exposed to an environment filled with congestion and lacking clarity of design. At a young age, I recall walking around my family’s company, observing the meticulous process of creating intricate pieces of furniture, a process which included making the rough designs come to life by hand sketching and carving carefully on the wood forms, along with handwork with textiles. Watching this process from a young age inspired me to think about how design is a process that encompasses all scales and mediums, from the design of a small piece of furniture to a large landscape project.
With these lifelong memories instilled in me, it was in college that I decided to seriously follow my passion for design and to pursue my undergraduate degree from 2015 to 2020 at the Boston Architectural College (BAC). During my years at BAC, I learned that the successful design ideas that create building environments are not only satisfying people’s living conditions, they also respond to the local, context, even the demands in the world.
Being able to study in one of the best universities in the world will allow me to explore the advanced realm of Landscape Architecture. It also grants me the opportunity to involve a wide variety of people in society which is beyond just presenting the design ideas. In the long run, concentrating on the landscape design of a space will motivate me to learn how to make a great difference in society.
Hand Drawing: Metropolis Episode II (2020) Size: 24 in x 36 in
Table of Contents Academic Works 01 Angel Pavilion 02 Teaching Agriculture In The City 03 Resilience 04 Engaging A Diverse Neighborhood 05 Motivation | Tranquility 06 Mirage On The Water 07 Missing Link - From Rail To Trail Supplements 08 Other Works Memorial To The Past Boston Urban Agricultural College Food Distribution Center Cider Mill At Calumet St. University Fitness Center Boston Ferry Terminal Reactivating Inactive Bridge Volunteer Team Design In Cape Cod 04 14 24 35 42 52 57 62
2 3
“Daddy, where are we going? am so hungry.” Son asked impatiently while looking at the ocean. “Son, be a little more patient. We will arrive in the country of angels. The country is filled with joy and we wouldn’t be suffering from any pain.” Father answered.
Perhaps, they don’t know that an unknown abhorrent journey has just begun. As a decent Chinese, it is common that when the person passes away, the elder often tells a white lie to children that he is going to the United States (heaven) because travelling to the United States is a long journey at that moment, like sailing to the pure land.
01 ANGEL PAVILION
MEMORIAL TO THE PAST ADVANCED INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIO
INSTRUCTOR: LYNCH, SHAUN FRANCIS LYCEUM COMPETITION: SANCTUARY BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE 2019 SPRING
Throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, Chinese immigrants were detained on Angel Island in San Francisco. This project is a memorial auditorium to the experiences of those Chinese immigrants who were treated unfairly on this site.
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Site Site Site
Angel Island is located in the San Francisco Bay. The San Francisco citizens usually take the ferry from City to Tiburon, and to Angel Island. Angel Island offers hiking, biking, and historic activities.
The early Inhabitants began visiting the island about 2,000 years ago. They established camps and used the island primarily as a fishing and hunting purpose. In 1863, during the Civil War, the U.S. Army established Camp Reynolds on Angel Island to protect San Francisco Bay.
In 1882, most of the Chinese immigrants who arrived at Angel Island were detained at Quarantine Station for a few weeks, even some were detained up to 3 months and a few for almost two years because they were suspected of carrying diseases. However, most immigrants were eventually granted entry to America.
Many immigrants expressed their anxiety and despair by carving poems on the wooden barracks walls. These poems still remain in the building today.
NORTH
NORTH
NORTH
6 7
The design also engages historic conservation, which responds to and physically connects to the existing building on site, which served as the immigration station.
The general idea of the structure arises from a moment in which a frustrated immigrant sits in the cage-like room and looks up at the ceiling. The curved ceiling of the angel pavilion could be represented equivocally. The seeming ceiling contrasts with the rigid, rectangular plan of the existing immigration station, representing a shift to an expression of freedom from a time of control. Also, the idea of that curved ceiling could be nefarious as it looks like a spectacular steel cage.
The spatial condition of sadness is also considered in both architecture and landscape architecture design. When the visitors get off the ferry and walk to the Angel Plaza, they feel curious about this mysterious atmosphere as the walkway gradually turns narrow, simultaneously the planting height grows gradually higher.
A A’ 0 40FT N Site Plan
The
The inspiration of ceiling: A man
in a cage Design Concept 1. Angel Pavilion 2. Existing Immigration Station 3. Angel Plaza 1. Angel Pavilion Entrance 2. Existing Immigration Entrance 3. Auditorium The
Section A-A’ Wall Poems The conservation of Existing Immigration Station
inspiration of column
detained
angel motif is originally inspired from the content of an existing wall poem on the walls of the Station. The poem briefly describes the nostalgic and helpless moments for new arrivals to the immigration station. The new building and landscape design work cohesively to reflect the newcomer’s hope for a future life in the United States as well as giving them courage to resist past suppression.
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0’-0” -14’-0” 1st Floor Basement 24’-0” 3rd Floor 36’-0” 4th Floor 12’-0” 2nd Floor B B’ Section B-B’
10 11
Roof Garden Auditorium Praying Hall and Poem Wall Praying Hall and Poem Wall
Rain water harvesting 0’-0” -14’-0” 1st Floor Basement 24’-0” 3rd Floor 36’-0” 4th Floor 12’-0” 2nd Floor C C’ Section C-C’
Immigriation
Fountain Collect Disperse Utilize Utilize Store
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Indoor Rain Garden Existing
Station Angel Pavilion
The Indoor rain garden also plays a role in expressing depressed moments. The columns are located intentionally at the corner of the building, and the distance between column and wall remains just wide enough to allow a person to walk through. It gives the feeling of tension to visitors. While they observe the daylight coming from the top of the column, it feels the same as the detainee looking at the light from the ceiling in the quarter room.
-13’-0” Basement 0’-0” Ground Floor 13’-0” 2nd Floor 26’-0” 3rd Floor 42’-0” 4th Floor 55’-0” 5th Floor 68’-0” 6th Floor A A’ 02 TEACHING AGRICULTURE IN THE CITY BOSTON URBAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 4 INSTRUCTOR: AMY HASTINGS BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE 2018 FALL
a lot of people tend to live in an urban area because of the developed infrastructure. People can buy their demand items quickly, including fresh food. It is unnecessary to use nature in our daily lives. However, some people are longing for more nature scenes in the city. “To connect with nature, you can’t really buy it, you have to feel it,”
idea of developing urban agriculture speaks to a lot of people today. Boston is undergoing an issue of a food desert.
residents find it hard to buy fresh produce. Urban agriculture
for students to learn about farming.
fically, to offer tutorials on
to build a micro-farm at home, to foster students’ understanding of sustainable urban agriculture through hands-on and classroom
five-story campus
3 program classrooms which are 1). Food science,
Ornithology
Entomology and
Sustainable food and farming, labs,
ffices,
auditorium, and
of natural daylight, solar panels, and green walls.
14 15
Today,
The
The
college creates an environment
Speci
how
experience. The
building includes
2).
&
3).
o
an
library. It also embodies sustainable principles by making use
Section A-A’
Site Analysis Vision Plan of Urban Agriculture 16 17
Main Programs
1. Food science
The students are able to explore how the study and application of science and technology could foster economic development and provide a high-quality, safe and healthy food supply to everyone.
2. Ornithology & Entomology
The program focuses on how insects and birds affect our daily lives in agriculture, urban and environmental settings, and public health.
3. Plant Taxonomy
In the program, students can research the science of naming organisms and placing them in a hierarchical structure, in which each plant has its own class, order, family, genus, and species.
4. Sustainable Food and Farming
The program enables students to focus on specific crop production, soils research, biodiversity, responsible sourcing, pesticides, and land use.
5th Floor 1. Audiorium 2. Lounge 3. Library 4th Floor 1.Meeting Room 2.Water quality microbio Lab 3.Library 4.Patio 3rd Floor 1. Machine & Engine Lab 2. Diagnostic Lab 3. Freezer 4. student project area 2nd Floor 1. Tissue Laboratory 2. Student project area 3. Insect Diagnostic Lab 4. GIS agriculture Lab Gound Floor 1. Entrance 2. Community Lounge 3. Administration Office 4. Cafe shop Basement 1.Parking Garage 2.Mechanical Room 6th Floor 1. Tropical Interior Garden 2. Roof Farm 3. Solar Panel N 0 20 FT Da rt t mo m ut h St Newb w ur u y St Public Alley 433 Final Design Conceputal
Ro R of L in n i e
Model (Scale: 1/16”=1’-0”) Presentation Model (Scale: 1/4”=1’-0”)
Floor Plan
18 19
Exterior View of Urban Agricultural College Ground Floor Plan
26’-0” 3rd Floor 13’-0” 2nd Floor 0’-0” Ground Floor 42’-0” 4th Floor 55’-0” 5th Floor 68’-0” 6th Floor -13’-0” Basement B B’ Exterior green wall - enlargement detail Exterior green wall - detail Curtain wall - detail Concrete wall - detail Facade Design Model Structure Model Structure Section B-B’ 20 21
The building encompasses three types of facades: the green walls, the concrete walls, and the curtain walls with symbiotic cladding panels.
The symbiotic cladding panel means not only the interaction between plantings and birds but also means the interplay between agriculture programs even the urban environment in Boston.
The facade allows the students to set up the bird feeder, so they can incorporate some science easily into bird watching. The student can investigate the bird’s daily behavior and adaptations, collect and analyze data. The green exterior wall also creates an experiment to determine bird food preference.
Common Birds in Massachusetts 1. American Goldfinches 2. American Robins 3. Baltimore Orioles 4. Black-capped Chickadees 5. Blue Jays 6. Brown-headed Cowbirds 7. Carolina Wrens 8. Cedar Waxwings 9. Chipping Sparrows 10. Common Grackles 11. Downy Woodpeckers 12. Eastern Bluebirds Common Birds in Massachusetts Symbiotic cladding penel Bird’s nest Measuring indicators (noise pollution, bad smell around the site) Laser cut panel Curtain wall Exterior green wall Facade engages the program of Ornithology 22 23
03 RESILIENCE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER
2017 FALL
defined
the
fi
fi
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ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 3 INSTRUCTOR: ARLEN STAWASZ, TYLER HINCKLEY BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE
Resilience is
as
ability of something to spring back into shape or rede
ne its elasticity after a major transformation or event. Resilience could be de
ned as social resilience, economic resilience and environmental resilience in the realm of the bult environment. Social resilience focuses on effects felt by communities and their inhabitants. Economic resilience focuses on effects shocks and stressors have on business. Environmental resilience focuses on how changes due to acute shocks and chronic stressors impact the environment. In 2012, hurricane Sandy damaged the area of Chelsea. In June 2017, Amazon bought the upscale grocery chain Wholefoods. This food distribution center uses the idea of resilience, and it aims to better serve the residents of Chelsea and Everett, Massachusetts by providing neighborhood-friendly spaces within the Amazon and Wholefoods food distribution center for community engagement, social activities, and retail.
Soft edge
The topic of resilience design has been significant in architecture. The environmental resilience design enabled Copenhagen to recover from the issue of sea-level rise. The economic resilience strategy allowed Chicago to survive the great fire. It made Chicago become one of the most skyscraper-filled cities in the world. Also, the social resilience design helped pregnant women reduce death during pregnancy in Kasungu.
In Copenhagen, the architects applied resilience design to reduce flooding. The river edge has been improved as a sloping buffer which divides into a safety zone and a flood pathway, in order to increase the flow capacity during the flooding events.
Resilience design could be expanded as the city grows. In 1871, a great fire burned most areas of downtown Chicago. This calamity caused the citizen of Chicago to reimagine a whole city by redesigning the downtown as one of the earliest cities which have the skyscrapers in the world.
Hardedge
Environmental Purpose Economic Purpose Social Purpose
In the selected area of Chelsea, Alford St separates the soft edge and hard edge of Mystic River. The soft edge is near the Casino and several parks which are for people to gather. The hard edge is located along the industrial zone, such as Exelon Mystic Generating Station . Hard edge isn’t a great place for people to gather, and it impedes the growth of plants and animals.
Resilience design also plays a role in the social aspect. The Kasungu Maternity Waiting Village solved the issue of the high rate of maternal and infant mortality. The project offered the local women to have a safe environment during pregnancy and delivery.
Resilience Studies | Site Analysis
River Edge Analysis
Alford St
Lynde St
Mystic St Dexter St
Robin St Industrial
Casino
living Shoreline
Power Plant Existing Park
Existing Dock
Engaging the waterfront 26 27
Vision Plan 1. Food Distribution Center 2. Hard to Soft Edge 3. Allow water to flood 4. Water filteration remediation pools 5. Bridge over canal 6. Residential swale 7. Elevated topography 8. Pedestrian friendly 9. Raised sidewalk 10. Waterfront recreation zone 11. Pedestrian and bicycle paths 12. Protect site frin storm surge 13. Vehicular Access 14. Mixed Use Development 15. Wind farm Environmental resilience Economic resilience Social resilience Design Development Changes Raised the soft edge Box Form: Typical distribution center Maximized Space Sheared volumes: Truck circulation Sheared volumes: Lobby, meeting room Volume added: Office space, drone departure room Rotated south for daylight exposure Stretch Form: Engaged soft edge 28 29
Roof Line Ground Floor Plan 1. Distribution Area W/ AGV 2. Shipping Station 3. Sorting and Packing Zone 4. Office Lobby 5. Cogeneration Room 6. Meeting Rooms 7. Stairs of Pier Second Floor Plan 1. Drone Accessing Zone 2. Office Waiting Area 3. Management Office 4. Yard 5. Roof Farm 6. Congregation Pier Third Floor Plan 1. Drone Parking Zone 2. Drone Pad 3. Office Waiting Area 4. Management Office Final Design Logistically, the heavy programs such as distribution area and management office are oriented towards the northeast, while public programs such as Congregation Pier face the southwest. Departure Returning 0 50 FT N LOGISTIC PUBLIC Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting 1. Roof Farm 2. Butterfly Pitched Roof 3. Irrigation 4. Detention Basin 5. Cistern Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) System in the Food Distribution Center Amazon Fresh Food from Roof Farm Vehicular Access Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Tracking Delivery Request Assist IOT (Internet of Things) Scanning Rapid drone delivery system Skateboarding at Waterfront recreation area Walking at Congregation Pier Unpack Package Order online Economic resilience Social resilience Environmental resilience Facilities and equipment are designed to handle a single item, and the food distribution centers have to efficiently process greater volumes of throughput. Section A-A’ Section B-B’ A A’ A B B’ Conveyors route the packages to the scanning center where workers load the contents into crates that fi into the storage shelves which are carried by self-guided vehicles. 30 31
Canal 0 60 FT N Site Plan 1. Bicycle Path 2. Congregation Pier 3. Roof Farm 4. Drone Pad 5. Canal Roof Farm Drone Pad Truck Path Waterfront Recreation Zone Congregation Pier Bike Path Management Office Entrance Public Public Public Logistic Logistic Site Plan Waterfront Recreation Zone Bird’s-eye of the Congregation Pier Section C-C’ Section D-D’ D D’ C C 32 33
Resilience
The
distribution center responds to environmental change by adapting during hurricane and sea level rise by raising up the elevation of the waterfront and creating the canal which enables water to flood through.
My goal is to create a food distribution center which not only improves the working efficiency and delivery qualities, but also encourages people to walk through the site, to educate themselves on the realm of resilience.
At the end, resilience design enables my proactive personalities while pursing the architecture degree. I learned how to use the resilient design to rethink from planning to conceptual design.
In this school studio project, the Cider Mill is located at Calumet St. Boston, beside the Brigham Circle T station. The site is a sloping triangle, currently owned by a private parking company. There are several mixed use programs around the site. For example, a Shop & Shop store is located across from the site; Kevin W. Fitzgerald Park, a hilltop open space that enables people to enjoy a view of city, is located between the site and Shop & Shop. Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital buildings are located less than 200 feet from the site.
In addition to serving an industrial function, the Cider Mill should engage the diverse neighborhood. In Boston, 50% of residents are white, 24% are Black or African American, 13% are Hispanic, 9% are Asian, and 4% are other races are 4%. Imagine purchasing a locally-produced hard cider at Cider Mill and grab your lunch of your favorite ethnic cuisine at the same time.
04 ENGAGING A DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOOD CIDER MILL AT CALUMET ST. ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 2 INSTRUCTOR: JOSE LEANDRO COMPRES & EVA VALDECANTOS BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE 2017 SPRING
Drone Pad
Raised Sidewalk
Living Shoreline
Waterfront
Bike Path Congregation Pier
Recreation Zone
food
35 34
Neighborhood interaction
Zoning
Sparking an emotional attachment is significant in designing the Cider Mill. The site can be seen by people getting off of the train at the Brigham Circle T station. Calumet St. is also an important route for pedestrians from the busy junction to the residential area on the hill.
Moreover, in order to satisfy as many as visitor’s possible,it is vital to understand how essential community and human interaction are for wellbeing. Human beings have an emotional need for connectedness. Hence, analyzing their socializing preferences is important. Some people are introverted and prefer a relatively wide sphere of personal space. Colleagues, friends, and family members appreciate community spaces to interact and socialize. And couples may prefer a quieter, more private space.
The image of apple tree branches is central to the design of the Cider Mill, reflecting the intricate urban road structure of the neighborhood. Apple branches also suggest the way in which the Cider Mill connects with and engages the neighborhood. The programs of the Cider Mill are connected by an applebranches-like layout.
In order to cater to different types of socializing preferences, there are three types of personal space in the Cider Mill. Inspired by Peter Zumthor’s Swiss Sound Box, multiple spatial conditions are created through installing stacking beams. The structure establishes distinct sound, light, and personal spaces. The stacked beams of the Swiss Sound Box further reflect the image of apple branches.
Zoning Types
Process Model 1
The boxes represent each program of the Cider Mill and they are evenly distributed at the site. The boxes are like the apples that are hanging on the tree.
Process Model 2
The walking paths bridge the programs, also connect the adjacency. The walking path has a stair step pattern that aligns with the sloping topography.
The sloping open space extends from the sidewalk, inviting people to stop by,take a break, and enjoy a hard cider. Food trucks will park on Calumet Stand provide a range of ethnic cuisines reflecting the diversity of the neighborhood.
1 ft 4 ft12 ft Single-Family Multi-Family Commercial Mix use Healthcare Educational buildings Intimate Zone Social Zone Friend Zone
Personal
Maps Zone of
Space
Diversity Map in Mission Hill, Boston
park Residential
Site
N N
N Site Radius 1 mile White Black Asian
Kevin w. Fitzgerald
Commercial
Residential Healthcare and Educational
N N
Hispanic
1. Subsidiary roads 2. Transportation 3. Major roads 4. Accessibility 5. Topography
Design Concept
Zone Social Zone
Sound Boxsection Tectonic ModelSwiss Sound Box Tectonic ModelSwiss Sound Box
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Precedent study Design Development Intimate
Swiss
Design Concept - Abstract Site Model
The apple-branch-like layout of the Cider Mill comprises a production building, a cider tasting patio, a visitor center, and open space. The visitor center in the basement uses stacking beams to provide different types of personal spaces.
The open space extends from the production building to the visitor center with patio, granite treads, and four apple trees. The people are welcomed to enjoy the hard cider and food from the food trucks in the exterior seating area. A stair is built next to the entrance that enables pedestrians to pass through from Calumet St. to residential areas downhill.
Section B-B’
B B’ A A’ C C’
0 25 F 25F 5 T N
Section A-A’
Site Plan
Pedestrians looking the Cider Mill and food trucks from downhill
Visitor center entrance
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Section C-C’
The production building is designed as an atrium. The first
oor runs the mixed public and private function: a corridor connects from each corner of the building. The corridor enables visitors to observe the progress of making cider. In order to maximize the working efficiency cider production in the building, stages of cider production are arranged in a U shape production line. The equipment is located under the corridor above, so that the cider progress could remain in the dark condition, as the fermentation cannot be exposed to sunlight condition, as light and heat can harm the yeast and interfere with cider fermentation.
Pro P duction L nLine ne n 1. Wood cover panel 2. Timber substructure 3. Insulation 4. Wood panel 5. Joist 6. Subfloor 7. Floorboard 8. Beam 9. Insulating Glass 10. Extruded aluminum retainer cap frame 11. Concealed Connector & nails 1. Harvest 2. Transport 3. Sorting 4. Washing 5. Mash 6. Settle 7. Fermentation 8. Bottling 9. Consumption Section D-D’ D D’ Structure Procedure of cider making Zone of Personal Space at Basement Public Private 41 40
fl
05 MOTIVATION | TRANQUILITY
FITNESS CENTER
Motivation
fi
fl
ffi
fi
42 43
UNIVERSITY
THESIS DEGREE PROJECT INSTRUCTOR: PETER MARTIN BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE 2020 SPRING - FALL
| Tranquility is a university
tness and recreational center located in Back Bay, Boston. The design represents the synergy between motivation and tranquility. The curvature of the façade re
ects the motion of the tra
c on the Massachusetts Turnpike and in turn represents the activities and large range of
tness activities that take place inside the building. Meditation spaces inside the building, on the other hand, are tranquil and allow for moments of self-reflection and pause.
As an architecture designer, it is vital to consider how to deliver the wellbeing of people through transforming ideas into architectural representation. Defining the issues of the site is the first phase of designing a project. I have studied for 5 years in Boston Architectural College (BAC) which is located on Newbury Street, a representative commercial street in Boston. walk from Campus to the bus stop every day to commute. I feel uncomfortable while waiting at the bus stop because of the narrow sidewalk and the noise coming from the Massachusetts Turnpike. The Massachusetts Turnpike is a highway which runs from Downtown Boston to New York State. The turnpike always remains at an extremely high traffic flow and extremely high noise level. As the Turnpike tunnel ends near the Hynes convention center MBTA station. It engenders the noise throughout that site. It also appears that there is a safety issue because sometimes homeless people lay on the street and take up the sidewalk beside the bus stop. The current design of the intersection lacks concern for pedestrians walking around the Hynes convention center MBTA station. It also lacks concern for vehicular circulation as the entrance of Turnpike is located in the junction.
The driver could be distracted by the drive flow coming from the Turnpike to ignore a pedestrian walking across the street. This causes car accidents to happen often. Overall, the area near the Hynes convention center MBTA station is one of the unwelcoming public areas in Boston.
However, the site also has strengths. It is located between the BAC and Berklee College of Music, and is just 15 minutes walking from Northeastern University (NEU) and 19 minutes walking from MIT. Some students complain very often that the gym is crowded and the fitness equipment is occupied. Their college proposes to build a fitness and recreation center for college students in Boston. The maintenance expenses come from the tuition fee, donations by alumni and government’s subsidy. The design focused on the concept of both contrast and synergy called Motivation | Tranquility. It is a university fitness and recreational center located in Back Bay, Boston. The concept was originally inspired by traffic noise and complainant’s expectation of living in a quiet environment.
Models of Back Bay
Analysis of College Students’ Survey
Noise Level Analysis of Selected Areas
In order to gather the student’s behavior by taking exercise, 30 students from BAC, Berklee and NEU answered a quick survey. They told the surveyors five favorite places of doing fitness and the time of exercise. After analyzing the data, it was observed that these locations are less noisy than the site, also those places encompass humanized design. In the process of program arrangement, each fitness program could be ordered in a plausible way which are judged by program volumes, noise level and sport participation motivation.
Site Analysis
Programs of University Fitness Center
Selected Noise and Quiet Locations at Back Bay
44 45
The first step of designing the fitness center is reducing the noise from the turnpike. Since the Parcel 12 is under construction, the site project is permitted to extend to the entrance of the turnpike and Boston architectural college’s 951 block. The new master plan enhances the circulation by adding an MBTA station exit and a bus stop. The walking paths are designed directly from transportation to the Fitness center. The motivation | tranquility could begin as the water fountain on the left zone and the skatepark on the right zone. The water fountain plays the role of reducing the turnpike’s noise by creating white noise. The Skatepark is not only to satisfy the students who answered the survey’s question, but also the skating feature caters to the drive flow of Boylston street. It could explain how fitness responds to the urban environment. The definition of connecting fitness with urban environment could be multiple, including the later design in the building, to create two staircases with which to slice with the facade.
A A’ 59’-0” 5th Fl Floor 47’-0” 4th Fl Floor oor 26’-0” 3rd Floor 0’0’-0” 0 Ground un Fl Floor -11’-0” Lower level 1 -24’-0” Lower level 2 -37’-0” Lower level 3 12’-0” 2nd Floor N Master Plan of Site Improvement 0 50F 50 F 5 T N Circulation MBTA Station Bus Stop Skatepark Fountain
Sidewalk
Boylston
St
Design Development Changes
Section A-A’
Boylston Street
Outdoor Staircase
Massachusetts
Rail
46 47
Skatepark
Turnpike Commuter
Fountain
B B’ 59’-0” 5th Floor 47 -0” 4th Floor 26’ 26’-0” -0” 0 3rd 3r Fl F oor o or 12’-0” 2nd Floor 0’0 0” 0 Gro Ground n un Floor oo -24’-0” Lower Level 2 -37’-0” Lower Level 3 -11’-0” Lower Level 1 N Fitness Center 5th Floor 1. Soccer field 2. Observation deck 3. Outdoor Staircase 3rd and 4th Floor 1. Basketball Court 2. Running Path 3. Squash Courts 4. Outdoor Staircase Ground and 2nd Floor 1. Fitness Center 2. Yoga Room 3. Changing Room 4. Patio Lower Level 1-3 1. Swimming Pool 2. Zen Garden 3. Mechanical room Massachusetts Turnpike Commuter Rail Final Design The building is a five-story building with three lower levels. It is comprised by two core atriums of basketball court and swimming pool. The curvature of the façade reflects the motion of the traffic on the Massachusetts Turnpike and in turn represents the large range of fitness activities that take place inside the building. Meditation spaces inside the building, on the other hand, are tranquil and allow for moments of self-reflection and pause. The building features waterfalls throughout the interior, masking noise from the more active spaces as well as from the traffic on the Turnpike.
Extended
Section B-B’ Sidewalk Entrance Entrance 49 48
Basketball Court & Running Path
Running Path
C C’ -37’-0” Lower Level 3 -24’-0” Low Loower er Lev Leeveel el 2 0’0 0-0” 0” Groound unnd Fl F oor oor 12 12’ 2 12’-0” 0” -00”2nd 2n Fl F oor r 47 47’-0” 4th h 4 Fl Floor o 59’-0” -0” 5th Fl Floor oor 26’-0” 3rd Floor -11’-0” Lower Level 1 N Section C-C’ Diving Pool and Swimming Pool Chlorine Odors Supply Dry Air Swimming Pool Ventilation Curtain wall Stainless steel Columns Aluminium Panel Aluminium Panel Waffle Slab System & Concrete Floor Assembly of the elements I Assembly of the elements II Structure 50 51
MIRAGE ON THE WATER
BOSTON FERRY TERMINAL | REACTIVATING INACTIVE BRIDGE
ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 1
INSTRUCTOR:
KATHRYN A. FRIEDMAN
BOSTON ARCHITECTUAL COLLEGE 2016 FALL
The site is located next to a busy downtown business district. It is completely visible because people often walk or drive through this piece of land. The area is 27,000 feet and the perimeter is 710 feet long. Currently, the site is owned by James Hook & Co., which uses it as a seafood restaurant. The Old Northern Ave Bridge, which connects from Downtown Boston to Seaport, is located next to the site. Presently, the bridge is permanently closed.
Today, the site is surrounded by several ambiguous conditions: functional and valuable because the zoning of that area is mixed, with business, commercial, historical programs, and public spaces located close to each other. More importantly, the location on the water is a resource, and tourism around the site brings opportunity. The resource of green space is hard to ignore at the site. The Rose Kennedy Greenway is built upon the Big Dig tunnel, comprising several open green spaces. These spaces engage not only the community but also the urban environments, such as allowing people to take exercise and enabling Downtown Boston to have a living shoreline.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway used to be an elevated highway. Due to the congestion issue, the government decided to build a wider expressway and to eliminate the existing highway in order to relieve the traffic. Big Dig has become the most expensive project ever in the United States. It aimed to bring the vehicles from elevated to the tunnel, to reduce transport visibility.
The Big Dig project made the highway invisible to pedestrians and strengthened the green spaces’ connection. In the last decade, a lot of new programs have been built at Seaport, especially the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston (ICA) with the landscape design along the shoreline. It became one of the favorite relaxation spots in Boston. The pedestrian could walk easily from Downtown through Seaport Blvd to the destination.
However, most people are curious about the closure of the Old Northern Ave Bridge. Demolishing the entire bridge would be costly. Mightn’t it be a good idea to reopen the bridge for other purposes, like walking paths?
This means that people can plan a day to visit the entire area, for example, they can bring their kids in on the train to visit the ICA and stay in a hotel and eat at James Hook & Co, all in the same neighborhood, because of the zoning. Thus, the demand for ferry service is significant. Although there are several ferry terminals along Boston Harbor, they are disorganized and find it hard to maintain a high volume of passengers. Also, many people find it hard to reach the ferry terminal because the harbor walk is blocked by Seaport Blvd and James Hook & Co. Furthermore, the Seaport Blvd looks less vivid and unwelcoming.
06
Site
NORTH NORTH 52 53
Site and nearby building analysis Ferry routes map Site
Timeline of Boston Harbor
The Mirage on the Water is originally inspired by Boston’s unique climate condition, including an unassuming ferry terminal that looks like a semitransparent box. The terminal connects the harbor walk from both sides and Reactivating the old Northern Avenue Bridge. The Mirage on the water is also expressed as the visibility of transportation. It is learned from the Big Dig, which
was to bring the vehicle from elevated to tunnel and disappear in front of the walking pedestrian. Likewise, ferry passengers could see the less conspicuous terminal faintly and dimly. It accelerates the ferry passengers’ curiosity. It could also be comprehended as to weaken the transport visibility but strengthen the connection of the green space.
54 55 0 30 FT. N 0 30 FT. N 0 50 FT. N 0 8 FT. Visible Invisible 1. Rose Kennedy Greenway 2. Martin’s Park 3. Fan Pier Park 4. The Central Artery/Tunnel Project 5. Old northern avenue bridge Mirrage ge On The W Wate a r 1 4 5 3 2 1. Interlock - Mirage makes the paths uncertain. 2. Define spaces - Multi uncertain paths seperate the Ferry Terminal and Bay walking path. 3. Vue - Round Path unites the programs and enhances the visitor’s eye contact. Design Development Site Analysis 1.Loading 2.Waiting area 3.Seats 4.Lobby 5.Ramp 1.Retail 2.Waiting area 3.City View Room 4.Office 5.Ramp 1.Old Northern Ave Bridge 2.Boston Ferry Terminal 3.Bay Walking Path 1 4 2 5 3 11 4 2 3 5 1 2 3 A A’ Section A-A’ Basement Plan1st Floor Plan Site Plan Concept Model: Mirage on the water consists of a ferry terminal; a bay walking path which not only provides a shortcut across Fort Point Channel but also enables people to observe the harbor view; all by reusing the existing Old Northern Ave Bridge. City View Room Final Design of Mirage On the Water
Planting trees on the Old Northern Ave Bridge could be challenging. However, the styrofoam underneath the soil can lighten the weight of trees, in order to protect the bridge’s steel structure. Also, an irrigation system is installed under the bridge. It includes a filter that automatically transforms the seawater into freshwater. The freshwater passes through the drainage layer and reaches the plants.
The Old Northern Ave operates as usual. The pedestrians are free to walk across the bridge from Downtown Boston to Seaport. The sliding gates will automatically close while the center of the bridge rotates 90 degrees. The handrails are installed on both sides. Also, the Bay walking path connects from the Ferry Terminal to the Seaport blvd bridge. It not only shortens the distance of the harbor walk from Rowes Wharf to the Intercontinental Boston hotel, but also provides pedestrians with a different point of view 1
07 MISSING
LINK
- FROM RAIL TO TRAIL
VOLUNTEER TEAM DESIGN IN CAPE COD
GATEWAY
INSTRUCTOR: JACK COCHRAN BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE 2017 FALL
In Fall 2017, the Friends of the Bourne Rail Trail, the non-profit leading the development for the project, cooperated with Boston Architectural College Gateway Team. The project analyzed the Bourne Rail Trail corridor, a railroad that has the potential to be transformed into a new bike and running trail. Also, the project reconnected the missing connection between two other trails and stitched together a significant portion of Cape Cod. The design progress took place from September 2017 to May 2018. In the first semester, my role focused on the precedent studies and the zoning, ecosystem and site analysis. In the second semester, my role was to contribute to the designs of three resting areas along the path.
Cape Cod, is one of the most famous peninsulas in the United States. On November 11, 1620, the Pilgrims got their first look at the New World when they saw Cape Cod. The Pilgrim group decided to settle in this piece of land. Today, Cape Cod has become a popular destination for vacationers, because people get attracted by the spectacular landscape view and historical summer houses. Also, there are abundant natural resources from forest to ocean throughout Cape Cod including sharks and seals. According to Henry David Thoreau’s novel, sharks have been dramatized in Cape Cod culture.
Hand drawing: The envision of new biking path at Town of Bourne I Hand drawing: The envision of new biking path at Town of Bourne II Even though most people stay in Cape Cod only during the summer, there are a lot of permanent residents living in Cape Cod year round. In the past, people took the train from Cape Cod to Boston for work. One of the routes of the Old Colony Railroad, which operated from 1845 to 1893, was from Boston to Cape Cod. The train service stopped operating, in part due to people changing their commuting method from taking the train to driving. It caused the railroad right of way to be abandoned. However, some people felt inconvenienced without train service. They decided to move from the suburb to the city. Finally, the neighborhood became insular and the residents were getting older. Rebuilding the abandoned railroad as a new bike path could bolster the economy and tourism in this aging neighborhood.
There are several successful projects of reconstructing the railroad as a new bike path in the United States. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile rail trail in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the past, the railroad was separated from the street grid. The new bike path can enable residents to pass across the street much more easily. Also, the project engages the local community
At the end, the new bike and pedestrian path program in the Town of Bourne aims to enhance and improve some of the run-down or weak areas of the path.
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56 57 0 6 FT. 1.Handrail 2.Understory plantings 3.Planting soil 4.Foam 5.Drainage layer 6.Pile Planting section - Old Northern Ave Bridge Bay Walking Path Planting on bridge detail Section B-B’ Old Northern Ave Bridge and Bay Walking Path Final Design of Exterior Zone B B’
(Above) Ecosystem Diagram
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(Below) Site Analysis of Town of Bourne
Moon ring seating at Catumet Station
Stacked platform at Monk Park
Final Designs 60 61
Beach wood decking at Monument Beach
01. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENT
Project Landscape Architect: Ray Dunetz With Wolf Landscape Architecture
Other Team Members: Ray Dunetz, Tobias Wolf, Nancy Leask, Michelle De Tarnowsky, Sakina Dong
Project Location: 10 Central St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
Time of Participation: July, 2019 - January, 2020
Contribution: In this project, I led design of the main pedestrian path, optimizing aesthetic design, construction feasibility, and accessibility. I explored and tested a range of angles and radii in order to achieve an optimal design. Throughout the project, held primary responsibility for renderings and construction documents.
Project description: To improve the outmoded style of the existing pedestrian path and meet accessibility requirements, the firm designed the renovation of the Town Common in Manchester-by-the-Sea. The design included demolishing the old paths and replacing them with a more elegant permeable concrete paver. The new pedestrian path improves accessibility by adding new stairs and a handicap ramp that provides access from the parking area to the Town Hall. In addition, several planting areas around the pedestrian path were redesigned. The renovated landscape design also reduces coastal erosion from the Manchester Harbor.
08 OTHER WORKS
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Memorial Square Bird’s-eye of the Town Hall
PROFESSIONAL WORK
Permeable vehicular pavers and Ramp rail - Section Accessibility
Walking Path - Section
Concrete Stair - Section
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Stair Design behind the Memorial Square
02. WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IMPROVEMENT
Project Landscape Architect: Ray Dunetz
Other Team Members: Carol Moyles, Nancy Leask, Michelle De Tarnowsky, Sakina Dong
Project Location: War Memorial, Back Bay Fens, Boston, MA 02115
Time of Participation: July, 2020 - Present
Contribution: To date, have been responsible for all renderings of the primary design concept and for 70% of the construction drawings, as well as participating in the site analysis and assessing existing site dimensions.
Project description: The new design renovates and restores the existing monuments and improves the landscape design to better highlight key features of the monument design. The design conserves and protects important aspects of the existing design while increasing accessibility, including providing opportunities for wheelchair users to be in conversational space with other seated visitors. The design includes relocating the Vietnam War and Korean War memorial monuments, enlarging the paving area to increase accessibility, reorganizing seating areas, and improving plantings.
Plan
03. FIRST LANDING PARK
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IMPROVEMENT
Project Landscape Architect: Ray Dunetz
Other Team Members: Carol Moyles, Nancy Leask, Michelle De Tarnowsky, Sakina Dong
Project Location: Provincetown, MA 02657
Time of Participation: October, 2019 - October, 2020
Contribution: I was responsible for all renderings of the primary design concept and collaborated on the construction drawings.
Project description: In the past, many travelers have not visited this park space because of overgrown plantings and unmaintained benches and pedestrian paths. The new design provides additional entry points and increases accessibility.
04. LINCOLN SQUARE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IMPROVEMENT
Project Landscape Architect: Ray Dunetz
Other Team Members: Carol Moyles, Nancy Leask, Michelle De Tarnowsky, Sakina Dong
Project Location: Worcester, MA
Time of Participation: September, 2020 - Present
Contribution: To date, RDLA generated the alternative site design for the square. have created three alternative renderings to visualize different options.
Project description: The new landscape design coordinates with the design of the new senior housing and expansion into a renovation of the former Lincoln Square Boys Club. The landscape design relocates the existing memorial square structures to the center of the Boys Club entrance in order to improve pedestrian circulation.The design takes into account accommodating existing underground infrastructure. New plantings and other new facilities make the memorial square area a more welcoming place.
Plan
05. HOPE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
AND PARKS
Project Landscape Architect: Ray Dunetz
Other Team Members: Carol Moyles, Nancy Leask, Michelle De Tarnowsky, Sakina Dong
Project Location: 119 Webster St. Worcester, MA 01603
Time of Participation: June, 2020 - April, 2021
Contribution: I was responsible for all renderings of the primary design concept for the main entrance and vehicular gate design. I also contributed to the construction drawings.
Project description: The new design encompasses the main entrance, secondary entrance, alternative entrance, and monument protection. The driving paths of each area were redesigned. The main entrance redesign included a pair of vehicular gates and a pair of pedestrian gates and replacing the existing perpendicular stone walls with new curved granite walls. The redesign also protects the existing main monument and perimeter walls. Created multiple alternative designs to accommodate uncertain budget availability.
Rendering of new wall at the main entrance
Detail drawing of the new concrete wall with fonts
New stairway behind the existing monument
Front view of the First Landing Park
Bird’s-eye of the First Landing Park
Replacing by the new stone and bronze at WWII Memorial
PROFESSIONAL WORK
New granite seating in front of WWII Memorial
Bird’s-eye of the Lincoln Square
Perspective of the walking path entering to the Lincoln Square
Bird’s-eye view of the main entrance
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of alternative design of Lincoln Square
1 2 345 678 HAND DRAWINGS 11 12 1. Charcoal Drawing: Emotional Kaleidoscope 2. Charcoal Drawing: Meditation 3. Charcoal Drawing: Muscles of Bicep Femoris 4. Charcoal Drawing: Partial Skeleton 5. Charcoal Drawing: Chilly Moment 6. Charcoal Drawing: High Heel Boots 7. Charcoal Drawing: Leisure Style Bag 8. Charcoal Drawing: Baby Heads at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 9. Hand drawing: The imagination of my city episode I 10. Hand drawing: The imagination of my city episode II 11. Pencil drawing: A girl walking at the Brooklyn Bridge 12. Axonometric drawing: Boston Architectural College 9 10 68 69
WEIYONG ZHANG
SELECTED WORKS 2015-2020
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE