Portfolio of Architecture and Design
Brian Chen
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Academic Observing Nature from the Bath House
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Temple on the Water
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Vertical Farm in Toronto
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Chapter 2: Competition / Conceptual Diplomacy through Bathing?
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Tube 3
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Chapter 3: Professional nARCHITECTS
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Bjarke Ingels Group
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KPF Architects
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Curriculum Vitae Brian Chen
Education
Software
University of Waterloo
AutoCAD Rhinoceros 3D Grasshopper Sketchup
Sept. 2013 - Aug, 2018 I am currently a Masters student at the University of Waterloo. I have 19 months of experience at architecture firms and have been involved in projects of various programs such as residential midrises, highrises, supertall skyscrapers, mixed use masterplans, and installations.
Contact
Bachelors Honours of Architectural Studies
University of Waterloo
3dsMax Vray Rhino Vray Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Physical Modeling Laser Cutting 3D Printing CNC Hand Modeling
Sept. 2018 - Present Candidate for Masters of Architecture
Experience
bchen574@gmail.com 905 - 906 - 3569
Kohn Pedersen Fox
Projects:
January 2018 - April 2018
Tower in Shenzhen
Manhattan, New York
Created designs for a supertall in Shenzhen and for its associated masterplan. Produced 3D models, renderings, and diagrams during the design process and presentation material for the client.
Bjarke Ingels Group
Projects
Feb 2017 - Aug 2017
Smithsonian Museum Collections Center (Mixed Use)
Manhattan, New York
Calculated complex storage allocation program. Produced numerous design options, and handmade and lasercut models for design iterations. Produced 3D models, drawings, renders, and graphics.
nARCHITECTS
Projects
Sept 2015 - Dec 2015
Polycentric Pavilion (Art Installation) Conducted research on vault construction. 3D modeled design options. 3D printed options, and hand modeled site.
Manhattan, New York
Mini Creative Hub (Commercial) Recreated detailed 3D model of warehouse building from surveys. Designed interior options and material selection.
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Chapter 1 Academic
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Academic Project 01
Observing Nature from the Bathhouse A Onsen Resort in Hot Spring Town of Noboribetsu in Japan.
Information Academic. Individual.
The objective of this studio project was to design a resort and public bathing facility in the city of Noboribetsu which is located on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. The city is renown for its hotsprings and the many Ryokan (a type of a traditional Japanese inn that includes public baths) that draw from its waters. My approach was to embrace the cultural roots of the city by taking elements from the Ryokan typology but re-intepreting with a contemporary sensibility. Traditional features of Japanese vernacular architecture such as exposed timber structure, deep eaves, and framed views are incorporated in a courtyard typology formed of two curved gable roof buildings, one of them at grade level and another sunken, thus engaging the steep slope of the landscape.
Location Hokkaido, Japan Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, 3ds Max, V-Ray, Forest Pack, Grasshopper.
View from Above.
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1 Lounge/Eating Area/ Gift Shop 2 Reception and office 3 Pantry and Storage 4 Loading / Receiving 5 Accommodation 6 Greenhouse 7 Hot Bath 8 Change Room 9 Lodge Manager Residence 10 Artist Residence 11 Outdoor Multi-Use 12 Artist Work Display 13 Mechanical 14 Laundry 15 Storage
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East Elevation
The spaces are arranged with three goals in mind: (1) to Engage the various sectional conditions of the site and the views they each offer, (2) to mediate the relationship between different programs and the two bathing facilities that act as the focal point of life at the resort, and (3) to do so in a way that addresses the tradition and rituals of Ryokan and Onsen culture. The two buildings differ in their sectional quality and adjacency to exterior elements. Programs are allocated primarily based on these differences. The southern building houses more public program and its spaces relate primarily to the central garden and not to the surrounding nature - an upwards sloping hill to the south that offers little interms of lighting and views. Reception, a lounge space for residents to relax and converse, and a dining room are placed at the foremost part of the building, are followed by hotel rooms and a green house and balcony located at the other (northern) end of the building. The ample space provided by the deep eaves along the northern elevation of the building act as both circulation space and a liminal space that allows for the extension of adjacent program such as the dining room to expand by placing tables under the eaves. This type of multi-purpose circulation space enclosing a central garden functions in a similar way to the covered hallways of a cloister which are wide enough to accommodate various programs in addition to circulation, and also resembles the Engawa - a deep veranda in a traditional Japanese house - made for people to relax and observe nature as well as host outdoor events such as stargazing and watching fireworks.
Cloister
The northern building is sunken, the northern edge being at grade with the landscape which is around 2m lower than the elevation of the central garden. This sectional condition - one side lower and the other higher, and the northern facade facing the forest - is ideal for more private programs, and thus, is the where the artist lodge and the lodge manager’s residence located. One can sit at porch along the northern edge the building and observe nature without being disturbed - the left image on pg.18 evokes the private character of this boundary condition. The second bath which is located in this building is situated under a unenclosed roof structure which frames a vista of the forest and mountains created from an steep drop in elevation. This bath is designed much like that of the traditional onsen which consists of an basin lined with large boulders, enclosed by manicured gardens, and beyond that, a view of the mountains.
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Engawa (Veranda)
Onsen
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The character of the spaces vary as the rhythm of the timber structure adapts with the profile of the roof. Beams spanning across the roof structure continue from the eaves on the exterior into the interior. The angle between each set of beams varies as the roof profile rises or lowers. Diagonal bracing extends from the columns to the eave, supporting additional weight but also to accentuate the variation of the roof profile. The section of the ends of the beams - where they meet the edge of the eave - have been attenuated such that the roof appears as thin as possible. In conjunction, these design decisions intend to suggest an overall form that is predominated by the roof, more specifically, a highly abstracted rendition of the roof which contrasts with the surrounding forest. The drawing of the West Elevation (below) shows how the roof profiles of the two buildings interact. View of lobby / lounge space. Close up of roof structure and courtyard,
West Elevation
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View of central bath. North South Section facing East.
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Balcony of Artist Residence
View of bath at the North.
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The two images above depict the spaces on the northern face of the north building which sits at a lower elevation than the building in the south thus providing a more private and uninhibited engagement with the landscape. The left image shows the veranda of the artist residence; the image on the right shows the bathhouse and the panoramic view of the forest.
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Academic Project 02
Information Academic. Individual. Location Seoul, Korea Software Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, V-Ray
Temple on the Water A Memorial for Suicide Victims in Seoul
In many parts of the world, the concept of mental illness remains stigmatized. Unlike in the West where mental illness is felt to lay beyond one’s control, as is the case with physical illnesses, many East Asian cultures see poor mental health as a weakness of character and regard the mentally ill with shame. This is due to the upholding of collectivist values inherited from Confucian tradition. As a result, the mentally ill are often led to believe that they have failed to cooperate with others and have tarnished the reputation of their family and community. This project is a memorial for those who have committed suicide at the Mapo Bridge in Seoul, Korea. The bridge was the site of 100 suicide attempts just between 2007 to 2012. For the families and friends of these suicide victims, this memorial aims to provide a place to mourn, express grief, as well as address the aforementioned cultural reservations that stand in the way of that process.
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The massive “disk� (roof) appears to be held up by columns of light and water, each shaft of light is dedicated to a victim. Fiberglass tubes puncture the disk to illuminate a constellation of lights.
View on the surface facing the bridge.
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The names of victims are inscribed onto the wall enclosing the water feature.
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Academic Project 3
Information Academic. Individual. Location Toronto, Ontario. Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, V-Ray
Vertical Farm in Toronto Mixed Use Tower
The project considers two observations in its surrounding context; the lack of programmed green space and a rich food and produce culture. The building responds by creating a program that embraces the food culture and exhibits it to the public with a mix of generously sized green spaces. A Farmers Market, Community greenhouses and kitchens on the ground level allow the public to fully immerse themselves in the process of food production and consumption, bringing a new take to the surrounding program of specialty groceries and restaurants. These elements are brought together with a series of green spaces which attract and exhibit these features. Additionally the project also considers new ways food production and green spaces can be incorporated within the vertical fabric of the high rise typology; proposing new ways traditionally sprawling agricultural and greenery can begin to stack upwards as a necessary response to city densification.
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Section of Greenhouse and Residential Units
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Typical Residential Plan
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Basement Plan
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Ground Floor Plan
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South Elevation North South Section Facing East
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Chapter 2 Competition / Conceptual
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Competition Project 01
Information Competition. Group Location North-South Korea Border Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, 3ds Max, V-Ray, Forest Pack
Diplomacy through Bathing? A Bathhouse at the North - South Korean Demilitarized Zone
The competition brief proposed an unconventional premise, to build a bathhouse on the North and South Korean Border, at the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone, one of the most heavily militarily guarded borders in the world. In designing this project, myself and my team grappled with the multifaceted complications that the site. Our proposal was to graft an opening directly on top of the border, and the baths - shared by those from the north and the south - would be located at bottom. During the night the mist from the baths below emanate onto the surface, affecting the impression of a veil of light at the border.
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Below Ground Plan
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Competition Project 02 Tube 3 Information Competition. Group Location Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, 3ds Max, V-Ray, Forest Pack
Super Skyscrapers Winning Entry 2014 What happens when architectural typologies are brought to extreme climate and environmental conditions? Tube 3 considers what a hotel and retail program might be envisioned underwater. The submerged tower provides light through a courtyard that opens on the surface. Marine vegetation grows on the facade drawing marine life through glass tubes that run throughout the building.
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Chapter 3 Professional
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nARCHITECTS Milan Trienalle Installation Location Milan, Italy Software Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
nARCHITECTS was invited to participate in the Milan Trienalle. Each architecture firm would design an installation to be - Solid Forest Pavilion exhibited in thePHYSICAL Hangar Biccoca. MODEL For our submission, we took inspiration fromPHYSICAL MODEL - Solid Forest an older project, the Forest Pavilion (2011) and re-imagined it being built with different materials and in shaped in a different form. My role was to do research on arch structures, and create physical models and 3D models at the inception of this project.
MILAN TRIENALLE nARCHITECTS
MILAN TRIENALLE
DESIGN PROGRESS
nARCHITECTS
NOV 2, 2015
DESIGN PROGRESS NOV 2, 2015
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Pavilion
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Barrel Vault
Skewed Barrel Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Split Vault
Reverse Split REVERSE SPLIT
ouble Layered Continuous Wall Barrel Vault
Adjacent Vaults
Skewed Barrel Vault
Adjacent Vaults
Intersecting Vaults
Split Vault
Two to One Vault Two to One Vault
Morphed Vault
Reverse Split Vault REVERSE SPLIT VAULT
Morphed Vault
Three Merged Vaults
Three Merged
4.5m 2.7m
STUDY 1 - Double Layered Continuous W Barrel Vault
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DESIGN PROGRESS NOV 2, 2015
Adjacent Vaults
10m
S
10m
MILAN TRIENALLE nARCHITECTS
DESIGN PROGRESS
10m
NOV 2, 2015 10m
MILAN TRIENALLE
DESIGN PROGRESS
nARCHITECTS
NOV 2, 2015
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Ske
HISTORICAL VAULTS TYPOLOGIES BARREL VAULT An extrusion of a single curve.
Barrel Vault
GROIN VAULT The intersection of multiple barrel vaults.
Basilica of St. Sernin (1180) Toulouse, France
Skewed Barrel Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Split Vault
Reverse Split Vault
Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio (1099) Milan, Italy
Basilica Palladiana (1549) Vicenza, Italy
RIB VAULT A groin vault with structural ribs that support the vaulted surfaces.
Barrel Vault
Skewed Barrel Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Split Vault
Adjacent Vaults
Reverse Split Vault
Two to One Vault
Morphed Vault
Three Merged Vaults
Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio (1099) Milan, Italy
Adjacent Vaults
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FAN VAULT A rib vault in which slender curved ribs radiate from the top of columns.
MILAN TRIENALLE
DESIGN PROGRESS
nARCHITECTS
NOV 2, 2015
Skewed Barrel Vault
rel Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Morphed Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Split Vault
ntersecting Barrel VaultVaults
Split Vault
Two to One Vault
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Three Merged Vaults
Reverse Split Vault
PROPOSED VAULTS TYPOLOGIES
ults
Two to One Vault
Two to One Vault
King’s College Chapel (1515) Cambridge, England
Barrel Vault
Barrel Vault
Reverse SkewedSplit Barrel Vault Vault
Morphed Vault
Skewed Barrel Vault
Intersecting Vaults
SKEWED BARREL VAULT Skewed Barrel Vault Morphed Intersecting Vaults Vault Barrel vault with non parallel sides.
Intersecting Vaults
Two to One Vault
SPLITSplit VAULT Vault Split Vault Single vault with a split.
MILAN TRIENALLE
DESIGN PROGRESS
nARCHITECTS
NOV 2, 2015
Two to One Vault
Morphed Vault
Morphed Vault
Reverse Split Vault
Three Merged Vaults
INTERSECTING VAULT Vault Adjacent Vaults Split Three Merged Vaults
Multiple intersecting vaults.
Two to One Vault
Barrel Vault
Adjacent Vaults
Split Vault
Split Vault
Adjacent Vaults Vault TwoBarrel to One Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Morphed Vault
Two to One Vault
Morphed Vault
VAULT Reverse Split Vault MORPHED Morphed Vault
Three Merged Vaults
Irregular vault form.
Skewed Barrel Vault
Intersecting Vaults
Split Vault
Three Merged Vaults
SPLIT VAULT Reverse SplitREVERSE Vault Reverse Split Vault
Adjacent Vaults
Single Vault split and arranged reverse to another.
ONETwo TO to TWO VAULT One Vault Two vaults merging into one.
Morphed Vault
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Three Merged Vaults Three Merged Vaults
nARCHITECTS MINI Creative Hub.
Location Brooklyn, New York Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, V-Ray
The new creative hub A/D/O will occupy a former 23,000sf warehouse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Created as part of BMW/MINI’s initiative to engage broadly with design innovation across many aspects of life, work and mobility, the new space will provide designers a platform to explore innovative solutions that improve the future of urban life. I was engaged in multiple parts of the design process. I designed the facade, elements of the interior, created 3d models of the pre-existing building and made physical models.
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Bjarke Ingels Group Smithsonian Collections Center
Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, 3ds Max, V-Ray, Forest Pack
The Smithsonian Museums posses one of the most extensive collections world wide. This is a project for their central collections center which would hold a large portion of their collection and act as a research facility. My role was to design options that would fit the complex space allocation and preservation specificities of the program. I created 3d models, numerous physical models, diagrammatic illustrations, and calculated space requirements.
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KPF Architects Tower and Masterplan in Shenzhen Location Shenzhen, China. Software AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, 3ds Max, V-Ray. The following are designs for a masterplan and a skyscraper located in Shenzhen. My role was to design massing options, provide illustrations, and create drawings. In all images, except renders, I either was directly involved in its design or assisted with visual aspects of the design.
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Thanks for making it to the end. If anything caught your attention, send me an email at bchen574@gmail.com.
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