B VU ENJAMIN
ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO
BACKGROUND Studying architecture at the University of Canberra has exposed me to opportunities and experiences that have been extremely valuable to the development of my architectural thinking. During the second year of my Bachelors, I applied for the exchange program to Iowa State University (ISU) in the United States for 6 months. ISU focused on collaborative work with the Studio project involving both architecture and landscape architecture students. What I gained from ISU was the importance of teamwork, adaptability to new environments, communication skills and problem-solving skills. After completing my Bachelors the following year, I continued my studies into the Masters program also at the University of Canberra. In the second semester of my Masters, I applied for the exchange program to Tampere University of Technology (TUT) in Finland for 12 months. TUT had a strong approach towards self-learning and conceptual design while also encouraged students to enter competitions. TUT extensively improved my 3D visualisation skills, communication skills (as English was not everyone’s first language), and approach to new challenges. The valuable experiences during my university studies have allowed me to explore various ways of thinking, approaching and communicating my ideas, while also gaining invaluable life experiences that have made me who I am today.
EDUCATION
Benjamin Vu Masters of Architecture Graduate E: mb.vu@hotmail.com.au M: 0432678363 DOB: 15.02.1992
2013 - 2014 Masters of Architecture University of Canberra, ACT, Australia August 2013 - May 2014 Masters Exchange Program Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland 2010 - 2012 Bachelor of Architecture University of Canberra, ACT, Australia July - December 2011 Undergraduate Exchange Program Iowa State University, IA, USA
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS 2014
Dean’s Excellence Award at the University of Canberra
2011
UMAP Scholarship for exchange placement with Iowa State University, USA
2011 Golden Key International Honour Society
PUBLICATIONS 2014 Anna Helamaa, Sini Kotilainen, Ville Latinen, Omannäköistä asumista; Housing Solutions for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Tampere University of Technology, School of Architecture, Housing Design, Publication: 13
COMPETITIONS November 2013
Entry for Visions for M채ntyharju Centre Ideas Competition, M채ntyharju, Finland
November 2013
Entry for Ideas Competition for Renovation of Student Dormitory, Forssa, Finland
May 2012
Entry for Lodge on the Lake Design Ideas Competition, Canberra, Australia
COMPUTER SKILLS CAD/BIM
Revit 2014, AutoCAD 2D 2014, Sketch Up 2013
Visualisations
Adobe Photoshop CS6, InDesign CS6
Other IT Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel
PERSONAL INTERESTS Travels
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, Viet Nam
Sports
Badminton, Pool Table, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Vollyball
PROJECTS Threading the Space
06
Public Living Room
12
Flow of Pedestrian Movement
18
Lodge on the Lake
24
Lerida Estate Olive Grove
30
National Folk Festival Pallet Gallery
34
Canadian High Commission
38
06| Threading the Space
THREADING THE SPACE Canberra, Australia instructor: Gevork Hartoonian
studio program: Hybrid Urban Architecture: Organ to Organism
themes: composition, organism, symmetry, hierachy, civic/ public architecture
Located in Belconnen, the site for a new car dealership presents itself in the industrial area of the town, being based on the intersection of Lathlain Street and Weedon Close. A walking distance to the Belconnen Mall, the site is in a prime position for future development along Lathlain Street. The initial idea developed from an “Organ to Organism” exercise in which produced my “TWO SOLIDS, ONE VOID” concept, taking an ordinary shape (cube) and dividing it into three elements. Essential was the space between; the space connecting the solids while also being defined by the solids. With this initial concept, I abstracted the cuboids and adjusted them accordingly to the functions; Car Showroom, Hotel and Restaurant. This presented the idea of creating a ramp system for the car showroom space while other functions floated above. The ramp became the defining factor of the varying levels as all the ramps are all disabled accessible (1:14/1:20), forming the slope walls and curves of the volumes in between as they stretch vertically. A concept where the paths are always connecting and looping, as they define and thread the spaces we inhabit.
Three Elements Concept: TWO SOLIDS, ONE VOID
LAKE GINNINDERRA
*CONFIGURATIONS MUST SUGGEST THE ENTIRETY OF THE WHOLE (IN THIS EXAMPLE, CUBE).
BELCONNEN MALL
T
BENJAMIN WAY
S LAIN LATH
CONFIGURATIONS OF ELEMENTS USING MAXIMAL VOIDS
CONFIGURATIONS OF ELEMENTS USING MINIMAL VOIDS
*BOTH SOLID ELEMENTS MUST BE COMPLETELY SEPARATED BY VOID ELEMENT.
N ST
PHSO
JOSE N ST
CHA L
ON C
WEED
INITIAL IDEAS AND SKETCHES
COLLEGE ST
PARKING LOT
BENJAMIN WAY
LEFO
NETT
LATHLAIN ST
WEEDON CLOSE
LATHLAIN STREET
ENTRY/EXIT TO UNDERGROUND CAR PARK
T RD S
DROP-OFF ENTRY FOR HOTEL AND CAR SHOWROOM
WEEDON CLOSE ENTRY TO CAR SHOWROOM
SITE PLAN
CHAN STREET
PARKING LOT
CONTEXT PLAN
UNDERGROUND CARPARK ROOF TERRACE AND SAUNA CAR SHOWROOM LOBBY
GROUND LEVEL
OFFICES
6 LEVELS OF ROOMS
ROOF LIGHT VOIDS
PEAK OF RAMP
HOTEL LOBBY ENTRY TO UNDERGROUND CAR PARK AUDITORIUM
SECTION A
RESTAURANT WITH BAR ABOVE
SECTION B
HOTEL CAFE/ RESTAURANT
HOTEL BAR AND MEDIA EXHIBITION
HOTEL GYM
HOTEL FIRST LEVEL ROOMS AND OFFICE SPACE
SOUTH ELEVATION
SECTION C
HOTEL SIXTH LEVEL ROOMS
HOTEL ROOF TOP TERRACE, SAUNA AND RECREATIONAL SPACE
12| Public Living Room PUBLIC LIVING ROOM TO KESKUSTORI Tampere, Finland Water, greenery and light are the three core elements in this design. They are used to create different spaces and atmospheres exploring ideas of what a Public Living Room may be. The three core elements bound this concept as they have strong connections to the city itself. Water has always been a gathering point for all people throughout history and a clear example is the Tampere Rapids, providing water, power, as well as a place to relax during the warmer seasons. When exploring the meaning of a ‘living room’, there are always considerations which remain the same; natural light and greenery. Being exposed to natural sunlight as well as having access to vegetation are fundamentals for a living room as they bring life to the space. With these three elements, the Public Living Room in the heart of Keskustori will be a hub for all sorts of occassions. The building encompasses a Concert Hall for 344 people, working in conjunction with the theatre and cinema near by, exhibition spaces with varying atmospheres which may be used for special events or functions, and plenty of public working spaces subtly emerging underneath the park, linking directly to the open-air performance area and the Rapids. The initial concept began with drawing people via the notion of moving water, luring them underneath the building creating excitement and anticipation as they entered. The building’s playful form reflects its liveliness, being active with large public events and exhibitions and having spaces which can fit to any occasion. In contrast to this, the public working spaces was designed with the thought of warmth and coziness, a more intimate space for the people. For this reason, the public working spaces appear to be subtly emerging from underneath the park, emphasizing the charater of the space. The green roof above links directly to the adjacent park strengthening the outdoor performance area while also leading people to the water.
instructor: Professor Hannu Tikka and Teaching Associate Jenni Poutanen
studio program: Public Living Room To Keskustori
themes: culture, active, city structure, atmosphere, social, multi-purpose, spatial, functional
CONTEXT PLAN
LEVEL 0
MAIN FOYER OVERLOOKING KESKUSTORI
‘CONVERSTATIONS WITH LIGHT & WATER’
CONCERT HALL - STAGE VIEW
LEVEL -1
VIEW FROM KESKUSTORI
LEVEL 1
QUIET PUBLIC WORKING SPACE
+ 110.9m
+ 104.6m + 102.0m
+ 102.0m + 99.0m
+ 95.0m
+ 95.0m
+ 90.0m
+ 90.0m
+ 86.0m
SECTION + 106.0mA
+ 106.0m
+ 102.0m
+ 102.0m
+ 98.0m
+ 97.0m
+ 94.0m
LEVEL 2
VIEW FROM LOBBY TO GARDEN GALLERY
+ 93.0m
+ 90.0m
+ 90.0m
+ 86.0m
+ 86.0m
SECTION B
INITIAL SKETCH
LIGHT VOID SKETCH
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
STEEL TRUSS SYSTEM
BIRCH PLYWOOD PANELS
ACOUSTIC PLASTERBOARD SUBSTRATE
ACOUSTICAL INSULATION
REINFORCED CONCRETE
FLOATING WOOD FLOOR
ACOUSTIC UNDERLAY
DETAIL FACADE AND SECTION
GREEN ROOF ABOVE PUBLIC WORKING SPACES
PUBLIC WORKING SPACE WITH ADMINISTRATION
18| Flow of Pedestrian Movement FLOW OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT Tampere, Finland Situated just south of Tampere city centre, the new proposed development site in Härmälä has access to plentiful water frontages as well as walking trails offering fresh and active lifestyles for everyone. Moving freely to enjoy the natural surroundings as well as social activities is a key element in developing an integrated and community-oriented feel, creating a safe and pleasant place to live. Integrating and mixing people from all walks of life provides diversity while also a better understanding of those who are socially challenged, such as people with intellectual disabilities. Designing with a focus for these groups of people has provided a concept which looks at the site as a place of movement and life, as a place where people come to meet and connect while also being a place which links other places together. When analysing the site, the key anchor points in which displayed the highest interest and activities were the Beach, Pier, English Style Garden and the Main Public Square. Between these points of interest, paths were drawn to see how pedestrians would move freely through the site to reach these destinations, with the end result showing the flow of pedestrían movement.
CONTEXT PLAN
The buildings have been designed with much consideration towards this pedestrian movement to be able to provide the residents with the easiest and most access to the surrounding areas, which in turn will help those who are intellectually disabled to integrate and become a part of the social community.
ENTRY TO UNDERGROUND CAR PARK
SEMI-PRIVATE GREEN SPACE (ELEVATED 1 STOREY)
OPEN GREEN TERRACE SEATING
POND AND SEATING AREA
GREEN AREA AND MAIN ENTRY INTO SITE
NEW PUBLIC SQUARE AND PARK
SITE PLAN
BEACH
PIER
REFURBISHED AIRPLANE FACTORY
VI
NEIGHBOURING SITE
I
ENGLISH STYLE GARDEN
IV V
PUBLIC SQUARE & PARK SITE ANCHORS WITH CONNECTION PATHS
III
instructor: Anna Helamaa, Sini Kotilainen, Ville Latinen
studio program: Housing Design for People with Intellectual Disabilities
themes: disabled access, public/private, movement, lifestyle, community, integration, social
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
SKETCH DIAGRAM OF HEIRACHY OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT THROUGH SITE
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 0
SECTION A
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 1
SECTION B
WEST ENTRY: POND AND SEATING AREA
FLOOR PLAN: STUDIO APARTMENT SCALE 1:200
NORTH ENTRY: RAMP TO INNER COURTYARD
FLOOR PLAN: SINGLE BEDROOM APARTMENT SCALE 1:200
FLOOR PLAN: DOUBLE BEDROOM APARTMENT SCALE 1:200
FLOOR PLAN: TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT SCALE 1:200
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 3
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 4
HOUSING STATISTICS
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 2
HOUSING FACILITIES
APARTMENT TYPE
AMOUNT
AREA (m2)
WITH SAUNA
STUDIO SINGLE DOUBLE TWO BEDROOM
10 12 16 39
33 - 38 44 - 51 61 - 71 92 - 115
8 18
TOTAL
77
SOUTH ELEVATION
- CAFE - PUBLIC LIBRARY - WORKSHOP FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES - WOOD CRAFTS WORKSHOP - COMMON ROOMS (WITH BILLIARDS)
- GYM - LAUNDRY AND DRYING ROOM - COMMUNAL SAUNAS - MEDICAL CENTRE AND PHARMACY - FUNCTION ROOM - FROZEN POND ICE SKATING (DURING WINTER)
EAST ELEVATION
INNER COURTYARD
24| Lodge on the Lake LODGE ON THE LAKE New Prime Minister`s Residence Design Ideas Competition 2013 Canberra, Australia
BOAT HOUSE AND JETTY
Projecting over the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the New Lodge for the Prime MInister of Australia captures the best sceneries Canberra has on offer. With a 180 degree view looking towards Black Mountain, the National Museum of Australia and Commonwealth Bridge, the New Lodge takes advantage of this opportunity by framing each of these views.
OUTDOOR STAGE AREA LAKE SIDE BOARDWALK LODGE FORECOURT
Inspired by the strong triangular axis of the Canberra Plan, the design for the New Lodge reflects this geometry in both the planning and elevation. The New Lodge makes the most out of the site, mainly addressing the conservation areas, northern orientation as well as activating the lake frontage. With sun-detecting copper shading on both East and West facades, projecting roof lines for protection against the summer sun, and sliding partitions to bring the indoors outside, the design of the New Lodge responds to climatic conditions of the site.
RECREATION AREA CONSERVATION AREAS STAFF ACCESS SCULPTURE GARDEN & BUSH WALK TRAIL
The expression of entrance to the New Lodge instantly lures visitors with its large, bold frame-like structure with a sculpted timber ceiling underneath leading to artworks in the foyer. Functional areas within the building are spaced out on the ground floor providing an ease of access for visitors of the Prime Minister, while continuously capturing views towards the lake. The residence is placed above the functional areas providing a clear separation between private and public areas of the lodge. The design for the New Lodge expressively sits on the lake shores, capturing and framing the beautiful sceneries of Canberra, while becoming a view of the city itself.
VISITOR PARKING & LODGE PAVILION MAIN ENTRANCE
SITE PLAN
EAST ELEVATION
GROUND LEVEL
FIRST LEVEL
SECOND LEVEL
THIRD LEVEL
SECTION A
PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE
FUNCTION SPACES
RESIDENCE
STAFF AND SERVICES
SECTION B
NORTH ELEVATION
LODGE ON THE
instructor: Alastair Swayn
studio program: The Lodge on the Lake
themes: public/private, city heritage, WB Griffin, Canberra centenary, landscape, culture, unity, celebration, lifestyle
LAKE NEW OFFICIAL PRIME MINISTER S RESIDENCE
30| Lerida Estate Olive Grove LERIDA ESTATE OLIVE GROVE New South Wales, Australia The new addition to the award-winning Lerida Estate Winery sits on the adjacent block overlooking the vast Lake George. Unlike the chain of vineyards already existing along Lake George, the Lerida Estate Olive Grove provides new and different experiences complementing the superb wines made on site. Because of the optimal climates and temperatures for vineyards for the production of winemaking, it is also the perfect location for olive groves as they thrive in the same climate resulting in high quality olive oil. The new Lerida Estate Olive Grove rests comfortably on the land blending into the landscape because of its lower and more level site compared to the adjoining Winery. This gentle change of the hillside provided the opportunity to create a wandering journey between the buildings, adding a special touch to the olive oil production experience. The whole design of the buildings can be seen to be divided in two; with the north side containing public areas such as the shop, tasting area, step terraces and cafe/ restaurant, while the olive oil production is to the south face. As well as a solar-oriented design, the main purpose for this was to maintain a constant room temperature for the olive oil as well as shade from the sun, as sunlight degrades olive oil over time. Just like the Winery, the design will mimic a water tank facade at the entrance, as well as allow the public to view into the production areas as they wander through to the cafe and restaurant. The position of the Lerida Estate Olive Grove is also in line with the Winery especially the courtyard creating a converstation between the two.
EXISTING WINERY
PROPOSED SITE
instructor: Melinda Dodson/ Steven Frith
studio program: winery overlooking Lake George themes: landscape, solar passive design, transitions, layering, thresholds, delineation, visual weight, transprency, materiality
34| National Folk Festival Pallet Gallery NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL PALLET GALLERY Canberra, Australia PROJECT DESCRIPTION Located within Canberra’s Exhibition Park on Flemington Road the structure, built entirely from recycled pallets, will be a focal point for the many thousands of visitors attending over the festivals five day period. - Create a multipurpose structure to exhibit tradition bearers artwork - Create a temporary festival focal point that can be erected in two weeks and dismantled in one week - Respond to the cultural and traditional values of the Folk Festivals long history - Create a form that speaks of shelter and entices visitors to use the structure - Create public spaces for tradition bearers to work in and exhibit crafts - Create a whimsical/magical experience
PROJECT BREIF The elements of the client brief can be summarised as the provision of: - A structure that can provide shelter, gallery space and live craft exhibits all at the one time, without one function being compromised by the other. - A structure that is greater than the sum of its parts – where the practicalities work seamlessly allowing the folk traditions to be amplified by the architecture. - Architecture that is fun and involves the visitor or entices them to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.
group members: Genevieve Rossi, Matt baker instructor: David Flannery/ Melinda Dodson
clients: Kate Bowman Libby Alexander Evelyn Whitelaw
studio program: - exploration of structural design - experience working with clients - materiality (recycled) - temporary structures
38| Canadian High Commission
CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION Canberra, Australia The new Canadian High Commission has taken inspiration from traditional longhouses in Canada, as well as the landscape and existing site elements, to not only form and express itself as a building for its residents, but also as a sculptural landmark for the community it serves. The informal and formal paths of the landscape complement the gestures of the buildings, while the buildings themselves have been placed to reect the curvature of the natural setting, making both landscape and architecture work in unison.
EAST ELEVATION
SECTION A - A
PRECINCT PLAN
SITE PLAN
NORTH ELEVATION
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
SECTION B - B
LEVEL 3
WEST ELEVATION
instructor: Alastair Swayn
SECTION C - C
studio program: - exploration of embassy standard requirements - materiality - treatment of prime location - importance of heritage
themes: community, security, public/ private, heritage, cultural