B VU ENJAMIN ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO Masters of Architecture Studies
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 2015 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Cox Architecture Student Design Prize - First Place: Threading the Space 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 Mäntyharju Centre Ideas Competition, Mäntyharju, 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
Allotment Garden Cottage
18
Flow of Pedestrian Movement
24
Lodge on the Lake
30
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 grade: High Distinction
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 grade: Credit
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| Allotment Garden Cottage ALLOTMENT GARDEN COTTAGE Tampere, Finland The main concept behind the cottage extends the interior living space to the outdoors. The functions of the cottage are divided into three modules; kitchen and living space; bathroom and sleeping space; and sauna and storage. The outdoor patio connects the functions together while also allowing the living spaces to extend and become larger if desired. The materials in the design mainly consist of recycled and reclaimed timber components which include structural lumber, salvaged doors and windows, and floorboards. Recycled corrugated steel sheeting is used for the roof. The cladding is made up of varying-sized timber pieces, allowing flexibility when collecting material as well as giving unique facades for each cottage. The main sliding doors take advantage of reclaimed timber with old paint still visible, forming an artistic composition to define the entry. The sliding doors also act as partitions for the patio creating an outdoor living room between the kitchen and dining, and the sleeping space. Next to the kitchen and dining space is the sauna which links directly to the gardens. Tucked away around the back is the gardening storage.
instructor: Maria Pesonen
studio program: Recycled Buildings: Allotment Garden Cottage
themes: recycled materials, easily reproducable, temporary living, community, social, lifestyle grade: Distinction
1 7
3
8
5
2
4
6
9 10
ALLOTMENT GARDEN COTTAGE FUNCTIONS 1. MAIN ENTRY 2. OUTDOOR LIVING AREA 3. BATHROOM WITH LOFT ABOVE 4. BEDROOM 5. KITCHEN & LIVING ROOM
ALLOTMENT GARDEN ARRANGEMENT SCHEMA
|
SCALE 1:2000
N
SITE PLAN WITH GARDEN ARRANGEMENT
|
SCALE 1:100
6. STORAGE ROOM 7. SAUNA 8. GARDENING SHED 9. DECK STEPS/ SEATING 10. VEGETABLE GARDEN BEDS
N
WOODEN STRUCTURE
INSULATION LAYER AND INTERIOR SURFACES
FACADE AND EXTERIOR SURFACES
+5944
+3864 +3400 +2900
+1000 +700
+0.00
-1800
SECTION A
|
SCALE 1:100
+5944
+3350 +2900 +2450 +1900
+1000 +700
+0.00
EAST ELEVATION
|
SCALE 1:100
SOUTH ELEVATION
|
SCALE 1:100
NORTH ELEVATION
|
SCALE 1:100
+5944
+3350 +2900 +2450 +1900
+1000 +700
+0.00
WEST ELEVATION
|
SCALE 1:100
F1
BASE FLOOR & FOUNDATION
F8 F9
F2 F3
F10
F4 F5 F6 F7
F12
F11
F13 F14
F16
F15
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 F13 F14 F15 F16
SCALE 1:30
22mm - Recycled floor boards with tongue and groove joints. 0,2mm - Air and vapour barrier 50mm x 50mm - Load-bearing structure with mineral wool insulation 200mm - Mineral wool insulation 220mm x 50mm - Load-bearing structure 20mm - Wind shield, weatherproof fibre board 25mm - Spaced supporter slats 19mm - Recycled decking boards 50mm x 50mm - Recycled joists (with 600mm spacing) 50mm - Damp-proof mineral wall 150mm x 50mm- Load-bearers/ beams 270mm x 50mm - Load-bearing structure 50mm x 150mm - Timber base plate 20mm - Light stucco 20mm - Steel stumps 220mm - Concrete with reinforced steel
ROOF R1
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11
R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9
20mm - Corrugated steel sheet 0,2mm - Waterproof barrier 200mm - Ventilation gap 0,3mm - Wind protective barrier, foil 250mm - Mineral wool insulation 0,2mm - Air and Vapour barrier 15mm - Fibre board 30mm - TImber battons 25mm - Building board 50mm x 250mm- Load-bearing structure 150mm x 50mm - Timber top plate
WALL W1
W5
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7
W6
W8
W2 W3 W4
W7
W9
W8 W9
R10 R11
SCALE 1:30
SCALE 1:15
+5944
+3350 +2900 +2450 +1900
+1000 +700
+0.00
-1800
SECTION B
|
SCALE 1:100
15mm - Interior board, plywood 0,2mm - Air and vapour barrier 150mm - Mineral wool insulation 50mm x 150mm - Recycled timber stud 25mm Wind protective barrier 0,2mm Waterproof barrier 15mm - Timber cladding slat supports/ ventilation gap 30mm x 50mm - Timber cladding supports/ ventilation gap 45-70mm - Recycled timber slats
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.
NORTH ACCESS TO INNER COURTYARD
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 grade: Credit
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
SKETCH DIAGRAM OF HIERARCHY OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT THROUGH SITE
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 0
FLOOR PLAN: LEVEL 1
SECTION A
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
instructor: Alastair Swayn
studio program: The Lodge on the Lake
themes: public/private, city heritage, WB Griffin, Canberra centenary, landscape, culture, unity, celebration, lifestyle grade: Distinction