Portfolio_Alfred Cai by Alfred Magnolia

PORTFOLIO architectural projects by Alfred Xuecheng Cai

University at Buffalo School of Architecture & Planning

TABLE OF CONTENTS

- Resume

- Mรถbiusdome - Artist Residency Complex - Slop Garden - Building in a Building - Forest Hill - ROOTS - Construction Practice

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NAME Alfred Xuecheng Cai BIRTH 07/06/1996 CONTACT xuecheng@buffalo.edu

EDUCATION

AWARDS

2018 Barbara G. Laurie NOMA Annual Student Design Competition First Prize

SKILLS

AutoCad Rhinocero Rhinocero Render in Vray Photoshop Physical Model Making Indesign Illustrator QGIS

LANGUAGE

Chinese English

Native Fluent

5th Semester

Sep | 2018

Mรถbiusdome Tutor: Nicholas Bruscia University at Buffalo school of Architecture & Planning

he brief of this building was to introduce the technology of buoyancy into architecture design by combining shipbuilding experience. Students are encouraged to develop a different understanding of the concept of architecture. This is a water education center built in the Lockport area of the Erie Canal to cultivate people's interest in water sports such as boating. This project includes research on the Erie Canal, making ships by hand, and exploring the relationship between buoyancy and architecture. *ship built by the group of the whole studio

Increase interaction with water. Generate diversity of design.

n arch structure with a closed curve became a long closed beam which resembles a curved Mรถbius band. The section of the beams all have diiferent facings. Later, this infrastructure has experienced multiple overlaps, displacements, scaling and bending, and eventually became a dome group that still has a continuous structure from the dome roof, through the middle pillars and go to the floating structure which below the waterline.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2 Fig. 6

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 7 Fig. 5

ARC 301_Fall 2018 University at Buffalo, Department of Architecture Studio: Bruscia Name(s)Ben Ezquerra,Chris Welch,Jaxon Klein,Leah Carpenter,Xuan He,Madelaine Ong, Sheikh Hossain, and Alfred CAI

Fig. 8

W Fig. 1 Plan Fig. 2 Elevation Fig. 3 Front Section Fig. 4 Back Section

Fig. 5 Lateral Section Fig. 6 Exploded Axon Fig. 7 Axon Fig. 8 Detail Axon

Project 01: A Buoyant Vessel “Hydro-Plane”

h e n we we r e de s ig n i ng t h e k e el a nd t h e r ib s o f t h e bo a t , w e f o u n d th at th e ke e l a n d r i b s d e f le ct e d on b o th f ac es ( XY P a n e l a nd X Z P a n e l) to f it th e sh a pe o f th e b o at . W h a t’s m o r e , w h en t h e e nd - t oe nd jo i n ts o n t h e X Y f a ce wa s co m b i ned , it b ec o me s a Mö b i us b a nd . A f te r t ha t, th is p he n o me n on wa s us e d as th e st a r ti ng p oi nt fo r my d e s ig n .

4th Semester

Feb | 2018

Artist Residency Complex Tutor: Laura Garofalo-Khan University at Buffalo school of Architecture & Planning

he brief of this building was to studying Renaissance architecture: the design ideas of Villa Barbaro and architect Andrea Palladio, and designing a modern art center next to him, which inspiring students to think about design through the conflict and intersection between modernity and history.

I h op ed to g ive p eo p le a fe e li ng o f h a r mo ny w ith th e hi s to r ic a l s it e an d t h e lan dsca pe . As th e n ei g hb o r o f t h e Villa Ba rb aro , I wa n t t o s ho w a co e xist en ce bet we e n c la s s ic al a nd co n t em pora ry,

T h e a rtist resid enc y c om pl e x a t th e Vi l l a Barb aro is c om po s e d o f a s e t o f d et ach ed pro gr a m s p a c es th at a r e b rou ght t og eth e r by a r ib b on like sh ad e st ructu r e . T he u n its ha v e a sim ilar f orm bas e d o n a s qu a r e p l a n , b ut va ry in t he i r s c al e , a n d l e v el o f p erm ea bilit y to l ig h t a nd a i r. Th e lin e a r roo f n et wo r k tha t c on n e c t s t h e bu ildin gs is p a ra l le le d b y a x ia l cir cu latio n (for ca r s an d p e de s tr i an s ) . T h e p at hs are ar r a ng e d in r e la ti o n t o t he villa â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s d omi n an t ax i s a nd connected to the villa through its cross a x i s . So a set of c u b e l ik e v o l um es a r e b rou ght t og eth e r th r ou g h a gr o u nd n e t wo rk an d a roo f ne t w o r k .

Modern VS Classic

illa Barbaro is designed with delicate structure and proportion. Axisymmetric design and Garden design ties the whole building into the context. My diagrams show the balance, rhythm, coordination, hierarchy, disposition, proportionality, and scale present in the plans and elevations of the villa. The concepts I used for the residency and which learnt from Villa Barbaro are its axiality, the placement of gardens, the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relation to the hill, the placement of public, semi public, and private spaces.

SUN AND WIND LEGEND BUILDINGS WIND SUN PATH

Site Analysis

Play with elements

Extension in the same Language

Study abroad program in Spain

June | 2019

Slope Garden Tutor: Miguel Guitart University at Buffalo school of Architecture & Planning

he brief of this building was to design an international Student Campus for University at Buffalo in Madrid, Spain. The facility should be a multifunctional facility based on accommodation and teaching. The integration with the local culture and environment and the rational use of level differences are the main points.

This is a team project with Yifan He

s an U B cu lt u r al c a mp us lo c a te d i n M a d r i d, t he b u il di n g i s b u il t a s a s lo p th a t c o n n ec t s t h e c it y a t th e u p st r e e t l e ve l a n d th e u n v e r si ty ca mp u s at t he l o we r le v e l. The g a r de n o n t he s lo p i s t h e m o st i mp o r ta n t p a r t o f th e b u i ld in g . Thr o u g h t h e g a r d e n . P e o p le c an w al k f r o m up t o l o w, f r o m n o i sy to si le n t , f r o m c i ty to c ou n t r ys id e , a nd a l so f r om o n e c u lt u r e t o a no t h e r c u lt u r e . T he b u i ld in g e n co u r a ge s c a m p u s c om m u n ic at i on w it h b ot h th e ci t y a n d the u n i ve r s it y. A t th e sa m e t i m e, it is a ls o i n te g r a te d i t se l f i nt o th e m.

6th Semester

Feb | 2019

Building in a Building Tutor: Brian Carter University at Buffalo school of Architecture & Planning

he concept of a BUILDING IN A BUILDING is inspired by the need to provide a resilient center where communities can meet, learn and play. Located on an urban site this new Recreation Center can be used throughout the year and will also offer refuge in times of emergency. The design creates two separate buildings in the heart of Cleveland that are distinctively different from one another yet combine together to create new connections to link existing streets and different neighborhoods in the city.

he INNER BUILDING is heavy and predominantly solid. Designed to provide a focus for daily life in the community and a refuge for people in emergencies it will be constructed of in-situ reinforced concrete. A series of solid structural walls support concrete slab floors and frame glazed openings. The insulation provided by these dense, long and heavy walls will help to minimize temperature fluctuations throughout the year and reduce energy demands. In addition the durability of the material and obvious strength of the structure combine to provide a sense of security that creates a resilient shelter for the community which can be used throughout the year and as a refuge in times of emergency and extreme weather. h e OU TER B UI L DI NG i s , b y c o ntras t, ligh twe i gh t a n d t h in . A fo ld ed f ram ew ork p ro v i de s s u n sh a d in g a nd scree ni ng f ro m w in te r win d s for th e R e crea t i o n Ce n te r a s we l l a s pro vidin g a s tr u c t u re d e s ig n e d t o fa c i l ita te th e coll ec t i o n of r ai n w at e r an d s u pp ort fo r a la r g e ph o t o - v ol ta ic ar ra y. I n add itio n the f r a m e s u p po r ts a ra mp th at is th re ad e d be t w e en t he inn e r a nd ou te r bu i ld i ng s

ainwater that is collected within the frame is stored in tanks supported by the heavy concrete structure of the INNER BUILDING. Power generated by a roof mounted photo-voltaic array that consists of 4,600 sq.ft. of solar collection surface is estimated to be in excess of 92,000 watts. This energy from the sun will be stored in battery rooms within the heavy concrete structure of the INNER BUILDING. As a result the INNER BUILDING is serviced by systems that are inherently resilient and which have been planned to enable spaces on each floor to be used independently during power outages or at times of extreme weather during both the winter and the summer.

he space between these two buildings houses a ramp that provides a direct connection between the upper and lower levels of existing streets which bound the site. This ramp, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, will enable free movement through and across the site, offer experiences related to the activities within Recreation Center and provide opportunities for passers-by to learn about programs and facilities that are available to the community. This new route through the neighborhood highlights the contrasting characteristics of the BUILDING IN A BUILDING.

8th Semester

Sep | 2019

Forest Hill Tutor: Omar Khan University at Buffalo school of Architecture & Planning

he brief of this building was to design a residential building with specific public spaces in Forest Hills, Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, NYC. Students decide on use of public space. The key to the project is to study the relationship between city and architecture, the relationship between public space and private space, and the vision of sustainable development.

*This is a team project with Xuwen Zhang. *This project was exhibited at the University at Buffalo of Aarchitecture & Planning in 2019.

esigning a building that combines ecology and technology with the lives of ordinary citizens is our theme. Through the interaction between the citizens and science and technology, the public can participate in scientific research of food and medicine that based on the plants. What's more, the building itself can be a tribute to the sustainable architectural concept and as an iconic building in an area of the same name.The Public space become a flowing ecology facing the entire Society. It also serves as a trail for the Lab to associate plants into humans life. Ecological space surrounded by communities can stimulate people's awareness of protecting the environment as well.

Nomas Competition program

Oct | 2018

ROOTS Faculty advisor: Brian Carter University at Buffalo school of Architecture & Planning

he brief of ROOTS is an initiative that seeks to connect the many parts of the Woodlawn community and enable its growth. As a student design proposal that would create a gateway to the future Obama Library in Chicago. Students need to pay attention to the community culture and local environment, as well as energy saving (net-zero) and environmental protection in the design.

*This project was produced and presented by Elias Kotzambasis, Alfred Xuecheng Cai, Jonette Cobb and Unnati Patel. Drawing support with Liangying Chen, Evan Martinez, and Michael Hoover. *This project was exhibited at the 2018 Barbara G. Laurie NOMA Annual Student Design Competition and earned first prize.

OOTS has been designed to provide employment, health services, education programs and housing at the heart of the Woodlawn neighborhood. Urban agriculture generates jobs and fresh food and consequently can help to improve the lives of local residents. Located on the Metra commuter line, ROOTS becomes a destination where people can work, buy fresh produce, shop and eat. ROOTS has been designed to improve the health of the community by providing ready access to fresh fruit and vegetables, education on healthy eating, jobs and exercise. ROOTS introduces gardens, markets, restaurants and places to eat. These facilities are located alongside a trade school that hosts educational opportunities centred around food and agriculture to enable people of all ages, abilities and interests to work and to learn. It can also offer agriculture based training and re-entry opportunities for different people in the community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; children, students, ex-offenders and families in ways that can change negative perceptions. By providing east access to public transportation, jobs, healthy produce and housing ROOTS creates opportunities for people to enter the workforce, establish businesses and become entrepreneurs.

1.Plaza Garden 2.Storage Area 3.Restaurant 4.Cafe 5.Market Place 6.Train Station 7.Training Facility 8.Housing 9.Roof Garden 10.Greenhouse 11.Parking Lot

10 9

6 4

3 1 2

USERS

EX - OFFENDERS/AT RISK

STUDENT

PUBLIC/ RESIDENTS

EMPLOYEE

FOOD VENDOR/TENANT

Ex-OďŹ&#x20AC;enders/ at risk youths Attends seminars to become Buys produce that are grown Provides job training and Prepare food with the produce grow produce for themselves educated on healthy eating by the ex-cons/ at risk youths. teaches agriculture practices that are grown by the ex-cons/ and the Woodlawn habits. to the ex-cons/ at risk youths. at risk youths. community. Community Gardens Farmers Market Super Markets Deli & Convenience store Site Boundary Neighborhood Boundary Major Axis

OOTS adopts sustainable design practices and prompts community initiatives that help to create a carbon neutral development. With a humid continental climate buildings in Chicago can demand large amounts of energy throughout the year. By using a locally produced terra cotta screen that consists of vertical fins ROOTS has been designed to minimize solar gain while also allowing for good levels of natural daylighting. This, along with green roofs that provide high levels of insulation, and operable windows, helps to reduce needs for air conditioning in the building. Community gardens also serve the ecological initiatives of ROOTS and improve the quality of life in the local community. Plants and planting consume carbon dioxide throughout the life of the building, food grown and harvested from the gardens can be sold and prepared in local markets and restaurants, organic waste can be composted on site and redistributed for gardens in the neighborhood and urban agriculture on this site can reduce the amounts of carbon created by transportation.

OOTS has been designed on the basis of a ten year plan to develop facilities and transform 63rd. Street into a greenway. Learning from Olmsted, this Greenway has been designed to extend from the 63rd Street Metro Station connecting Cottage Grove and Jackson Park. The planned Greenway would provide the Woodlawn community with walking paths and bikeways that would be shaded by avenues of trees, connecting the two main rail lines and existing stations. Making public transport more readily accessible to the community not only helps to achieve inexpensive access to the city and beyond but also provides convenient access for visitors to the Obama Library that will open in 2021. The Greenway also provides a setting for weekly pop-up markets, seasonal festivals and temporary stages for cultural activities while helping to condition the environment and contribute to achieving net zero in Woodlawn.

6th Semester

Feb | 2019

Construction Practice Faculty advisor: Annette LeCuyer

he brief of this project is to investigate and study the two building's material and structures by doing research and using Auto CAD to draw the 3d axon section of the building. The purpose is to deepen students' understanding of materials and structures, as well as exercise drawing skills and specifications of architecture.

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