PORTFOLIO
LEE WEN XUAN CARA
Lee Wen Xuan Cara
Hi, I am Cara an architecture student at the AA School of Architecture. From the research process to the curation of materials and textures, I find joy in understanding the different elements that form architecture and explore unique concepts that engage people.
Beyond that, I am an adventurous individual who enjoys exploring new cultures and cuisines through travel. In my free time, you can often find me indulging in desserts, immersing myself in music and movies.
EDUCATION
ARCHITECTURE ASSOCIATION, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
(Since 2024)
Bachelor of Architecture, Year 2
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (2023 - 2024)
Bachelor of Architecture, Year 2
SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC (2020 - 2023)
Diploma with Merit, Architecture
WORK EXPERIENCE
ASOLIDPLAN (APR 2023 - JUN 2023)
Intern
Assisted with submission drawings, renders, tender drawings and physical model making
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Sept 2021 - Feb 2022)
Physical Planning East, Intern
Assisted with various simulations documentations and analysis of planning area.
COMPETITIONS
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING DESIGN COMPETITION, IBDC (2023)
Special Mention Prize
ARCHIFUTURE DESIGN CHALLENGE (2023)
3rd Prize in the Polytechnic category
TECHNICAL SKILLS
LinkedIn: @Cara Lee
Work Instagram: @cara.archival
Microsoft Suite, Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino & Grasshopper, Sketchup, Photoshop CC, Indesign, Premier Pro, Illustrator, Blender, Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, Procreate
CONTENTS
I. POSSESSION IS 9/10 THE LAW (TO BE COMPLETED)
II. TANJONG PAGAR RAILWAY STATION
III. CORE MODULES
IV. WIND-CHANNELING CURTAINS THAT FLUTTER
VI. APRICUS
VII. OTHER WORKS
I.
POSSESSION IS 9/10 THE LAW
This project investigates the definition of ownership in the context of Singapore’s public housing system. The rigid nature of ownership, fosters isolation, as policies reinforce that homes are a personal financial asset rather than a shared environment.
We often perceive ownership via its legal definitions, but is it only subjected to that? Or is there more to it?
The proposal suggests a new model where the boundaries of ownership are blurred as life on the land is ever-changing and built through communal effort.
II.
TANJONG PAGAR RAILWAY STATION
As a symbol of its era, the railway station evokes the romance of travel and holds fond memories for many visitors. The proposal aims to rejuvenate Tanjong Pagar Railway Station by blending its Straits heritage with new functions, encapsulating its historic hustle and bustle while addressing contemporary needs.
CORE MODULES III.
Works at the AA as side modules from studio work to develop skillsets and interests in different mediums and perspectives of architecture.
[Exploring The Atmosphere of Fabrics]
Through creating a physical model, cinematic experiences can be derived to understand the mood-making of fabric.
[Analysis Driven Design]
An assessment of environmental factors allow for a climatically responsive design.
[Within Regularity]
Exploring Regularity in public spaces and how daily life takes over.
WIND-CHANNELING CURTAINS THAT FLUTTER
Enriching the learning atmosphere of St. Patrick’s School through the materiality of fabrics that channel wind. Inspired by sails and curtains, experimentation of fabric manipulation was conducted, including draping and smocking, introducing structure to soft fabrics, allowing for new learning methods.
This project draws inspiration from the framing techniques in Wong Kar Wai’s cinematic film, “In The Mood For Love” which transports viewers into a voyeuristic experience, akin to peering into the affair of the main characters.
[Scan to view process journal] http://tinyurl.com/5n7a3b8t
“There’s something comforting about the sight of strangers safe at home.”
-PaulaHawkins
APRICUS
The dynamic interplay of diverse openings within the daylit shophouses of Chinatown engenders a plethora of illuminating qualities, intricately shaping distinct ambiences befitting their designated functions.
Lighting studies
Massing diagram & models
Initial spatial sketches
Program organisation
OTHER WORKS
Work done during internships, competitions and curiousities explored in my own free time.
[Internships]
Bathroom interior design, 2023 Site & supplier visits, 2023
Assisting with design proposal, 2023
Masterplan development, 2021
Movie tikets encapsulate temporal fragments, symbolising the gradual erosion of memories. Through the act of weaving, these fragments are intertwined with fabric, culminating in a final image that delves into textured layers, exploring an interplay between time, memory, and materiality.
[The Weaving of Memory]
Test strips and final composition
Fabric & movie tickets glued together, post-production on Photoshop, 2023
[Elements That Make A Home]
High-rise buildings often allow one to loose track of which floor one is on. However, I never experienced this since my neighbours have planted a large vareity of plants which have become my symbol of home.
Drawn on Procreate, 2024
