PORTFOLIO OF CHANG CHU
FOR THE APPLICATION TO M.ARCH PROGRAM
c c hu2@u o r e g o n . e d u | +1 ( 5 3 0 ) - 4 1 3 - 3 5 7 5
PROLOGUE
I believe that architecture cultivates places that stimulate emotions and humanistic concerns among people. Its presence transmits social signals to people all the time. These social spaces, which change over time, are placed in the city, f u l l o f i n t e r l o c k i n g d y n a m i c s o f p o w e r, interaction, freedom, and segregation. Architects, as an agent, provide a platform to connect different people and make the growth of space a shared enterprise. In the portfolio, I want to present a new way of thinking the contemporary a r c h i t e c t u r e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y. T h r o u g h the five designs, I want to explore the diversified and sustainable spaces when facing the challenges of different scales of people, cities, and nature.
CON T E N T S 1
B r i c k P r oj e c t o r Performing Arts Center in Central Academy of Drama (Beijing)
2
The P e e k A public space for children with autism (Iran)
3
S mal l i s B i g New theory in urban context study (Tokyo)
3
3.1 The Hill Public Spor t s c om plex
3
3.2 Urban Oasis Repr oduc ible gr eening s y s t e m
4
Ur ban P a c emaker Hybrid sustainable community (Portland)
5
K o mo r ebi A Neo Japanese restaurant in historic building (Portland)
01 Brick Projector P e rformi ng A rts C enter i n C e n tral A cademy of D rama' s A rc h i te cture S tudi o: S ummer 2021 Instructor: Yi qi S ong S i te: B ei j i ng, C hi na Indi vi dual W ork What is the potential of brick in modern architecture? How does space connect life and art?
The design redefines and discusses educational spaces and their social responsibilities; a school should not serve only students, and drama is not the supreme art away from life. The concept of the spatial projector expresses architecture as a medium to project life i n t o a r t a n d r e f l e c t a r t i n t o d a i l y l i f e s i m u l t a n e o u s l y. The venue locates within the East Side Campus of the Central Academy of Drama, and the west facade of the Performing Arts Center is adjacent to Nanluoguxiang. The emergence of a new brick-style building is in line with the teaching characteristics of the CDA, which are both traditional and innovative, and a critique of the antique buildings around the venue that symbolize brick. Performing arts center is a stage where each user is the protagonist and where each activity becomes a source of inspiration for artistic expression. First, the exterior d e s i gn t a k e s a d v a n t a g e o f t h e b u i l d i n g 's l o c a t i o n i n t h e heart of Beijing's bustling hutongs by partially tilting the brick wall facing the main street. With the translucent sloping surface forming a projection screen so that the rich human activity of Beijing's hutongs becomes the p e r f e c t s o u r c e o f m a t e r i a l a n d i n s p i r a t i o n f o r t h e a t e r. S e c o n d l y, t h e a t r i u m s p a c e i n s i d e t h e b u i l d i n g s e r v e s as an outdoor stage, surrounded by a transparent wraparound corridor. The people in each level of the passage naturally become the audience of the atrium performance.
Built before 2000 Built after 2000
Capital Region
Mix of Old and New
Metro Accessibility
Beijing's city center fills with a fusion of old and new, and the building needs to meet basic education demands and respond to local life and history. The space is intermediate between art and life, establishing a virtuous circle between economy, history, residents, and art.
So uth Luogu Lane
Greens
School
The Cent r al Ac adem y of Dr am a
Heritage
Residential
Art M us eum & Theat er s
Indigenous Business
Site
Site Analysis
Contextual Diagram
1. Establishing the atrium
2. Adding stepped balconies
3. Inclined "screens" are created on the west and east facades
4. Adding brick column structure
5. Adding brick exterior walls
6. Everyone's Performing Arts Center
Massing Generation The building is located within the Dongcheng Campus of the Central Academy of Drama, and the west elevation of the Performing Arts Center is adjacent to Nanluoguxiang Alley. Nanluoguxiang is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Jiaodaokou area, located on the east side of Beijing's central axis. The building is surrounded by a steady stream of tourist and residential activity, while campus life is on the east side. So the design aims to preserve the privacy of the traditional campus while also serving residents and visitors, allowing the marketplace activities to become an artistic inspiration and the arts to promote community culture. According to Beijing's special urban regulations, building heights should be less than 45 meters. Beijing's Second Ring Road is part of the World Cultural Heritage Protection Area. According to the Beijing Urban Master Plan, the old city should maintain a gentle and open spatial pattern and gradually increase the number of building levels from the inside to the outside. Original westside roads are narrow, and the green area is increased to keep a broad view of the west facade. Add entrances on each side near the road.
0
50
Site Plan
C ircula tion
Bac k of Hous e
Fr ont of Ho u s e
Service
Office Area
Student Area
Gr e e n e r y
Circulation & Program Diagram
Ground Floor PLan
Second Floor PLan
Third Floor PLan
Fourth Floor Plan
0
5
10
20
1. Pu blic Cen ter
6. Cat er ing Ki t c h e n
11 . A u d i t o r i u m
16. Meeting Room
2. Co mmun al Sp ac e
7. St or age
12. Black-Box Performance Space
1 7 . R e s o u r ce R o o m
3. Ou tdo or Perfo r m anc e Ar ea
8. Sec ur it y
13. Exercise/Meditation Space
18. Library
9. Loading Do c k
14. Classroom
1 9 . C e l l u l a r Offi ce
15. Student Communal Space
20. Break Room
4. En ga ge men t Spac es 5. Ca fe
10. M eet ing Ha l l
West facade Detail
West Fa
West façade of the building adopts a threesection design approach, dividing the façade into three vertical sections, symmetrical from left to right. The main body of the building uses blue bricks that are consistent with the surrounding buildings. The overall color palette is quiet and straightforward, echoing the solemn atmosphere of Beijing's historic buildings.
light effect and promotes indoor-outdoor interaction according to the light and people walking at different times of the day.
The lower part of the west façade sets back to form a pedestrian corridor. A brick wall with gaps gives the interior a dynamic
The sloping middle part echoes the sloping roof of the surrounding buildings and promotes visual interaction between indoor and outdoor.
D i ff e r e n t c o l o r b r i c k s a n d p a t t e r n s a r e used at the entrance to distinguish it from other areas and provide visual guidance.
West Facade Elevation
+13m
+9m
Exterior Rendering - Front Garden
+5m
+0.3m
acade Entrance Detail & Wall Section
Interior Rendering - Second Floor Meeting Hall
Exterior Rendering - Atrium Showground
Interior Rendering - Cafe
Interior Rendering - Lobby
+17m
+13m
+9m
+5m
Perspective Section
02 The Peek A p u b l i c space for chi l dren w i th auti sm Arc h i tecture S tudi o:S ummer 2020 U n i v e rs i ty of Oregon U ndergraduate S chool of D esi gn Instructor: Marzi ah Zad S i te: Tehran, Iran Te a m W ork: C hang C hu, Layl a Zhang, C huchen C hen How to sustain diversity and inclusiveness in public space? How can public spaces help children with autism better integrate into common life? Public spaces should provide comfortable spaces for each type of people and encourage the integration of social diversity. ASD, as a paramount public health concern is always required significant support from society. The design focuses on guiding autistic children out of their "safe zone" through play and interaction, firstly meeting the expectations of autistic children for a safe space while gradually encouraging and guiding them to adapt to the social environment. The design locates in a pilgrimage site square i n Te h r a n ' s 1 5 t h d i s t r i c t , a h i g h - d e n s i t y a r e a for underprivileged autistic children. A variety of interactive spaces are created with different sizes of orb shapes to stimulate the other senses of autistic children. In addition, the overlay and transformation of various materials begin additional transparency to provide comfortable space needs for children with different levels of autism.
The Autism Society of America defines autism as "a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and results from a neurological disorder that affects the brain's normal functioning, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills."
The design is based on the seven basic senses of autistic children. Focus on touch, vision, and movement, thus deriving an interactive play installation that creates a buffer zone and bridge for autistic children at home and in public places, broadening the range of activities for autistic children and guiding them gradually into the public.
Greenery Installation Home Home Public Semi Public Private The design strategy for the ASD and all others was to have multiple uses for each unit, creating an inclusive experience based on the different needs each device may provide. For example, based on the need for safety, the design offers various ways to shade to create sensory isolation. For recreational purposes, design used opacity to evoke the joy of playing hide-and-seek with each other in the wild. Design Intent. A play installation of furniture balls designed to inspire
play, rest, and release stress, the changing position of the balls creates a visual experience of an opaque and often changing layer system. The design wants to remind people that every person has opacity, which is intentionally adjusted not only by self-defense mechanisms but also by social health unintentionally. Changes in one's opacity are like the butterflies that shake the world, seemingly insignificant but with social implications not perceived by the naked eye.
Design Strategy Materials Design Strategy and Material& Research
Opacity is the gradient that one chooses to present in society. Human opacity is unconsciously determined based on relationships and security. Therefore, the key to this project is to create awareness that one's opacity can be self-controlled to protect one's body and spirit. T h e r e f o r e , t h i s s p a c e u s e s d i ff e r e n t m a t e r i a l s a n d layers to develop physical opacity, envisioning people feeling more relaxed and inspired after leaving the area. 1.1 Geometry
1.2 Form
1.3 Composition
1. The main pattern starts with a circle, forms a basic geometric figure based on the circle, and produces a spatial composition through a simple rotation game. 2. Three different circles are selected, and the smaller scale is chosen as a moveable device to make the space flow. This diagram shows the possibility of moving the simulated sphere and how the space will follow the movement. 3. Size of the ball is simplified to two for each device, and the range of movement of the sphere is increased provide a user with greater freedom to play.
2.1 Multiple Scales
2.2 Dynamic Devices
2.3 Composition
The possibilities of space dynamics are endless, and the design simulates four states of space. Privacy Level 0: a public mode, where all the spheres move outward to increase the overall inclusiveness of the space and more public space Privacy Level 1: the second vision has more privacy than the first, providing some space for people to move around and shelter when there is only one sphere in the middle of the room
3.1 Pick Two Scales
3.2 Connection
Privacy Level 2: The third is the most intimate vision, when all the spheres are pushed to the center of the space, adding more visual barriers and more private space.
3.3 Primary Playscape
Movement of Balls
Massing Generation Prototype Study
Climb/Interact
Enclosure Space
Privacy Level 0
Privacy Level 1
Privacy Level 2
Arbitrary
Seating /Relax
Lighting/Seating
Function Diagram
Potential Interaction of Space Potential Interactive Space
The project site locates in Tehran, Iran. The site is in a relatively poor and low quality of life area, District 15. District 15 has a higher percentage of children with autism than other districts in Tehran. The site is also surrounded by many schools, hospitals, and children's play facilities, and a relatively large percentage of children living in nearby residential areas. The site itself has religious significance as it provides a place of pilgrimage. Therefore, the design envisions a context for the area that mimics the multiple paths into the site without interfering with the spatial language of the courtyard space and allows for large group gatherings.
Site Gre en ery Hospita l
The overall shape of the design inspires by the architectural language of surrounding buildings and the religious language of the Arabic script. The installation wraps around the entire site without completely blocking the courtyard from the surrounding buildings. The curved design allows the user to visualize the installation as a whole.
Sch oo l Playgro un d Bus Rou te
Autistic children in different districts
Age of Residents
Site Analysis
The design uses directional screens to create more alleys than the site already has. All of the paths are wide enough for people with disabilities to pass through. In addition, out of consideration for people with mobility issues, openings were created to allow them to pass through the site by the shortest route.
Conceptual Diagram
0 10' 20'
Ope nin g
M ult i- Ent r anc e
Contextual Diagram
Sinking platform
Interactive installation
Lighting
Tr e e
50'
Sh a d e
Site Plan
Interior Rendering - Administration
Administrative space not only meets the needs of work and essential services. It also provides an indoor space to complement the outdoor interactive installations to meet the needs of different users.
The circular design creates an atrium space that provides a more private and flexible outdoor space for autistic children and parents.
The translucent space of the circular walkway becomes a protective shield for autistic children and the noisy square, where they can relax and observe the public activities around them and eventually have the courage to walk into the crowd gradually.
1. Storage
4 . K i tch e n
2. Mechanical Room
5 . S e cu r i ty R o o m
3. Restroom
6 . C o m m u n i ty R o o m
Administrative Strategy
Rendering - Distant Street View
L i g h ti n g
14'4"
Administrative Elevation
D
Rendering - The Center of Plaza
Dyn a m i c Device
Rendering - Inbetween Space with Opacity
Site Section
Sh elte r
Fabr ic Shade
Based on the multiple scales of human physical nature, design chooses three scales to support all human functions. For example, considering that people with autism spectrum disorders may require a quiet and private space with less sensory stimulation than the external environment, the shelter scale designs to accommodate only one or two people. At the same time, screens of different scales are provided within the venue so that people can choose to play with equipment and hide and seek. In addition, the opening of the fabric screens will provide closer routes for people to communicate with the different spaces. Shallow pits surround the square in foundation left after many old residential areas were overturned and are designed as a space for children to play in the water. This urban public space stores new memories when the former residential buildings become the laughter of children.
Scales For Different Users
In the hide-and-seek space of this game, everyone can communicate and interact with body language like a child. People can choose to join in the interaction of climbing and hiding enthusiastically, or they can choose to observe in the shelter quietly or lean on the white orb to enjoy the outdoor space. Each behavior is imbued with controlled transparency and inclusiveness.
03 Small is Big N e w T h e ory i n U rban C ontext S tudy Arc h i tecture S tudi o: Wi nter 2020 Instructor: Yi qi S ong S i te: Tokyo,Japan Indi vi dual W ork What is the potential of urban infrastructure? How does urban infrastructure address environmental and social issues? Design starts with an analysis of the Naples Avragora train station by Zaha, extracting different modules and design approaches. Then, using the modules and design methods that can learn, an effective traffic circulation system ( Sky Bridge) is formed that relieves traffic pressure and exploits the potential of the sky bridge space. It also extends from one traffic intersection to the whole city, using the value of infrastructure extension to solve urban problems. Finally, it was applied to two t r a f f i c - c o n g e s t e d c o r n e r s i n d o w n t o w n To k y o To demonstrate the feasibility of this system. The two designs focus on alleviating social pressure issues and environmental protection issues, respectively. "The Hill" serves as a pedestrian bridge connecting the buildings around the busy intersection and also as a gym for the busy city's white-collar workers. A circular upward walkway in the center and periphery encourages people to live on foot and stay active. At the same time, a massive climbing wall on one side of the building treats the entire city as a concrete "forest" that provides citizens with a new perspective on the city as they climb through its gaps. And the public social spaces in the center of each floor promote a sense of intimacy and interaction between people. Based on the serious issue of climate change, the green building is used as a starting point to promote a healthy public interaction by encouraging green and organic lifestyle. "Urban Oasis" serves as an informative exhibition hall and interactive venue, ut i li z i ng t he f o o t t r a f f i c o f t h e s k y b r i d g e t o a l l o w people to walk by and interact with this oasis. The massive four central structural columns also serve as vertical planting walls, and the jagged facade blurs the traditional boundaries between the interior a n d e x t e r i o r s p a c e s o f t h e b u i l d i n g . F i n a l l y, e a c h floor's overlapping and interlocking spaces preserve a portion of the visible area, moving and inviting people to explore the overlapping islands of green.
Case S tudy- N a p o l i A f r a g o l a St a t io n Zaha Hadid Architects-New definition of public space A dismantling study of Zaha's Naples Avragora Station extracts how urban infrastructure can better connect communitie s an d facilit at e hum an int er ac t ion. More than infrastructure: The station connects communities torn apart by the tracks w hile en su ring b asic f unc t ionalit y. I n addit ion, it bridge s th e g ap for walk er s f r om t wo s ides . The provision of public social spaces offers human interaction and high social value from highly active and mobile people.
Concentration and Dispersion
The fluidity of the indoor and outdoor circulation: Connecting internal circulation to the external, people walk from the community into the building and return to the community again from the other end.
Pravite
The design will then utilize the essence of these urban infrastructures in the c r e a t i o n o f To k y o ' s i n f r a s t r u c t u r e .
Public
Separation and integration of public and p ri vate ar e as : Ensur ing t he s pat ial c har ac t er of the different zoning districts while preserving the interaction of the other spaces.
Public vs. Pravite
Tr o l l e y Tr a i n
Precedent Study
Platform
Entrance
Site Analysis The starting point was to address the inconvenience of traffic caused b y u r b a n c o n g e s t i o n i n To k y o . S o first, the design selects seven b u s y i n t e r s e c t i o n s i n To k y o . T h e n based on the number of different
types of public facilities in the surrounding neighborhoods, create an analysis map. Based on the daily lives of four major groups o f p e o p l e i n To k y o , c r e a t e a n a n a l y s i s t a b l e o f the space they occupy at different times and locations. The three busiest locations were
public transportation, restaurants, and stores d u r i n g m o r n i n g , m i d d a y, a n d e v e n i n g r u s h h o u r s . Pick two of the seven intersections with the most significant number and variety of facilities as sites for the two designs. Both will extend from the essential function of the sky bridge.
Tokyo People's Daily Occupation
Si t e 1- The H i l l
Public Sports complex
A
B
D C 1. Cylindrical connection height difference roof
A: FamilyMart
B: Shuwa Office Building
A
B
D C 2. Add center opening and exterior rock climbing
C: Menya Noodle Restaurant
D: Fuji Soba
The city's fresh "blood" gathers at "The Hill" from all directions, talking, meditating, running, climbing, and partying, carrying new energy to their next destination. The building locates in a high-density work area where users are overwhelmed by the heavy workload. The design provides a multi-purpose gym for exercise and socialization for workers on a daily overpass.
A
C
B
D
3. Generating new lifestyles with different levels of foot traffic
Massing Generation
Site Plan
BAR USER
EMPLOYEE
GYM USER
WALKER
Occupancy Time & Area
Design meets the needs of d i ff e r e n t u s e r s i n d i ffe r e n t areas at other times. -Numerous circular walkways, lounges, and stairs encourage people to incorporate walking into their daily routine. -Fitness spaces provide stress relief for workers. -The bar area is open at night and provides a space for people to relax after work.
F4
F3 Circulation
Circulation
F2
F1
Program Diagram
Private
Private
Public
The entire space organizes around a circular lounge in the central area. Spaces that require a high degree o f p r i v a c y, s u c h a s t h e locker rooms, are placed i n t h e m i d d l e a r e a o f th e circle where there is less f o o t t r a f f i c . C o n v e r s e l y, retail and public spaces with high flexibility locate in busy areas near the exits.
Public
At the urban scale, this space extends into the four buildings at the intersection, like the city's veins, where people from all directions gather and disperse in all directions. It relieves traffic pressure during peak hours and p r o m o t e s s o c i a l c o n n e c t i v i t y.
T he sky b ridg e serves as a v ibr ant social space that encourages healthy living and active social interaction on the architectural scale. The central circular staircase becomes a fitness track, while the lounge at each level attracts pedestrians passing by t o w a l k u p t h e s t a i r s a c t i v e l y.
Roof Detail
Perspective Section With Urban Context
Perspective Section Zoom in
C
A
Ground Floor PLan
Second Floor PLan
B 1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8.
Fem ale Chang i n g / S h o w e r R o o m M ale Changing / S h o w e r R o o m Rec ept ion St af f O f f ic e
L o u ng e C y c l i n g /R u n n i n g P e r s o n a l Tr a i n i n g Rock Climbing
A
Interior Rendering (A) - Skybridge
Exte
0 5' 10'
Fourth Floor PLan
Fifth Floor PLan
9. 1 0. 11 . 1 2.
13. Retail 14. Bar
Roc k Clim bing Pr e Room Yoga St udio Func t ional Tr aining/ TRX St or age
B
erior Rendering(B) - Night Distant View
20'
Vi e w
C
Interior Rendering(C) - Public lobby
Si t e 2- Urba n O a s i s
Reproducible greening system
"If we wish to promote a sense of proprietorship, then we must nourish actions that express care for the green." --Ronald Lee Fleming
The design creates an urban public oasis to promote green and organic human interaction and repair the disconnect between humans and nature in busy urban life.
The space is constantly changing and growing because of the organic plants and different users. These unfinished spaces and platforms encourage people to believe in its possibilities. Therefore, every city dweller is invited to come together to complete it.
Site Plan
A: Anegawa Bookstore
B: Lottery Retail Stores
A
C: Iwanami Office Building
A
D: Guangwenkan Bookstore
A
B
B D
C
1. Create a space that connects each floor
B D
D C
2. Open part of the space to let in better natural light
C
3. City oasis
Massing Generation
Whether the building itself or the concept of urban farms in the whole urban system, it promotes the health of individuals and the protection of the environment from different aspects of facility, humanity, and ecology. The urban oasis concept uses a sky bridge over the intersection as the centerpiece to develop green planting spaces on the roofs of the surrounding buildings. In this way, a replicable green system is formed that extends throughout the city. Humanistically, the design brings nature back to the city, breaking the deadlock of a dualistic society. It re-establishes the link between nature and the city, which has been severed by modern development. E c o l o g i c a l l y, u r b a n s p a c e f o r d i r e c t planting will reduce the environmental pressure caused by vegetable transportation, and the greenery itself will alleviate the urban heat island effect. In urban facilities, this virtuous circle model of self-production and self-marketing can provide more employment opportunities and organic activity space for workers.
U r b an Oa si s E c o syste m Surrounding R o o f Pl a n ti n g Skybridge F a c il i ty H u m a n i ty Ecology S e l f- ci r cu l a ti n g R o u te
Contextual Diagram
Four structural columns that support the space also serve as vertical planting walls. The wraparound and vertical circulations are accompanied by new entrances at different levels, creating unpredictable and exciting interactions. Outdoor gardens at lowest and roof level provide organic views for both street and surrounding building.The green landscape from bottom to top is also promoting the activity of the users inside of the building.
Public
Planting Area Circulation
Private
Entrance
Circulation & Program Diagram
A
B
Ground Floor PLan
Second Floor PLan
Fourth Floor PLan
Fifth Floor PLan
0 5' 10'
Soille ss Grow Box Ve rtica l Hyd r oponic G r ow Tower
1. Open Market
7. Staff Office
2. Restroom
8. Dinning
3 . Te a c h i n g A r e a
9 . Ve r t i c l e F a r m i n g
20'
Ve ge tab le Vending St all
4. Plant Exhibition
10. Storage
Eco log ica l Plant Wall
5. Lounge
11 . E x t e r i o r G a r d e n
Liftin g L ad der
6. Compost
1 2 . C h i l d r e n 's E n te r ta i n m e n t
A1 A2
Perspective Section(A)
B1
Perspective Section(B)
Exterior Rendering(A1) - View From Adjacent Building
Interior Rendering(A2) - Green Corridor
Interior Rendering(B1) - Exhibition Stairs
04 The Pacemaker H y b ri d S ustai nabl e C ommuni ty Arc h i tecture S tudi o: S pri ng 2021 U n i v e rs i ty of Oregon U ndergraduate S chool of D esi gn In structor: Geral d Gast S i te: P ortl and, Oregon Indi vi dual W ork How to create equitable and diverse sustainable communities? How can cities reconnect people and nature? The Pacemaker is an urban development on Portland's Broadway corridor that connects O l d To w n , D o w n t o w n , t h e w a t e r f r o n t , a n d a regional multimodal transportation hub. It provides the city with a unique, diverse, vibrant, sustainable, and mixed-use inclusive community. E n v i r o n m e n t a l l y, u s i n g g r e e n e r y r e c o n n e c t s people and nature. Building structures use timber wood to respond to the general trend of reducing carbon emissions. Also, the green skin fills in the gaps between buildings and viaduct, which enhances pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and thus encourages green t r a v e l . A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h i s p r o j e c t w i l l c o n n e c t t h e O l d To w n / C h i n a t o w n a n d P e a r l D i s t r i c t neighborhoods with the goal of maximizing community benefits, especially for neglected lowincome as well as marginalized communities. The mixed-use commercial and residential model provides residential space for marginalized communities and provides job opportunities, thereby enriching Portland's diversity of residents and revitalizing local industry. Humanly, design respects the existing site and city history. One hand, building's height connects smoothly with surrounding and preserves the city's view of Union Station. On the other hand, the design of the architecture and greenery draws inspiration from the city's historic buildings and urban parks.
The 13.27-acre Broadway Corridor site is located in Northwest Portland's Central City. The proximity to Union Station is central to city's transportation network, including light rail, streetcars and buses, with stops for multiple modes of transportation within a fifteen-minute walk of the site. This will help a diverse population reach The Pacemaker. The design initially analyzed the site's history, accessibility, society, and nature to produce sustainable and resilient communities. On the one hand, pedestrians and bicyclists are the most significant users. In addition, the landscape covers the entire site while connecting the whole community to the highway. And pedestrian and bicycle users can access the site from the original roadway. On the other hand, the mixed commercial and residential model provides jobs for low-income people and vibrancy. The building's facade and spaces take inspiration from the city's history, totaling the design of landmarks and historic buildings and applying it to The Pacemaker.
1
2
3 1 “Willamette River & Portland Oregon S.W. View From East Portland.” PdxHistory. 2 “Courtesy Dana Beck Collection.” The Bee, 6 Dec. 2021. 3 Tad Savinar, THE NEW MAN,Digital print on paper, 2014
Site Analysis
History Research
Zoning Study
After previous city-scale analysis, the design zoomed in to a detailed community vision, generated the space from 2D based on surrounding communities. Also, based on the "Portland 2035 Comprehensive Plan" and banded building form to create a living area that meet the present and future needs. And the landscape takes a significant role in the design, it becomes a part of the space creator. Central opening based on circulation increases human interaction and natural light. The stairs connect up and down becomes Steps, seats, and facade of the space below.
P a r k i n g & Sto r a g e Residential C o m m e r c i al Office P u b l i c S e r vi ce School M i x d R e s i d e n ti a l Greenery G r e e n Tr a v e l Br i d g e Covered Bridge P e d e s t r i a n C i r cu l a ti o n
1. Surrounding Communities
2. Space function layout
4. Circulation fluidity
5. Urban integration
3. Height limitation
6. Sustainable community
Massing Generation
150'
Northeast Section
Southwest Section
B A
0
10m
20m
50m
Master Plan
A
Render - Commercial Pedestrian Alley B
Render - Central Park A
Render - Lake View A: The building locates on the entrance side o f t h e n o r t h e a s t c o r n e r o f t h e c o m m u n i t y. Floor 1 through 4 support the local market as a commercial area, floor 5 through 8 serve as commercial offices and restaurants, and the rest of the building is residential. Additionally, the balcony at the top supports public events as an urban viewpoint facing the Willamette River. B: The building locates in the center of the c o m m u n i t y, w i t h t h e l o w e r h a l f s u p p o r t i n g public events, dining, and offices. The upper half serves as low-income housing.
The space uses cross-laminated timber as the primary building material to absorb carbon emissions and promote community engagement. Firstly, timber reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollution from buildings. Secondly, wood structures allow for better socially participatory design because people can learn wood construction skills more quickly. It means that the community can collaborate during the construction phase, increasing community intimacy and responsibility. Green space connects the viaduct to commercial spaces, attracting people from different areas to The Pacemaker and providing customers. On the other hand, the green space will separate the residents from the traffic noise and suggest a green lifestyle for the car user pass by on viaduct.
05 How can historic buildings burst into a new life? How does architecture serve as a bridge to connect multiple cultures?
Kom o re b i A N eo J apanes e r e s ta u ra n t i n h i s to ri c b u i l d i n g Interi or A r c hit ec t ur e Stu d i o : Sp ri n g 2 0 2 0 Uni ver s it y of O r ego n U n d e rg ra d u a te Sc h o o l o f D esi gn Instruc t or : K y uho Ah n Si te: P or t land, O r eg o n Indi vi d ual W or k
The design aims to integrate the traditional Japanese style into historic American architecture—the collision of Eastern aesthetics and Western decor bridges the multicultural break in the old neighborhood. In addition, the space connects the social activities of different people, and the restaurant offers new opportunities for local agriculture and tourism.
Site Asia Related Greenery
Surrounding Restaurants
Ethnicity of Residents
Restaurant School Hotel
I n d i g e no u s Bu si n e ss Office Parking
Age of Residents
Site Analysis
To u ri st
Em pl oyee
Wo r ker
F a mi l y
The public space and the lively bar are mainly located on the second floor, while the second floor is used as a relatively quiet dining area. The kitchen runs through both floors to facilitate food delivery and reduce traffic pressure in the restaurant. Depending on the user group, Komorebi offers various services to different customers at different times of the day. The bar area provides a lively evening gathering place for users and late-night snacks for overtime workers. The public dining area caters to major groups most of the time. The private dining area provides additional commercial space for nearby commuters and supports private events such as family gatherings.
Occupancy Time & Area & Customer
The restaurant locates at Blagen Block. Dating back to 1883, Blagen Block is a historic heritage building with high ceilings and exposed brick. The building is adjacent to the Willamette River and is close to Japanese Park and Chinese Gardens. There are many independent studios nearby, and they are easily accessible, so they attract a lot of young people.
Interior Rendering - Bar
The design aims to bring people back to the historical district and provide a multipurpose dining venue for visitors, workers, and families. It echoes the surrounding Japanese parks and Portland's unique oriental culture and promotes a sustainable economic cycle that creates a link between local farming, tourism, and residential life. The Mezzanine dining area against the wall decorates with mirrors on the second floor, which solves the monotony of eating against the wall. The mirror allows diners to widen their view and interact with the activities in the restaurant.
Interior Rendering - Private Dinning
Furniture & Lighting board
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Mood Board Design using light-colored furniture because the space on the first floor is relatively open. The circular design for lighting neutralizes the hard lines, and the height of lights can be adjusted according to the different dining room ambiance. The second floor is relatively private, so a wooden ceiling and warm patterned tiles with dark-colored seating make the overall space heavier and enveloping. The raised area in the middle serves as a transition between the first and second floors, providing a more fluid standing area for diners to wait and talk for a short time.
5' 10'
20'
1. Entry Area
4. Kitchen
2. Public Dinning Area
5 . P r i v a t e D i n i n g Ar e a
3. Bar Area
6. Private Dining Room
Floor Plan
Existing Building
Staff and customers use non-conflicting walking routes. The employees mainly enters the kitchen through the restaurant's rear entrance and serves customers from three different exits at the shortest distance. At the same time, a food transfer channel is provided on the second floor with a connection to the kitchen on the first floor.
Northeast Section Perspective
Noisy
Stairs S t a f f Wa l ki n g Pa th
Quiet
U s e r Wa l ki n g Pa th
Axonometric Drawing
Existing Building
Southwest Section Perspective
Cov er s : "Las La j a s S a n c t u a r y " , S k e t c h , S u m m e r 2 0 1 7
