selected works 2013 - 2021
Xinwei Chen, David M.Arch 21’ UC BERKELEY B.ENG 18’ SCUT
CONTENTS
/no.1 ACADEMIC WORKS
//no.1.1 STATION TO STATION - a community center in Oakland, CA //no.1.2 POETIC WATER MECHANISM - a vertical living community with water in Hong Kong //no.1.3 ALMOST COMMEMORATIVE - a living space with the museum in Orani, Italy //no.1.4 EFFICIENCY RENOVATION - a wholesale market renovation in Guangzhou, China //no.1.5 CONVERGENCE - an icon for retrieving significance in San Jose, CA
/no.2 PROFESSIONAL WORKS
//no.2.1 ABOVE THE GRID - an elementary school in Shenzhen, China //no.2.2 RESTORATION OF A PEAK - a viewing platform of tanglang mountain in Shenzhen, China //no.2.3 FLOW - A library, park and recreational space in South San Francisco, CA
/no.3 APPENDIX
Xinwei Chen, David SELECTED WORKS 2013 - 2021
/no.1.1 STATION TO STATION a community center in Oakland, CA
//date: fall 2020 //YVAC competition, 2nd runner of cultural architecture //instructor: Dan Spiegel //type: cultural architecture //teamwork with Maple Lin
The
16th
passed
St
its
Train
most
Station
vital
time,
is
located
the
site,
at
the
with
edge
its
of
West
historic
Oakland.
Though
long
along
with
significance,
its proximity to the neighborhood, is to become again a focal point that, not only commemorates its political, social, and technological participation, but also converges local residents, the youths, and the musicians. The new building is a multifaceted community
center
activities,
and
that
supports
simultaneously
educational, presents
to
musical the
as
community
well its
as
various
retrieved
communal vitality.
[Forgotten corner] The site is located at the border between residential area and freeways, with numerous schools, music studios, public facilities such as library and churches in proximity. The former station no longer plays a central role in the neighborhood.
[Axes Intersection]
[A Multifaceted Center]
The site of new building relates to its surrounding in such a way that each edge of the site
The complexity of the site brings into the concept of a multifaceted center - different faces of the
corresponds to a different contextual condition. Thus the new building response to context via two
building would vary in the activities that project out to the surrounding.
sets of axes, generated by historic structure, streets, and visual access.
[Solid-void & Frame] A formal study focuses on a specific portion of the train station, where the track steel structure and masonry thick walls intersect. The result is a set of spaces defined by thin structures, by solid chunks, or by both.
[Building System]
[Solid Corridor]
The structural elements read as a series of directional frames are exposed and responding to
Solid corridor separating event space and program- here reading area- help guide users to approach
the form given by the analysis and study. Load-bearing concrete walls are in between, bringing
all spaces, also the exit to platform at the end leads people to walk from the new building to the
a contrasted spatial experience when walking inside the building. Displacement ventilation is
historic one.
applied serving for less disturbance of the reading of grid.
[Site Plan] A public plaza located in front of the historic building provide spaces for gatherings and leisure activities. Multiple paths lead visitors from streets into the plaza and finally to both the historic main hall and the community center. At the northwest edge is a grove of small redwoods that shields the site from freeway noise and dust.
[Layers of Activities]
[Second Floor Plan]
Multiple types of activities can be perceived through visual openings.
on the upper floor, small spaces are organized around corridors that wrap around the central space. An elevated platform extends from the new building and connect users to the historic train track, where an urban farm is located.
[Ground Floor Plan] The circulatory corridors formed by the pairs of concrete walls organize spaces with two-story multifunctional event space in the center. Smaller cuts through the pairs of walls at the event space create visual connection between the layered space inside the building.
[Transparency]
[Projection of Tranquility]
Two-layer façade system, with U profile frosted glass panels on the outside, is applied but dif-
Dropped off from vehicles, the building invites visitors in through the change of transparency of
ferentiates at various locations.
façade, activities can be perceived and then attract them in.
[Variation]
[Projection of Vitality]
Air cavity on the south side provide better thermal performance of façade system. On the north
Walking inside the plaza, the landscape is guiding views towards the building where activities
side structural elements stands out to reveal the rhythm of the building.
happen and presented through the semi-transparent facade.
[Street View]
[Solid Corridor]
[Urban Farm]
Solid corridor separating event space and program- here reading area- help guide users to approach
The abandoned track platform now becomes the urban farm, connecting the historic building and the
all spaces, also the exit to platform at the end leads people to walk from the new building to the
new community center.
historic one.
/no.1.2 POETIC WATER MECHANISM a vertical living community with water in Hong Kong
Water
has
always
pedestrians, //date: spring 2020 //level of excellence, SARA 2020 //instructor: Renee Y. Chow, Tomas McKay //type: highrise //individual design work
been
courtyards
shaping with
the
water
city well,
as
well
pitch
as
roof,
architectures, canals,
etc.
overhangs
This
project
for is
trying to have water reshape high-rise in Hong Kong, embracing water more tightly to reconnect and reactivate a community and to have people live with water, the nature. In
this
With
the
conveying
project, skin
water
system
collecting
clean
water
whole
building
functions
these
components
create
becomes
rain
water,
downward, as more
a
the
the
machine activated
dominant
the
waterfalls
terrace to
system
public
and
spaces
shape
filtering
containing
provide
to
water
reuse for
gray for
water. people
the
building. water
and
users,
the
Moreover, to
all
experience.
[Water Collector & Filter] Rainwater is collected by the skin to the terraces on multiple levels. Gray water is filtered first by the mechanicals in the terrace, and then cleaned by the bio filter in the waterfall. Both the cleaned gray water and rainwater flow down through the waterfall to the bottom water storage, or to the urban water system through the podium.
[Distributed Water System]
[Section]
Water system is distributed into multiple levels for minimization of the dimension as well as
Water falls, vertical gardens, as well as pools not only function as water filter and storage, but
gravity loads, and maximization of the efficiency.
form the atmosphere of public space in this vertical community as well.
[Climbing Up and Viewing Out] The in-between space is
a public , gray area for the residence to experience both the nature and
the vertical community with artificial water system. Offices, public vertical gardens, commercial spaces, shared kitchen, can be connected by the cantilevered stair, providing another artificial while poetic pathway for the people who live here to appreciate the mountain view outside the rain skin. At the same time, waterfalls, vertical water ponds and gardens can be accessed by everyone, the water process can be sensed by all the members of this community.
[Section]
[Plan]
Water falls, vertical gardens, as well as pools not only function as water filter and storage, but
Water falls, vertical gardens, as well as pools not only function as water filter and storage, but
form the atmosphere of public space in this vertical community as well.
form the atmosphere of public space in this vertical community as well.
/no.1.3 ALMOST COMMEMORATIVE a living space with the museum in Orani, Italy
the new spatial condition is the transformation of the ordinary to the monumental. as
the
museum
act
of
celebrates
differentiated of
the
mining from
lose
its
substantial
commemorative the
confrontation
ordinary, between
value,
significance the the
project
it
becomes
a
form
as
proposes
ordinary
and
an
the
a
of
symbol. monument
alternate
while
the
that
is
interpretation
monumental:
apposition.
the grid that cuts into terrain creates two realms. it defines, within itself, identically //date: summer 2021 //second prize of competition “the living museum” //type: residential //teamwork with Maple Lin(SOM)
dimensioned space created from excavation - the experienced realm. here, spaces are experienced
in
the
form
of
ordinary
wander
and
encounters.
here
the
monoliths
are
monuments, protected, controlled, to be viewed at distance. it is a living museum where sculpted monoliths anchor the two realms: the ordinary “living” experienced in space within the grid coupled with the monumental “museum” above where objects are appreciated.
/no.1.4 EFFICIENCY RENOVATION a wholesale market renovation in Guangzhou, China
Renminnan is one of the most energetic place as a world-famous area called Shisanhang which was used to be the only business zone in the Qing dynasty. With area of market expanding
//date: spring 2017 //type: urban design //individual design work
and
lot.
Instead
aims
to
leaving of
balance
negative
moving the
the needs
influence,
wholesale of
residents
market
various
to
groups
living
outside of
in
the
people.
Renminnan
old
town,
Through
a
complain the
a
project
progressive
revitalization with a skyscraper reconstruction as the beginning, the entire wholesale market
will
become
an
internal
system
in
Shisanhang
district,
and
efficiency
of
the wholesale market will be improved, making the district a more energetic place.
Yudaihao Resident Yangrenxi Resident District
District
Zhuangyuanfang Costume Factory (handmade costumes for canton opera) Yangrenan Resident District
Datong Wholesale Building (wholesale market from 1st floor to 9th floor)
[Present]
[Future]
Guangyang Wholesale
Logistics Center
Market
Shisanhang District
Children Park
(wholesale market)
(wholesale and retail)
(underground storage)
Hongbiantian Wholesale Market (clothes
wholesale
market New China Building
from 1st floor to 7th floor)
(wholesale center in Shisanhang area)
Anyeli District (storage and residence)
wholesale buildings or areas main area of wholesale
bus stop
resident area
service area
storage area of
of public
wholesale market
park retail area
transportation
sphere of
sphere of clothes
wholesale activity
retail activity
service sphere of New China building
[Wholesale and Living in Old Town]
Main route for
Traffic jam in old
logistics
town
Main street of
Old buildings of
market
market
Park axis
Residence around
Wholesale center
Logistics center
Logistics center
Carrier of market
Truck for logistics
Inside the market
Renminnan district, a historical old town in Guangzhou with a wholesale market inside, is a place full of paradoxes. On one hand, unlike other certain historical districts in Guangzhou, it is energetic that a sheer magnitude of people working and living here. On the other hand, area of wholesale market is expanding because of low rent in old town, leaving negative influence on residents and historical area. Apart from it, situation of transportation system is not able to support the need of wholesale market. In the center of wholesale market, half of a 50-floor skyscraper is abandoned, which is a waste of space in a high- density district. Instead of expanding out of control, refilling the skyscraper is a better opportunity to reconstruct the area.
[CLOTHES RETAIL]
[FACTORY AND EXHIBITION]
[UNLOADING CENTER]
[STAGE]
Clothes retail centers are built for shoppers. Taking up space as
Around a public square in the center of Shisanhang area, a clothes
With unloading center upgraded, it is more efficient for both
The stage is reconstructed into a double-layer theater including
less as possible, clothes retail centers control functions and
factory and a clothes exhibition center are built in supplementary
wholesale owners and consumers to transfer goods. Also, more space
an indoor theater and a outdoor one, allowing
structure of certain blocks, providing more ways for architectures
of functions of wholesale market, and such present space for
for trucks to park reduces chance of traffic jam in old town.
around to upgrade or reconstruct.
activities related to clothes which attracts more consumers to the market.
more types of
activities to be held to satisfy needs of residents, tourists as well as clothes practitioners.
/no.1.5 CONVERGENCE an icon for retrieving significance in San Jose, CA
Imagine the ripples spreading out from a falling droplet in a pond, creating a bouncing peak at the drop point with an ever-spreading wave around. The wonderful power hidden in this process is a metaphor for the role that Silicon Valley acts in our world. //date: summer 2020 //Urban Confluence Competition - CCP Recommended Submission //type: cultural architecture //teamwork with Bowen Li(Smithgroup),Muran Yang(google)
We
try
to
both
stand
in
the
past
and
future
to
envision
this
important
landmark
for today’s world. We believe concise and classic geometry would convey the spirit of Silicon Valley and we try to express the power of “converging”, “vibrating” and “spreading” by a holistic structure above this area. In this idea, a new landmark would arise in the center of San Jose showing the human will and hope in this age.
[Aerial View] A new icon situating on top of the meeting point of two rivers.
[Concept]
[A New Landscape] Multiple solar energy collectors are placed with minimum impact to the nature while achieving net zero goal.
/no.2.1 ABOVE THE GRID an elementary school in Shenzhen, China
//date: fall 2021 //FCHA work //design director: CHEN Zetao //team member: SU jinlefu, Rosa Wang, David Chen //type: school
to build a school, which is restricted by strict regulations in terms of orientation, solar heat gain, distance, setback, fire protection, circulation etc, is especially challenging of
the
solution visitors
in
past, for by
dense the
urban
present
area. and
accommodating
presenting
a
new
the
local upper
by
overlapping
proposed residents, island
future,
varies the
students,
above
the
once
pattern
in
project
is
faculty
and
existing
resonation providing all
historic
a
other grid.
/no.2.2 RESTORATION OF A PEAK a viewing platform of tanglang mountain in Shenzhen, China
//date: fall 2021 //FCHA work //design director: CHEN Zetao //team member: LU zhiwei, Rosa Wang, David Chen //type: landscape
why do we build a massive viewing platform on top of a peak? as a symbol of conquering nature? as a way of viewing the human miracle? instead, the project sits at a position that it should be firstly thinking for the mountain itself, that it makes attemp to restore the topography of the original mountain, then it provides viewing steps that can
be
better
experienced.
the
project
takes
really
cautiously
and
seriously
move
to balance between the restoration of the mountain and the exploit of the tourism. though failed, it still is a critique of the projects that further damages nature.
/no.2.3 FLOW A library, park and recreational space in South San Francisco, CA
//date: summer 2019 //SMITHGROUP San Francisco Work //design director: Peter Buffington, Juhee Cho //team member: Don Jerabek, Ken Litwin, Larry Lane, Nhi Huynh, Sunhwa Son, Mengchun Yang, David Chen //type: cultural architecture
How can we imagine a city’s library, park and recreational center in the bay area? How can we design a large-scale project yet balance between creation and realisitc constraints? This project situates at the corner of two main transportation corridors: El
Camino
Real.
and
Chestnut
Ave,
with
it’s
“nest”
council
chamber
facing
to
the
intersection, and a uniformed facade with frit pattern responding to the environment wrapping up the whole building. Eventually, a welcoming, transparent public space will serve the whole city with high quality spaces and high standard environmental performance.
[Physical Model Image] Entrance from plaza.
[Facade Design] During working at SmithGroup San Francisco office, I participated in both exterior design and interior design of several projects, and South San Francisco Library Park and Rec building is one of the projects that I mainly worked on. Through producing physical models and diagrams for studying and presenting, also working with grasshopper and solar analysis, I helped with generating iterations of facade frit pattern, city hall exterior as well as materials.
[Physical Model Image] Frit pattern.
[Appendix A: Physical Modeling]
[Appendix B: Environmental Analysis]
Multiple model skills are applied for academic purposes and practice, including 3d-printing, laser
Environmental analysis with softwares and plugins including DIVA, Rhino CFD, Climate Consultant,
cutting as well as rubber skin making, plaster making and wood works. Concept model, architectural
Ecotect for better building environmental performance.
model for presentation, large scale section models were produced.
[Appendix C: Structural Analysis]
[Appendix C: Structural Analysis]
Grasshopper Kangaroo, Karamba 3D and RhinoVault 3D are used for structural analysis and optimiza-
Grasshopper Kangaroo, Karamba 3D and RhinoVault 3D are used for structural analysis and optimiza-
tion, including cross section optimization, form finding, etc.
tion, including cross section optimization, form finding, etc.
Working City - Maze
Working City - Virtual Public
Working City - Basin
Working City - Skyscraper of Hierarchy
[Appendix D: Drawing as a tool for criticizing]
[Appendix D: Drawing as a tool for criticizing]
Drawings for explanation/criticizing/expressing/manifesting.
Drawings for explanation/criticizing/expressing/manifesting.
selected works 2013 - 2021
Xinwei Chen, David www.xinwei-chen.com | +86 185 0763 1805 xinwei_chen@berkeley.edu | davidchanlar@163.com