Xinwei Chen, David Selected Works 2021

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