Emily Z. Chen architecture portfolio
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CONTENTS // C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e
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// E s p y L i b r a r y
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// E c h o T h e a t e r
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// D e t o u r
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// O a s i s
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// L o n g B r i d g e P a r k
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HELLO !
I’m Emily, and I’m a second-year architecture student at the University of Waterloo with a fascination towards the way architecture interacts with its surroundings - landscape and people alike, and how these elements formulate the spirit of a city. Having been lucky enough to be exposed to a variety of different cultures and landscapes travelling as a child has allowed me to be attuned to the little things that make a space feel the way it does, and a city the way it does. These are things that I hope can be communicated through all the work I produce - complex and meticulous in execution but with the simple intent of connecting architecture to people and the existing world we live in, to evoke the same happiness on every occupant walking through it that I experience while creating it.
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EX PER I ENC E 2018
Jon Hensley Architects — Architecture Intern • Acted as primary designer for a residential project, drafting existing conditons and produced multiple design options for client’s review. • Created building and detailed wall sections of a large residential project, as well as plans and elevations in AutoCAD and models in SketchUp. • Produced 2 permit sets with supervisor, with reflected ceiling plans, detail drawings, and window/door/finish schedules.
2016 - 2018
Edmonton Chinese Parenting Association — Writer and translator (Volunteer) • Created articles and presentations in both English and Mandarin Chinese by researching health and medical topics to inform immigrant parents and children. • Translator for Chinese patients at the local clinic. • Coordinator for children events at the clinic.
2017
Institute for China-America Studies — I ntern • Performed administrative tasks and operated office equipment. • Effectively utilized Adobe Suite software to design layout for reports and illustrations, and to maintain the website. • Dedicated to photographing and editing portraits during events and conferences. • Successfully coordinated an office-wide event.
2017
Mural Painting for the Bissell Centre — A rtist • Worked collaboratively with 6 other artists to design and paint a mural for the children’s sector of the Bissell Centre. • Dedicated over 100 hours in creating a wall mural in accordance to the conditions and satisfaction of the patrons.
A C H I E V E M E NT S 2019 2019 2018 2015 2015 2014
CISC Architecture Student Design Competition Finalist Top 10 Excellent Academic Standing, 1A, 1B, 2A Ranked top 15 in 2A University of Waterloo President’s Scholarship Entrance average of 90%+ Valedictorian (top academic standing) University of Waterloo Pascal Math Contest Top 10% Highest Academic Standing
S K I LL S
Software Adobe Suite Illustrator Photoshop InDesign Lightroom Rhinoceros 3D V-ray for Rhino AutoCAD Revit SketchUp Grasshopper (beginner)
Analog Model building Laser cutting Hand drafting 3D Printing CNC Mill Languages English Mandarin
E D U C AT I O N 2018-Present University of Waterloo Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours Co-op program 2015-2018
Old Scona Academic High School • First Class Honours (90%+) every semester • International Baccalaureate program in Math, Physics, Art
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June 7, 2020 To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for Zhixiao (Emily) Chen. Emily worked in our office as an architectural intern from January to May of 2020. During Emily’s time at my office, she primarily worked on the design of a single family high-end residential project in Deep Creek Lake, MD, and an addition and renovation to a single family home in Washington, DC. She was intricately involved in all phases of design. This includes documenting existing conditions and creating as-builts, schematic plans and elevations, and construction documents. Emily was also adept at updating our website and social media sites. Emily stands out to me with her professional conduct and intuitiveness at learning new design and technical skills. She is a quick learner, and performs all of her work skillfully and efficiently, always taking the initiative to ask questions so she had a clear understanding of each task. I remember all of her communications to be very clear and concise, and I believe her strong written communication skills to be an asset to any team she is a part of. During her time in my office, Emily also participated in various architecture-related lectures and building tours. She had the opportunity to sit in at a community meeting where upcoming construction projects for Arlington County are reviewed. In the twenty-three years in business, no intern has been more impressive than Emily. I feel confident that Emily will be a tremendous asset for your company, and she has my highest recommendation. If you have any further questions regarding her qualifications, please do not hesitate to call or email me. Sincerely,
Jon Hensley, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Jon Hensley Architects P: 703-685-7777 Email: JHensley@JonHensleyArchitects.com
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EMERSON AVE
OSLER ST CN R
HUGO
HOOK
AVE
AVE
Located alongside the Toronto railpath and Wallace Pedestrian Bridge, the children’s library integrates fun and learning into a self-changing climbing wall that runs through the center of the building. As the slopes in the climbing wall change, different programs reveal themselves to the climber, including bookshelves and reading pods that allow kids to discover new books and genres as they play. ST CLARENS
AVE
EDITH
AVE
LANSDOWNE
AVE
O
DUPONT
ST
L
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DUNDAS ST
W
W S
WATKINSON
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E T
O N
CAMPBELL
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AVE
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T S
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N O P SYMINGTON
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LAPPIN
AVE
AVE
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INDIAN ROAD CRES
PERTH AVE
AVE PARKMAN
ST
FRANKLIN
ANNETTE
AVE ANTLER
ST
DUNDAS ST
W
INDIAN RD
EDWIN AVE
ALPINE
AVE
WARD ST
BRAD
ST
INDIAN ROAD CRES ANTLER
ST
CN R
CLARK
CRES
AVE HUMBERSIDE
SARNIA
RUSKIN
AVE
AVE
AVE
WALLACE
AVE KENNETH
AVE MACAULAY
DUNDAS ST W
JEROME
AVE
ST
KENNETH
AVE WALLACE
PATON
RD
CN R PATON
ABBOTT
AVE
RD
The library also features many areas for quiet study, relaxing and reading that circulate around the climbing wall in the form of walkways on each level in an open atrium, providing easy surveillance of the children as parents enjoy their own quiet time. At points in the walkway, the glass façade changes from frosted to clear, allowing scenic views outside the building as occupants enjoy a coffee or book, and other sections protrude into the atrium forming a secluded reading area. LANSDOWNE
ELSIE
LANE
AVE
ABBOTT
AVE
PATON
RD
RANKIN CRES
JENET
CAMPBELL
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AVE
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I A N
SYMINGTON
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AVE
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ERNEST
AVE
AVE
PERTH AVE
WADE
AVE GLENLAKE
D U
PRINCE RUPERT
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AVE
D
A S
AVE RANDOLPH DEKOVEN MEWS
S T W
DORVAL RD
WANDA
RD
AVE
BLOOR
PEAR
TREE
MEWS
AVE CHELSEA
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V A
ST W
CN
A
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E S
L E
BLOOR
H C
ST W
INDIAN ROAD CRES
INDIAN
RUTTAN
GRV
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KEELE ST
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E R
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D E
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BLOOR
GLEN
GORDON
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BLOOR
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ESPY
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Project: Design Studio, Winter 2019 Program: Library/Community Centre Location: Toronto, ON
As the circulation of the walkway intersects with the climbing wall and heads behind it, the wall separates the active and playful atmosphere of the atrium and private, quiet programs such as study spaces, bookstacks, and a small theater.
Dundas Street W
section AA
section BB
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LEVEL 1 PLAN
LEVEL 2 PLAN
section CC
LEVEL 3 PLAN
LEVEL 4 PLAN
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SECTION AA
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FRAGMENT AXO
As occupants climb, they will discover different genres of books in the nooks, as well as reading pods hidden in the wall that give them a little more privacy to read on their own. Where the slope becomes too steep to climb, it is sectioned off by a green wall, with glazing on either side to allow sunlight into the quiet programs behind the wall.
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SECTION CC
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SECTION BB
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S 1
SOUTHW
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Southwest Elevation 1:100
INTERIOR RENDER: VIEW FROM 4TH FLOOR
Adjustable panels allow for the dark theatre to be converted into a communal space when light is let in through the transparent glazing on the first floor. Glazing on upper floors alternate between frosted - to screen east and west light in active areas - and transparent - allowing views at areas of rest. The result of the faรงade is the glimpses of silhouetted movements from passerbys on the street.
W E S T E L E VAT I O N
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In a society that is increasingly fast-paced and obsessed with new advancements towards the future, the Echo Theatre is a reminder to the city to reflect on its historic culture and the intimate connections formed when we slow down and acknowledge the people around us. The four theatres formulated in the space echo each other in structure but exhibit various relations to the city and the people.
ECHO
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Project: Design Studio, Fall 2019 Program: Public Theatre
Accessing the building through an unassuming dark alley leads the theatre-goer through the darkness until they land in a spot of light, the open lobby drawing them in with a brilliant light cone at its centre. The semicircular steps lead upwards, converging below the sunlight, framed by frosted glass, giving them a view of the performances happening in the theatres above them. The inverse of a typical U-shaped theatre renders the lobby as a theatre in itself - a theatre of the people and a theatre of the city- where performers can glimpse a view of their audience from the balconies above before they proceed to their own stage. Their journey to the stage overlooks the space below the balcony and up the glass stairs through the light cone, where they are visible from below, and interlock with the circulation of the audience up to the theatre space.
LONGITUDINAL SECTION PERSPECTIVE
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Rooftop Theatre
Backstage 2 with Balcony
Main Theatre
Backstage 1 with Balcony
Lobby Level
Outdoor Public Theatre
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
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D E TA C H A B L E L A S E R C U T A N D 3-D P R I N T E D M O D E L
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CROSS SECTION PERSPECTIVE
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V I E W W I T H I N L I G H T C O N E AT N I G H T
Leading upwards from the lobby is the indoor theatre, which draws upon the Italian renaissance idea of framing the city as part of the set design, creating an arch-shaped opening behind the stage and cone of light, allowing the people a glimpse into their own city as part of the theatre. Just above is the rooftop theatre is a tribute to ancient Greek theatres that are open to the landscape, giving the audience the freedom of a full view beyond the stage, incorporating their surroundings into the performance. The ground theatre takes advantage of the enclosed space created by the surrounding buildings and is completely open to the outside city, incorporating the people into the theatre itself. Natural sunlight lights up the space, with openings in its ceiling concentrating the light from the light cone into a natural spotlight for the performer. It is a space that embodies endless artistic expression and performance.
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V I E W I N C O R R I D O R B E H I N D T H E AT R E
V I E W O F LO B B Y F R O M B A C K S TA G E B A LC O N Y
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V I E W O F T H E AT R E F R O M S TA I R S
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DISASSEMBLED MODEL
DISASSEMBLED MODEL
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By the perimeter of one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, Mount Fuji, is a lush and dense forest. Also known as the infamous ‘suicide forest’, Aokigahara is one of the most popular sites for suicide worldwide. Over the years, the number of suicides in the area has only grown, with the last officially released document recording 105 corpses recovered in 2003. Detour is a pavilion serving as a memorial, remembering the departed souls of the forest, while encouraging those seeking an end to their life to reconsider such actions. The curved pathway is intended to encourage the idea that life will eventually improve and reverse into a better place for them, if occupants are willing to continue moving ahead and living. In addition, it suggests that the sufferings and tragedies that one may be experiencing in the current moment will eventually dissipate, leading them to a better place.
DETOUR
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Project: CISC Competition, 2019 finalist Location: Aokigahara Forest, Japan In collaboration with Nadia Cheng
Placed beside the main path of the Aokigahara forest, the pavilion is a symbol of hope for those who feel as if they have strayed from the order and happiness in their lives. It reminds occupants that it is normal to take detours in life. Ultimately,
Detour has been designed with the hopes of leading occupants to a better place in their lives. It is a pavillion to pause and rest at, but also an opportunity to turn around to choose an alternate fate.
corten (weathering steel)
polished stainless steel
tubular hollow steel section (HSS) members casted connection, welded and grinded hollow steel bench eliptical tube steel railing perforated steel deck hollow structural steel column
wide flange beams, bolted
hollow structural steel columns
hollow steel tube frame, bent steel cables HSS wide flage steel frame, bent
galvanized perforated steel
steel anchored foundation plate with fins hollow structural steel columns
EXPLODED STRUCTURAL AXONOMETRIC
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A. Foundation pin connection
B. Cable connection
C. Platform plate connection
D. Wide flange connection
E. Steel foundation
S T E E L C O N N E C T I O N D E TA I L S
N O R T H E A S T E L E VAT I O N
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CROSS SECTION AA
LONGITUDINAL SECTION BB
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V I E W O F D I V E R G I N G PAT H S
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Directly translating to ‘the source of the river‘, Heyuan (河源) is one of the many cities that the ‘East River’ (東江) passes through in Southern China.
HEYUAN, GUANGDONG, CHINA
OASIS
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Project: Environmental Design, 2019 Program: Off-the-Grid Research Station Location: Heyuan, China In collaboration with Nadia Cheng
Branching off from the Pearl River, the East River serves as the water source for cities in the area, such as Hong Kong. Given that heavy metals from the untreated sewage system have been discharged directly into the river, the water quality has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Hence, OASIS has been established to monitor and maintain the standards of water resources, preventing the locals’ health from being compromised by the consumption of the East River’s water. The core of OASIS features a courtyard, through which freshwater can be accessed, allowing the water quality researchers to collect water samples, as well as sourcing water for their daily use. The design of the house references the courtyard structure of traditional Chinese houses, with their living and working spaces revolving around this pool of water.
LEVEL 1 PLAN
LEVEL 2 PLAN
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LONGITUDINAL SECTION
V I E W O F W A T E R C O U R T YA R D
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D E TA I L E D WA L L S E C T I O N
SECTION AA
SECTION BB
BASSWOOD MODEL
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SOLAR ELECTRICITY DIAGRAM
WAT E R C O L L E C T I O N D I A G R A M
green roof and collection of rain water
optimal angel for collection of summer sun 8°
38°
optimal angel for collection of winter sun ROOF FUNCTIONS DIAGRAM
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C R O S S V E N T I L AT I O N D I A G R A M
direct gain during summer months
water cooling
concrete floor for thermal storage
evaporation of water cools the building
WAT E R C O O L I N G D I A G R A M
THERMAL MASSING DIAGRAM
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Located in this urban waterfront, across the Potomac River from Washington DC, Long Bridge Park is a recent development to the previously industrial brownfield, and is now a model for environmentally sensitive recreational re-use.
long bridge park
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Project: Landscape Studio 2020 Program: Remediated Park Location: Arlington, VA
The area of study includes 3 athletic fields, a rain garden, sun lawns, and the unaccessable portions of land beyond the elevated esplanade. The remediation of the site centers around the engineering of the landscape and treatment of contaminated soils through layering and subsurface containment. The raised esplanade runs parallel to the rail tracks through the park, and encloses treated soil within 2 types of framing systems on either side, reminiscent of the historical Long Bridge that follows this trajectory to DC. The raised platform allows views of the Washington Monument, the wildlife sanctuary, and the park, through the screening provided by native planted vegetation. These drawings are an investigation on how the geological and botanical biophysical forces correspond directly to each other in terms of existing conditions and program requirements, and inform the design of the landscape.
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TRANSECT DEPICTING GEOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS
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A
A
I S O M E T R I C A : AT H L E T I C F I E L D S
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B
B
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10
25
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ISOMETRIC B: RAIN GARDEN
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that’s the end! thanks for your time.
# (780)807-8633 @ z545chen@uwaterloo.ca