ETHAN CHIANG ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO SELECTED WORKS 2015-19
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CONTENTS ACADEMIC
01
THE VALE
A Community Market
02
ENDLESS BOUNDS
Rowing Center in the Tropics
03
THE THIRD MEMBER
Bending Active Gridshells
04
INSIDE OUT
University Student Center
[p. 4]
[p.14]
[p.24]
[p.32]
PROFESSIONAL 05
TAL TOWER RENOVATION
Nelson Chen Architects
[p.38]
PERSONAL 06
A TROPICAL LENS
Architectural Travel Research
07
VISUAL ARTS
Exploring Water and Architecture
[p.42]
[p.44]
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01
THE VALE PLACEMAKING: A COMMUNIT Y MARKET U6 Studio: Sebastian Law | Individual | Kowloon City, Hong Kong | 2019 The Vale is a municipal building in Kowloon
roof extends the landscape and forms a
City, Hong Kong. Municipal buildings are of
passageway for trail-walkers. This tower
mixed use and typically include a market, sports
takes full advantage of Kowloon City views,
hall, library and food court. However, these
standing
activities often operate in isolation. Markets such
Designing the tower on stilts frees the entire
as the Markethall in Rotterdam predominantly
grounds for a lively public space. Most
serve locals but have become international
importantly, the design re-uses an existing two-
icons. A municipal building in Hong Kong
storey carpark structure and transforms it into
has the potential to do the same. The idea is to
an exciting public garden. A new timber grid is
regenerate the site's valley condition by tilting
introduced to extend the grid across the entire
the market tower in section. Metaphorically,
site. Amidst increasing urbanisation, quality
the sports hall is a bridge connecting the
public space is rarely found in Hong Kong. This
market with Lok Fu Mountain. A green
garden is one the community would treasure.
Concept Model The Smell of Architecture
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tall
amidst
low-rise
buildings.
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1:200 Building Model Three inter-connected structures provide a continuous passageway to Lok Fu Mountain
Choreographing Spaces Spaces are choreographed so that one experiences the garden and market before entering the sports hall 7
Massing Development: Adaptive Re-use A school and carpark occupied the site. The carpark’s grid structure was re-used and transformed into a community garden 8
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80m
Site Plan 1:2000 Kowloon City, Hong Kong 22.3° N, 114.2° E 9
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20
40m
Ground Floor Plan The grid structures allow for flexible use of space. Indoor markets extend out into the open gardens. 10
7th Floor Urban Farming
5-6th Floor Hawker Center
4th Floor Library/Amphitheatre Green Roof
3rd Floor Market Gym Cafe Lounge
2nd Floor Market Sports Hall Changing Rooms
Exploded Axonometrics New programatic relationships are established and each space has a constant connection to the outdoors. 11
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02
ENDLESS BOUNDS ROWING CENTER IN THE TROPICS U4 Studio: Bruce Lonnman | Individual | Batu Dam, Kuala Lumpur | 2017 Endless Bounds is a rowing center in the
in section from straight edge to a butterfly
tropics of Batu Dam, Kuala Lumpur. The idea
roof. Collected rainwater becomes a spectacle
is a conceptual juxtaposition. It plays upon
by flooding into the central courtyard, which
the drama between one floating structure
is then stored and recycled in an underground
contrasting with another bounded by earth.
cistern. Staircases are embedded into the earth
Timber and masonry embody this dynamic in
and hidden from view. The training center
material. The two structures are connected by
floats dramatically on stilts - a reference to
an integrated landscape; working perpendicular
the vernacular ideas of traditional Malay
to the site’s slope offers visual connections to
Kampong houses. The rowing center offers
the water at varying sectional heights. Spaces
a diversity of spatial experiences – from
are sequentially organized so one travels along
outdoor and semi-shaded to enclosed and
the site’s central axis from high to low elevation.
underground. Rowers here strive to reach
The roof responds to this axis by transforming
new heights - to reach Endless Bounds…
BEST OF CATEGORY: STUDENT ARCHITECTURE
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0
7.5
15
30m
Location Plan Batu Dam, Kuala Lumpur
3.2° N, 101.6° E 16
Solid Void
Cross Ventilation
Green Spaces
Rainwater Collection
The boathouse is orientated towards NorthEast and South-West prevailing winds. Served and servant spaces are separated into a thin and dispersed plan - a strategy to allow cool air to permeate the building. Meanwhile, the contrasting structures create an exciting dynamic between enclosed and open spaces. 17
Terra Cotta Roofing
Concept Sketch: Roof Form The roof transforms along the site’s central axis to direct rainwater
Secondary Beams
Primary Beams
Framing Model 1:200
Glulam Timber Portal Frames
Portal frames are regularly spaced to reinforce visual interest in structure
Floor Structure
Structural Model 1:200
Overall Structure
An elongated structure increases the building’s exposure to prevailing winds
Structural Axonometrics Tapering beams allow for the curved roof to be constructed entirely from linear elements 18
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36m
Contextual Floor Plans A dispersed plan separates the building into 3 main programs: boat storage, training center and service spaces. 19
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White Cement Tiles Tiling Battens Fabric Waterproof Layer 100mm Thermal Insulation 12mm Lining Boards Rafters
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Wooden Fascia Hollow Beam Aluminium Frame Clear Glass Rigid End Beam Timber Louvres
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Sliding Glass Door Wood Frame Timber Floorboards Rigid End Beam Rotatable Pivot Metal Hinge
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Timber Floorboards Stair Tread 300mm x 900mm Girder Beam
Interior View of Training Center Elevating the training center on stilts allows for expansive views towards Batu Dam
1:200 Building Model A sloping landscape connects the two contrasting structures and offers green spaces at different levels to enjoy views of rowing 23
03
THE THIRD MEMBER TOP-DOWN APPROACH TO BENDING AC TIVE GRIDSHELLS ARCH5231: Kristof Crolla
| Group (4) |
Bending Rules Elective
2018
Instead of form finding through physics and
an equilateral triangular grid was the best
simulation, our strategy took the reverse
option for strength and stability. A triangulated
approach (top - down) by first designing the
geometry greatly reduces deflections, even
final form, and then implementing a structural
in relatively domed areas of a surface, in
system that would stiffen to achieve the desired
comparison to a regular grid geometry. The
performance. In this exercise, we utilized a
design tackled issues of structural deflection
structural system that would stiffen to any
by allowing for a threshold of construction
shape through triangulation. A typical grid
inaccuracy. Designing the bamboo connection
involves only two directional members. This
was integral for this step. My significant
makes it difficult to accurately construct a
contributions to the project include 3D
complex, curved form due to deformation and
model design development, final model
shear stress. Triangulation makes it easier to
production, 2D line drawings, photographing
construct double-curved shells and complex
and editing final model images, as well as
geometries. Our investigation concluded that
filming and editing the final process video.
Team Members: Lok Man Cho | Jae Sok Suhr | Man Ho Tong
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GENERATE SURFACE The doubly-curved form is generated by manipulating the control points of a flat 2-D surface. Concave and convex curvatures are optimized for smooth transitions.
APPLY COMPASS METHOD SCRIPT Diagonal members (angled 30° degrees from one another) are applied to the surface. The direction of the members follows the form’s long axis.
TRIM THE GRID The resulting surface and its members are trimmed at a base. Grid spacing is optimized to ensure sufficient area for base connections.
APPLY THE 3RD MEMBER The 3rd member runs perpendicular to the surface’s long axis. During construction, this member must be applied beginning from the model’s center points.
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INITIAL FORM
REVISED FORM
Surface
Force Analysis
Curvature Analysis
REGULAR GRID COMPARISON
SURFACE ANALYSIS The initial iterations of the geometry were based on an arbitrary surface which was trimmed using solids extruded from the base plane. This resulted in messy geometries; the force analysis shows pockets rather than areas of concave
and convex surfaces, whilst the curvature analysis shows instances of flat surfaces and incontinuous curves. On the other hand, the final surface is generated from a single sheet with significantly smoother curves and inflections.
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MAKING OF THE THIRD MEMBER https://youtu.be/MPrxQGHcSjU
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Mark bamboo intersections Drill intersection points Make wire connections Connect X & Y members Lock bamboo underside Pop up grid in base Add 3rd member at centers Drill foundations Tighten wire connections
The Making Process The metal wire connections became integral in achieving structural stability as the grid was being popped up at the base 28
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1:20 Bending Shell: Before the Third Member Photos from the construction phase show how the desired curved form cannot be achieved without a triangulated geometry 29
BEFORE
AFTER
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FRONT
RIGHT
BACK
LEFT
Twist Wire Connection
A-A Cross Section 1:400
Connect X+Y Members
B-B Longitudinal Section 1:400 A
B
Lock Bamboo Underside
B
Squeeze Wire Connection A
Top View 1:400
Add 3rd Member (Z)
Perspective View
Lock both sides of Bamboo
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04
INSIDE OUT UNIVERSIT Y STUDENT CENTER U2 Studio: Kan Chan | Individual | Central Campus, CUHK | 2016 Inside Out is 3 storey student center situated
the floors above gradually become more private.
in the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
A large outdoor balcony is placed on the east
The design used slabs as an element to define
side of the 2nd floor adjacent to the site’s existing
continuous spaces, and drew inspiration from
trees, which also shades most of the building’s
Mondrian’s neoplasticism paintings to create a
east elevation. The creative process began with a
system of space definition. Programatically, the
series of concept models which tested how slabs
building consists of a multi-purpose exhibition
could be used at varying sectional heights to
room on the ground floor, lounge spaces on
create ambiguous spaces and offer moments of
the 1 floor and a library on the 2 floor. Clear
interaction. Further physical models were tested
glass and perforated aluminium screens were
at 1:200 scale. Studying precedent’s such as the
used to blur the boundary between interior
Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe and
and exterior. Whilst spaces on the ground floor
Schroder House by Gerrit Rietveld inspired the
have a quality of transparency and openness,
articulation and expression of protruding slabs.
st
nd
Concept Models: Perspective Studies Interlocking slabs placed at varying sectional heights create ambiguous spaces and moments of visual connection 32
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2nd Floor Plan
Location Plan: Central Campus, CUHK
1st Floor Plan
C
D
A
A
B
B
C
D
Ground Floor Plan 0
2
5
Scale: 1:300 34
10m
West Elevation
North Elevation
A-A Longitudinal Section
C-C Cross Section
B-B Longitudinal Section
D-D Cross Section
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TAL BUILDING FACADE RENOVATION Nelson Chen Architects
| Professional | Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong | 2019
TAL Building is a 17 storey building with
and windows. After the study, we concluded
a total gross floor area of 106,600 square
that keeping and using the building’s exterior
feet. It was built in 1975 and serves as TAL
structure would be best to achieve the client’s
Group’s primary headquarters in Hong Kong.
goals. In this project, I was responsible for design
Programatically, the building’s functions are
development and producing meeting materials
distributed as shops and restaurants on the
including image references, elevations, plans,
ground floor, carparking space on the 1st
sections and detail drawings. To date we have
and 2nd floors, and office spaces above. TAL
produced a total of 8 schemes for the client.
expressed their desire for a sustainable design
The following pages show a preview of one
that would update their outlook, whilst causing
of the latest schemes - a mesh screen facade
the least disturbance to existing tenants. We
supported by the building’s existing concrete
conducted design investigations to explore the
fins. This project began in September 2019
possibility to replace the building’s exterior fins
and is currently in conceptual design phase.
5/F - 15/F Typical Floor Plan The North facade is hidden from view by an adjacent building and so is void of new mesh screens. 38
Facade Option I: Mesh Screen 53 Austin Road, Hong Kong 22.3° N, 114.2° E 39
Detail Section and Elevation 1:150 New mesh screens are supported by the building's existing fins (measuring 700mm). Existing windows remain operable. 40
Detail Section 1:20
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Alum. Perforated Panel Secured to RC Hood with unequal GMS Angle
Alum. Perforated Panel Secured to RC Parapet with GMS Angle Bracket
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Detail Section 1:20
Detail Section 1:20 Alum. Perforated Panel Secured to RC Beam/Wall with GMS Angle Bracket
500
Detail Plan 1:20
85
700
3mm Thick Perforated Alum. Panel with Fluorocarbon Fin
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A TROPICAL LENS THE BIG ROOF & DEEP ELEVATION L&O Travel Scholarship | Individual | Architectural Research | Summer 2018 A Tropical Lens: The Big Roof and Deep Elevation
architecture interacted with urbanism in this
took place in four equatorial cities – Hanoi, Ho
context. In these developing nations, resources
Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Bangkok. My
and energy were not as accessible compared to
architectural studies have been closely related to
Hong Kong, so buildings had to fully utilize
the tropics, having completed design projects in
passive strategies to ensure human comfort.
places including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia
Two overarching themes guided the work: the
and Indonesia. The architectural research acted
big roof and deep elevation. Travel findings were
as an extension of my design studies and aimed
documented in film, photographs, drawing and
to make tangible the layers of atmosphere that
sketches to visualize the qualities of a tropical
comprise a hot and humid climate. The aim
atmosphere. These were presented to Leigh
was to understand urban,
environmental,
and Orange Architects and CUHK through
and climatic variables in the tropics and how
a presentation sharing and public exhibition.
Palembang Waterfront: Strip Elevation Palembang, Indonesia 2.9° S, 104.7° E 42
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Pasar Johar Market - Semarang, Indonesia | Thomas Karsten
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Central Market - Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Jean Desbois
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Institute of Foreign Languages - Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Vann Molyvann
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Cho Benh Thanh Market - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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National Stadium - Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Vann Molyvann
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Chaktomuk Conference Hall - Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Vann Molyvann 43
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VISUAL ARTS EXPLORING WATER AND ARCHITEC TURE Selected Works from IB Visual Arts | Paul Thompson | Individual | 2014-15 Art is liberating because there are no limits to one’s imagination. It is a way of constructing an alternate reality without real-world constraints. My background in Visual Arts led me to discover an interest in Architecture. Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright had a lasting impression on me when I first saw it during the HKU Career Discovery in Architecture course 2014. I marvelled at the design’s integration with nature, which led me to develop artwork which explored the theme of water and architecture. I strive to take an experimental approach in my designs, using mediums such as painting and sketching to express ideas. Having said that, model making is integral to my creative process. I enjoy constructing models in varying scales to test design ideas, then photographing them in the ambiance of natural light. The following are my artworks inspired by Arne Quinze, an artist known for creating organic timber structures.
Cascade Digital Photography, 2014
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Intricate Complex Acrylic and Watercolour Painting, 30cm x 90cm, 2014
Unconventional Stilthouses Balsa Wood, Acrylic, Watercolour & Emulsion Painting, 60cm x 120cm, 2015
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I want to thank my tutors for their invaluable advice, teaching and guidance throughout my architectural studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapore CUHK Peter W. Ferretto Kristof Crolla Sebastian Law Patrick Hwang Bruce Lonnman Christopher Bene Kan Chan Caroline Wßthrich NUS Erik L’Heureux NCA Nelson Chen
Topical Studies in Design Theory Bending Active Gridshells U6 Design Studio U5 Design Studio U4 Design Studio U3 Design Studio U2 Design Studio U1 Design Studio
Design 8 Studio
Nelson Chen Architects
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(+852) 60710819 https://issuu.com/ethanchiang97 ethanchiang97@gmail.com