2022 Architecture Portfolio | Goh Yifan by Yifan Goh

Y I FA N

GOH

PORTFOLIO

2022

W O R K S

THE HEALING PUNCH

CRESCENDO

SHOWAPOWA

SECRET FOREST

THE

HEALING PUNCH RALL.WAY | WOODLANDS T.O.D MASTERPLAN

2021 in collaboration with Mok Shi Qi, Andy & Teng Ying Shi (masterplan)

Rall.way is a rejection of a typical TransitOriented Development (TOD): one that is usually dense and heavily built up. The intervention almost serves as an extension from the existing Admiralty Park: a juxtaposition against the currently indoor centric Woodlands Square. Through integrating research and recreation via landscape and wetlands, opportunities are provided for work, leisure, and play, boosting the wellness of researchers, locals, and international visitors alighting from the Rapid Transit Station (RTS). The masterplan also serves as a front door for international exports, ranging from flowers to fishes as a result of the new RTS, affirming Woodlands’ identity as a research and recreational marketplace where exchange in culture, knowledge, and food products can occur. Most of the interventions at the site are naturally ventilated and are kept at a relatively low height; people who are under quarantine at the quarantine resort strategically situated above Causeway Point can have a panoramic scene of Johor and its coastline.

SITE ANALYSIS One of the main issues of our current site at Woodlands Square is that there are indoorcentric spaces aplenty; outdoor naturally ventilated spaces are rarely fully utilised due to lack of public seating, and most of them are exposed under direct sunlight. Green spaces are also rather segregated, and also underutilised. For the commuters coming from the existing Woodlands MRT station (both NSL and TEL) to the site is inconvenient due to heavily car-centric areas as well. We also wanted to thus fully embrace that break to juxtapose the more dense and chaotic nature at Causeway Point from our intervention. In terms of our vision, we tried to fully utilise the potential of the RTS link not just from Malaysia to Singapore, but also at international scale that stretches across Asia towards China via Thailand. That gave us clues for our programmes for our site, as we can utilise the exports these countries commonly provide so that international visitors and local residents around Woodlands can benefit. We also plan to leverage on the existing medical services, as well as Northern Agri-Tech Food Corridor beyond Woodlands, as an extension for research on our site. We also wanted to recreate the bustling atmosphere that the pasar-malam just beside the Causeway Point carpark used to provide before COVID-19 occured, and a marketplace concept would generate a hub where people of different backgrounds can interact with one another.

SITE STRATEGY The masterplan thus consists of different layers of linkways of different velocities: the RTS track which sits just below the existing North-South Line MRT track where departing or arriving passengers can have a glimpse of the agri-tech research spaces and the surrounding masterplan; the Skywalk serves as a new Pedestrian-Cycling Network (PCN) connecting to green spaces

and neighbourhoods beyond Woodlands Square; the Street Walk directly connects to research spaces and institutions for workers to travel conveniently; and the Green Walk allows users to wander at their own pace, that is seamlessly integrated with the Street Walk. 7

RAPID TRANSIT STATION Strategically placed just beside Causeway Point, the RTS & CIQ are being placed away from the main masterplan intervention so that the dense areas will mainly be on one side; enhancing the juxtaposition against the area across Woodlands MRT Station which is intended to be more sparse and calm. Passengers upon arrival can access different programmes in the masterplan via two covered linkways above the existing MRT (NSL) track, while sufficient linkways are provided for convenient access to essential existing programmes.

The station also features a parametric perforated roof for a natural lit and welcoming experience for visitors upon arrival. The open square follows a simiilar design language to integrate with the RTS; it becomes a space where food, flora or health related events can be held.

‘The Healing Punch’ consists of a series of programmes: a teahouse, bathhouses, and a flower district, that all aim to provide a therapeutic experience for all users. These programmes are strategically situated such that they are conveniently accessible via the different linkways and are designed to integrate with nature, creating a new ecosystem within and beyond the site. Flower terraces are enjoyment spaces for Man but are also pollination opportunities for birds and bees; research towers are working spaces for Man but are also temporary shelters or drinking spots for birds. The teahouse is also designed for Man to have close contact with nature: the water body around the tea huts, as well as the roof where it becomes part of the PCN and can attract enthusiasts to observe the different bird species. In all, the interventions aim to provide a calm, peaceful and multi-sensorial atmosphere for the users, a step away and a drop in tempo from the rapid and busy atmosphere in a typical TOD.

THE TEA DISTRICT As part of the healing process, the Tea District allows users to witness and enjoy the process of tea making - from harvesting and research to the actual production of tea leaves. The process can begin at the Tea Museum, that is directly linked from the exit of Woodlands MRT; what welcomes them upon exiting the museum is the frontage of the Honey Punch and the harvesting field. Walking further down is the Tea Factory, which is situated along the road facing the industrial estates; the factory serves as a barrier that creates a calmer experience for the Teahouse; and it consist of a series of small pitched roof buildings of different designs depending on the amount of lighting needed for the tea making process. The Teahouse has flexible communal workshop spaces and a series of huts for tea tasting - these huts are surrounded by water and have skylights above for users to have a heightened and natural lit experience. A series of mini bathhouses on the water body allows users to continue the relaxation after tea-tasting; they can be visited via rowing boats - a slower way of transport that allows greater appreciation for the surrouding landscape.

THE FLORA DISTRICT Placed at the centre of the masterplan, the Flora District aims to attract residents as well as international visitors via the Street Walk; it also aims to give back to nature via flower terraces for bird and bee pollination. These terraces also shelters the public square of the Honey Punch, which consists of 3 towers that produces mead, honey and essential oil respectively from flowers. Users on the public square can get glimpses of the production process above via voided slabs. They can also access the vertical apiary that is sandwiched between the honey and mead towers via a lift. The first & second storey of the Honey Punch features retail that showcases the different products of honey, mead and essential oil, accompanied with secondary programmes like patisierre, salon and bar. The gridded structure of the flower terrace allows flowers and plants to overgrow, potentially forming a more organic experience in the public square. The basement is a open convention space for flower/bee related events, accompanied with beauty care and beeswax workshops for public access. The Flora Conservatory houses more exotic flowers across the world that caters more to international visitors; while the Flora Research Tower provides panaromic views towards the Johor Coastline and the masterplan. The Floral District is integrated with the Street Walk and the Agri-tech hub - local residents nearby can access them with convenience. 14

02 S H O WA P O WA RAIN IS MY FUTURE

2021

‘Showapowa’ (雨宙) challenges the notion that a building must protect and be enclosed. Surrounded by walls and glass, we are constantly shielded from light and rain so we become increasingly detached from nature. This project aims to fully embrace and celebrate the phenomena of rain, which can be both functional and sensorial for Man to enjoy. ‘Showapowa’ is a hydrogen fuel cell research facility that harnesses the potential of rain through electrolysis; it aims to collaborate with Shopee and BlueSG in research, so all of us can potentially benefit - fuel cells can be the future for our nation’s self-sustainable transport system. Events like the Japanese Occupation and water conflicts with Malaysia show that Singapore is constantly vulnerable to external threat. Thus, rain serves as a constant reminder that we need to be self-sustainable. The concept of ‘Showapowa’ is to make process of hydrogen generation an attractive feature, and create spaces of engagement with the public to know more about the new research and its stages: the origin, electrolysis and its potential. The building is designed to be fully open, with water bodies and the terrain acting as an ‘enclosure’. Together with 4 main features within, these blur the boundaries between the interior and the exterior, allowing users to have close contact and interaction with nature.

1 REALM OF EFFERVESCENCE HARNESSING POTENTIAL OF RAIN

The main strategy is a longitudinal axis created for the electrolysis plants which connects the two entrances on each floor; a public space, it exposes the research process to visitors and creates opportunities for interaction with the researchers. On days when it is not raining and no collection occurs the module acts as a light well providing natural lighting to the spaces within. Visual experience is rich as visitors are exposed to effervescence from electrolysis before they approach towards the central foyer leading to the public bathhouse: the hearth of ‘Showapowa’ where visitors interact and enjoy the effects of rain.

2 WHEELS OF FORTUNE ORIGIN OF POWER

The pools have wheels that help generate some power for electrolysis, with mist spraying providing a ring of privacy for the jacuzzi ponds within. Users can enjoy a break at the café while in the pool, and relax while lying at the spa treatment area beside the café. Around the pools features a long ramp that connects the upper floor entrance to that on the lower floor; a circulation feature that exposes users to the 3 processes, while creating an intimate space beneath the ramp.

3 TANKS FOR THE FUTURE HARNESSING POTENTIAL OF HYDROGEN

The enclosure around the pool decreases in height from the terrain of the site which blends into the third feature: the hydrogen storage area, where the enclosure around the fuel cell lab becomes a ‘furniture’, where visitors get glimpses of the research process.

4 PUDDLE HUDDLES RAIN IS A MOVIE

The fourth feature is on the 4th storey: huddle spaces for the researchers, they are able to get physically close to the rain and enjoy droplets of rain falling on the membrane roof and glass as a form of relaxation and break from their work.

The offices are on the axis perpendicular to that of the electrolysis plants, allowing visual porosity to the plants and the spaces on the lower floors. Split into research and design clusters, they converge at a central rain collection area where water is recycled for the toilets. Pantry area on the second floor serve as interaction space between researchers working in the research and design clusters. Other circulation spaces are made enjoyable as well: one goes around the electrolysis plants to the offices; and one that goes from a dimmer fuel cell lab, a space that was pushed within the terrain, to a brighter and modelling studio (a working space to develop locally designed fuel cell transportation) with visual porosity to the water body.

BRANCH COLUMNS

ARCH BEAMS

SLAB

NON-STRUCTURAL MODULES

5 The structure of the ‘Showapowa’ mainly consists of steel: the main structural elements: the branch columns and arch beams occurs at the office and lab axis where they support the slabs. The modules that do not require collection of rain have inverted translucent membranes that channels rain down to the rain funnels for electrolysis to occur. On the other hand, the rest of the building are non-structural, supporting only the ETFE membrane funnel.

ROOF

The machines for electrolysis are also designed to be integrated with the funnel-supporting structure. M&E spaces, usually hidden and private, becomes a visual experience for the public users entering the building before reaching the foyer for the public bath pools.

This project attempts to redefine the perception of a roof, an enclosure, as well as M&E/research spaces; ‘Showapowa’ brings a fun, memorable and multisensorial experience as a result of challenging against the norm; M&E spaces can be functional yet beautiful and well-integrated into the structure, while a roof can be an element that brings climate and Man together. The entire experience of the building is thus cool and open, and it encourages locals to change the perception that rain is something that we shield ourselves from. Rain has the potential to be beautiful and useful at the same time and we should fully embrace and harness the power and potential of rain for our own future benefit.

CRESCENDO REVITALISING XINYAO

2019 Honorable Mention atX Design of the Year 2021

Xinyao - a musical movement that was popular in the 1980s yet became obsolete in recent years due to intrusion and influence of Western music. Thus the intention of this project is to recover the popularity of the local mandarin composition scene, through informing more people about this distinct form of local art and culture, as well as creating a space where people can play and share music with one another. The concept behind the design of the information centre is metamorphosis - the transformation of colours and rhythmic qualities and tempo from various songs in the Xinyao genre. The intention is to generate excitement and engage potential vistors through various nodes of movement and transformation, including kinetic facades and flying fabric, bringing the songs and the architecture alive.

EXPERIMENTATIONS

The initial concept of the metamorph is being experimented and tested through light and shadow studies to determine the ideal facade design. Colours of windows are also used as a parameter as they reflect different moods as well.

EDUCATIONAL

MUSEUMS

COMMERCIAL

TRANSPORTATIONAL

VEHICLE CIRCULATION PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

AREAS OF ACTIVITY

SITE

METAMORPH

SITE

Surrounded by educational and commercial facilities, situating the metamorph at Cathay Green, Dhoby Ghaut is deemed to be the most ideal location to inform potential users and raise awareness about Xinyao. The pedestrian circulation around the area has also been taken into consideration, such that users can enjoy the changing mechanism of the metamorph, and enter/leave the information centre with convenience. AXIS

HEARTH

The metamorph responds to the local climatic conditions through its orientation - exploiting light from the eastern and western Sun. The opening of panels vary depending on the songs played and projected. The songs in the Xinyao genre have varying emotive qualities - some are sad and melancholic, some give a certain feeling of nostalgia, while some have exciting beats and accompaniment supporting the main melody.

These different emotions and feelings of music are thus translated into the experiential portion of the information centre - users get informed about these songs and the movement’s history through digitally projected information panels and flying fabric - they experience and get captivated by these songs via their own senses - sight, hearing and touch.

The fabric has gives a dynamic experience within, thanks to circular bladeless fans situated along the top floor slab. The upward draft wind gives opportunity for the fabric to fly and interact with the users. The top floor also features circular pods that allow music lovers to make and share music with one another while enjoying the fabric experience atop themselves.

MUSICAL HUB The information centre also features a plaza, which is integrated together with the cafe and terraced seats. This creates performance opportunities for the locals and thus attracts people to sit in and listen, rekindling the community spirit that is so much emphasised in the past. The terrace also acts as an area for visitors to relax through watching performances, as well as share, create and compose music with one another. Cathay Green thus becomes the hearth of Dhoby Ghaut where sense of belonging and community spirit can be formed and reignited through plenty of interaction and engagement opportunities.

STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION & DETAIL

SECRET FOREST A VIBRANT PARASITE

2020

‘Secret Forest’ is a proposed pet owners’ club that sits in between two commercial and residential buildings along Balestier Road. A parasitic intervention, it aims to revitalise the micro-site (along Balestier Road) and the back alley by relying on the existing structures and stakeholders, allowing them to benefit as a result. The area thus transforms from a mere transitional space into a potential catchment area and destination point for pet owners and lovers around the area. The main strategy for the project is juxtaposition - an intervention that stands out amongst the seemingly mundane and unattractive existing shophouses along Balestier Road. Colours help to bring much fun, vibrance and dynamism on both and exterior and interior experience. It grabs the attention of pedestrians walking along the back alley and opposite Balestier Road; the area becomes more lively as more opportunities for interaction between pet owners and lovers are created.

CONTEXT The lack of recreational spaces in Balestier was a concern; the site chosen was often seen as a transitionary space, where people rarely stop by to access the existing commercial shops; however occasionally pedestrians will have glances into the dogs in the existing pet boarding shop. Furthermore, it was found to be intriguing that the gap between the two 52

tall shophouses as a result of varying heights prompts a potential parasitic intervention that can revitalise the area. A pet owners’ club was decided based on the priority of stakeholders involved at the site.

APPROACH TO SITE The intervention intends to grab the attention of pedestrians walking along the back alley and opposite Balestier Road through colours and glass; they get to see glimpses of activities within, such as cats climbing up and down, and pet owners and lovers interacting with one another. The back alley could become a potential communal space for the stakeholders involved. 53

The spaces within are also programmed to be visually connected even though the dog and cat play areas are segregated to minimise conflict. Programmes include a hair salon where pets can see their owners getting haircut while playing in the terraced space, an event space where birthday celebrations, workshops can be held while the 54

dogs upstairs can have visual connectivity with them. The DIY activity space for kids are also visually connected to the catio, where cats can roam around the vertical elements within, like a tree house in a forest.

EXPERIENCE Since it is sandwiched between two taller buildings, inviting natural light and ventilation to within become essential. Strategies include tinted glass windows, perforated facade and ceilings which help to filter light, creating a dappling effect and forest-like experience, as well as colourful shadows within. Colours reflect different moods which allow users to engage with the space depending on their

mood of the day. The intervention also exploits the wind through rotatable windows for cross ventilation, and layers of translucent coloured fabric to create dynamic effect on shadows as the fabric moves along with the wind.

The experience within becomes a vibrant and dynamic one; it is in a way hidden while pedestrians outside get little glimpses of pet movement and subtle swaying of the fabric just below the ceiling as they are drawn into the colourful intervention. 56

New relationships with existing stakeholders are established. Eateries along the shophouses could benefit as they turn into potential supper spots for pet owners after a day of activity at the parasite. Pet owners could also spend their time in the

parasite chatting with fellow pet owners and friends while they send their pets for cosmetology in the existing pet boarding shop. The area now functions more as a community for an area originally filled with underutilised spots aplenty. 57