ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN PORTFOLIO SIU MAN HEI (HERMANN)
SELECTED WORKS FROM 2020-2023
2020 - 2023 2008 - 2020
EDUCATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ University of Manchester | Manchester School of Architecture First Class Honour (Deans Award & Outstanding Academic Achievement) + Victoria Shanghai Academy | Hong Kong Top 3.6% of all global candidates in International Baccalaureate
EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2023 + Lead8 | Hong Kong Architectural Assistant 2023 + SAMSUNG x Hermann Solo Art Exhibition | Hong Kong Solo Art Exhibition with Samsung at Elements HK 2022 + Lead8 | Hong Kong Architectural Intern 2022 + Arup | Hong Kong Architectural Intern 2022 + SHOUT Gallery | Hong Kong Featuring Artist 2022 + UniverCity AB | Stockholm, Sweden Part-Time Architectural Visualiser & 3D Modeler 2022 + ARCHITIZER | Global Top 100 Finalist in The One Rendering Challenge 2022 + Manchester School of Architecture | Manchester Advanced Digital Design Assistant (ADD) 2021 + James Law Cybertecture International Holdings Ltd | Hong Kong Architectural Intern 2021 + Design Work Featured on Social Media by Center Pompidou, Sydney Opera House, Twinmotion & Tuffuco 2021 + Design Work Featured on Social Media by RIBA UK, Dezeen Magazine, Architizer & Manchester School of Architecture 2020 - 2021 + The London Financial | London Design & Social Media Associate 2021 + MSA 2020 Papermetrics Pavilion Competition | Manchester Overall Champion amongst 200 participants 2020 + VSA Yearbook Cover Design | Hong Kong Overall Champion 2020 + Parent Teacher Association “Make-Over” Logo Competition | Hong Kong Overall Champion 2017 - 2020 + VSA UNICEF Club | Hong Kong Public Relations Officer and Designer 2017 - 2020 + VSA FOOD4GOOD CHARITY Club | Hong Kong Communication and Public Relations Officer SKILLS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Design Adobe Suite, Rhino, Grasshopper, Sketchup Pro, AutoCAD, Twinmotion, Lumion, D5 Render, Final Cut Pro X IT Microsoft Office (Visio, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), Chinese word processing Media Video/photography, motion graphics/animation Fabrication 3D Printing, hand-crafting/modelling
P.20
P.31
X+ SOC
H.E.A.L CENTER
P.4
P.46
G2 CENTER
M/R COMMUNAL
P.27
EXHIBITION
LEAD8
P.37
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
This project intends to propose a new MMU building for the Faculty of Health & Education, specifically the Physiotherapy Department. With the existing Brooks Building exceeding its maximum faculty capacity, the new building intends to provide neglected and unique physiotherapy programme that aims to enhance the recovery and learning process in physiotherapy. The building also acts as a new arrival point in the city that metaphorically stitches the neglected neighborhoods together. Furthermore, the building intends to challenge the traditional framework of educational buildings by re-defining the equilibrium between indoor and outdoor learning and healing spaces. Collectively, the design brief sets to transform Manchester into a more vibrant, energetic and connected cityscape.
H.E.A.L CENTER
HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVE LIVING -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------YEAR 3 ACADEMIC WORK \\ TUTOR: DAN NEWPORT, SIOHBAN BARRY HEALTH EDUCATION & ACTIVE LIVING TYPE: UNIVERSITY CAMPUS & PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTER SITE: MANCHESTER, HULME, HOWBROOK, MANCHESTER, WALK M15 6GB
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES AT MACRO-SITE
EXTREME LINEARITY IN MANCHESTER (NEGATIVE HEURISTIC) The project begins by defining the malfunctioning urban framework of Manchester - negative heuristic planning. Excessive xcessive linearity, typological repetition and hermetic object will only accelerate environmental concerns and further social dis-connectivity. The new urban framework, Parametric Urbanism: Positive Heuristic framework, transforms Manchester into a more environmentally and socially sound city. It further promotes enhanced networking between neighborhoods, local identity and accommodation of green and open spaces.
DESIGNING AHEAD OF TIME Manchester is also currently experiencing an exciting contemporary boom that promotes the rise of contemporary driven designs. However, this development’s acceleration has been categorically limited to repetitive geometric typologies, of which promoting a “concrete and glass jungle” of meaningless and detached highrises and ultimately resulting in extreme vertical and horizontal linearity and disconnected social networks. The existing framework of “negative heuristic” is particularly concerning as it generates a hardcore boundary between urban territories resulting in hermetic objects and less adaptive spaces. Importantly, this calls for a new urban approach that promotes dynamism, social integration and enhanced environmental performance. performance
EXTREME & EXCESSIVE GEOMETRIC OVERLAP
SEPARATED NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITIES
REPETITIVE TYPOLOGY & EXCESSIVE CLUSTER
REVITALISAITON WITH NEW IDENTITY & ENERGY
FLAT SITE ELEVATION & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
EXTREME LINEARITY IN MANCHESTER (NEGATIVE HEURISTIC)
EXTREME LINEARITY (PLAN & ELEVATION)
SITE CLIMATE ANALYSIS
WHY POSITIVE HEURISTIC? By analysing the Universal-ThermalClimate-Index (UTCI) performance of transforming our site’s repetitve geometric urban fabric (negative heuristic) into a fluid urban framework (positive heuristc), the results have demonstrated the positive environmental change at a micro and macro-level to the neigbourhoods. Noting any values between 9.00 26.00 in UTCI is considered no thermal stress. Within the simulation, the following results of the site were: - Negative Heuristic: 25.67 - Positive Heuristic: 13.03 RESULT: By filleting and eliminating hardcore edges/boundaries of existing urban massings and transforming into a fluid and non-repetitive framework, the positive heuristic framework demonstrated enhanced environmental performance through improved quality and quantity of open spaces. spaces Thus, this will accomodate greater wind tolerance which accelerates evaporation rate of sweat on human skin, allowing reduced heat stress during summer months thus improving perceived human comfort.
UNIVERSAL THERMAL CLIMATE INDEX (UTCI)
SIMULATION ANALYSIS
DESIGN METHODOLOGY & INTENTIONS
PROGRAMME DESIGN & CONCEPTUAL PLAN ITERATIONS
FROM EXTERNAL TO INTERNAL: From the external’s positive heuristic framework that eliminates hardcore boundaries, the internal layout also promotes a fluid circulation that challenges traditional hermetic designs. This represents the elimination of 90 degrees wall planning where the social networking and spatial continuity is dis-engaged between people and places. Therefore, the internal spatial planning is heavily influenced by the organic geometric layout, where the central atrium and void creates enhanced navigation properties for users.
PHYSICAL ITERATION MODELS (3D PRINTED AND CNC MODEL)
MASTERPLAN BRIDGE PROPOSAL
CONCEPTUAL MASTERPLAN BRIDGE PROGRAMMES
1:20 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL OF THE MASTERPLAN BRIDGE
The masterplan proposal promotes a new urban green spine that metaphorically stitches the City Center, Castlefield, Deansgate, University Corridor, Hulme, the site and the Southern Quarter together. The spine is significant to generate a fluid public flow and gether movement while extending the embedded culture, landscape, sustainability and programme of the cityscape into other neglected areas of Manchester including of site neighbourhoods. The building proposal also act as a central arrival point and navigation point that develops a more sophisticated network amongst other surrounding green/open spaces.
FACADE STRATEGY & SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES FACADE ITERATION PHYSICAL MODEL
ILLUMINANCE & RADIATION ANALYSIS OF VARIATING WINDOW ARRANGEMENTS
PMW (INDOOR COMFORT ANALYSIS)
The design of the building was heavily driven by parametric simulation of facade components in relation to internal arrangements. This was intended to achieve maximum user comfort while enhancing the environmental performance to minimise energy-intensive mechanical systems. Furthermore, iterative testing on environmental performance was significant to achieve enhanced long-run durability of building materials.
SECTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The building design attempts to optimise passive strategies alongside other essential RIBA sustainable design strategies in order to reduce the reliance on energy-intensive mechanical systems. The openable internal windows and automatic smart window systems on the glass facade creates a cross ventilation strategy to reduce accumulated heat during the summer solstice. The circulation corridors will benefit from this to enhance overall breathability and reduce uncomfortable odour for students and physiotherapy patients. The organic form also guides the prevailing wind to flow more aerodynamically which reduces the harsh live loads received by the facade. This will extend the facade longevity due to wind more comprehensively blowing away debris but significantly reduces downdraught effect on pedestrains
1:20 & 1:5 DETAIL CONSTRUCTION & TECHNICAL DETAIL
Mullion
Glass envelopes / double glazed
Rigid insulation, thickness 70mm Vapor barrier, thickness 1mm Waterproofing, thickness 4mm Structural connections
Glass envelopes / double glazed 2° sloped sill Steel angles Metal brackets, thickness 2mm Metal profile C Metal profile C Vapor barrier, thickness 1mm 20 mm Internal walls plasterboard Gypsum sheathing Plaster floor, 15mm Vapor barrier, thickness 1mm Insulation, thickness 50mm Reinforced concrete Ceiling structure
Glassfibre reinforced concrete cladding, thickness 40mm
Continuous aluminium gutter Incorporating insulation downpipes Space truss, thickness 70mm
Paster ceiling, thickness 25mm Vapor barrier, thickness 1mm Insulation, thickness 70mm Glass envelopes / double glazed
Waterproof, thickness 4mm Plaster floor, thickness 25mm Insulation Concrete slab Compacted soil Ground
PLAN DRAWINGS
1
st Floor
G
Floor
2
nd Floor
The building proposal is a perfect harmony between external and internal spaces. The organic and fluid form act as a ribbon that metaphorically wrap the occupants together. The cleanse of the material also gives the building a sense of neutrality which is vital to encourage a more inclusive community.
By encouraging students to learn and patients to heal with the dynamic environment, this is significant to enhance the performance and effectiveness of the building’s programme. The maximum tolerance for sunlight also promotes a vibrant, energetic and healthy learning space for the occupants during the entirety of the day. Furthermore, the mass integration of green spaces compliment the openness of the building by providing a greater sense of freshness and friendliness to the space.
SECTIONAL DRAWING From sectional perspectives, the curvature of the geometry aligns well with the Hulme Bridge whereas the openess of the design is also revealed vividly. The organiscism of the design acts as a metaphorical ribbon that wraps the occupants together as a single entity. This helps to promote essential conversations, friendiness and harmony between the outdoor and indoor. Furthermore, the integration of Manchester-appropriate vegetation and plantations are essential to purify the surrounding air quality when giving a sense of refreshness for the physiotherapy patients.
NIGHT-TIME AERIAL VIEW
NIGHT-TIME GARDEN VIEW
INTERNAL ATRIUM
DAY-TIME GARDEN VIEW
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
The first project during my Semester 1 in Year 2 centred on the environmental and sustainability issues of food production and consumption, education, and the marketplace. With a climate emergency as a priority, the projects also celebrate both local food and cultural diversity. The project brief required us to design a School of Cooking with associated Food Hall, and Market. The outcomes show not just a creative reflection on new ways of consumption and urban regeneration, but also a broad range of cultural approaches to the topic.
X+ SCHOOL OF COOKING -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------YEAR 2 ACADEMIC WORK \\ TUTOR: COLIN HARPWOOD, ASHLEY HUNT DECONSTRUCTIVISM, FRAGMENTATION & FLUIDITY TYPE: COOKING SCHOOL, INDOOR FARMING & MARKET SITE: MANCHESTER, COMMERCIAL STREET
GENERAL SITE BOUNDARY & CONTEXT
DECONSTRUCTING & STITCHING FRAGMENTED SITE TYPOLOGIES (MACRO-SITE SCALE)
ATMOSPHERIC & MATERIAL COLLAGES
EXISTING DULL & FRAGMENTED SITE CONDITIONS
PROPOSED ENERGETIC & VIBRANT CITYSCAPE
The narrative of the project attempts to shift away from traditional orthographically designed building typologies. Instead, the introduction of dynamism and fragmentation inserts greater aggression thus energy into the rapidly developing skyline of Manchester. Abstract development drawings were integrated to manifest the composition of spaces through materials, atmosphere, structure and lighting strategies.
1:500 ITERATION MODEL SUMMARY
1:200 SECTIONAL PHYSICAL MODEL
ITERATIVE MODELS
INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT DIAGRAMS
The series of iterative models demonstrate an initial concept of composing the extracted fragmented lines into a more solid building proposal. While the form is intended to contradict site mass and geometric strategies, it harmonises well with the immediate site form.
From external to internal, the design promotes a vibrant, energetic and festive atmosphere that creates a more inclusive and welcoming community in Manchester. The lighting strategies that is embodied strongly across the entire building demonstrates a sense of arrival while vividly showcasing the unique geometry of the design. From external to internal, the design promotes a vibrant, energetic and festive atmosphere that creates a more inclusive and welcoming community in Manchester. The lighting strategies that is embodied strongly across the entire building demonstrates a sense of arrival while vividly showcasing the unique geometry of the design.
55
1:50 CROSS SECTIONAL VIEW
1:20 TECHNICAL DETAIL OF FACADE & SLAB
PLAN DRAWINGS
SECTIONAL DRAWING
From external to internal, the design promotes a vibrant, energetic and festive atmosphere that creates a more inclusive and welcoming community in Manchester. The lighting strategies that is embodied strongly across the entire building demonstrates a sense of arrival while vividly showcasing the unique geometry of the design.
EXTERNAL PERSPECTIVE
MINI LECTURE HALL
CENTRAL ATRIUM
CORRIDOR/CIRCULATION SPACES
CORRIDOR/CIRCULATION SPACES
EXPLODED ISOMETRIC DRAWING
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
In light of sustainability issues becoming more prominent in architectural designs, this project aims to create more environmentally conscious buildings in more suburban contexts. By considering the surrounding vegetation, natural organisms’ habitation patterns and climatic conditions, the building proposal intends to become a positive addition to the local context while adding societal values. Furthermore, the experimentation with materialities, window arrangements and geometries, the building hopes to better emphasis contextual qualities and local identities.
M/R COMMUNAL HALL -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------YEAR 2 ACADEMIC WORK \\ TUTOR: MATT AULT SUSTAINABILITY, NATURE & COMMUNITY TYPE: COMMUNAL HALL SITE: GLASGOW
AERIAL DAY-TIME VIEW
INITIAL WINDOW ARRANGEMENT ITERATIONS
FACADE & MATERIAL TESTING
The site selected for this project is located in Glasgow but the imaginary site has been designed to enable the structure to comprehensively embrace the essential natural el- ements in an a landscape - this includes running water sources, exposure to sunlight, prevailing wind, seasonal and climatic variations.
ILLUMINANCE ITERATION
1:200 PLAN DRAWING
The design challenges traditional remote architectural designs that would embrace timber, shingles or masonry, instead the use of absolute reflective materialities fitted on a irregularly twisted volume design aims to engage locals in an intimate relation- ship with the evolving nature. In- stead of dazzling locals with the overwhelming views, the mirror cladding works superficially with the quiet and calm water and surrounding plantations, such that it would melt, disappear and harmonise within the stun- ning landscape. Ultimately, the structure works collaboratively with the landscape to expressive identity, metaphorical interac- tion and permeable urban links.
It becomes vastly significant that mirror metaphorically leviates the architectural “sculpture” above the solid ground, which challenges but expands our evolving relationship with rural contexts. By fostering imersion and camouflageing designs, we become more aware of our personal relationship with the landscape, while the confident depar- ture from non-reflect ing natural properties promotes an intriguing, welcoming and absorbing design to visitors.
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
This project places an emphasis on our own heritage and culture to create individual connections to Manchester. We were encouraged to experiment, play and refine our designs according to cultural characteristics, along with consideration of the wider issues affecting architectural practice such as the climate emergency and ‘otherness’ of cultural habits. The programme of the building future promotes cultural exchange between local people and tourists, enabling architectural designs to become more than accomodation for people but an oppurtunity for networking and festivities.
G2 CULTURAL CENTER -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------YEAR 1 ACADEMIC WORK \\ TUTOR: YUN WU CRAFTMANSHIP, NATURE & HONG KONG CULTURE TYPE: RESTAURANT, SHOPPING CENTER & MANUFACTURING SPACE SITE: MANCHESTER GORE STREET
SITE ANALYSIS The figure ground map and site observations have demonstrated that the specific site location is lacking green space as there is only a limited presence of trees. This could inform on my design decision incorporating green element in open or unused space, while my structure can be more sustainable and environmentally-harmonising. Access to the site is relatively easy without very convenient transportation available. This includes the central Piccadilly Station and other buses and tram transport. Walking to the site by foot after tak- ing these transportation will take less than 10 minutes and is often a straight road with a few cross roads. ERGONOMICS STUDY MAKER / SPACE began by inviting us to select a prod- uct from Hong Kong. I have chosen bamboo steamer, as it is culturally embed- ded product that resonates deeply with my childhood memories of Yum Cha. The brief asked us to design a new building for the man- ufacture, sale and exhibi- tion of the bamboo steamer. We are also encouraged to document the raw materials and the manufacturing pro- cess, as well as investigate the programmatic challeng- es of the brief such as ways to harmonise with the site context when a product from a different culture arrives in a Manchester site location.
The concentration of glass in the interior becomes a land- mark for the building itself while effectively harmonising the relationship between the sell and make space. This also en- hances the legitimacy of the bamboo steamers, as visitors and customers can observe every single delicate and intri- cate detail of the process making from cutting the bamboo trunks to slicing to thin bamboo sheets and finally hand as- sembling them into a unique culturally embedded product.
The concentration of glass in the interior becomes a landmark for the building itself while effectively harmonising the relationship between the sell and make space. This also enhances the legitimacy of the bamboo steamers, as visitors and customers can observe every single delicate and intricate detail of the process making from cutting the bamboo
GROUND EXHIBITION FLOOR: ENTRANCE, ENTRANCE,&EXHIBITION & SELL SPACE SELL SPACE
FIRSTDINING FLOOR:AREA YUM CHA YUM CHA DINING AREA
ROOF: ROOF TOP GARDEN & ROOF TOPRESTING GARDEN AREA & RESTING AREA
EXHIBITION PIECE
EXTERNAL EVENING VIEW
STAIRCASE PERSPECTIVE
YUM CHA SPACE
MANUFACTURING & SHOPPING SPACE
LEAD8 - YEAR OUT -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------INTERNSHIP 2022 + YEAR OUT 23/24 ROLE: ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT OFFICE LOCATION: HONG KONG
As an Architectural Assistant at Lead8, I am often responsible for leading and designing the facade of large-scale Transit-Oriented-Development which often includes retail units, office towers, apartments and landscaping spaces. Particularly, during this competition I was responsible for designing the inner facade as well as the planning of the sunken plaza spaces. The overall design mimics the famous Shanghai HongQiao river, of which extending its natural curvature has driven the carving gesture of the inner courtyard space. The design has been successful in creating semi-private space that maintains vital open landscaping spaces for public occupants while its design transparency creates a highly welcoming and interactive space.
HONGQIAO TOD DEVELOPMENT *ALL IMAGES ARE PROVIDED BY LEAD8
When I was an Architectural Intern at Lead8, I honed valuable visual communication, digital design, and technical detailing skills in a corporate setting, and strengthened my time and expectation management abilities. I actively took charge of intensive design projects, ranging from a competition-winning interior and façade of a TOD project with 2 office towers and a 6-storey retail podium in Xian and an elevated green footbridge for a major TOD project in Shen Zhen CBD area. I have also worked closely with the clients and led multiple design conceptualisation, technical drawings, and commercial visualisation. I believe my design and teamwork skills as well as creative mindset would lend me well in assisting and contributing towards innovative and passionate graphical design concepts that convey vision and infectious energy.
XIAN TOD DEVELOPMENT *ALL IMAGES ARE PROVIDED BY LEAD8
HABOUR CITY, HONG KONG
SOLOS EXHIBTION SAMSUNG X HERMANN
With 3D modeling and rendering as one of my architectural hobbies, my personal creative works have been exhibited at the SHOUT Gallery, a contemporary pop focused gallery in Hong Kong. My works creatively integrate childhood cartoons into iconic architectural symbols of our ever evolving built environment. I am also fascinated in deconstructing, re-imagining and rethinking the built environment to manifest an unseen perspective of our evolving landscape. Utilising 3D modeling and rendering techniques, a majority of the work explores the commonly neglected details in our daily lives and how the built environment shapes our emotions, attitude, and behaviour. A lot of the pieces often work in larger digital scales in order to exemplify my gestural energy. The vibrant and energetic expressive language therefore becomes a significant making of the work. I am also highly interested in what can happen to blending varying colors and textures together, relishing in the chance element of what happens in computer generated images, as an integral part of digital making. I truly believe that the experimental and digital abstraction process is a catalyst to propel and unleash creative work on previously unheard levels of invention. INSTAGRAM @monnomhermann
ART EXHIBITION SHOUT GALLERY | HYSAN PLACE, HARBOUR CITY & IFC MALL
HERMANN x SAMSUNG Samsung & SHOUT Gallery Press Release Statement “Memories and Us” is a boundaryless and innovative exhibition, where a majority of Hermann’s unseen one-off artpieces will be revealed for the first time in public. Through the scope of digitally animated artworks, the exhibition will reveal Hermann’s strongly embedded enthusiasm and passion in generating fantasised realities where cartoon characters become essential elements to elicit the distresses of everyday life whilst maintaining an air of juvenile wonder in our built environment. Therefore, the exhibition will take his followers a stroll down memory lane where they can seek and evoke feelings of happiness, comfort and love. Hermann is a huge proponent of merging everyday experiences, architectural designs and childhood memories and creatively translating them into artistic works that inspires a differentiated perspective into a fantasied reality. This mixed reality will encourage his audience to reimagine their memories as if they were floating in time where the past is synchronised with the present. At Hermann’s young age, he has been deeply mesmerised by powerful cinematography designs and innovative visualisation techniques that uniquely reinforce an emotional narrative and storyline of our daily lives. Within his architectural education, his rich knowledge in creative brainstorming, spatial awareness and three-dimensional modelling are also core competencies inspiring the craftsmanship of his digital work. Through energetic compositions, rich color palettes, three-dimensional details, dynamic camera motion and lighting designs, Hermann attempts to break the traditional language of artistic works and introduce a new dimension of experiential art that is more emotional, memorable and interactive. The exhibition will ultimately cherish Hermann’s passion in technological and high-tech creative works through offering a breathtaking explosion of colors, tone and shades in the artworks, enriching the experience for the audience like never before. From static drawings to animated pictures, the collaboration with Samsung will breathe new livelihood, energy and vitality into Hermann’s artworks. Infusing each static art piece with stupendous effects of dynamism will reveal the neglected atmospheric details of the built environment as well as the unique personalities of the fantasied cartoons. This will foster a family-friendly and interactive activity designed to pull our memories and relationships closer than ever. The incorporated cartoon characters are also shared valuable memories where their nostalgia power will hopefully yearn happiness and laughters to all generations. Therefore, every exhibited artwork is a celebratory piece and a tasteful artistic addition to commemorate each and everyone of our childhood.