Jimmy's portfolio 2018-2021

Portfolio Architecture

A collection of bachelor works

The house for old dreams

A mental care center for dream-makers

Totor : Pietro Pezzani

Date 2021.3 -2021.7

Location : Ligongdi, Jinji Lake, Suzhou, China

Individual work

The Dream of The Red Chamber was created at the end of China’s feudal society in the 18th century, when the Qing government closed the country to the outside world, and the whole country was intoxicated with the dream of the Prosperous Period of Kangxi and Qianlong and Sinocentrism. At that period, apparently, it seemed to be peaceful, but, in fact, all kinds of social contradictions were intensifying development, and the whole dynasty has reached the turning point from the prosperous peak to the decline trend.

Briefly speaking, this novel has described the love tragedy happening between different classes under the background of feudal ethics in Qing Dynasty. I think the root of the tragedies in this novel not result from “system” but the limitation of “thinking”. Until now, The Dream of the Red Chamber still can reflect the “national character” of eastern thought that is unique to modern Chinese. This project tries to introduce the main characters’ residences in the novel into the modern architecture, thus to solve such kind of contractions by setting up a Mental Care Center.

Characters in the grand view garden

In the novel, the main characters live in a classic garden of Suzhou called Grand View Garden. The different spatial feelings contained in their respective residences imply the personality characteristics of different characters, and the tragedy exactly happens in the collision of these emotional spaces. The tragedy caused by the irreconcilable contradiction resulted from the split thinking still happens in current times in a similar way.

Honest, Sensitive, Depressed

Naughty, Softhearted, Boisterous, Careless

High-hearted, Self-supervised, Eclectic, Boring

Good at organizing, Efficient, Reasonable, Inflexible

Dreamy, Talented, Isolated

The site is located on Jinji Lake, a peninsula relatively isolated from the neighbouring downtown, in the middle of the new and old city of Suzhou. The number of residents with mental health problems in many areas around the site is more than half of the total population.

View the garden and compose poems. Have fun with friends. Play chess with cousins

Rewriting Daiyu’s Burying the Flowers

Daiyu’s Burying the Flowers is a classic plot in the novel. It depicts the emotional contradictions among the three protagonists who have a triangular relationship, and ends negatively with the tragic song-The Song of Burying the Fallen Flowers done by Lin Daiyu. In this mental care center, I have attempted to rewrite her story of despair through the introduction of public space and meditation space.

Daiyu felt lonely and sad in her room. So she went out. She found he friend at the shared balcony.

She could see through the screen to Baoyu's apartment behind the trees.

Last night she quarrelled with Bao Yu yesterday, and was very sad. She decided to go to the garden to enjoy the view of flowers. At the ground floor she met her cousins who were also going outside to play.

Outside the house there were rice fields where the patients could work together. Baoyu was called by a doctor to attend a treatment

It turned out that the psychiatrist Tanchun held a poetry recital. Daiyu saw Baoyu from afar, playing with the other patients, as their group therophy. She did not attend because she was shy.

A series of rooms with translucent glass walls confused her. She could not see the people inside.

The courtyard was planted with tall trees but no flower. Daiyu was bored.

In the courtyard, she saw Baochai, who was enjoying the lively music played by the musicians in the courtyard. Baochai was worried about Daiyu and wants to walk with her

It was late spring and the peach blossoms in the courtyard had already given way. Daiyu associated this with a short life. She could not bear to watch the flowers fall and decided to bury them.

Suddenly, they heard Baoyu calling from the roof. Daiyu hurried towards him. She followed the falling flowers up to the roof, sighing at a fate that seemed unchangeable.

From the roof terrace, the three of them saw the tranquil lake in the distance. There were some flowers around the lake that had not yet fallen.

Suddenly, Daiyu spotted a narrow entrance in the other direction. Miaoyu stood there, waiting for her.

'Welcome.' She said. Daiyu walked in and found some artificially cultivated peach trees. The sun was pouring down. Daiyu felt the warmth. She felt some hope of self-redeeming in this meditation space.

Although fate is as unpredictable as falling flowers, it is not uncontrollable.

She looks at the outdoor falling leaves in the bedroom and feels that she unconsciously wastes her time in a faint sadness.

Throughout the changeable life, who can escape this confused world?

Instead of being stuck in the old dreams... ...

...She stepped out of the small room and go where there is light and crowds.

After Daiyu walks out of the door, she has thought of seeing Baoyu and Baochai talking and laughing together yesterday, but inadvertently ignoring her, and suddenly felt sad. She walks through the garden, sees the sisters on the floor, but she is in no mood to join them. Further is the wheat that is planted together and some cultivated plants. She feels in a better mood with her friends.

Then, Baoyu chases her over to apologize. She throws off Baoyu and walks into the roof platform, wandering along the rugged mountainous roof. She sees the children playing together and falling flowers, but only follows far behind because she is introverted. She sees the lake and distant houses... then, she picks up the fallen flowers to find a place for burial. Finally, she arrives at a place with lots of fresh flowers, where is an inner garden longing for her.

Now that they are dead and I bury them, however, who can understand my sadness?

Falling flowers flying all over the sky, who has a pity for them?

It is better to put them in a delicate bag and then cover up their once-delicate petals with clean soil.

I wander alone on the garden mainland path but see the people laughing behind the window.

As I am walking, seem to see hopes in the distance.

Classes

The Introverted Performer

A music school united by nature

Totor Jane Cadot

Date : 2020.2 - 2020.6

Location Berkley Street, Liverpool, UK

Individual work

Being introverted is very universal in the music learning process, which maybe make it a shy performer difficult to perform on a formal stage. An informal stage for all passersby for improvisation, such as a park-shade pavilion, could be a solution. The project tries to introduce an introverted music school to a dull and boring block, allowing its users to experience the vitality from the external environment. Different stages of learning, rehearsing, and performing music require varying degrees of spatial openness. This project attempts to break through the obstacles among the spaces with various functions by virtue of the built-in green space and create a harmonious atmosphere.

The functional volume setting meets the needs of users, and also responds to the surrounding limitations. They are arranged around a central courtyard, reflecting a separate environment not affected by the surrounding atmosphere. Internally, communication and performance are encouraged, and the private space is respected meanwhile.

Teaching and rehearsal spaces

Limitations of the site

The surrounding buildings are all traditional, and the appearance of the block is relatively dull. The lack of natural elements and public space limits the development of this community.

An introverted central courtyard is introduced first, and then is the functional area of the music school. The two “protect” each other.

Student

Tutor

Pale wall

They are housed on the southwest side, illuminated by light reflected in the courtyard and relatively isolated from the surroundings. The formal and informal stage faces the atrium, and are arranged symmetrically as it a center. Natural elements become the set for both of the stages.

Performance spaces

Administration spaces

Office and administrative space facing to the main streets, serve the public and become the “barricade” to separate the interior environment of the building from the outside world. A small shop, storages, and plant rooms are located in shadows and the places easily accessible to the users, which can also provide appropriate equipment.

Supply spaces

Orange brick wall

Neo-Byzantine style facade

Metal panels

Students can interact with each other in different rehearsal activities.

are held in a relatively quiet and separate first floor space

An informal stage that is accessible to all is set in the atrium.

The lounge space is illuminated by a built-in nature box.

Tutors and staff work in a relatively private space.

The introduction of revolving doors allows for a connection between the various rehearsal rooms. Practice becomes a more flexible and open activity.

The courtyard is planted with oak trees and shrubs, creating a small indoor park. It is linked to the atrium's informal stage, introducing the performance into nature.

Gallery A 2 3 4

Office 5 3

Classroom 2 4

4. Informal stage 3

Rehearsal room 9 11

Reception 10 5 5 5

Private rehearsal room 6 7 8

Control room

Meeting room

Staff room

Shop

Storage

Toilet

The classrooms are located on the first floor that is more private and quiet. The view of the central courtyard adds colour to the dull teaching activities.

The auditorium is set against a backdrop of flowers and trees. When there are no performances, the revolving doors on the ground floor can be opened as required, turning the space into a party venue.

Rehearsal rooms

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

The streamline inside the building orients on the atrium, allowing all activities to echo the internal natural elements. There are rehearsals, meetings, businesses, and shows on the bottom floor. The second floor is mainly for office and teaching. The single entrance towards the community street is both accessible and enhances security.

2.

3. Steel T-profile

4. Fluorescent lamp

5. Electric channel for object beam

6. Roof construction:

0.7 mm brass sheet

85 mm ventilated cavity+aluminium sheet

supporting structure

sarking membrane

150 mm mineral wool thermal insulation

300 mm reinforced concrete

15 mm undercoat plaster

7. 40/100 mm silver fir boarding

20/20 mm silver fir battens

8. Sliding-folding shutters:

20/75 mm rhomboid boarding on

40/40 mm silver fir battens, in

70/70/7.2 mm galvanised steel frame

9. 40/40 mm steel channel guide rail

10. 55/55 mm silver fir planks

80/20 mm battens

steel sheet water gutter

11. 15 mm undercoat plaster

200/200 reinforced concrete secondry beam

12. Sliding door, double glazing

13. 300/300 reinforced concrete column

14. 15 mm undercoat plaster

300/300 reinforced concrete beam

Gallery

Offices

Class rooms

Entrance lobby

Meeting rooms

Rehearsal rooms

1. Galvanised steel panel

Triple glazing

Students practicing different musical instruments open sliding doors and improvise, forming small concerts.

When there is no performance, the performance hall and the atrium are connected to become the entertainment space for people.

Hidden music

Integration with the site The building presents the block with a low-key, secluded facade. Concerning the height of the surrounding architecture, this building creates a moderate gesture. The application of a sloping roof has reduced the sense of its volume. As for the exterior wall, the openness of the glass and the privacy of the wooden block at the ground floor both send the entrance and exploration invitation to the public.

Behind the square room facing the street, improvised music is played in the shade. The passersby spontaneously become performers or audience.

Informal concert Party time

City of Horae

A vertical city growing in ruins of war

Totor : Lingzhe Wang

Date 2020.6 - 2020.7

Location : Sadr city, Baghdad, Iraq

Individual work

The news of war and disaster on television makes me realize that the existence of a city is not timeless. Many large cities face problems, such as old facilities, traffic congestion, and the lack of natural environment. The nature parks in the suburbs take more than an hour to drive, and the dilapidated buildings cost a huge amount to move, etc. In my eyes, we should view the city as a dynamic system and must take the element of time into consideration. Apart from concerns about the universality of the public space and facilities in urban planning, the sustainable development should not be neglected, either. A city that can metabolize itself, constantly stretching from “having” to “none”, just like Islamabad, or the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.

At present, Baghdad faces a series of problems, including a severe unemployment rate, and terrorist attacks, and resource shortage, etc. Young people are eager for opportunities to fight for better lives. This project discusses the desire of the original hosts of Sadr city before its ruling under the dictator and tries to refer the planner’s design concept to a vertical dimension. Finally, I hope to establish a balanced-developed public city for young people.

History of the Sadr City

The founders of Sadr city ever hoped that it could be a city benefiting the poor people and adopted the modernism measures, such as constructing a large scale of cheap housing. However, after a long-time dictatorship and war later, this hope has been gradually become an illusion.

1982

2003

Urban organs

Over time, the city continues to develop vertically along with the “skeleton”. Different functional organs derive from the guidance of the basic plan. Six different basic functions are a theoretical extension of the “ekistics elements”. From the air, City of Horae looks like a living creature.

Sadr city was built by Prime Minister Abdul Karim Qassim in response to grave housing shortages in Baghdad.

It was renamed Saddam City.

Conflicts in the region gradually intensified after the occupation of Baghdad

During the Battle of Basra, clashes erupted in Sadr City between U.S. forces and the Mahdi Army.

The Sadr ciy can't opperate as the way it was originally designed...

In 1980s, this district was known by poverty, communist movement, and high crime rate. During the Iraq War, prople suffered from bomb strikes and terrorism. After the appropriation of the dwellers, the streets became markets, and the plazas became sports grounds.

The City in the City

Growing from the original mechanism of the city, the City of Horae is a system that is open to Sadr residents and offers sports, entertainment, administration, nature parks, and other functions. The fragmented functional areas of the old city are gathered and the concentration of people will also make them more united.

As a scientific mode of study, ekistics currently relies on statistics and description, organized in five ekistic elements or principles: nature, anthropos, society, shells, and networks.

As time changes, the original living space become crowded and unable to continue to develop. A solution is needed for sustainable development.

2. Extraction of axes

The original traffic axis of the site is accessible in all directions, providing easy access to various places. Therefore, it is retained.

3. Simulation of ruins

On the ground floor, the constraints of the old houses are broken and some walls are retained at will to form a monumental “site”.

4. Growth of new spaces

Between the remaining old walls, new space volumes can be grown and derived. Then they gradually fill the site.

5. Guiding plan

The new urban functions are arranged according to the ekistics theory, and the new orders are divided in the original axis according to the functions.

A new dimension is endowed with the site: a vertical axis, to make the city have the developing possibility continuously after the ground is occupied.

The functional areas are laid out according to the guiding plan (5). Blocks are strictly confined to the axis.

Space is selfmetabolized during its vertical development. They derive, cross, and integrate with each other along the axis.

The Sadr city was designed by Greek planner Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis.

Stories told by locals and travellers

This building is oriented to local residents of Bootle and foreign visitors. Different groups of people meet with the buildings in different ways, and they also generate different stories. They meet and acquaint in the public space of the bathhouse, which can leave warm memories in this small green space of Bootle.

Local people

Friends meet up at the weekend to go to the club near the bathhouse.

Sometimes people will bring their dirty clothes with them and use the washing machine before taking a bath.

Some people will also have a drink before going to the bath; conversations that didn't end in the bath could continue in the bar.

Traveller

Tourists wandering along the riverbank spotted the buildings along the bank.

The entrance is very close to the river bank. The unusual structure of the building attracted her to walk in and have a look.

In a restaurant at the entrance, the waiter tells her that this is a community bathhouse that also welcome her.

They can go directly to the backyard to be closed to nature and participate in community activities

Walk up the stairs and look into the distance.

First, take a shower to clean yourself.

Then, you can choose...

To swim.

To take a thermal bath. They have a relex and chat with others in the atrium. Then a patio is found, with sunshine and view of river.

After a meeting, friends go to the backyard to play, with view of nature.

Someone directly goes to yoga with friends.

To enjoy sauna.

Changing room 7. Toilet

Yoga room

Swimming pool

Sauna

Thermal bath

Backyard

Plan 1:400

In the bathhouse

This bathhouse is more like a community center, which is set in the garden on the edge of downtown Bootle. The pool is close to the river, surrounded by the other rooms, and therefore free from railroad noise. Passers-by walking down the aisle can see the activity inside the building. The public courtyard also heads towards the river and the garden separately for people to enjoy the natural views.

Axonometric analysis

People can use the public laundry when they enter the lobby, and have a rest in the bar.

After showering themselves, people can have a rest, chat or play yoga with friends.

After shower, people could enjoy the main part of the building.

A roof garden for sightseeing and relax has a view of the town.

Under the bridge

Travelers sail down the river past a dark space under the bridge and then see the bathhouse behind the vegetation.

The sauna room and the origami roof add to the echo of the space. The steam rises from the hot spring bath, creating a warm atmosphere.

The afternoon sun shines directly into the swimming pool which faces the river in the south, creating a bright and cheerful space.

Bar and laundry

Resting room and yoga room

Swimming pool and thermal bath

Roof garden

Section A-A

Echo and steam

Swimming pool

This project will first show the design of mask and sleeve to represent the character of an old embroider, then discuss the interaction between the three characters ( a beetle collector, a bronze sculptor, and an old man who likes to embroider), and finally produce an enclosure of them. Based on the enclosure, Voids in the wax sectional model is transformed from the basic geometry solids, the relationships between which were determined by the enclosure and relationships between three characters. The space in the wax model is reflected by movements in a period of time. The character explored the space and give some reaction.

'Assemble'

Body/building, solid/void, space/time

Totor : Kelvin Sun

Date 2018. 9- 2018.10

Location : XJTLU, Suzhou, China Individual work

Internship work 1

Private house conversion

NATURALBUILD

Date : 2021. 6 - 2021.7

Project manager: Yanfei Shui

Location Changning District, Shanghai Team member: Yuhui Cao, Deqiang Huang, Lailong Guo

Internship work 2

Yangpu under-bridge space conversion

Tongyi Architecture

Date : 2021. 7 - 2021.9

Project manager: Buhong Kong

Location : Yangpu, Shanghai

Team member: Ping Ju, Yuhui Cao

was mainly responsible for the site survey and model making. The building is a three storey dwelling from the last century with a more complex roof structure. The renovation project preserved the original structure, retaining the form of the roof and the basement space. The site is in close proximity to historic buildings, so the site model was created with a more accurate study of the surrounding buildings

referred

participated in site research and pre-programme design. The design was for the reuse of space underneath a viaduct in the Yangpu district of Shanghai. Some of the original vegetation under the bridge was retained and a basketball court, running track and other amenities were incorporated.

Step 2: Put chops on the first cirlcle and use strings and glue to connect them to make a second circle. This would be the "embroidery frame".

The void in wax model is originally turned from the enclosed space formed by three characters. The old man will reflect the relationships between him and others when walking in the space.

to the phantom of the opera to study the movements of my character, because the old man reminded me of the phantom, who was also walking in the darkness and looking for some

He stretches his hand for hope and aspiration, hugs the air to search comfort, and picks up tiny things on the