YU SUN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
2012 - 2020 Slected Works Master of architecture Academic and professional works
YU SUN INFO About
Education
Info D.O.B : 26.12.1990 Nationality : R.O.C (Taiwan)
2018 - 2020
Master of Architecture & Urbanism, AA Design Research Laboratory (DRL) Architectural Association
Contact e : hugosunyu@gmail.com p : +44 7762295988
2009 - 2014
Bachelor of Architecture, TKU Department of Architecture Tamkang University
Language Chinese (native) English
Professional Experience 2016 - 2017
Wuz Architect / Taipei, Taiwan Junior Architect Detailed design drawing and Facade development, Competition rendering and drawing The projects in which I participated can be seen in China, Japan, and Taiwan.
2011
Jian Xun Lu Architect / Taipei, Taiwan Internship Master-plan documents, Rhino modeling, rendering
Honors
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2015
Oistat Theatre Architecture competition Judges’list award
2014
Taipei DadaoCheng riverbank design Quality award
2012
Nature Future House competition Honorable Mention
CONTENTS Master’s Thesis 04
Cor(al)ations
Profficional Works 10 14 15
Shuranest Flagship Store Xin-Yi Club Hotel Kim Residential Building NanChang Villas
Academic Works 16 18 20 22
Resonance Theatre X Hotel Clay 3D Printing Springboard in the City
Computer Proficiency Autocad Maya Revit Rhinoceros Grasshopper Adobe design Suite Photshop, illustrator, After Effect, Premiere
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COR(AL)ATIONS The future of workspace
THESIS STATEMENT In this fast-paced era that we live, work and recreate in, the role of everything is changing to adjust and adapt to our changing needs. The role of the built environment is no exception when it comes to this, thus the time has come for architecture to shift its roles. Architecture is no longer only responsible for providing shelter, static functionality and technical rationality. Architecture is now responsible for providing a new level of social functionality as well as a sense of order to the agency of its users. Cor(al)ations is a scenario-based design research that not only explores the role of the built environment in this rapidly changing time, but also explores new spatial typologies. Typologies that are dynamic enough to adapt to the ever-changing human and economic patterns of the future. Typologies that we simply leave to emerge and define themselves as a result of a correlation between human agents within a space and various dynamic systems designed specifically to enhance performance. This research relies on designing the agency of the occupants of a space taking into account the dynamic social and behavioral patterns of those agents and testing the layers of complexity that may arise as a result of the interaction of those agents with their surrounding systems. The brief of this studio is focused around the future of the workspace, and when asked about the future of the workspace many things are uncertain. One thing that has become clear with time however, is the need for flexibility and a higher level of communication that can aid in the expanding knowledge economy within modern day workspaces. Cor(al)ations is a research that focuses on those aspects at an attempt to find solutions for a healthy tech startup incubator within the city of London. In this research, we explore the upmost
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kinetic systems within a space, their impact on the built environment and vice versa. We do so by designing the behavioral patterns in the agents and vigorously testing them physically and computationally in different scenarios and under different conditions, precisely conditions of interaction. Interactions are designed and tested in scenarios that range from a small individual scale to a large urban scale, proving the importance of agency at all scales. The research was initially started at a furniture scale by designing a kinetic furniture system that was dynamic and flexible enough to predict the spatial qualities needed for it to function and make use of the flexibility within it. The research then moved towards independent spatial systems able to accommodate agents and systems of different natures, and progressively reached an urban scale in which the spatial systems were tested in a certain urban context in order to make up a larger general system. The general system was implemented in a way that works well within its context while maintaining the integrity of its subsystems and the agency of its occupants. Flexibility, functionality and dynamism take part of every system at every scale, and thus are reflected on the urban scale almost as much as they are present in the smallest of scales, which is the furniture. In this research, flexible and dynamic spatial patterns are proven necessary for efficient workspace design and are proven achievable by applying the principals of “phenomenology� to both the design process as well as the space itself. Principles of phenomenology along withwell-designed reactive systems can achieve new patterns in the workspace that can contribute to the success and health of startups of different sizes and natures within an incubator. Such patterns include spatial patterns, communicative patterns, social patterns, circulation patterns, and many more.
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Furniture conceptual model
FURNITURE SYSTEM As mentioned previously, the research was contemplated firstly at a furniture scale, designing objects that make up a system that would then acquire relevance and translate itself at an urban scale. The furniture was designed prior to the development of an intricate field or space or anything, simply by an exploration of simple shapes that could potentially coexist within a domain. By referring to the phenomenological theories of grouping, those shapes were analyzed and altered to exist either on their own or as part of a whole. Initially an actively-flexible shape was designed. A shape with an individual performance which gives the ability to reconfigure or change according to different needs at a local scale and a global scale. A quarter of a circle was adopted as a starting point. Despite the apparent rigidity of the arc of a circle, the design strategy included the possibility of altering the level of curvature of the object and therefore the overall configuration as several objects were arranged in space. The possibility to change the curvature was not taken further because simpler tactics of transformation were discovered. Tactics that were simple yet had a large impact on the overall configurations. Since the quarter of a circle has the duality to exist as a concave or convex form, carrying out different arrangements and grouping methods gave the opportunity to have numerous configurations that represent different levels of privacy and different spatial qualities. At the start, the quarter arc was developed as an individual work desk with the ability to attach and detach from other work desks in a circular manner around a central pivot point, forming a fully closed circular form when four desks are joined together. The closed circular form quickly resembled a meeting table for a group in contrast to the individual work table or the semi-circle made up of two desks and that can serve up to two individuals working side by side. The almost infinite possibilities inspired the design of a partitioning system also made up of quarters of a circle that have their own concave/convex qualities and a system that could allow for methods of sliding and rotating. The degrees of privacy
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could be subject to change depending on two variables, the degree of rotation and translation of the partition walls and furniture. When the working tables and the partition walls interlock to form a circle, this corresponds to a 0-degree rotation of both walls and tables and becomes a meeting space. When the furniture rotates 90 degrees clockwise around the pivot point without displacement, they generate an “individual-working� configuration. However, when there is also displacement involved, the furniture can reconfigure
itself to offer as well as meeting space, private individual working space with separation, thus generating a dispersed configuration. Slowly, more furniture pieces that serve different functions yet speak the same language were developed and eventually a catalogue of furniture that was flexible enough to meet the extreme needs of a potential workspace was composed. A catalogue of furniture with its own ability to potentially take behavioral decisions concerning its manner of motion in the coming stages of the research. The manner of motion was structured in such a way as to provide it with a phenomenological dimension
work table
lounge table
lounge sofa
Talbes catalogue
Interior physical model
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URBAN STRATEGY Having defined the spatial system that works best with the rest of the systems and that achieves the goals of this research project, a strong urban strategy needed to be adopted in order to implement the spatial system and its subsystems into a certain urban context. The urban strategy that was developed was the result of several layers of research, urban analysis and computational algorithms. The site appointed being in Stoke Newington, a mostly residential area occupying the north- west part of the London Borough of Hackney in north-east London, the exact plot acts as a connection point. The plot connects one of the busy streets with commercial activity to an inner area with a less dense urban fabric. Due to its location, the plot also has a strong potential to connect to neighbouring plots that are to be developed within the same studio brief into other tech start-ups forming a type of campus that is spread out across the area. With this information, it was clear that certain paths within the plot needed to be highlighted, differentiating mass from void, and forming the first steps of the urban strategy. Looking at the plot as a general field in which the parametric computational algorithms could be tested out on, a few parameters needed to be set first. Having observed the evolution of the workspace in the last hundred years, the application of the concept of proxemics (the study of personal
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space and the degree of separation that individuals maintain between each other in social situations) such as in Miller and Propst’s ‘Action Office’ to define the necessary spatial boundaries to ensure the user`s commodity was deemed very crucial. Human proxemics were slightly adjusted here to represent the proxemics of an individual at work instead. Having done this, a catalogue of different circular spaces based on those proxemics that can accommodate different amounts of working people with varying needs was put into practice. A system of computational circle packing with tangent varying diameter circles was deployed in site in order to achieve interaction with the adjacent constructed buildings. As the algorithm generated different iterations, different patterns could be traced where the smaller circle units served as circulation spaces since they could slide past each other with greater ease than the larger circles. The larger working spaces would allow for major furniture transformations, as opposed to the smaller, which would remain more static. At a global scale the configuration of the working spaces could be more radial or more linear depending on the needs of the start- ups and the level of interaction between different groups. For a more intricate field, a magnetic-field lines computational approach was also adopted whereby the
centre of the larger circles was considered an attractor point (since most of the work activity is carried out there). The computational magnetic fields created a system whereby each working space has a meeting point which is left as a void and is in turn separated from the next working space by means of a green or open space. The density of the field lines also describes the external circulations to access the ensemble giving the user a sociological reference to navigate the space.
MEANDERING After various form finding strategies, the circular zones identified by the previous circle packing algorithm were translated into 3 dimensional floor plates. A meandering system was used to connect all the floor plates together both horizontally and vertically, eventually becoming circulation ramps
As the interior space is ever-changing and adaptive, the variability of the field depends on where the meeting point of each of the working spaces changes, thus altering the position of the exterior/interior spaces. The objective was to create a field that would dialogue with the urban fabric and that would allow for a productive workflow while maintaining the flexibility and dynamism of the precedent systems. The aim at the end of this research is to prove a successful implementation of the designed systems with their agency in an urban setting, allowing them to maintain their integrity and ability to transform, thus proving the possibility of new spatial typologies for a flexible, urban scale start-up incubator that meets the complex needs of today’s work culture.
Meandering diagram
ITERATIONS Using the required urban connection nodes, a series of image iterations were developed on which image based circle packing was implemented. The iterations resulted in different patterns of circle packing that accomodate different numbers of different sized startups. An algorithm of magnetic field lines was then implemented by choosing the center of the circles within a selected range only.
Exploded diagram
building volume landscape core circulation
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SHURANEST FLAGSHIP STORE
Location : Taichung City , Taiwan Area (sqm) :250 1F plan
This architecture originates from the Taichung flagship store and prestigious private club of renowned Malaysian food product brand, Sudan Swallow’s Nest. The design concept aims to represent the Malaysian brand that is rooted in Taiwan and impress the structural space and complexity by shaping the customer experience between a balance of avant-garde exotic and hometown familiarity. The configuration of the architecture adds height and space to the foundational levels thus offering a novel interpretation to Malaysia’s traditional high footed architectural style. This method not only satisfies the function of the space but also the demand. The open area on the first floor can be used to display and sell swallow’s nests. The private space separated by wood grating and the balcony serves as a private club and a place for product tasting on the second and third floors. The private club on the third floor features cathedral ceilings and indoor gardens to separate different rooms. In particular, the connected roof garden adds a touch of nature to the interior of the architecture and enables the development of different scenery within the private space.
GF plan
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2F plan
3F plan
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XIN-YI CLUB HOTEL
The renovation of IBM office building Location : Taipei ,Taiwan This is where the prime location in Taipei city locates, an office building has been abandonedfor long. Now restored by an enterprise, lets its hospitality function shine through its past. The new hotel branding setup has been distinguished from the typical hotels, it targets to become adeluxe hospitality club. With a gym, salon, small theatre, high-fashion tailor shop, an open loungearea, and a small theatre to adjoin and create a life style, which also doubles the enjoyment. As for the facade itself, the lower level is covered by the glass brick and wide-open window to adjointhe urban openness. The rest of the upper floor is built as a double layer, the solid inner wall withwire mesh curtain. Lighting design in between two material created a constantly changing scene,where the facade life is a part of the entertainment.
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Kim Residential Building Location : Taipei ,Taiwan Area (sqm) :155
This case is located on the vibrant Ti Ding Avenue. The area of its base is not only narrow but also small which exactly reflects the saturated population in Taipei. The architecture is built in a sophisticated manner to balance the pressure given by the environment and simple fold-techniques to enhance the ratio of its independence and elegance.The front and back of the architecture employ big balconies and glass walls to allow panoramic vision and lighting. Both sides apply wood grating as a cover to blend smoothly with neighboring buildings. Theone unit per floor signifies the autonomy of nuclear families in metropolitan Taipei.
NanChang Villas Location : NanChang , China The project is the reception building inside a private residential area, which provides public spaces and facilities for the residential community. Material selection for the architecture is guided by color and texture to maintain the simple sense in the traditional residences of Nanchang. The main form of the building is both solemn and sedate, and the facade design is more inclined to the composition of the traditional residential buildings. The courtyard inside the building is an important symbol for the traditional living, which provides a public area for residents to communicate and also provide more natural light and ventilation to each floor.
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RESONANCE THEATRE
Theatre Architecture competition Organzer: OISTAT international organisation theatre architects Location: Berlin, Germany
Pause the urban life, floating on the riverbank!
Introduction The U-theatre was founded in 1988 with a focus on the Zen art of percussion. It uses music, drama, literature, dance, and other materials to practice a unique integration of Oriental and Western arts. Concept When people watch this kind of show, their satisfaction from viewing is far from than merely a visual experience. Not only do viewers use their eyes or ears, but their whole bodies are also involved. Design: Dispersion of Sound Although a traditional concert often aims for a uniform audience experience,while drumming exist freely as individual nuclei. Meanwhile, they can also join together. To the viewers,sound comes from all directions.
Design: Vibration The stage gives off energy from every step, every beat on its surface. The experience here is based on the sound vibrations caused by the movement of participants and the material of the stage shell. Integrating structure and surface in the audience’s seats, the environment challenges audience members to change their perspective. In the water, they take off each article of clothing, sensing ripples caused by the beats of drum, or they choose how much they want to participate in the show. Conclusion This stage can provide a different approach to viewing U-theatre performances. Uncertainty breed doubts, which inspire people to more creative conversation between audience members.
Structure
Light
Position
Integrate structureand surface for audience seats. Also combine leading lights and stage lighting.
In the water, audience take off the clothing, sensing ripples revealing by the beats of drum.
The environment challenges the audience to change their perspective.
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GF plan
X HOTEL The platform of communication
The X represents intersection, and the concept of the hotel is to provide a platform for elites to meet each other and make a lager network from people all over the world. The hotel is located in the center of Taipei city, and also in between the entertainment zone and business zone. With such an amazing location, X Hotel has a huge potential for being the hottest spot for people to visit and share their stories. X hotel offers many public spaces to approach the concept. The design attempt to develop a space with a comfortable atmosphere for better communication. There are functional spaces on each floor for the visitor to meet or work and start a new chapter. Furthermore, the volume of these functional spaces can be visually connected from different floors, which potentially increases the possibilities for people knowing each other.
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Food and Beverage
Hotel Rooms
Lounge and Bussiness Centre
Hotel Amenities
1F plan
2F plan
3F plan
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The tool making aspect in contemporary times is best captured by the scientific discipline of Architectural geometry / Geometry processing and sets the scene for its use architects to help organize the lives of the consumers of architecture.
CLAY 3D PRINTING When digital manufacturing meet traditonal material
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Architectural Geometry aims to capture within geometry, essentials aspects of structure, fabrication, function, environment, etc. In other words, the rapidly maturing AG field provides the rigorous mathematical guarantees and intuitive, exploration friendly geometric tool-kit to enable architects to explore and deliver the agenda of performancebased architecture into the mainstream. When the so enabled exploratory process, leads to a stylistic expression of structural, fabrication related textures, and other ‘tectonic’ features, it yields tectonism. Clay printing workshop aims to test the possibilities of digital manufacturing with traditional material. The workshop exploring : (1) constructing a digital to physical tool-chain (2) computational geometry and c++ programming for architect (3) robot kinematics, constraints and synergetic geometries (4) exploration and exploitation of associated design spaces (the space of plausible geometries and textures).
Our research focuses on the relationship between material characteristics and digital manufacturing tools. According to the result of manual testing of clay characteristics. We realize viscosity and plasticity are important natures from clay and that allows us to shape the model through robot arm. The final results demonstrate the material characteristics through the texture and structure of our clay models. The model on the left shows how we control the pattern through viscosity, and the model on the other side explains the plasticity by extruding the model not only horizontally but also vertically. To achieve the result, we self-learnt about and implemented everything from hardware components purchasing, extruder design and construction, c++ code, robot gcode, material recipes, logistics planning in one short month.
"We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us." by John M. Culkin
Below: 3D clay printing with self made extruder and Kuka robot arms
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SPRINGBOARD IN THE CITY Matrix Rain / Ripple Generator
Springboard turns any state of water area into a swimming pool which means an installation has the possibility to change the property of space. On the other hand, water is indispensable for human and also play an important role in any development of civilization. Thus, we humans have a strong connection with water in both physical and mental ways. As a result, we decide to make water as the main material of the installation and explore the relationship between human, space, and installation.There are two installations that have been developed in the project, and both of them are triggered by humans behavior and then react to space through the water. The installations make use of the different states of water to create fields and also improve the quality of space. One of its called ripple generators, it generates various patterns of ripple through control the frequency of dripping, and the frequency of dripping is reacting to the decibel in the space. The installation transfers our sensation from hearing to viewing and then back to hearing again. The other one is called matrix rain. Inside the cuboid, it just likes raining and later changes the state of water to fog through the piston movement. The movement and the water allows air to be filtered through the installation. Matrix Rain
Ripple Generator
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Matrix Rain
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© 2020, YU SUN
