Portfolio by Jacqueline Li

Jacqueline Li Princeton University Selected works 2013-2014 jljli@princeton.edu

My work and interests can be summarized in a series of explorations into both the tangible and the evoked environment.

e n v i ro n m e n t a s i n S e t t i n g .

a place that has particular events associated with it.

e n v i ro n m e n t a s i n A m b i a n c e .

t h e e v o k e d c h a r a c t e r o r a t m o s p h e re .

e n v i ro n m e n t a s i n C o n d i t i o n s .

t h e p h y s i c a l a s p e c t s o f t h e e n v i ro n m e n t .

e n v i ro n m e n t a s i n P l a c e .

t h e t o t a l e x p e r i e n c e o f t h e e n v i ro n m e n t .

White Box Theater

Commencement

Chair

Frist Gallery

Enclosure

Flocking

Solar House

Cities as Homes

White Box Theater Site | Frist Campus Center, Princeton University

Alejandro Zaera-Polo Architecture Desgin Studio Spring 2014 (4 weeks)

in full collaboration with Frances Steere

Venturi’s ‘colonnade’ stands along the north entrance of Frist Campus Center, which serves as a gathering place for students. The colonnade, lacking a three-dimensional, occupyable space, is simply used as a bulletin board and means of passage. However, its enormous scale as well as its subtle thickness suggests its potential to become a focal point of activity on campus. By extruding a cube out of one of the colonnade’s passageways, a pocket of space is created. The thin lines of the material delineate a ‘white box’ in a minimalistic manner, cutting the interior out from the surrounding space, drawing attention to the activities within. Student performance groups were invited to showcase their work in the ‘White Box Theater ’ over the course of one evening. In the dark, the box radiated outwards. Compressed within the boundary of the space and illuminated by stage lights, the performers and audience appear to exist in a separate universe to that outside of the box, while spectators gathered around the box. Venturi’s Sign is transformed from a two-dimensional poster surface to a theater within a theater-in-the-round.

4 pho t os i n t h i s se c t i o n m arked by an asterisk ( *) a r e ta ke n by Da lma Folde si

E n g a g e m e n t , C o m m u n i t y, F a b r i c a t i o n * T h e st r u ct u r e f o r t h e Wh i t e B o x T h eat er w as si m p l e an d el eg an t , an d d r ew at t en t i o n n o t t o t h e st r u ct u r e i t sel f b u t t o t h e act i v i t y w i t h i n i t .

Black chair s , s tage lighting, micr ophone and s peaker s w er e ins talled f or the event, and per f or mer s w er e r eques ted to w ear w hite.

S even s tudent per f or mance gr oups par ticipated over the cour s e of 2.5 hour s .

* concept

fabrication

construction process th e b o x wa s t e l e s c o p e d u p i n l a y e r s

Commencement Site | Nassau Lawn, Princeton University

Alejandro Zaera-Polo Architecture Desgin Studio Spring 2014 (2 weeks)

Commencement is a celebration, and it is only reasonable that the spatial organization of the venue should reflect that. The seating arrangement should be meaningful and specific to both the location and the event; while spatial devices should be employed to evoke a colorful and celebratory atmosphere. This project proposes to utilize the existing trees on Nassau Lawn as a generative pattern to create a grid for seating. Each grid cell is unique to its user group (graduates, faculty, and visitors) and the seats orientate directly towards the stage. The paths between cells are also specific to users, and are marked out by a system of ropes suspended by colored balloons. The final design not only achieves the original goal of being specific to the location and the ceremony, but also has increased capacity, thus making it possible to use only the space inside the main lawn.

6 ori g i n a l p h o t o b y P rinceton U niversity ta ke n f r om pr inc e tonpr photos.smugmug.c o m

S p a c e , P ro t o c o l , C o n s t r u c t i o n

GUEST SEATING

AT IN T

GRADUATES

SE T GU ES

GUEST SEATING

I AT

AT IN

GU ES

I AT T

GUEST SEATING ACCESSIBLE

t r ees as g en er at i v e p at t er n

ES GU

STAGE

or iginal plan

cr eating a gr id

ES GU

GUEST SEATING

cons ider ing obs tr uction

BAND

g en er at i v e p r o cess

The original plan for commencement includes a main procession path for graduates and faculty, from FitzRandolph Gate to Nassau Hall. Along it are two long blocks of seating for the graduates, leading to the stage with seating for faculty. The order of hierarchy as well as efficiency in use of space is not ideal. Graduates, who are the focus of the ceremony, may have to sit farther away from the stage than many visitors. Additionally, guests may be forced to sit outside of the main lawn, and are thus cut off from the ceremony. Using the existing trees, a grid is generated. These cells center around the trees, and take into consideration of obstructed views. Cells and the pathways between them are assigned to user groups. The key components (stage, main path) are still visible in the new plan.

GUEST SEATING

GRADUATES STAGE / FACULTY

seating ar ea s pecif ic to us er s

paths s pecif ic to us er s

Canopy of ropes and balloons become path finders and agents for space-making.

FITZRANDOLPH GATE

GUEST SEATING

ACCESSIBLE

GRADUATES

STAGE / FACULTY NASSAU HALL

BAND pr opos ed s eating zones and balloon canopy ar r angement

p h y si cal m o d el o f h an ging s tr ing pulled by beads mimic the action of balloons pulling on r opes .

sec tion A-A

A comparison between the original and proposed seating plan shows increase capacity. Zones (such as graudate seating) may be expanded according to need.

Total Seating: 10218

Total Seating: 11291

Graduates: 1732 Guest: 7478 Stage: 248 Accessible: 125 Band: 50 Stacked: 250

Graduates: 1569 Guest: 8720 Stage: 827 Accessible: 125 Band: 50 Stacked: 9

Chair Jesse Reiser Architecture Desgin Studio Fall 2014 (12 weeks)

in collaboration with Sandy Bole

This project is an investigation into the spatial potential of the surface through a series of conceptual and physical experiments. First, a dynamic surface is developed from the contours of the human body. Drawing from a series of 1:1 tracings, the human body acts as a direct template that registers incremental changes of body position. These spatial movements are translated into a highly differentiated surface and realized in a full-scale egg-crate model. Drawing on the separate structure and surface logic of precedent furniture designs, this project then investigates the spatial potential of the surface. A series of conceptual designs were generated through a range of processes. These iterations explore how furniture can be used to create an environment for occupation through the manipulation lines and surfaces.

Evolution of a surface / space

Initial exploration: egg-crate chair

t rac e d contours of the b o d y a r r a n g e d i n f i x e d / f l u i d p o si t i o n s

We traced the curvature of back of the body in different sitting and lounging positions, then arranged them in groups such that in each iteration one part of the body is fixed while the others are allowed movement. Merging two of such iterations, we arrive at a surface that resembles something of a landscape, dynamic and undulating, with expansive fluid spaces as well as interlocking moments, and a peculiar extrusion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a pulled surface â&#x20AC;&#x201C; signaling an area of focus.

head

neck

back

k n ee

f eet

the ba c k and knee pos it i o n s a r e b r o u g h t i n t o c o n v e r s a t io n t h r o u g h o p p o si t i o n

Surface as landscape A full scale model of the chair is constructed with a cardboard structure and an egg-crate surface. The modulated yet flexible property of the egg crates generate a fluctuating landscape of varying densities, as if an organic mutation of the surface through processes of expansion and compression.

[1] st arting form; e gg-crate s tructure

[2] e x t r a c t i o n. 1 ; s u r f a c e a n d s t r u c t u r e sep ar at e

[3] i n v ersi o n ; i n v er se sp ace an d v er t i cal si t t i n g ; si t t i n g o n v s. su r r o u n d ed b y t h e m ech an i sm s o f t h e c hair. [4] co m p ressi o n ; st r u ct u r al r ed u n d an cy.

[ 5] ext ract ion .2; s implicity of f or m.

[ 6] ext ract ion .3; tw is ting of lines and s ur f aces .

Surface to spac e The spatial potential of the surface is further investigated in a series of designs. The vertica lity of the egg-crate structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extrusion gave rise to explorations of pulled surfaces and non-orientational sitting. Iterations attempt to purify the form and extract the surface from the frame. The surface then is not to follow the structure but is able to take on a separate role in creating a visual experience and a tangible atmosphere. 13

Frist Gallery

exit

Site | Frist Gallery, Princeton University

Alejandro Zaera-Polo Architecture Desgin Studio

FRIST GALLERY

Spring 2014 (2 weeks)

to dining area

to servery

stairs from upper level

to servery

Frist Gallery is a space within the Frist Campus Center that contains a servery and a dining area, in which students, faculty and staff can eat and socialize. This project analyzes the current spatial arrangement of the dining area in terms of function, level of social interaction, and circulation, and proposes a new plan for the space. Currently, the gallery is used for social interaction in large groups (3-6 people), private interactions in small groups (2-3 people), and personal use (1 person). Whilst preserving these functions, the new design aims to create a gradient atmosphere that provides environments better suited for each of these functions. By modifying the shape and layout of the tables across the space, the new design pushes larger, louder groups towards the center of the space and smaller, quieter groups towards the edge. Finally, the proposed design produces a multi-function environment that allows for enhanced social interaction and circulation.

A t m o s p h e re , S i t e , P l a n o r i g i n al p l an w i t h o b ser v ed p at t er n s

new plan w ith pr edicted patter ns

The shape of tables play an important role in determining the level of social interaction. Circular tables are more efficient for interpersonal exchanges, while long tables allow for more personal spac e. Thus, in this design, tables towards the center have larger circular tables linked together with slende r elements, and tables towards the edge have smaller circular tables linked together with wider long tables that are now occupyable. Linking tables has the effect of forcing groups that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally interact to face each other, therefore enhancing interactions. The locations of the exits are also taken into consideration in order to create more fluid and efficient circulation.

proximity analysis key

p r o x i m i t y an al y si s sh o w s a m o r e u n i f o r m g r ad i en t i n the new des ign

Enclosure Axel Kilian Computational Desgin Studio Fall 2013 (6 weeks)

vis u a l i zation of enclos ure as occ u p y a b l e s p a c e

v i su al i zat i o n o f en cl o su r e as scu l p t u r e

This project explores the field of biomimetics and adaptive structures through a parametric construct. A conceptural design for an adaptable one-person enclosure is defined through a faceted dome, whose malleable form is inspired by the shape of sea creatures. The enclosure would change its shape according to parameters in the surrounding natural environment, including outside temperature and the direction and intensity of sunlight. The enclosure is composed of an adjustable frame with two layers of membranes. The frame and the outside membrane would expand and contract according to outside temperature and lighting conditions in order to maintable a stable and static environment inside. Material experiments in soft robotics were conducted and silicone models were constructed to inform how the adaptive behavior of the enclosure can be realised.

16 or i gi n al p h o t o b y E zra Stoller taken from nytime s.c om

Parametric Design

i ni t ial conceptual s k e t c h e s o f comb jelly and gras s h o p p e r bre a thing s ys tem, whic h i n f o r m t he a daptive mechanis m s o f t h e enclosure

paper conceptual model of enclos ur e

Biomimetics + Adaptive Structure + Soft Robotics detail of s ilicone exper imental model T he following s eries de m o n s t r a t e s h o w t h e e n c l o s u r e wo u l d ch an g e i t s sh ap e acco r d i n g t o su r r o u n d i n g co n d i t i o n s. T he w all thicknes s not o n l y d e p e n d s o n o u t s i d e t e m p e r at u r e, b u t al so ch an g es acco r d i n g t o t h e d i r ect i o n o f t h e su n l i g h t . T he w alls would be thinn e r t o wa r d s t o s u n a s t o l e t m o r e l i g h t i n .

Flocking Axel Kilian Computational Desgin Studio Fall 2013 (3 weeks)

Generative Design This project explores the area of generative design and time-based information graphics. A Processing program was created, in which the movement of a flock of boids, guided by a set of behaviour rules, is traced over time. The resulting images are not designed explicitly in detail but are based on the agents that interact with each other, and are thus unpredictable yet suggestive. Not only can we trace the path of the boids, we can also record information on the individual boid’s surroundings. In this program, the boids are rendered in a gradient of colors that depend on how many other boids are neighboring it. The resulting images thus suggest changes in flock density and the evolution of an individual boid’s relationship to the overall landscape over time. Four underlying principles are translated to steering forces that govern the movement of the boids: separation - steer to avoid crowding flockmates alignment - steer towards the average heading flockmates cohesion - steer to towards the average position of flockmates avoidance - steer to avoid obstacles p r i n c i p l e s b a s e d o n “ B o i d s ” b y C ra i g R e y n o l d s , S e p t e m b e r 6 , 2 0 0 1 . c o d e b a s e d o n P ro c e s s i n g c o d e “ F l o c k i n g ” w ri t t e n b y D a n i e l S h i ffm a n .

Solar House Site | Leigh Avenue and Race Street, Princeton

Alejandro Zaera-Polo Architecture Desgin Studio Spring 2014 (2 weeks)

in full collaboration with Frances Steere

P o l i c y, P a r a m e t e r s , F o r m

Ground Floor

This project aims to create an energy-efficient, site-specific house set on a plot of land on the corner of Leigh Avenue and Race Street in Princeton. The project first considers the zoning codes of the Borough of Princeton to generate a mass from the code specifications. Using the solar conditions at the specific plot, windows and doors are carved out of the mass so ensure energy and heat efficiency in all four seasons. Several iterations of the house was generated and tested in Ecotect for their solar exposure under average conditions. At specific times of the year such as the solstices and the equinox, the sunlight shining through the windows would fall on prescribed areas of the house, signaling the solar conditions through an atmospherical expression. An example can be seen in the photographed model.

Second Floor

Ground Floor

Second Floor

o r i g inal satellite im ages f r om Google Ea r th

Environmental Challenges and Urban Solutions:

Cities as Homes

Mario Gandelsonas & Bruno Carvalho Studio Spring 2015 (ongoing)

“Our goal is to identify sustainable solutions that are sensitive to issues like water resource management, energy efficiency, technology innovation, human and environmental health, as we ll as equity and fairness, poverty and job creation, and more intangible notions of belonging – of cities as homes.”

This project first examines the social and environmental sustainability issues that result from rapid urbanization in several case studies, including Shanghai, China, and Sarasota, Florida. Mappings of the cities were created to explore the experience of the city as it is lived in as well as from a historical perspective.

A v i su al r ep r esen t at i o n o f m y ( w ar p ed ) ex p er i en ce o f m y h o m et o w n , S h an g h ai , f r o m m y h o m e o n t h e w est si d e t o t h e ci t y cen t er o n t h e east si d e.

The next part of the project involves a closer look at cities in Brazil, including site visits to São Paulo and Rio de Janiero. Drawing from the Princeton University/University of São Paulo research initiative “São Paulo as Fluvial Metropolis: Infrastructure, Meta-projects, Imagined Futures and the City as Home,” which studies a Metropolitan Waterway Ring Project for the city, the project would then attempt to propose a new typology of urban settlement specific to São Paulo.