JAIME [ TING YAN ] KWAN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO A Collection of Academic Works and Competition Entries from 2010 - 2013
“LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND FUNCTION, ARCHITECTURE SHAPES OUR LIVES. EACH BUILDING GENERATES NEW QUESTIONS, ARISING FROM THE SPECIFICS OF PARTICULAR PROBLEMS, AND RESULTS IN A UNIQUE SOLUTION” - Morphosis Architects -
JAIME [ TING YAN ] KWAN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
This portfolio contains the design work of Jaime [ Ting Yan ] Kwan
Table of Contents Curriculum Vitae II 4 2010 Bachelor of Architectural Studies First Year First Semester (Design One) Icarus and Daedalus II 6 Cube II 7 Niche II 8 Bachelor of Architectural Studies First Year Second Semester (Design Two) Trash.Can II 10 Trash.Hold II 11 2011 Bachelor of Architectural Studies Second Year First Semester (Design Three) St. Heliers Residential Development II 12 Media _ The Hybrid [ The Analogue and The Digital ] II 15 Bachelor of Architectural Studies Second Year Second Semester (Design Four) EQUILEX _ Re.Casting .V2 II 17 2012 Internship One Space Ltd. _ Orchard Capital Refurbrishment Project II M3 Capital Interior Design Project II 20 Bachelor of Architectural Studies Third Year First Semester (Design Five) History _ The Pah Homestead II 21 The Trussen Bridge _ Pluraform .V5 II 22 Bachelor of Architectural Studies Third Year Second Semester (Design Six) The Skeletos _ Gothic Algorithm II 26 Competitions 10Design Rebuilding Shanghai President Medal _ The Trussen Bridge II 22 CTBUH Reimagining Tall 2012 _ The Voiden Airport II 25 Cavalier Bremworth 2012 _ The Trussen Bridge II The Skeletos II 26 Evolo 2013 Skyscraper Competition 2013 Master of Architecture _ Professional (Advanced Design One) The Spider _ Through the Space of Representation V.3 II 30 Architecture Design Studio (Fall 2013 Princeton) “Greetings� from the Bots _ Brave New Now II 35
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Jaime [ Ting Yan ] Kwan Contact Details A 193A Ewing Street Princeton, NJ 08540 United States of America T +1 (609) 647 4556 E jtykwan@gmail.com
Education
Character Traits
Bachelor of Architectural Studies University of Auckland, New Zealand 2010 - 2012 Master of Architecture Princeton University, United States of America 2013 - Present
Leadership Rangitoto College Junior Badminton Girls Team One 2006 [ Captain ] Rangitoto College Senior Badminton Girls Team One 2008 [ Captain ] Rangitoto College Premier Badminton Girls Team 2008 [ Captain ] Athletic Badminton North Harbour Team One U15s [ 2005 ] [ 2006 ] Badminton North Harbour Team One U17s [ 2007 ] Rangitoto College Junior Badminton Girls Team One [ 2005 ] [ 2006 ] Rangitoto College Senior Badminton Girls Team One [ 2007 ] [ 2008 ] Rangitoto College Premier Badminton Girls Team [ 2007 ] [ 2008 ] June Bevan Carnival Northern New Zealand Team [ 2008 ] Social [ Active ] [ Confident ] [ Positive attitude ] [ Proficient time management ] [ Can work within a team oriented or independent project] Bilingual [ Cantonese ] [ English ] [ Chinese ] Work Ethic [ Persistent ] [ Hardworking ] [ Self Motivated ]
Awards High School Rangitoto College Design award [ 2008 ] Rangitoto College Richardson Cup [ 2008] BENEFITZ recipient [ 2009 ] Excellence in Design [ 2008 ] [ 2009 ] Excellence in Graphics [ 2008 ] [ 2009 ] Bachelor of Architectural Studies NZIA Graphisoft Student Design Prize [ First Year Design 2010] NZIA Graphisoft Student Design Prize [ Third Year Design 2012] Senior Scholar [ Third Year 2012 ]
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Skills
Professional Experience
Digital Modeling / Computer Aided Design Software [ Audition ] [ AutoCad ] [ Cinema4d ] [ Maya ] [ Ecotect ] [ Grasshopper ] [ Revit ] [ Rhinoceros ] [ SketchUp ] [ Vasari ] [ Vray ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Real Flow ] [ Premier Pro ] [ Python ] Model Construction [ 3d Scanner ] [ 3d Printing ] [ Laser Cutting ] [ CNC Routing ] [ Physical Modeling ] Analog Techniques [ Sketching ] [ Technical/Instrumental Drawings ] Graphic Tools [ After Effects ] [ Illustrator ] [ InDesign ] [ Photoshop ] Operating Systems [ Mac OSX ] [ Windows 8 / 7 / Vista ]
Student Intern Spacific Yearbooks, Auckland, New Zealand April 2009 [ Graphic Design ]
Marketing Assistant Harmony Tree, Hong Kong November 2010 - February 2011 [ Graphic Design ] [ Video Editing ]
Interests Architecture Related [ Parametric Design ] [ Classical Architecture ] [ Commercial Architecture and Infrastructures ] Non - architecture Related [ Badminton ] [ Cycling ] [ Music ] [ Reading ] [ Photography ] [ Movies ]
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Design Assistant One Space Ltd, Hong Kong November 2011 - February 2012 [ Draftsman ] [ Interior Design ] [ Presentation ] [ 3d Digital Modeling ] [ Site Visits ]
The Icarus and Daedalus Project Bachelor of Architectural Studies First Year First Semester (Design One)
Media [ Physical Modeling _ Paper ] [ Technical Drawings ]
Site [ School of Architecture and Planning ]
The Flight of Icarus and Daedalus is a tale regarding the daring nature of Icarus. Incorporating only one element from Daedalus’ flying device, a series of paper cubes with a single inverted vertex are generated in the exploration of the material quality. The trial flight explores the structural limits of the modules by testing the maximum height reached by stacking the cubes into a tower. Flowing material investigations from the trial flight, an observatory has been designed featuring two cube modules and placed into the site. The daring nature of Icarus’ personality is reflected in the placement of the design and the transparency of the modules. Attached to a School of Architecture, the design is joined to the structure using a single inverted vertex of the module. Therefore, as occupants of the observatory travel through the space and into the sky, an increasing feeling of flight (the lift off stages of Icarus’ escape) as well as death (the fall of Icarus due to the disintegration of his wings) is generated.
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Connections and Space Bachelor of Architectural Studies First Year First Semester (Design One)
Media [ Physical Modeling _ Timber Workshop Construction] [ SketchUp Pro ] [ Photoshop ]
Studying and constructing a series of timber junctions and then designing a particular junction to be incorporated into a 450 x 450 (mm) stool. The design idea is to create a stool that appears to be structurally unsound in terms of stability and comfort. A series of 8 x 8 (mm) squared timber are laminated together to create 24 x 24 (mm) poles that can be split into two sections due to the design of the joint. In addition, they act as the vertical structures. Horizontal elements are formed from 8 x8 (mm) timber rods that connect the vertical structures together. The stool appears to be fragile due to the thin structural elements and also the inconsistent and limited amount of the horizontal connections. Shadows enhance the verticality and horizontality of the timber structures and increases the complexity of the overall design. Through the timber joiints, a fluidic curve is generated and this allows the exposure of the inner structure.
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The Vertical Niche Bachelor of Architectural First Semester (Design One)
Studies
First
Year
Through site analysis and surveys from occupants around the vertical niche site, it is understood that the area is dark, and usually unoccupied by office workers during the night as customers from the neighbouring bar are quite disruptive. The site is currently used as an urination area for bar customers and regularly, thefts and in one instance, rapists, have lurked in this area. This is due to the dark and gloomy environment of the site. Located in a relatively unsafe area of the Central Business District in Auckland City, a Zen Yoga studio has been proposed to increase the luminosity of the site in order to create a safer environment. In addition, the yoga studio will provide office workers a place to exercise after work because it has been noted that approximately 70% of office workers nearby the site would visit the area if it was brighter, and if there were fitness activities provided to relieve stress. The wooden structure contrasts with the commercial appearance of neighbouring buildings and would create an aesthetically pleasing and inviting form of architecture amongst the cold concrete and steel buildings.
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Media [ Photography ] [ Physical Modeling _ Balsa ] [ Sketching ] [ Technical Drawings ]
Site [ Mills Lane, Auckland CBD ]
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The Trash.Can Bachelor of Architectural Studies First Year Second Semester (Design Two)
Media [ Physical Modeling _ Paper ] [ 3ds Max ] [ SketchUp Pro ]
It is often difficult to store and rediscover links between previous ideas or writings. Past ideas are often thought as design junk it is difficult to reintroduce this junk into the design process. Therefore, the trash.can project envisions the invention of a device able to store past ideas and allow information to be easily retrieved. The form of the trash.can is influenced from the Icarus and Daedalus project; the cube module. Each module represents a single idea with individual facets relating to sub-ideas that generate the overall design. Magnetic strips are placed within each module to allow a ‘module-to-module’ connection scheme. The theory of the trash.can design is to store ideas onto each face of the modules in relation to the design project they arose from. As the number of design projects increases, so will the number of ideas generated. Therefore, similar ideas will connect to similar ideas via the magnetic strips and through an “underground transportation network” used in metro station maps. Through this system, ideas will connect the same way as metro stations. This allows easy recognition of similar ideas through a simple retraction system. In addition, the trash.can can continue to increase in size through the increase generation of ideas.
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The Trash.Hold Bachelor of Architectural Studies First Year Second Semester (Design Two)
Media [ Physical Modeling _ Paper ] [ 3d Scanner ] [ Techincal Drawing ] [ SketchUp Pro ] [ Sketching ] [ Acetone Rubbing ]
In domains such as design, that are increasing in technological complexity and cross-communication and the transgression of disciplinary thresholds have been shown to have considerable influence on creative activity. Such thresholds often create new opportunities and interactions. Therefore, in the trash.hold design, a series steel beams designed in a strange manner are placed within the courtyard of the School of Architecture and Planning building. These beams pierce through the building faรงade and into the studio spaces, allowing students to gain a glimpse of other students and also views into the outdoors. In addition, students are able to interact with the multiple floors and increase their level of creativity and communication. Staircases are created using steel beams and assist with generating a threshold between the multiple floors of the studio as well as the courtyard; where beams are used as seating.
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A Pattern Language _ Residential design solutions that work Bachelor of Architectural Studies Second Year First Semester (Design Three)
Media [ Rhinoceros ] [ Photoshop ] [ Illustrator ] [ SketchUp Pro ]
Site [ Goldie Street, St. Heliers, Auckland ]
Following a site analysis and further acknowledgement of residential regulations and neighbouring thoughts of the site, a basic sub-division arrangement was created in order to satisfy all parties and to maintain a functional and simplistic layout that follows the ideals of my design language. The driveways are shared between two or three houses to meet the regulation of “minimum permeable area of 25% of site�. Therefore, more land area is utilized for courtyard spaces in order to achieve the 100m. The left side of the site is split into three smaller sites for the two 2 bedroom houses and one 3 bedroom house while the driveway is located on the far left. This is due to the shadows created by the neighbouring 4-storey high building, as this will affect the amount of sunlight penetration into all seven houses. In addition to the issue of shading and sun, the two 2 bedroom houses have been designed as two storey houses as this allow maximum sunlight to penetrate into the courtyard of the 4 bedroom house. An accessible roof area is designed for each house to create an outdoor space as well as following the roof garden pattern therefore utilizing the roof space as it is exposed to the sun and creates a comfortable area of relaxation. I have tried to place these roof gardens at the open ends of wings of light to prevent shading of internal spaces. With the roof garden pattern, I have interpreted these as outdoor deck spaces so occupants can enjoy and optimize the view and sun. In addition, some of these areas are sheltered by the floors above.
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Media _ The Hybrid [ The Analogue and The Digital ] Bachelor of Architectural Studies Second Year First Semester (Media)
Media [ Physical Modeling _ Paper/Card ] [ Photoshop ] [ Photography ]
An exploration of architectural spaces through physical modeling, photography and digital techniques.
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Equilex [ Re.Casting V.2 ] Bachelor of Architectural Studies Second Year Second Semester (Design Four) Media [ SketchUp Pro ] [ Vray ] [ Photoshop ] [ Rhinoceros ] [ Illustrator ] [ Photography ] [ iMovie ]
Site [ Myers Park, Auckland CBD ]
[ Individual _ Folly Proposal ] An equalizer that recasts the daytime sounds in Myers Park through speakers and projections of the landscape. These sounds fade into a heavy bass, which is recasted by the lighting of each module and the illusion of a pulsing beat. [ Group _ Equilex _ Folly Proposal ] Acting as a towering music equalizer, the proposed folly is formulated from numerous cubic modules that extrude beyond the structural surface to create a 3-dimensional landscape. This results in the overall orthogonal form of the overall design. The structure has been simplified to the basics to allow efficient construction of the design whilst providing enough strength to keep the folly stable. [ Group _ Equilex _ Event Proposal ] To design a walkway that leads crowds of fans through the site and introdue to them the hidden quality of Myers Park. Equilex will provide a party - like environment through advanced lighting systems designed by us. Due to the location of our site, which is at a gateway into Myers Park, our event proposal will create an awe - inspiring atmosphere attracting crowds from all directions.
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Dian [ Jiayin ] Tang Lisa [ Yuan Xing ] Liu Pruek Lertsrimongkol Jaime [ Ting Yan ] Kwan
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Event One _ Prototypes
Event One _ In Action _ Night Atmosphere
Event Two _ Developments
Event Two _ In Action _ New Configuration
Event Two _ In Action _ Night Atmosphere
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The overall vision for equilex as a group was to create a dynamic party-like atmosphere incorporating the use of an umbrella wall embodying the idea of an equalizer. There were significant issues that we addressed along the way in terms of generating the intended atmosphere; to come alive with both the co-operation of music and light synced as one, and design problems including structural, material and configuration solutions. Throughout the process, we are able to take away from this, the experience of building scale 1:1 structures and corporation skills required to work as a team. The testing of materiality and structure in a 1:1 scale is a big factor. The back and forth changes made between physical and digital modeling had always been an important lesson throughout our testing; what we draw and think is never necessarily what actually works. In the beginning phases, we built four prototypes before building the final. The issue of stability was tested throughout each one and then improved through the problems that arose. In our first event the problem of music arose as the main concern. While our original proposal was to have a simplistic water drop phased in different tempos, we discovered the effect of an equalizer would be lost without music that would be more responsive to sound control. The collaboration with the music students produced a sound track with a variety of beats, all made up of water related sounds. The actual track was an impressive piece however it did not fit into our design, nor did it create the atmosphere of a club scene that we wanted. The final object of the module was not a concern, reflecting back there are defiantly rooms for improvement in the overall craftsmanship of the product, but it did its job. One factor we could have corrected was the width of the module in order to fit all four modules into the container however we came up with a solution in the end to store three modules under the bridge of myers park next to the city council shipping containers to clear up space for our peers. During the four weeks between our first and second event, a number of things were developed. While in hindsight, it appears as if the only changed factor were the materiality of the umbrellas and the arrangement of the four modules, the subtle details of our structure and technical operations have also been developed. There was a lot of deliberation with what needed to be improved; the issue of daylight saving was the main concern. The arrangement was altered a week before the second event in order to use the space to interact with the fans passing by and also maximizing the effect of the walls, but on the day it changed again due to health and safety issues. A compromise was struck to have our modules on the grass with some of it on the pavement to allow the curvature to be created while not taking too much of the pavement space. The overall effect defiantly used up the space more and introduced everyone to the amped in the park. Without having the sun setting earlier; hence the light almost being deactivated during the afternoon, the only solution was to allow the umbrellas to create less of a barrier for the lights inside. In doing so this would expose the overall structure of the modules. We had noticed during the first event that passer bys were curious to discover what was behind our umbrellas and were constantly looking at the back of the modules, peeking through the gaps in order to understand how it was all put together. The lights and cabling had to be completely cleaned up so that when people do look inside the module they do not find a big mess. Water tightness was an original issue; whether it would be able to withstand the rain. The solution we came up with for the second event protected all the lights and the speakers with in the module. We created eight light boxes that housed the cabling for the dmx, lights and extension cords. We also changed the leaking roof into a fully sealed plastic sheet covering. Music was a very significant factor that we had to develop in order to create the overall atmosphere for our event. We continuously changed and edited with the music; shapeshifter and rain related sounds into the track for our second event. Shapeshifter arguably related to the party atmosphere we wanted, which worked perfectly with our concept of the equalizer. Originally we planned to have five different thirty-second tracks that would run through different tempos to capture the audience but it appeared to be too fast and choppy. After a long process, the final music was a mixture of shapeshifter tracks, rain, thunder and lightning sounds that fused harmoniously into one. There were distinct pauses that created suspenseful moments and there was the rain that brought entire project together, creating alternating moods and moments for the walkthrough experience. From the beginning of the paper, the importance of light was emphasized. While we did not use the dmx control in our first event, we came up with a well-crafted lighting display using q-light for the second night. It was just a pity that only a few of the crowd were able to see the lights come alive after it got a bit dark during the night.
Orchard Capital Refurbrishment Project One Space Ltd. Internship November 2011 - February 2012
Media [ AutoCad ] [ SketchUp Pro ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Photoshop ]
Site [ Orchard Capital, Singapore ]
M3 Capital Interior Design Project One Space Ltd. Internship November 2011 - February 2012
Media [ AutoCad ] [ SketchUp Pro ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Photoshop ]
Site [ M3 Capital, Hong Kong ]
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The Pah Homestead [ Detail Junction Model Scale 1:5 ] Bachelor of Architectural Studies Third Year First Semester (History) Site [ The Pah Homestead, Auckland ] Media [ Physical Modeling _ Timber Workshop Construction ] [ Rhinoceros ] [ CNC ] [ 3d Printing ] [ Laser Cutting ] A study of a detail junction from one of New Zealand’s many historic buildings (The Pah Homestead was selected for this study). Digital model of the junction was reconstucted from the understanding of technical drawings. The digital information assisted with the construction of the detail juncton model.
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The Trussen Bridge [ Pluraform V.5 ] Bachelor of Architectural Studies Third Year First Semester (Design Five) Site [ Auckland Waitemata Harbour ] Media [ Physical Modeling ] [ Rhinoceros ] [ Grasshopper ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Illustrator ] [ Photoshop ] Acting as Auckland City’s icon for the past 50 years, the Auckland Harbour Bridge has become one of the critical transport links between the North Shore City and the central business district. However, with the exponential growth in the economy and population, the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge can no longer accommodate the daily traffic demands and the changing lifestyle perceptions in Auckland. In order to cope with the increasing traffic demands, the Trussen Bridge will accommodate 4 light rails, 4 bus lanes and 8 vehicle lanes. In addition to the primary traffic routes, pedestrian and cycling routes have been implemented into the design to promote the idea of outdoor leisure and to increase green spaces around an increasingly urban city where land is primarily utilized for upscale commercial projects. In addition to its role as a transport infrastructure, the Trussen Bridge is reminiscent of a floating city above the Waitemata Harbour. Housing recreation programmes such as cafes, restaurants, green boulevards and fitness centers, the Trussen Bridge will act as a connection between the two urban centrals in Auckland; the existing CBD and the expanding North Shore City.
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The Voiden Airport CTBUH Reimagening Tall 2012 Site [ Manuka Harbour, Auckland ] Media [ Rhinoceros ] [ Grasshopper ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Photoshop ] [ Illustrator ] [ InDesign ]
Existing International Airport
Neighbouring Buildings
Runway / Roads Primary Access Points
Residential
Access Routes Runway Free Space
Vineyard
Green Spaces Roads
Miscellaneous
Runway
X
Intersections
EXISTING ACCESS ROUTES
Building Footprints
Industrial / Commercial Runway / Roads
PROGRAMMES AROUND THE SITE
Existing International Airport
Airport Structures
VOIDEN AIRPORT
Building Footprints
EXISTING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
As Auckland City continues to rapidly grow as New Zealand’s economic center, an exponential increase in population and visitors will occur by 2050. Therefore, a new airport infrastructure must be designed to cope with the increasing demands of overseas travelers and incoming aircrafts.
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The Skeletos [ Gothic Algorithm ] Bachelor of Architectural Studies Third Year Second Semester (Design Six) Site [ Kennedys Bush and the neighbouring hills, Christchurch ] Media [ Rhinoceros ] [ Grasshopper ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Maya ] [ 3d Printing ] [ Physical Modeling ] [ Real Flow ] [ Illustrator ] [ Photoshop ] Over the past decade, nature has proven its overpowering forces over planet Earth and its inhabitants – the human beings – through its demonstration of natural catastrophes; such as the Boxing Day Tsunami, numerous earthquakes in Christchurch, and storm surges on the East Coast of the United States of America. The survival of the human species is also dependent on the stability of a tremendous ticking time bomb in the solar system – the sun. However, these are not the only factors for the destruction of this planet. The human race is to be blamed for various disasters, with the deadliest issues concerning the depletion of natural resources, climate wars and global warming. By 2050, it is predicted that the human race will become extinct. To prevent the extinction of the human race and extend the understanding of catastrophic events imposed by nature and the solar system, human beings must invest in the development of technologies to provide energy sources for maintaining their survival on planet earth as well as extraterrestrial investigations for the future migration of the human race, and research into climate issues, geomorphology and aeronautics to provide an understanding in the changing topology and flight systems.
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Photographs of the 3D Print model
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The Spider [ Through the Space of Representation V.3 ] Master of Architecture _ Professional (Advanced Design One)
Site [ Akaranga Golf Course]
Media [ Physical Modeling ] [ Rhinoceros ] [ Grasshopper ] [ 3ds Max ] [ Illustrator ] [ Photoshop ]
Overlooking the busy streets of Mount Roskill, the Spider acts as a beacon of hope for the futures of two cultures; symbolizing the unification between two sporting communities, the Akarana Golf Club and the Mt. Albert Bowls Club. The intention of the Spider is to generate flexible areas for increased social interaction between members of the clubs and the wider community without disturbing the layout of the existing golf course while creating multi-functional spaces for various programmatic demands of the users; club members and the wider demographic. Through the introduction of a lightweight tensegrity structure, the spaces created by the Spider are given flexibility while maintaining web-like connections between different areas; not only structurally but also programmatically. An umbrella-like technology disguised within the steel tripods allow the mesh to fold and unfold in a fluid sail-like motion; creating multi-purpose areas for private functions, community events and sporting competitions while gracefully transitioning from the heavy massing of the stone basalt volume to the silky cloud-like atmosphere within the Spider. The journey begins when a lightweight tensile structure emerges from rows of evergreen trees lining the driveway; hovering above the heavy stone basalt wall to create a covered car park and community market below which differentiates from the existing car park through a stone floor treatment. Housing the indoor driving range, this tensile structure has the opportunity to transform into a large function and events space. The transition through the gateway generates a threshold experience between the heavy stone basalt wall and the lightweight nature of the tensile structure that forms a weatherproof membrane for one of the outdoor bowling greens; transforming this into an indoor green when necessary. Opening up the heavy massing of the basalt into a large open social area for interactions between the two sporting cultures, a secondary bar and cafĂŠ area hides behind the powerful existence of the stone wall. Lightly swaying with the movement of the wind, the lightweight aesthetic of the steel mesh and tension cables generates a silky spider web atmosphere in the indoor bowling green; adding a touch of poeticism to the spatial experience of the Spider and the existing golf course.
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Brave New Now 2013 Architecture Design Studio (Fall 2013 Princeton) “We have always imagined the spaces and environments of a day yet to come. As we flick through the catalogues of yesterday’s tomorrows we see starry spaceship skies, moon base futures, jet pack ray guns, food in pill form,flying cars and xray specs and we wonder whatever happened to the futures we were promised. In these polemic visions we furnish the fictional spaces of tomorrow with objects and ideas that at the same time chronicle the contradictions, inconsistencies, flaws and frailties of the everyday. These visions of what’s to come do not merely anticipate but actively shape technological futures through their effects on the collective imagination. This capacity for a fictional project to simultaneously reflect the current condition while suggesting the possibility of the next is what drives our engagement with these visions of the future. BRAVE NEW NOW slips suggestively between the real and the imagined to present filmic fragments of the near future city.
Screen captures of the final animation http://vimeo.com/user23146084/httpsvimeocomgreetingsfromthebots2013
In 2013 the studio followed the fibre optic cables and traversed the anonymous corridors of big box server farms to uncover the physical infrastructures of the internet. As the cooling fans spin and the LED’s flicker the BRAVE NEW NOW speculated on our future relationships to data. The studio was developed in collaboration with Ivan Poupyrev of Design Research and motion studios by OLGV”. - Liam Young
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“Greetings” from the Bots Architecture Design Studio (Fall 2013 Princeton) Media [ Audition ] [ After Effects ] [ Photography ] [ Premier Pro ] In 2013, only 39% of internet traffic was generated by human beings, the other 61% was taken up by botnets with 29% of botnet activity being malicious. Botnets are designed for specific purposes, each having a name, creation date, date of elimination, similiar to human beings and our personal data. Our lives coexist with the world of botnets. Our everyday actions and activites respond to the operations of protocols. Our experiences and emotions are monitored by autonomous systems embedded in the digital technology we activate. Zooming in, the cities we inhabit are populated with autonomous systems, written to monitor our actions and operated to influence the pace of our routines. • Traffic signals operated by the Scada System, transmitting real time data to a traffic control center, coordinating a synchronized relationship between pedestrians and vehicles. • The response of a powertrain control module in relation to the flow of traffic in the city. • A complex network of subway systems beneath the concrete jungle that forms the urban landscape above, operated by communication-based train protocols. • Network protocols connecting the everyday civilian with cellular service, allowing communication to the outside world. • Digital billboards and news broadcasts lighting up the city streets from dawn till dusk, managed by advertising algorithms that process video data to the correct format and size. If we acknowledge these systems as a fundamental part of our experience of cities, then how do we relate to them? What other types of algorithms exist in the world? Are there algorithms processed for happiness, love, pleasure, and play? How will the revelation of these ubiquitous systems alter humanity? Can we develop a healthy relationship with the world of botnets? Or will we ignore their presence and abandon everyday routines in hopes of escaping from the control of autonomous systems?