Jay Tsai Selected Works 2012-2014 by Jay Tsai

Jay Tsai Selected Works 2012-2014

All images were produced and edited by Jay Tsai unless otherwise specified

Contents 01 Light Porous Transparent 02 “Soft” Space 03 Urban Ignition I 04 Urban Ignition II 05 Winery Hotel & Museum 06 Assembly Two Pavilion 07 Navi-Gates 08 Instant City

09 Smithtown Teen Center 10 Random Access + Formal Purity 11 Art Design Culture

Light, Porous, Transparent Redefining the Dam YSoA: Arch 1111b ( Spring 2014 in Progress ) Critics: Greg Lynn Brennan Buck

Water Breaker Typologies

tetraPod 2

toskane

tetrapod

xbloc

tetrahedron

a-jacks

dolos

core-loc

accropode

An interest in water breakers led me to investigate the different types currently in use. Water breakers aggregate and interlock in order to mitigate the flow of water. Existing types of water breakers, however, are solid and therefore lack programmatic depth as they only allow water to pass around them. Merging the core ideas of water breakers with current dam construction, I want to challenge the monolithcity of the dam in order to create a publicly inviting space that is visual, porous and light.

Perspective Section ( Post Midterm ) Arrows represent water flow and natural light

New Typology

Exterior to Interior The interior spaces needed to allow plenty of light and air while still allowing water to pass in and through the structure. By studying aqueducts, buttress dams and bell mouth spillways, I created a structure that could achieve my desired goals.

+ aqueduct

+ buttress

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= bell mouth

Physical Model | Basswood, Museum Board

new dam

Flow Diagram Arch 1111b Plan / Section Diagram

upstream

bellmouth

roadway

section

spillway

downstream

section

Creating Space from Water Flow A

Manipulating the flow of water was necessary in order to create openings at various points of the dam.

The dam can function as a multi purpose space. For example, ice skating in the winter of swimming in the summer.

the porousness of the design allows people to see into and out of the structure.

Perspective Section ( Post Midterm ) Dam changes in scale in plan and section

02 01

“Soft” Space Fabric Casting Experiments YSoA: Arch 1111b ( Spring 2014 in Progress) Critics: Greg Lynn Brennan Buck

Above: Photo | Plaster, Plywood

Work in Progress

From Hard to Soft The intent of this exploration was to create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;softâ&#x20AC;? space. The challenge would be to create this space out of hard materials such as concrete. Many experiments were conducted with plaster and different types of fabric. Different fabrics create highly variegated results. For example, nylon was

far more elastic than spandex allowing the plaster to expand more. The result created a much harder appearance and feel compared to casting objects into spandex. However, this perception could change depending on the application scale.

Left:

Physical Model | Spandex, Plaster

Top:

Physical Model | Nylon, Plaster

Right: Photograph

Using photography to explore the spatial depths of a group of stones helped to create a soft look and feel for something which is heavy and hard.

Urban Ignition I A New Center for Boston YSoA: with M. Nawratil | Arch 1061a ( Fall 2012 ) Critics: Fred Koetter Ed Mitchell Aniket Shahane

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Physical Model| Basswood, Museum Board

Urban Ignition A New Center for Boston Currently, the existing South Station and USPS warehouse block any vehicular or pedestrian movement to South Boston and the areas directly west of Downtown Boston. By shifting the train station directly above the Fort-Point Channel, which is currently unused, it would allow the city to expand and develop. The benefits of this relocation would greatly enhance the city of Boston, and also the neighborhoods in the surrounding areas.

Target Site

New proposal factors in the existing buildings on the site and relocates them over the 4-point channel.

Train station and parking are all centered over the 4-point channel. This clears up the site for future development

Major roads are connect the Big Dig and South Boston together. Furthermore, existing train tracks are shifted over the 4-Point Channel

The massing of the new transit hub allows more light and air to reach the ground level. The courtyard formation integrates more seamlessly.

The current condition has several obstacles which impede growth towards the east side of the 4-point channel

New routes help break the mass of the building and provides a connection to both sides of the site.

The proposed transit hub allows more growth and less geographical bias to help create a new center for Boston.

02 05 06 07

Spatial Experience A new center for Boston requires a space which was coherent in layout and physically open to accommodate circulation of all types: cars, trains, bikes, pedestrians, etc. Furthermore, the station should allow people to cross through it without having to engage in the programs within. By doing so the architecture would not be hindering egress in any way. The dimensions of the volumes suspended above the train platforms came directly from the dimensions of the neighborhood blocks. These volumes were broken into quads in order to reduce their scale to better blend with the context.

Left, Bottom: Perspective| Digital Rendering

Crossing Over, Passing Through The new station provides multi-purpose program that floats above the tracks and the crossover platforms. As the new transit hub would be a primary destination point, adding office and public functions directly over the platforms would provide spaces for use. Doing so promotes a lively space that would be constantly occupied and spatially lively.

This Page: Interior Perspective | Basswood, Museum Board

009

Engaging with the Context Breaking down the mass 01

The existing South Station is a huge mass that impedes visual and physical access. The proposed design would address these issues by lifting itself off the ground to create an effect of levitation. This effect would provide a visual curiosity and allow physical egress through. Although the station extends several blocks the design is broken up in dimensions which relate to the existing context. This gives a more dynamic and interesting appearance.

Current situation where buildings which impede circulation

Raise buildings to accommodate tracks and pedestrian crosswalks

03 Base level where tracks and platforms

Top:

Base level where tracks and platforms are located

Street Perspective | Digital Rendering

Adding retail and public amenities on roof allows for views

Ground Floor Plan 0’

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This page:

Perspective | Digital Rendering

Urban Ignition II An Iconic Park for Amsterdam YSoA: Arch 1119b ( Spring 2013 ) Critics: Isa채c Kalisvaart Erik Go Alexander Garvin

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Perspective | Digital Rendering

06 2000 2800 3600 4400

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New Amsterdam Park

First proposal 2013.02.18 The idea for this project was to create an iconic park for the city of Amsterdam. But before I came upon this decision I asked myself what did this site, which is the largest open and remaining parcel in the city of Amsterdam, want to be. One thing was certain; it should give back to the city and people of Amsterdam, and enrich the local area as it is a politically sensitive site.

I began to analyze existing public amenities in the city to tease out a solution. An immediate observation upon arrival from the train station was how the site and area around it is unsightly. Most people head towards the UNESCO region of Amsterdam where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, museums, and other attractions. Another observa-

tion was the great distance I needed to travel to reach a public park. Vondelpark was just over a mile away from the train station. Immediately I realized, with the given size of the site, that a park seemed to, spatially, make the most sense. But of course, this park couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just be another park considering its isolation from the city. Therefore, some attraction needed to be added.

Understanding the Context Distances from Existing Parks

Museumplein 6 acres 2300m from CS

Sarphatipark 5 acres 2600m from CS

Frederik Hendrik Plantsoen 3 acres 1500m from CS

Wertheimpark 3 acres 1600m from CS

Oostenburgerpark 2 acres 1800m from CS

Erasmupark 2 acres 1800m from CS

Central Station

01 Vondelpark 120 acres 2300m from CS

03 Amstelpark 90 acres 4500m from CS

04 Beatrixpark 50 acres 3900m from CS

05 Frankendael Park 7 acres 3600m from CS

Oosterpark 12 acres 2300m from CS

Marine Etasblissement 35 acres 1200m from CS

Establishing a Link to the City

work play live

The target site is fairly disconnected from the rest of amsterdam, both geographically and programmatically.

The highlighted parcels are public attractions which are located on the UNESCO region of Amsterdam. Our site lies outside it.

Taking a closer look at the site we can see the different types of neighborhoods which surround it.

D Tram routes reveal only one connection which passes the site. This path is also the only way to approach the site.

D A park would serve as a logical connection and programmatic solution for all the surrounding neighborhoods.

Water taxi routes show a key stop at the Scheepvaartmuseum.

Overlay of transportation routes shows there is existing modes of transportation which can bring the public pass this site.

New Amsterdam Park: Proposal A First proposal 2013.02.18 This proposal is more aggressive in the connection with the adjacent neighborhoods. This, however, allows the park to blend into the city of Amsterdam. Another, major design move which exists in both schemes is the creation of a hill. This

idea would be a significant topographic change in the city of Amsterdam. Although it would be controversial, this site calls for a bold move. By introducing a hill, the site can now be seen from a distance, which is important in its continued

Top, Right: Perspective | Digital Rendering

use. Additionally, there would be several programmatic opportunities that could provide activities which would benefit the people of Amsterdam. Introducing an arc to allow visitors to pass over allows for great views of the city which are currently unavailable to the public now.

Ground Floor Plan 0’

100’

200’

New Amsterdam Park: Proposal B Second Proposal 2013.05.07 This proposal is stays within the existing boundaries of the site. Furthermore, it provides additional housing to better integrate the surrounding neighborhood on the eastern part of the site. In both proposals, the two hills on the site help to frame specific

views to the city of Amsterdam as well as the historic buildings which are directly situated and persevered on the site. The specific choreography of the landscape helps to keep the site interesting and dynamic despite the restrictive dimensions

Top, Right: Perspective | Digital Rendering

of the land. Furthermore, several different paths have been designed to accommodate different means of egress, all provide a unique experience from the next.

Ground Floor Plan 0’

100’

200’

Winery Hotel & Museum A Cultural Destination in Rioja YSoA: Arch 1103a ( Fall 2012 ) Critics: Andy Bow Patrick Bellow John Spence

02 03 04

Integration with the landscape

The current target area has vineyards, stunning vistas which surrounding the site. As Vineyards are valuable and require a specific orientation it was important that the design accommodates their existing placement. The idea for the design was to politely integrate the architecture with the landscape and frame the key vistas in the distance. Additionally, to further engage the public, a sculpture park / museum was integrated into the program.

01 Briones

02 San Vicente

03 Obarenes

04 Abalos

05 Davalillo

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06 07 08 B

09 10 11 12 C

13 14 D

Ground Floor Plan ( 0.0m ) Two separate entries for hotel guests and museum guest

Plan Drawing / Structure 0m

10mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

From Light to Heavy Spatial Transitions

The experience of the space was to simulate the effects of being in then under vineyards. Therefore, the architecture was sunken into the earth so that the roof could blend into the fields. The spatial experience of the architecture varied depending on what you were visiting.

Through the design of the roof, which integrates the architecture with the landscape, gives the architecture a seamless and interesting spatial experience

03 The fermentation tanks and barrels were stored in a dark space which is required for proper development. This space has a compressive feel as it intends to simulate the process of making wine.

Right: Interior Perspective | Digital Rendering

01 02 03 04 05

06 07 08 B

09 10 11 12 C

13 14 D

2nd Floor Plan ( +5.0m ) Skip-stop elevator system allows all rooms to be lofts.

Sectional Perspective An experience that varies from light (entry) to dark ( vats )

Plan Drawing / Structure 0m

10mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

01 02 03 04 05

06 07 08 B

09 10 11 12 C

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Basement Plan 01 ( -4.0m )

Plan Drawing / Structure

Two separate entries for hotel guests and museum guests.

10mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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06 07 08 B

09 10 11 12 C

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Basement Plan 02 ( -7.0m ) Two separate entries for hotel guests and museum guests.

Plan Drawing / Structure 0m

10mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Assembly Two Pavilion New Haven Arts and Ideas Fest YSoA: Arch 1000 ( Spring 2013 ) Critic: Brennan Buck

A Space for One a Space for All Five Unique Spaces The Assembly 2 pavilion was designed for the Arts and Ideas festival which takes place on the New Haven green every summer. The Pavilion acts as a beacon for the rest of the festival. Therefore, it needed to accommodate and engage people of

all ages. The design comprised of five different domes. Together they formed a cluster of spaces which would change spatial and acoustically. Access through the cluster of domes could happen at any side as well. With limited time we

needed to find a quick way to construct the pieces. By using the foam cutter we bypassed the need for using the 7-axis robot which would many more hours to complete. Once a larger piece was glued, two to three layers of fiberglass was applied to protect the form and give it more rigidity.

E1 E10

E17 E25 E30

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Fabrication Plan Drawing | Digital Drawing Elevation | Digital Drawing

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Photo | Completed Installation

Navi-Gates Reviving the Rudolph Stair YSoA: with M. Nawratil & J. Farrace | Arch 1061a ( Fall 2012 ) Critic: John Eberhart

The challenge for this assignment was to create a threshold somewhere around the Yale School of Architecture. The Rudolph stairway which is unsightly and unused was where we decided to design our installation. The space which is currently austere and daunting needed to be brought to a more sensitive scale. With only 200 dollars, two days to build, and one hour to assemble on site, the design needed to be intelligent and economical.

One goal was to bring the energetic orange which covers the floors at the YSoA to the exterior of the school.

Frames were joined together without the use of names for quick assembly and clean connections

02 View from above the installation

As you move closer to the installation you will find more frames which are revealed.

C Wedges were nailed and concealed behind the frames. When brought to the site they would interlock each other firmly

03 The bright orange, which reflects YSoA iconic floor, flows down the steps to invite people to walk through and around.

Instant City A Sketch Problem YSoA: 1061a ( Fall 2012 ) Critics: Fred Koetter Ed Mitchell Aniket Shahane

How to Make a City in 5 Seconds A Design Charrette This design problem ask us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do your create an Instant City.â&#x20AC;? Currently there are over 25,000 cities in the United States. However, only a few cities stand out. A city to me should be clearly visible in my mind. The thought of Manhattan as a distinct body of land surrounded by water creates an image which is quantifiable and definitive. Siena is understood as you

clearly pass through its medieval walls which enclose a rich culture filled with civic pride and history. Cinque Terra, surrounded by mountains creates a distinct identity for the five towns which comprise the entire city. Amsterdam although not as clearly separated from its surrounding regions, in my mind, consists of the concentric rings that radiates

Top: Perspective | Digital Rendering

towards the core of the city. Physical boundaries are the link between all these cities. These boundaries enable someone to know when they enter a city or when they leave. Boundaries alert us and notify us. Instead of building another city, my solution to the problem is to create a floating boundary around any neglected city, to allow the residents within to feel and see their city for an instant.

Top: Perspective | Digital Rendering, Before & After

Smithtown Teen Center A Community Room SBLM: Smithtown, NY Status: Built ( May 2012 )

The clients for the Smithtown Teen Rehabilitation Center wanted a multi-purpose space that could allow teens to come and gather. The lights in the space reflect the ceiling plan as they create a dynamic interplay with the space.

Top: Flatten Plan | Construction Document

Random Access + Formal Purity St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Firm: Manifesto Architects Status: Compeition

Competition Proposal Rakvere, Estonia If order and linearity are the most significant characters of traditional classical music, minimal music consists of independent elements that are composed to create repetitive rhythms, patterning, layering, and without hierarchic structure in its composition. With Arvo PĂ¤rtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s musical legacy and contribution to the genre of minimal music in mind, non-organization and non-sequen-

tiality became the main driving force behind the design of the annex and were translated into an architectural language in the following ways: multiple entrances, fluidity between the interior and exterior, structural independence of annex to the existing building, multi -functional spaces, and a lack of hierarchy between programs represented as building massing.

Top: Perspective | Digital Rendering

In contrast to the classical organization of traditional musical performance venues where access is given through one main entrance and guests are guided through a carefully orchestrated sequence of programmatic events until the venue is exited, the annex allows for multiple entrances, after which the guests enter an open ground-level lobby.

Minimal Music

Floor 6 Elevation 30.0m

01 02

Classical Music

Floor 6 Elevation 30.0m

Elevation East

Exploded Axo

Annex adjoins to the existing church creating a 37 cubic meter volume

Perforations are derived from the texture of a stone wall 01

Section B Cut through the one of the concert halls

Perforated Metal Screen Facade w/ Custom Pattern

St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church consists of main concert hall

Independent program volums as repetative music notes

Arvo Part Tree cross over music space

Floor 6 Elevation 30.0m

Section A Cut through of practice and performace spaces

Floor 05 Public functions which overlook the entire space

Floor 02 Performance spaces and services spaces

Floor 04 Private space for performers and employees

Floor 01

Floor 03 Private space for performers and service spaces

The lobby space is defined by the porous mesh screen, which ambiguously and fluidly defines the interior and exterior. All of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main floors will be interconnected by single core, housing circulation and bathrooms. By organizing programmatic spaces vertically via elevator access, linearity is destroyed. Each guest is able to directly access any floor or program without going through another. This reinforces Arvo Partâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s musical idea that all individual elements that create a whole may have equal weight and significance, negating any linearity or hierarchy.

Top: Perspective | Digital Rendering

Plan Level 02

Plan Level 03

Plan Level 04

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Art / Design: Culture Nation Museum of AAD Firm: Manifesto Architecture Status: Competition

Compeition Proposal Oslo, Norway It is at the NMAAD that Art and Design, two unique yet inseparable critical elements come together to symbolize the rich culture and heritage of Oslo, Norway. More specifically the â&#x20AC;&#x153;culturescape,â&#x20AC;? the wooden surface that covers a majority of the site, acts as the physical connection between the art and design buildings. Above the cul-

turescape is the main route that people take to enter the museum and below the culturescape lies an interior concourse which programatically connect the two buildings and house the common facilities for the art- and design-related programs.

Top, Left: Perspective | Digital Rendering

Jay Tsai jaytsai87@gmail.com 908.625.7036