University of Waterloo School of Architecture
JINCHEN CAI
2020 PORTFOLIO
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
HEY THERE! My name is Jinchen Cai. I’m currently completing my second year at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. As an architectural design student, I am fascinated by the affect of a designed space that can shape, inform, and create intentional experiences through the manipulation of materials and visual qualities. By working with the iterative process both at school and at past internships, I learned to be meticulous and open to new ideas. I am passionate, determined, diligent, and eager to learn through collaboration. I always strive to perform to the best of my abilities, while enjoying the creative process through growth in my skillsets. This portfolio will demonstrate a selection of work and my progress as an architectural student. Many of the projects was developed through a difficult time (personally), but I always persevered to the end.
(In the photo, I’m holding the first published book of the project Bilingual Spark, which started in 2017 with my educator friend Cheryl Song. With Bilingual Spark, we hope to empower bilingual children to study and to celebrate their native language. For more info, check out Cheryl’s website: www.learnwithsong.com)
CONTENTS
ACADEMIC
PROFESSIONAL
PERSONAL
INTRODUCTION i
CURRICULUM VITAE iii - iv
REFERENCE LETTER v
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02
03
STAGNANT FLUX
COALESCE
IN-TERGALATIQUE
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05
COVE. RESEARCH CENTRE
COURTYARD LIBRARY
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07
MVHC EVERGREEN DOWNS
MVHC STRATHEARN COURT
08 SKETCHBOOK AND PHOTOGRAPHY ii
JINCHEN CAI (778) 322-7505 jinchencai98@gmail.com www
www.jinchencai.com www.linkedin.com/in/jinchen-cai/
SKILLS TECHNICAL Model Making Woodworking 3D Printing Laser Cutting CNC Milling Digital Rendering Creative Photography Hand Drafting Sketching
SOFTWARE Revit Rhino VRay AutoCAD Microsoft Office Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop Illustrator Lightroom InDesign Premiere Pro Audition Bluebeam Blendr dRofus
LANGUAGES English - Fluency Mandarin Chinese - Fluency Cantonese Chinese - Beginner French - Beginner
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QUALIFICATIONS • • • •
Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities developed through addressing customer inquiry and discord as Sales Representative at BestBuy. Architectural design and 3D modeling skills developed through Waterloo Architecture Program and previous work experiences. Recognized for fast-learning, taking initiative, being highly adaptable at Diamond Schmitt Architecture, Elemental Architecture, and BestBuy. Detail-oriented that maximizes productivity by effectively managing time.
EXPERIENCE DIAMOND SCHMITT ARCHITECTS - Architectural Assistant 01/2020 - 04/2020 | Vancouver, BC, CA. • Worked on 100% CD submission using Revit and dRofus for final package for Oakridge Residential Development Masterplan Project • Remodeled and updated apartment units per client’s request and markups • Used dRofus to link Units and Rooms data for cross-communication and materials specification of different apartment suites
ELEMENTAL ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS - Student Technologist 05/2019 - 08/2019 | Burnaby, BC, CA. • Researched and contacted suppliers and contractors to produce design reports, sample boards, proposal documents, schematic 3D drawings and etc. in support of Principal Architect. • Constructed 3D models for existing, demolition, and new construction phase with design options in Revit for all rehabilitation projects. • Produced conceptual 3D models in Rhino to provide to clients with design options.
BESTBUY CANADA - Certified Mobile and Connected Solutions Specialist 09/2017 - 08/2018| Burnaby, BC, CA. • Recognized for exceptional customer care through customer feedback, ranking high in performance on a monthly basis • Consistently led team to exceeded sales targets through a strong line of communication and teamwork • Identified areas for improvement for the department and collaborated with team members to overcome difficulties
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO - Instructional Workshop Assistant 09/2016 - 05/2017 | Chicago, IL, USA. • Assisted students working in the wood and digital fabrication shops, through providing customer service in the Resale store, and provided support for their projects. • Responsible for the administration and enforcement of equipment check-out protocol for all students
STARBUCKS CANADA - Barista 09 /2017 - 04/2018 | Burnaby, BC, CA. • Ensured positive engagement with every customer while delivering the best cup of coffee. • Demonstrated skilled techniques in crafting hand-made drinks, and maintained up to Starbucks’s high standards.
Curriculum Vitae EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 09 / 2018 - Present Cambridge, ON, CA.
Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours, Co-op •
Member of: WASA (student association), BRIDGE and Sustainability Collective
SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO 08 / 2016 - 05/2017 Chicago, IL, USA.
Potential Candidate for Bachelor of Fine Arts •
Member of: Chinese Students Association
LEADERSHIP WATERLOO ARCHITECTURE STUDENT ASSOCIATION 09 /2018 - Present Cambridge, ON, CA.
Event Coordinator •
Main organizer responsible for major school-wide events: Coffee House, Student Apparel and Merch Design Competitions, and Pancake Breakfast Days.
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO ORIENTATION 04 / 2019 - 09 / 2019 Cambridge, ON, CA.
Orientation Leader •
Hosted and moderated activities through bonding with incoming first year students
BURNABY NORTH SECONDARY GRAD COUNCIL 04/ 2015 - 06 / 2016 Burnaby, BC, CA
Secretary • •
Documented meeting minutes and agenda to help with planning and organization Coordinated multiple
BURNABY NORTH SECONDARY LEOS CLUB 09/2013 - 06 / 2016 Burnaby, BC, CA
Club Executive, Secretary • •
Documented meeting minutes and agenda to help with planning and organization Coordinated multiple
ACHIEVEMENTS CISC Architectural Student Design Competition Finalist 2019
Top 10
BestBuy Canada Future Leader and Excellence in Customer Service 2018
Awarded as Future Leader Top 3 employee ranked on Customer Feedback
Honour Chord Standing and Service with Distinction Award 2016
Honour Roll placement from Gr.10 to Gr.12 Excellence in Volunteer and Leadership in High School
Tiger Balm International Martial Arts Tournament - 3 times Gold 2014 - 2015
First place in 3 divisions
Can-Am International Martial Arts Tournament - 3 times Gold and 1 time Silver 2013 - 2015
First place in 3 divisions, second place in 1 division
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October 10, 2019 To whom it may concern, Jinchen joined our firm in May 2019 and had worked with us until the end of August 2019. Jinchen was our first University of Waterloo Cooperative student, and we were pleasantly surprised to see her skills in REVIT develop in such a short period of time. Throughout her work, Jinchen consistently demonstrated an aptitude for being a fast learner as well as an eagerness to learn whatever was necessary to carry out her day-today responsibilities Jinchen was presented with a variety of opportunities to learn and develop architectural technical skills and assisted in the process of building 3D base models for working drawings in Revit. She also assisted with preparing schematic design models in Rhino and AutoCAD. She also assisted with field investigation and site evaluations. Jinchen played an integral role in creating working drawings and models for several rehabilitation projects which are listed below: •
Confederation Seniors Centre – Schematic design option for skylight repairs
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Booth Memorial Building -Preparation of Base model in REVIT
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MVHC Evergreen Downs Envelope Repairs – Base Model and working drawings
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Edmonds Resource Centre -Site Audit and measuring
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MVHC Strathearn Court – Assisted with preparation of Base Model in REVIT
Jinchen would be an asset to any architecture and design firm. It is without hesitation that I highly recommend Jinchen and would welcome her back to Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc.
Sincerely, Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc.
Terra Shimbashi, Architect AIBC, LEED AP BD+C Principal
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SUITE 118 – 3989 HENNING DRIVE, BURNABY, B.C. V5C 6P8
T. 604.568.6990 www.eaii.ca
Stagnant Flux 2019 CISC Architectural Student Design Competition Finalist 1B Building Construction April 2019 Location: Arizona, USA In Collaboration with Mahara Falif Supervised by: Terri Meyer-Boake Software: Rhino, VRay, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
The Stagnant Flux is a dynamic pavilion that sits in the valley of the famous Wave in Arizona, that simulates the natural landscape and enrich the hiker’s experience. Inspired by the natural corrosion of the local Arizonian rock formation, it reanimates the environment’s surfaces and appear as though the waves are in motion. The custom-formed Corten steel exterior of the pavilion provides a seamless integration with nature. The Corten steel will continue to weather and become one with the environment, thus enriching the vigorous relationship built by the Stagnant Flux. Although structurally simple, The Stagnant Flux is designed to create three contrasting immersive experiences for hikers. As hikers walks towards The Wave, the pavilion camouflages itself within the contours of the fluid rock formed surfaces. However, “interior” is designed to create a distinctive visual contrast through the usage of rippled stainless steel sheets. These sheets distorts the reflection, thus activating the “wavy” rock surfaces as hikers enjoy the natural wonder. Finally, turning back after hiking up the wavy to enjoy the iconic view provides visual sensation of the pavilion engulfing and merging with the surrounding surfaces. In addition to the visual elements’ design, the Stagnant Flux provides few functional purposes for the hikers. Hikers have the liberty to interact with the pavilion by either hiking above or below. Each option provides a different heightened experiential moment. For those who hike up the wide Corten C-Channels, they can enjoy The Wave’s marvelous beauty from an elevated view. For those who hike below, the “interior” stainless steel reflection provides a supernatural while allowing shade from Intense Arizonian sun.
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experiential render, walking up to the pavillion at The Wave
Short cross-section
Exterior experience, on top of The Wave
Long cross-section
Exploded axonometric of structural steel elements
A-Details: C-Channel bolted connections to the ground, at angle on the walking side
B-Details: C-Channel bolted connections to ground, straight on nonwalking side C-Details
C-Details: Structural connections of Corten Steel C-Channels to Structural Flanges using bolted angles
D-Details: Structural connections of Corten Steel C-Channels to the Structural Flanges, and the 2 variations of Corten Stell C-Channels connected using bolted angles
“Interior� experiential render, below the Stagnant Flux pavilion
Coalesce 2A Design Studio October 2019 Location: City of Today, Tomorrow (fictional) In Collaboration with Zaineb Hamidi, Ernest Lee, Kenneth Siu, and Steven Wang Supervised by: Derek Revington and David Correa Software: Rhino, VRay, Illustrator, Photoshop
In a world different than ours in its very composition, exists a city split in two; divided by the sky. The two factions coexist in a divided unity - the city above and the city below. As the cities stretch towards each other, they juxtapose in structure, design, and culture. Despite this, they remain two halves of a whole, longing to reconnect. An alluring realm of tension is developed through the ever-present, yet unfulfilled yearning that charges the air between them. The cities maintain contact through select structures that pierce through each layer vertically, allowing an ascent or descent for the occupants. Glass shafts encasing elevators transport citizens while sets of stairs run along the base framework bridging key structural spaces. In result of the detachment of the city, the inhabitants gained an admiration of their opposing territory. The community developed a sense of stasis through the dichotomy of the two divisions which now defines their society. The upper city exists in spite of gravity, unbound by past interpretations of structure. Hanging enclosures unwind into the open void, looking out to the word below. Large structures latch deep into the earth and build downwards while more ornate occupancies are suspended with tensile supports. Occupants travel throughout the city on transparent walkways that curve between buildings. The citizens of the upper city designed their society around creativity and pleasure, reflecting such in their architecture and infrastructure. The city below developed upwards from the seeds of life hidden beneath the earth. Strong and heavy structures are erected from the rough terrain. Monolithic buildings frame the uninhabited landscape. Caged beneath this blanket of land exists a network of tunnels and voids interweaving throughout the city. Intimate communities occupy these passages breeding a social culture of unity. Residents of the lower city view these channels as a means to induce connectivity within the people.
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section representation of the physical 1:50 scaled model
PHYSICAL MODEL
1:50 scale model in the City of Today, Tomorrow on display
Zoomed in view of bottom left corner on physical model
Selective Moments
These photographs of specific moments in the designed city of Coalesce. It features the connections between the belowground and the aboveground civilizations, and how inhabitants exist in the each civilizations.
IN-TERGALAGIQUE 2A Design Studio Final Project December 2019 Location: City of Today, Tomorrow (fictional) Supervised by: Derek Revington and David Correa Software: Rhino, VRay, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Revit Model: museum board, PLA 3D printed, metal wire, paper
Rendered section perspective
Functioning as both a central site to provoke public curiosity in the seemingly distant galaxies, IN-TERGALATIQUE presents itself as a research centre dedicated to investigating the possibility for future space explorations. It nests within the three major surround buildings in the city block, existing in the City of Today, Tomorrow (COTT), thus transforming the site into an ideal spot to allow fluid circulation, as well as careful investigation. IN-TERGALACTIQUE has two primary programmatic massing features. The larger, grounded volume functions as the centerpiece of dynamic circulation movement, as well as the open communal space for public to occupy. In addition, the larger volume embodies the continuous spiral movement into its programmatic layout and division, allowing for a multitude of different interaction with the site and the building. The smaller volume is added as an extension of the larger volume. A sweeping arch up spirals from the main volume to the smaller volume, introducing the researchers to their private, discrete work space.
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To reference the field of study into the architecture, INTERGALACTIQUE’s design was based off the Spiral Galaxy, the Mobius Strip, and the Fibonacci Sequence. To further express the intertwined nature of the Galaxies’ forms, the primary circulation for the public is a continuous 3D spiral, that juxtaposes with the rigidity of the site. This fluid movement thus became the primary focus and design language used.
building plan in site
First step: project parti and site studies
First sketch model for circulation as the parti, became the driving factor of project
Expanded sketch model for final circulation and parti, used this to design the final space research center and public observatory
Sun and shadow studies in Revit 2019: summer solstice
Sun and shadow studies in Revit 2019: winter solstice
Diagram for site massing and circulation
Sketch models, failed final 3D printed models taken apart, and site model
Close up of failed final 3D printed model
Main building vertical section
Research building vertical section
Central Courtyard experiential render
North Entrance Exterior View
Interior Gallery experiential render
Interior of Research Centre view
COVE. Research Centre 1B Environmental Building Design April 2019 Location: Bimini Islands, Miami, USA In Collaboration with Mary Ma Supervised by: Terri Meyer-Boake Software: Rhino, VRay, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
Home to an immense amount of marine life, the coral reefs from the coast of Miami to the Bahamas draws hundreds of researchers and scientists worldwide who aim to study its biodiversity. The Bimini islands lie just between Miami and the Bahamas, and has the potential to act as the link between the resources of the big city and the vastness and isolation of the open ocean. Cove., an off-the-grid research station for marine biology and oceanology, was designed with this strategy in mind; tucked into a riverbend on the South end of the island, it serves as a point of recollection for researchers who need to spend extended periods of time in this isolated environment in order to pursue their professions. It is designed to provide its residents with maximum comfort amongst the harshness of its surroundings, in particular to beat the overwhelming heat and humidity of Caribbean summers. Equipped with all it needs to operate on its own, the Cove. Research Station would be a sanctuary for the hundreds of marine biology research to be discovered under researchers such as the marine biologist, and the professional diver.
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Exterior experiential render of building in site context
Site and topography
Floor plan in site context
Axonometric diagram of renewable resources circulation
Long cross-section
Short cross-section
Detailed building section with specifications for materials
Courtyard Library 1B Design Studio Final Project March 2019 Location: along West Toronto Railpath,Toronto, Canada Supervised by: Maya Przybylski and Chloe Town Software: Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, Watercolour painting, Alcohol based markers Model: Glycerin, Basswood, Museum Board, Foam
Framing an open courtyard of the community, the Fabrication Library is embedded within the urban fabric of Toronto, Ontario. The library is designed for the community, acts comfortable place of gathering, offers interior and exterior seating for the expanding neighbourhood, and depicts it site as a centre for gathering. The integration of the courtyard through the layering of two U shaped massing offers multiple access to the library from the street side and the West Toronto Rail path. To further integrate within the creative community, the upper floor of the Library houses the fabrication studio as a great resource for creatives to explore various fabrication machines such as 3D printers, x-carve machine, laser cutter/engravers, plotter cutters, and more. In addition, ground floor of the library facing the MOCA side offers a small-scale gallery space to display works created from the fabrication studio.
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Hand illustrated of main entrance experiential render with watercolour and alcohol based markers
Design concept diagram
Fabrication shop equipments
Massing model in site context 1:500 scale
Building model 1:100 scale
Building model elevation view 1:100 scale
MVHC Evergreen Downs Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc June - July 2019 Location: Delta, BC, Canada Supervised by: Terra Shimbashi Software: Revit 2019
North (Side) elevation for New Construction
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04 05 06 07 08 This project was commissioned by Metro Vancouver Housing Services (MVHC) for Evergreen Downs in Delta, BC, Canada. As a rehabilitation-focused project, Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc (EAII) was to design a full scale process involving demolition and new construction of the exterior envelope. As Delta is part of the Vancouver Lower Mainland, and therefore in a temperate rainforest, the existing cedar siding, and woodconstruction building showed signs of mold and decay. My role in this project was to create all the working drawings needed for the project in Revit 2019, as well as the construction details, the 3D model, and the 3D Renders. In addition, I was also to create all the new proposed design options (4 in total) in the Revit model, and all the working drawings to be sent to contractors based on Principal Architect Terra Shimbashi’s designs.
Experiential render of exterior proposed for new envelope reconstruction
West (front) elevation for New Construction
Axonometric render Design option 4 of 5
Sunpath and sun study for building
June 1 sunpath diagram for building in site
Design option 2 of 5, exterior 3D axonometric view
Design option 5 of 5, exterior 3D axonometric view
Base model of existing assembly in existing phase, South-west view
Base model of existing assembly in existing phase, North-east view
Close up of proposed courtyard in new design
MVHC Strathearn Court Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc July – August 2019 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Supervised by: Terra Shimbashi Software: Revit 2019
This project was commissioned by Metro Vancouver Housing Services (MVHC) for Strathearn Court in Vancouver, BC, Canada. As a rehabilitation-focused project, Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc (EAII) was to design a new exterior envelope for the complex that includes a Townhouse building and an Apartment. The scope of work included creating working drawings for demolition and new construction based on the provided working drawings from its initial construction. My role in this project was to create all the working drawings needed for the project in Revit 2019 under supervision of Principal Architect Terra Shimbashi. I completed creating the existing assembly’s Apartment building side, and the base plans for the townhouse building prior to leaving in August 2019.
Screenshot of 3D existign model construction process in Revit 2019
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Close up screenshot of courtyard and parking ramp
Screenshot of inner courtyard side of the apartment building
Sketches and Photography SKETCHES: ink pen, alcohol based markers, graphite PHOTOGRAPHY: Nikon D7000, Lightroom, Photoshop
I take my sketchbook and cameras to almost everywhere I travel. I believe that it’s crucial for an architect to document all the wonderful spaces and experiences that captures one’s attention. Through constant practice of these studies, I’ve become very attentive to every space’s intersection of affect and artistic expression. __________________________________________________ One of my interests is to take “artistic” photography of places I’ve been to and document a heightened experience. In addition, I also love to explore the city and different architecture buildings with my camera, and capture the moment. I use the camera not only as method of documentation, but also as tool to study architecture and create composition.
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THANK YOU! EMAIL: PHONE: WEBSITE:
jinchencai98@gmail.com (778) 322-7505 www.jinchencai.com
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/jin.chen.cai/
LINKEDIN:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinchen-cai/
April 2017 while sketching on site at the James R. Thompson building in Chicago