University of Waterloo School of Architecture
JINCHEN CAI
2019 portfolio
architecture + design
HELLO! My name is Jinchen Cai. I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. I’m fascinated by the way design can be used as a method to convey ideas and creating experiences that are meant to curate towards the human experience. Through an iterative process, the strive for perfection becomes the driving force for creating great design. I’m excited to be learning about architecture and design that will have lasting an influence on different individuals. In addition, I’m constantly seeking new knowledge, with a strong passion for learning new software programs to aid with the design process.
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 Billngual Spark, we hope to enpower children of bilingual descent to study and celebrate their native language. For more info, check out Cheryl’s webiste: www.learnwithsong.com 1
CONTENTS INTROUCTION
CURRICULUM VITAE
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STAGNANT FLUX
COURTYARD LIBRARY
COVE. RESERACH CENTRE
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ACADEMIC
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3
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REFERENCE LETTER 4
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04 PROGRESSION 29
WORK
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MVHC EVERGREEN DOWNS
MVHC STRATHERN COURT
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SKETCHES AND STUDIES
PHOTOGRAPHY
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PERSONAL
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JINCHEN CAI DESIGNER, ARCHITECTURE STUDENT (778) 322-7505 jinchencai98@gmail.com www
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www.linkedin.com/in/jinchen-cai
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TECHNICAL • Woodworking • 3D Printing • 3D Rendering • Laser Cutting • Model Making • Creative Photography • Plotter Cutting • Graphic Design SOFTWARE • Microsoft Office Suite • Revit • AutoCAD • Rhino • VRay • Photoshop • Illustrator • InDesign • Lightroom • Premiere Pro • Audition • OnShape • Paint Tool SAI • Blender
ACHIEVEMENTS • 2019 CISC Design Competition
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www.jinchencai.com
SKILLS
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QUALIFICATIONS • Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities developed through
Finalist (top 10) Bilingual Spark illustrator, first book of project published August 2019. 3 times gold, 1 time silver medalist Can-Am International Martial Arts Tournament 3 times gold, 1 time silver medalist for Tiger Balm International Martial Arts Tournament received 5 on AP 2D Design portfolio
• LANGUAGES
English - Fluency Mandarin - Fluency (Native) French - Basic
addressing customer inquiries and issues as a Sales and Customer Service Representative at BestBuy and Starbucks. Proficiency in CAD and digital modeling softwares such as Revit, Rhino, and AutoCAD established through school, and previous work experience. Detail-oriented, with a highly organized working style that maximizes productivity by planning and time management. Recognized for fast-learning, taking initiative, highly adatpable in previous work experiences at Elemental Architecture, BestBuy, and Starbucks.
EDUCATION
University of Waterloo, School of Architecture Candidate for Bachelor of Architecture | September 2018 - ongoing • Member of: WASA(event coordinator of student association), BRIDGE, Sustainability Collective, FORMlab School of the Art Institute of Chicago Potential Candidate Bachelor of Fine Arts | August 2016 - May 2017 • Member of: Chinese Culture Club Burnaby North Secondary School Dogwood Diploma | September 2013 – June 2016 • Graduated with Honour Chord Standing and Service with Distinction Award • Member of: LEO club (secretary), Grad Council (secretary), Tutorial Leader, Fine Arts Council, Hip Hop Competitive Dance Team, Library Club
EXPERIENCE
Student Intern— Elemental Architecture and Interiors Burnaby, BC, Canada / May 2019 - August 2019 • Researched and contacted suppliers and contractors to produce design reports, sample boards, proposal documents, and etc. in support of Principal Architect. • Constructed base models in Revit using structural, architectural, and mechanical elements. • Created working drawings for existing and new construction phases. • Produced conceptual models in Rhino providing clients with design options. Mobile and Connected Solution Specialist — BestBuy Canada Burnaby, BC, Canada/ September 2017 - August 2018 • 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 to overcome difficulties Workshop Assistant — Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA / September 2016 - May 2017 • Assisted students working in the wood and digital fabrication shops by providing customer service for the Resale store • Responsible for the administration and enforcement of equipment check-out protocol for all students • Ensured safety of students working in the workshop
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
SUITE 118 – 3989 HENNING DRIVE, BURNABY, B.C. V5C 6P8
T. 604.568.6990 www.eaii.ca
Stagnant Flux
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02 03 04 05 06 07 08 “All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.” - Oscar Wilde
Finalist for 2019 CISC Architecture Student Design Competition 1B Building Construction April 2019 Location: The Wave at 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. “interior” experience render, walking up to the pavillion at The Wave
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short cross-section
long cross-section
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exterior exprience render, on top of The Wave
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exploded axonometric of structural steel elements,
A-Details : C-Channel bolted connections to ground, at angle on walking side
B-Details : C-Channelbolted connections to ground, straight on non-walking side C-Details
C-Details : structural connections of corten steel c-channels to structral flanges using bolted angles
D - Details : structural connections of corten steel c-channels to st ructural flanges, andthe 2 variations of corten steel c-channels, connected using bolted angles.
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“interior� experiential render, below the pavillion
Courtyard Library
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01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 “With this expansive view of its offerings to a community, the library+ has emerged as an incredibly valuable public incubator – bringing and stimulating social, cultural, economic, and educational support and development.”
1B Design Studio March 2019 Location: along West Toronto Railpath, Toronto, Canada Supervised by: Maya Przybylski and Chloe Town Software: Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, Watercolour, Alcohol-Based Markers, Model Making
Framing an open courtyard of the community, the Fabrication Library is imbedded 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.
exterior experiential render, view from “private road” watercolour, alcohol based markers, coloured pencils, original 16” x 20”
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site study and analysis diagram
design concept diagram
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fabrication shop equipments
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massing model in site context 1:500 scale
building model of 2nd floor on site 1:100 scale
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interior expriencial render watercolour, alcohol markers, original 16� x 20�
building model of south elevation on site 1:100 scale
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COVE. Research Centre
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01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 “Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.� - Earl Nightingale
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.
experiental render of exterior in site context
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site topography
floor plan in site
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axonometric diagram of renewable resourceas diagram
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long section cut
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north elevation
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detailed se
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ection with specifications
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Progression
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01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 “Design is an iterative process. One idea often builds on another.” - Mark Parker
1A Design Studio October 2018 Imagined Location and Site Supervised by: Lola Sheppard and Rick Andrighetti Techniques: Model Making, Hand Drafting, Photoshop
OPERATION The stage of progression was realized in two parts. The first parts is to hand draft the tripod in two of the stages which it can take form in. These two hand-drafted drawings were created in the 45-45 axonometric style in 1:1 scale. Then, a second hand-drafted drawing was created by interpreting tripod’s movement in progression. This drafted drawing focuses on the movement of the tripod in axonometric style for the next stage of interpretation. TRANSFORMATION: Taking the movements of a tripod as a point of departure, the sculpture was created to abstract and interpret the movement in space. To further define the progressive changes at intervals, the growth of each segment also changes in length at the same interval. The final sculpture was realized after several failed attempts of trial and error with cardboard strips. INHABITATION: Translating the form of the Transformation model, the pavilion is designed to maintain key visual elements while creating a space for the public to rest. The pavilion is designed to act as a transition to allow people to swiftly progress from the the Transformation model in one orientation with bottom to top, and vice versa, by setting on an imaginary hill features of casted shadows site. As a form of mediation, the pavilion undergoes a series of progressive formal transitions, creating spaces that encourage elements of play while experiencing the space created. 30
OPERATION
hand drafting of stage one of the 45-45 axonometric drawing of the tripd’s two different positions in 1:1 scale
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hand drafting of stage two of the 45-45 axonometric drawing of the tripod’s progressive movement through different positions in 1:1 scale
TRANSFORMATION
the Transformation model in one orientation with features of casted shadows
the Transformation model in one orientation with features of casted shadows
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INHABITATION
pavillion model in 1:50 scale top view
pavillion model in 1:50 scale front view
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pavillion model in 1:50 scale back entrance view
hand drafting of pavillion’s section and plan at 1:50 scale
pavillion model in 1:50 scale side view
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MVHC Evergreen Downs
3d exp
front
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01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 Elemental Architecture and Interiors Inc June - July 2019 Location: Delta, BC, Canada Supervised by: Terra Shimbashi Software: Revit 2019 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 wood-construction 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.
priential render for new construction
(west) elevation for new construction
side (north) elevation for new construction
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base model of existing assembly
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sunlight path for building on site
June 1 , sun path diagram
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render of option 4
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new courtyard design with planters, greenhouse, public resting, and fountain for residents
design option 2 of 5 south-west axo, selected by client, created using Design Options in Revit 2019
design option 5 of 5 north-east axo, selected by client, created using Design Options in Revit 2019
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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 construction process of the apartment building in Revit 2019
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closeup screenshot of the inner courtyard side with parking ramp of the apartment building
screenshot of inner courtyard side of apartment building 42
Sketches and Studies “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” - Napoleon Hill
On site sketch study of staircase and atrium of Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago
On site sketch study of Calatrava extension of Milwaukee Art museum
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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 interesction of affect and artistic expression.
On site sketch study of Harold Washington Library’s top floor interior space
On site sketch study of staircase in The Rookery Building’s Light Court designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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18” x 24” graphic pen drawing 1 of the 12 pieces for 2016 AP 2D Design portfolio’s Concentration
Architectural form studies in sketchbook
Architectural tree sketch studies in sketchbook
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Photography This is a small selection of my photography works.
One of my interests is to take “artistic” photography of places I’ve been to and document a heightened exprience. 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 documetntation, but also as tool to study architecture and create composition.
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THANK YOU! EMAIL: jinchencai98@gmail.com PHONE: (778) 322 - 7505 WEBSITE: www.jinchencai.com INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/jin.chen.cai/
April 2017 while sketching on site at the James R. Thompson building in Chicago