BDES2028 Intensive Studio - Wújí

無極 Wújí

alta ling 500246647

CONTENT

preface collage site plan axonometric plan plan elevation plan section elevation section model

PREFACE The “Wújí” Pedestrian Bridge aspires to be more than just a conduit between two points; it seeks to be a harmonious circle of cultural celebration, spatial innovation, and communal gathering. Located at the heart of Melbourne’s bustling Chinatown, Wújí is designed to facilitate movement, provoke cultural narratives, and spark curiosity, all while symbolizing the infinite loop between tradition and modernity.

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Wújí The name Wújí is derived from ancient Chinese philosophy, signifying the state of “non-being” or “infinite” that existed before the universe came into form.

“Wújí” is often depicted as an empty circle, symbolizing the boundless and unified nature of the universe. This circle has neither a starting point nor an ending point, representing a state of complete harmony and balance.

The significance of “Wújí” in the design of the pedestrian bridge is manifold. It provides the structure with a meaningful narrative, transforming it from a sim-

ple utilitarian construct into a space of limitless possibilities. It’s not just reflected in the circular architecture, but also permeates all aspects of the design philosophy. The bridge aims to facilitate a harmonious interaction between people and their environment. The concept encourages both a utilitarian function and provokes deeper layers of cultural and philosophical meaning.

Beyond simply moving from one point to another, those who traverse the bridge are invited to experience a sense of infinite possibilities, echoing the endlessness and boundlessness of “Wújí.”

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Site Intro Melbourne’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere, serving as a nucleus for Chinese culture, commerce, and gastronomy since the 1850s. It’s a unique locale where history and present coalesce, making it a fitting location for a project like Wújí that aims to bridge temporal as well as physical spaces. The primary use of wood, painted in a striking shade of orange, pays homage to traditional Chinese architectural styles while imbuing the structure with culturally resonant symbolism.

However, it also suffers from spatial fragmentation, lacking a cohesive pathway that brings together its numerous landmarks and dynamic pockets. Wújí aims to address this spatial issue by acting as a functional and symbolic connector that unifies these disparate elements.

The selected site offers a plethora of unique spatial opportunities—chief among them is the prospect of intersecting with existing buildings. This feature of the design aims to amplify the pedestrian experience by offering layers of interaction with the surrounding architectural fabric. The circular design of Wújí also enables a fluid pedestrian movement, harmonizing with the endless cycle that the concept of “Wújí” traditionally symbolizes.

The project must also consider challenges such as the need to integrate with existing infrastructure and potential disruptions to local businesses during the construction phase.

These constraints serve as design catalysts, propelling us to create a structure that is visually stunning yet also community-friendly.

Street Scene in Melbourne’s Chinatown,” Draffin Street Furniture, accessed Aug 24th, https://draffin.com.au/projects/stainless-steel-lanterns-for-chinatown/.

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COLLAGE The collage sets the scene for main proposal: a lively Chinatown night with our proposed pedestrian bridge taking center stage. This isn’t merely a bridge, but a serpentine path of harmonious flow that winds its way through the heart of Chinatown, inspired by the dragon of Chinese lore that symbolizes power, good luck, and constant movement.

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1:5000 SITE PLAN

1:1000 AXONOMETRIC PLAN

1:500 PLAN

1:500 ELEVATION

1:100 PLAN SECTION

1:100 ELEVATION SECTION

MODEL To physically represent this concept, we’ve prepared a model that uses stacked slices of toast to mimic the buildings of Chinatown, while chenille sticks, bent and shaped, represent our meandering pedestrian bridge. This playful representation gives a tangible understanding of how our design interacts with the built environment of Chinatown.

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