Jianzhe Liu Portfolio by Jianzhe Liu

Jianzhe Liu

portfolio.

Project Logo

Memory and Continuation. Children Daycare Center.

Client Justice Assistance, Providence, RI

Professor Supervisor

Wolfgang Rudorf

Kip McMahan

Project Type Team Data

2024 Spring

The project works with Justice Assistance in Providence to redesign three distinct buildings to create a comprehensive support system for Providence low-income families.

The concept revolves around “memory and continuation,” aiming to honor the legacy of the existing structures while introducing new possibilities for future generations. The project decided to include a children’s daycare training space so that local parents looking for jobs can get guidance from professional staff, and achieve self-sufficiency. The facilities also have affordable housing so that low-income families can live here while the parents train at the training center and the children stay at the daycare center. These functions are designed to meet the community’s immediate needs while fostering long-term social and economic stability.

This diagram shows the process of thinking about the continuation of the existing structure. There are two continuation approaches, the first is about the building itself, the architecture could self-expansion to fulfill the future requirement, with the ability to maximize the existing circumstance characteristics while still giving the local community a new memory in the future. The second approach is about the continuous relations between building and building in our community, By creating the connection between buildings we could create a broad memory of the whole community for several generations.

To show respect for the original form of the existing building and reinforce the characteristics. The circulation of the garden design aims to respect the memory of existing while exploring enjoyment and sustainability. Besides this, the garden design also encourages the residents and children to contribute to the maintenance of site green plants, it is a wonderful chance to help the next generation learn about nature and growth in a healthier environment.

Garden Diagram

Concept Diagram

Level 1

Section Detail

In order to reflect the concept of "memory and continuation" through design, the project maximizes using the existing structure while giving it a new possibility to better serve our user group. Reuse the original building's structure to recall people's memory when they see it and the new function gives the building a chance to continue to serve people through a new mission.

Section Perspective

The section perspective view reflects the structural detail of the new construction part and the design language of the lighting fixture resonates with the grid system. The opening on the wall demonstrates the existing structure while giving a funny moment for children to play around.

Facade Detail

The facade of the building takes into account the modular shape and the green function. The facade will collect rainwater and use the collected water to irrigate the green wall of the building. The green wall facade becomes a better heat barrier so that the building can be cooler in the summer and reduce heat loss in the winter.

Carriage House First Floor Perspective

Carriage House Exterior Perspective

This is a clear view of our bridge connecting to the Carriage House building. The design of the bridge and below corridor aims to give children a safe pathway from building to building, it also consolidates the continuation between buildings.

Carriage House Exterior Perspective

The red pipe can either allow people to sit on it or let children climb on it. The pipe also provides a chance for rattan to grow. The design and color emphasize the special memory of children who grow up here.

The roof design is another reflection of the design concept. The original building looks heavy and dim, therefore, the design uses the newly added glass extension to increase the transparency and interior space daylight.

Concept Diagram

Modular Shelter. Homeless Moveable House.

Client Phoenix, Arizona, United State

Internship Supervisor

Allison Mann

Callie Elsner

Jonathan Rose

Juan Luis Fernandez

Oscar de las salas

Project Type Team

Data

2023 Summer

The project aims to address homelessness in Phoenix’s downtown area, acknowledging the impact of urban growth and economic factors. Though not an ultimate solution, the architectural approach focuses on elevating the camp residents’ issues. Site visits and discussions with St. Vincent de Paul and Phoenix Community Alliance informed design for mobile, modular, efficient, and costeffective spaces tailored to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

The design concept looks at the personal space of the individual as well as how it can be extended out to become part of a community. The core design principle revolved around mobility and ease of assembly, much like the concept of an IKEA toolkit.

Existing Condition

The rate of homelessness has increased after the pandemic and many of them are staying in the area in downtown Phoenix stretching from 16th Avenue to 7th Avenue.

The site has around 900 people right now which reached 2000 at peak during the pandemic time. 65% of them are male and females are the rest. In the zones mostly the adults from 18 years above reside.

Sun Study

The heat map for the area underscores the severity of the challenge. Notably, Phoenix's prevailing winds originate from the southwest, occasionally shifting from the southeast. stretching from 16th Avenue to 7th Avenue. The research on shelter sleeping spaces revealed the presence of personal belongings ranging from pet crates and clothes to blankets, shoes, bicycles, wheelchairs, and trolleys.

Issue

The crime rate that was recorded during 2019 for the only zone area reached 801 cases with the most theft cases then assault, drug abuse, and so on.

It decreased during the pandemic which was 206 but then again started increasing in 2022, but the fire department was seen most during 2021 and 2022.

Exploded Axon

Color Choice

The color choice based on the mental health of people experiencing homelessness which have different behavioral patterns and can be used in different spaces like cool colors for places to rest and leisure, some warm colors for spaces to eat, entertainment and other activities.

Detail

The wall detail, floor detail, and roof detail are also to be considered. In order to prove the life quality of people who experiencing homelessness, the wall, floor, and roof are waterproof, heat insulated, and soundproof. The thickness of each board is designed appropriate which fits perfectly for assembly and transportation.

10’

Floor Plan

Section Perspective

Single Unit Perspective

The module's spatial layout features a 9’ x 10’ internal space with a soaring 12’ height. To optimize functionality, foldable furniture is incorporated, allowing efficient space utilization and accommodating additional occupants or items as needed. Accessibility is a priority, and modules include ramps to ensure inclusivity for all.

Assembly Kit

The assembly of the module is thought to be all modular. Each 2'x 10' panel is adaptable – it can serve as a fixed component, a window, or an openable section, depending on the spatial function. Enhancing transport efficiency, the frames are ingeniously divided into two parts, facilitating easy movement via truck.

Dinning

Community Perspective

The perspective reveals the exciting potential of modular shelter systems, demonstrating their possibility to form compact communities. This innovative approach not only underscores the adaptability of modular shelters but also highlights their capacity to foster a sense of community for homelessness.

Dinning Hall Perspective

Concept Diagram

FedEx Office.

Workplace

Branding Design.

Client

Professor Supervisor

Elif Tural

Project

The location to design an office for express company FedEx. The main service object for this office is the staff from FedEx company and the secondary service object is the customer that has a business connection with FedEx.

The design idea of the “shipping box” is derived from FedEx’s company value: diversification and connection. The design takes the “shipping box” as the different area and space inside the office and takes customers and staff as the “products” inside the “box”.

FedEx Transportation Research

FedEx History Timeline Analysis

1971: Smith bought a controlling interest in Little Rock, Arkansas. While operating his new firm, he generated the idea for Federal Express: A company that has revolutionized global business practices and that now defines speed and reliability.

1965: Yale University undergraduate Frederick W. Smith wrote a term paper that pointed out a system specifically designed to accommodate time-sensitive shipments such as medicine, computer parts, and electronics.

FedEx has more than 180k motorized vehicles to deliver cargo and products throughout America and the whole world. Van and train carry about 68.7% of cargo for FedEx every year.

FedEx has about 679 aircraft at airports worldwide. Airfreight makes sure FedEx provides overnight shipping service for people. Airfreight carries about 13.1% of goods for FedEx every year.

FedEx can provide vessel transportation as well. Vessel enables FedEx to deliver 5 million pieces of goods every day for the whole world. Vessel shipping can carry about 18.2% of goods for FedEx.

1973: Federal Express officially began operations on April 17, 1973, with 389 team members. It soon became the premier carrier of high-priority goods in the marketplace and set the standard for the express shipping industry it established. Federal Express was a leader in lobbying for air and sea cargo deregulation.

1980: Intercontinental operations began in 1984 with service to Europe and Asia. In 1989 FedEx became the world's largest fullservice, all-cargo airlin Network covering more than 220 countries and regions and it has about 1900 service locations inside NA.

Site Map

The project takes 600 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 as the design location for the FedEx office. The office will be set on the first floor and the total area is about 10745 sq, ft. Near the office area, there are multiple restaurants, entertainment areas, and parks for staff and customers to relax and enjoy their life. There is also a FedEx express office near the design area to provide extra help for customers.

Design focuses on how to create an atmosphere that allows staff and customers to meet or work together easily as well. The space has a wide and clear pathway for people to move inside, the collaboration area is placed at the center of the whole area for staff to easily meet with each other. Design sets customer areas near the entrance door for people to get help quickly and conveniently.

Sections

Public Area Perspective

Name: Potrero415 Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: COFOFBT

Name: Enea Altzo943 Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: COALT100

Name: Border Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: OBBORDER02

Name: Bobber Small Pendant Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: BD1BP1SMLPEN

Name: Potrero415 Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: COFOFBT

Name: Enea Lottus Chair Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: COEL100INSERT

Name: Lagunitas Lounge Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: COLAGB3

Name: Enea Lottus Table Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: COEL3036

Name: Player Manufacturer: Steelcase Number: 475712M

Stress Reduction. Art Therapy Center@ RISD.

Client

Rhode Island School of Design

Professor Supervisor

Heinrich Hermann

Project Type

Single Date

2022 Fall

The mission of this project is aimed to help adults and students who live around providence or within the RISD community with mental health problems or alcoholism problems through art therapy, communication therapy, meditation therapy, and exercise therapy.

During the covid-19 pandemic period, there are lots of people suffering from mental health problems or alcoholism problems. In providence, 19% of adults are reported to excessive drinking and 37% of students and teenagers are reported of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Studio Perspective

From the site map, the existing mental health clinic and Alcoholics Anonymous are either too far or too small for the community. The CAPS office is only open to students. Therefore, the community is in urgent need of a facility that can be open to anyone and big enough at the same time.

The first diagram shows the original wall and interior layout of this building. The Project focus on the first floor and lower level. From the second floor to the sixth floor, it's still used for students to take studio classes and study, therefore, the first floor and basement layout need to consider student's safety and separate the entrance for students and other people.

Site Map

Diagram

The building shell and its main functional areas such as the entrance, stairs, elevator, and restroom still need to be kept at the original location to save the budget. The new wall should use these columns as the guide and anchor point to save space and make a more rational space for students and people to use.

The main cut-out was set in the middle for stairs. The other two cutouts are used for bringing sunlight and green to the building’s interior space. The first cutout was covered with glass to block the sound translation and same time work as a bar table. When people first arrive, they will see the coffee shop, and then the gallery which shows patients’ or students’ work will come to their sight.

When people go downstairs, they can see the consulting room on the right side and the library on the left side. When they reach the end way, they will have the meditation and yoga room to release annoyance and pressure. On the other end, there is a gym room where people can do physical exercise and freshen their minds.

Coffee Perspective

Gallery Perspective

Axonometric

Tea House. Tea Culture Experience Center.

Client

11 Chatham Square, New York, United State

Professor Supervisor Lisa Tucker

Project Type

Single Date

2021 Spring

For many years, tea has been the most consumed beverage in the world after water, and the United States has become the third-largest tea importer after Russia and Pakistan. However, due to the time changing and people’s habits changing, drinking tea has become a fast-food style process. This phenomenon has happened especially in America, people lost their chance to enjoy the tea culture and the way to make tea.

Therefore, the project focuses on the current tea problem and tries to build a tea house in America to spread tea culture and let American people experience the tea-making process at a modern-style tea house.

The site analysis shows the location of this modern tea house in New York, which is at the center of a busy street. It’s surrounded by office buildings and residential areas, people can come here during the lunch break or during the weekend to have a rest and meet with friends.

Site Map

Section

When people enter this space, the first one that comes into view is the tea garden. People can straightly feel, look, smell, and touch tea plants. Tea garden can quickly attract people’s attention and guide them to go deeper into the tea house. After people pass through the public tea drinking area they will reach the kitchen, with no barrier to block people’s sight.

1. Tea Garden

The Garden is located at the front door when people come in, they can straightly feel, look, smell, and touch the tea and plants. Tea gardens can quickly attract people's attention and guide them to go deeper into the tea house.

2. Public Tea Area

Space for people who don’t mind drinking tea with others. A place for most people to stay, a grid wall provides grooves to attach tea leaf samples.

3. Kitchen and Staff Room

A place for staff to cook and make tea, no barrier to block people’s sight. Therefore, customers can see and know how to make a cup of traditional tea. The backside is a room for staff to have a rest.

4. Selling Space

Area for selling tea and reception. Large storage provides enough space to either show the products or store teas for sale. Space near the side door to set as a reception area as well.

5. Waiting Area

A place for people to wait or quickly enjoy their tea, a standing height table with a small tea garden for people to relax and have enough energy for one day.

6. Private Tea Room

Personal tea room for family and friends, people can have a quiet room to enjoy their tea and have a personal conversation with friends or family.

7. Tea Culture Room

Teaching people briefly about the history and culture of tea. Giving people a chance to touch and observe tea leaves and allowing people to know how to use the traditional way to make tea.

8. Observation Area

A place for people to enjoy their tea and at the same time provides an open view to show the tea plants. A place inside the tea house to combine function and visual effects.

The perspective unveils a seamless integration of modern style design and natural elements, creating a harmonious fusion that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also immerses individuals in a multisensory experience. Here, people are not merely indulging in the gustatory pleasure of savoring tea; rather, they are afforded the unique opportunity to engage their visual senses by observing the thriving tea plants that seamlessly intertwine with contemporary design.

Observation Area Perspective

Concept Diagram

Balloon. RISD Museum Lobby Redesign.

Client

Rhode Island School of Design Museum

Professor Supervisor

Skender Luarasi

David De Celis

Francesca Liuni

Project Type Single

Date

2022 Summer

The site for this project is the RISD Museum built in 1877 on the north side of the Providence River. It is a teaching place for the community and RISD students. Its original intention was to merge art, crafts, and design into the main teaching philosophy. The museum has more than 2,000 resident exhibits from around the world and contains works of clothing, paintings, photography, art, and more.

The original lobby lacks a clear entry and theme. Therefore, the hall was designed as a semi-open space and connected with the RISD teaching building on the west side through a corridor.

Garden

SITE

Site Map

RISD Campus

River

The RISD Museum was built in 1877 on the north side of the Providence River. The museum is close to Memorial Park and RISD Fleet Library, become an important community and education center for the Providence community.

Exploded original building into 4 pieces Stretch 4 pieces into different shapes Use different sizes of balloons to create vacuum space

Office & Elevator Lobby

Exhibition Space

Cafe Space Exploded Axon

Block Diagram

The interior space is separated into four main areas which are office, lobby, exhibition space, and cafe area. The lobby and exhibition space are close to the main entrance and the cafe area is close to the secondary entrance, therefore, if people just want to buy a coffee, they don't need to detour. The window for the cafe area has a customized shape and brings more natural light into deeper space.

Floor Plan

The new floor plan is overlaid with the original plan to see the difference. The dark grey part is the adaptively reused part and the light orange is the removed part. In the new plan, the entrance is clearer and each area is reorganized at a more rational location. The different sizes of bubbles speak for different significance, the larger bubble spaces are for people to stay and interact, and the smaller bubble spaces are for people to pass through.

The design concept "balloon" was taken from the RISD museum's two most important goals which are diversity and inclusion. The museum has more than 2,000 artworks from around the world, each of them reflecting different cultures. Therefore, the design of the museum lobby should represent inclusion and diversity ideas.

The balloon has different colors and can be filled with different types of gas, which reflects the idea of inclusion and diversity. The building block was cut by multiple "balloons" to create multiple vacuum spaces for people to enjoy the possibility.

Section

Fountain Installation Axon

Other Works. Drawings and Renderings.

Client

Multiple

Professor Supervisor

Multiple

Project Type

Single

Date

2017-2024

From this page, I will showcase a diverse array of creations that reflect both my professional and academic endeavors. Beyond mere drawings and renderings, this collection encapsulates the multifaceted nature of my creative output.

Each work is a testament to the fusion of my artistic passion and academic pursuits, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the evolution of my skills and ideas.