University of Cincinnati
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Rice University
Yu Kono
Selected Works
Academic Graduate + Undergraduate Works 2013
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2017
00 | Table of Contents
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS 01
Thesis | Deferential Form
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02
Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
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Unification of the Disjunction
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Tectonic Experience
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International Studies Center at Cincinnati
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Micro-Urban Tower
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Architectural Representation
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Rice University
Academic Work
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Fall 2017
01 Advisor Location Program Semester Studio
Deferential Form Albert Pope Cupertino, CA Corporate Campus Fall 2017 Thesis
Tech giants have emerged to have a significant presence in the Bay area, many of which are in the suburban regions of Silicon Valley where they have erected massive symbolic entities. However, with the lack of urban fabric in Silicon Valley, the “Google Bus” would transport tech employees to work in the suburbs and back to the city of San Francisco leaving behind an unused massive, isolated, and autonomous entity. The lack of urban fabric at the site of the tech giants has inevitably lead to gentrification in the Bay area. As an alternative solution, bring the urban fabric to the cities where the tech campuses are located as opposed to bringing only a tech campus to the city. With how much real estate these tech campuses accumulate, they can become a model for how autonomous campuses can be diffused and deployed into the city to create an urban fabric; an urban fabric that provides a pedestrian streetscape and public space for an urban fabric(less) city.
01 | Deferential Form
Apple Inc $582 B
Amazon $364 B
Facebook Inc $359 B
THE LARGEST COMPANIES BY MARKET CAP 2016 3
Google $556 B
Microsoft Corp $452 B
These Tech Headquarter campuses are built or will be built, in the urban fabric-less area of Silicon Valley. Acting as objects that portray a symbolic meaning for the company name, they are built establish an enormous container in-filled with workstations ultimately making them isolated entities. There is no regard as to how a building of this magnitude can benefit its neighboring context and instead establishes a scaleless entity. Striving also for uniqueness, the forms are hyper-specific to its designated function and company that will without a doubt cause difficulty in adapting or transforming this object for future use.
THE EMERGENCE OF TECH GIANTS The tech world thrives on the principle of growth, and this aspiration for growth over other competitors has inevitably lead to the emergence of tech giants. These tech giants have developed platforms that is not for the people, but to maximize growth in the marketplace1. “You start in a garage, take over half a floor in a crummy office park, then take over the full floor, then the building, then get some venture capital and move to a better office park. Suddenly you’re Google, and you have this empire of office buildings along 101 2.”
1 2 3
Rushkoff, Douglas. Throwing rocks at the Google bus: how growth became the enemy of prosperity. Portfolio, 2017. Rogers, Adam. “If You Care About Cities, Apple’s New Headquarters Sucks.” Wired, Conde Nast, 8 Nov. 2017, www.wired.com/story/apple-campus/. Desjardins, Jeff. “Chart: The Largest Companies by Market Cap Over 15 Years.” Visual Capitalist, 12 Aug. 2016, www.visualcapitalist.com/chart-largestcompanies-market-cap-15-years/.
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
San Francisco_Market Street Thoroughfare
Market Street_View 01
Market Street_View 02
Market Street_View 03
MARKET STREET THOROUGHFARE IN SAN FRANCISCO
URBAN FABRIC(LESS) CUPERTINO, CA
This urban fabric that tech employees are seeking can be found at a major thoroughfare in San Francisco, called Market Street. The urban fabric found in Market Street takes on traffic-calming efforts to allow more control of the roads and ability for more pedestrian traffic and experiences. The urban fabric is the public pedestrian street-scape that is being prioritized despite the major thoroughfare running through the center of downtown. The density within San Francisco also contributes greatly to the development of Market Street as an urban fabric to be sought for.
Cupertino, a city in California’s Silicon Valley, is recognizably considered to be the home to Apple, has an uncommon downtown. Zooming into the downtown area, there is a complete lack of urban fabric in this region. There is a clear crossroad at the heart of the city but there is literally just a series of enclaves placed around the axis. We can also see that Apple’s two campuses have established a very strong presence in Cupertino’s “downtown,” rendering this city to become basically a company town.
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01 | Deferential Form
THOROUGHFARE CROSS ROADS In contrast to Market Street in San Francisco, one only experiences through a vehicle an expansive pass through road with no regards to its context. It can be seen similarly in the North to South axis as well. In “De Anza Blvd_View 03,” the drive through experience is the same as the rest of the thoroughfare despite having Apple Campus residing adjacent to it.
Stevens Creek Blvd_View 01
Stevens Creek Blvd_View 02
Stevens Creek Blvd_View 03
De Anza Blvd_View 01
De Anza Blvd_View 02
De Anza Blvd_View 03
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Transit Center 179’ - 8”
Also leading to 1 of 9 entries of the ring
800,000 sq ft 580’ - 11”
Steve Jobs Auditorium
+ Site sq ft 177 acres + Research Facility 300,000 sq ft of Building Footprint
Research Facility
+ Central Plant 72,100 sq ft of Building Footprint + Fitness Center 50,000 sq ft of Building Footprint + Steve Jobs Auditorium 14,500 sq ft of Building Footprint + Associated Parking Garage 511,000 sq ft of Building Footprint + Ring (Main Building) 757,195 sq ft of building foot print
Parking Garage
Central Plant
+ Building Footprint to Site Ratio 22% Coverage + Courtyard Space to Site Ratio 12% Coverage
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01 | Deferential Form
330’ - 0” Generic City Block
PRIMITIVE
3 Sided Unit TYPE 1
3 Sided Unit TYPE 2
2 Sided Unit
3 Sided Unit TYPE 1 w/ Cap
3 Sided Unit TYPE 2 w/ Cap
2 Sided Unit w/ Cap
4 Sided Unit
VARIOUS SIDED URBAN AGGREGATES These forms are designed to create a series of blocks that can be easily aggregated similar to the traditional method of urban aggregation onto a city grid. This ability to aggregate reproduces qualities that the tech employees are lacking to find in Cupertino, which is a dominant pedestrian street like San Francisco. This strategy is what will bring a city to the city and not a isolated entity to the city.
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
120'
50'
330'
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Original State
[1] THIN SECTIONS
Horizontal Displacement [1]
Horizontal Displacement w/ Cap [1]
The 50’ section of these urban aggregate units allows for sufficient amount of lighting needed through the building. The thin section also allows flexibility for the units to transform programmatically between housing to office and vice versa. HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT
[2]
115'
Horizontal Displacement [2]
Horizontal Displacement w/ Cap [2]
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A horizontal displacement logic disintegrates the form while still maintaining the primary reading of the space over the form; which brings an opportunity for programmatic diversity within a unit through a larger floor-plate that was 50’ wide in section to now 115’.
01 | Deferential Form
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2 Sided
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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2 Sided w/ cap
01 | Deferential Form
UNIT 4
UNIT 1
3 SIDED
3 SIDED
# of Rentable Floors 12 Floors
# of Rentable Floors 12 Floors
Rentable Square Footage 196,000 sq ft
Rentable Square Footage 196,000 sq ft
UNIT 2
UNIT 5
3 SIDED
3 SIDED
# of Rentable Floors 12 Floors
# of Rentable Floors 12 Floors
Rentable Square Footage 175,000 sq ft
Rentable Square Footage 175,000 sq ft
UNIT 3
UNIT 6
2 SIDED
FIGURAL VOID
# of Rentable Floors 12 Floors
Apple Store Visitors Center Steve Job's Auditorium
Rentable Square Footage 120,000 sq ft
Urban Aggregate Unit | OfďŹ ce Type - 14 -
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
UNIT 4
UNIT 1 3 SIDED
3 SIDED
12 Floors
12 Floors 1,000 sq ft per person 196 Units
1,000 sq ft per person 196 Units
UNIT 2
UNIT 5
3 SIDED
3 SIDED
2 Floors
12 Floors
1,000 sq ft per person 175 Units
1,000 sq ft per person 175 Units
UNIT 3
UNIT 6
2 SIDED
FIGURAL VOID
12 Floors
Retail Public Fitness Center Movie Theater Restaurants
1,000 sq ft per person 120 Units
Urban Aggregate Unit | Housing Type - 15 -
01 | Deferential Form
PAIRING | Mirroring Process
PAIRING | Levels of Connectivity of Spaces
In order to pair a unit with another unit to initiate the start of a larger aggregation, the adjacent unit to be paired must be mirrored. The mirroring process allows for a seamless alignment of the two units that will either cleanly align the voids or walls.
By pairing these systems of units, a level of connectivity of the spaces can be achieved depending on the number of sides a unit has. This level of connection of the spaces is what also helps to establish order in the city as opposed to the street grid creating the order.
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
PAIRING | Street Defining
PAIRING | Figure Void Transitions Between Units
The horizontally displaced extensions then serve to create a formal connection of two units to create a larger floor plate. This larger floor plate has an advantage of creating a unique spatial type between pairings. It is also able break the 330’ city grid to become a super-block, which establishes more prominence in using space to establish order.
A Figural Void is inserted as a transitioning element between units. It becomes a prominent element between the pairings allowing it to hold the most important program/amenity of attraction. But it is also a referential element that can be traced back to complete the image of the space that is conceived by the unit forms.
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01 | Deferential Form
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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01 | Deferential Form
Aerial of East Development | Apple Super-blocks - 20 -
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Aerial of East Development | Housing Super-blocks & Singles - 21 -
01 | Deferential Form
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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01 | Deferential Form
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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01 | Deferential Form
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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01 | Deferential Form
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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Rice University
Academic Work
+
Spring 2017
02 Professor Location Program Semester
Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy Urtzi Grau Fictional Parliament for the Indo-PaciďŹ c Region Spring 2017
The Information Age ushered in a new notion of the implications of power largely centered around the collection of data. In a consumerist economy, data has been used by places like Amazon to gain knowledge on the spending habits of their customers in order to better advertise and optimize the shopping experience. What began as a simple collection of basic facts (name, birth date, address, etc.) is now an overwhelmingly large collection of complex information that is analyzed to increase consumerist demand. The parliament resides in a particular moment in time when the economy functions much like it still does today. The consumer works for pay and gains more purchasing power. However with the introduction of automated robotic technology, the number of jobs for humans will rapidly become more specialized. First we will see an economy primed for people to have even more time to consume goods and services, however as jobs are lost to robots, we could enter a gray period in which there are too many humans and not enough consumers to keep the system growing in the same way.
02 | Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
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THE SITE Board 01
Print 24” x 36”
A distribution warehouse algorithmically programmed for the efficient deployment of products sold on Amazon is claimed as the site for the Technocratic Parliament. Run primarily by fully-autonomous smart objects that store and transport products throughout the site, the warehouse’s main source of organization is derived from the spacialization of data about the products. The soft infrastructure, analytical codes determined through big data market research, transform the generic warehouse plan into a highly specified and programmed space. This method of organization is the means by which our parliament reconfigures itself, utilizing data as the choreographer of efficient parliamentary chambers, constantly changing along with the requirements of each unique conversation.
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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In turn, the parliament surfaces underlying technological infrastructures in order to reveal the socio-political implications of data in the information age. A point of confluence between human and non-human interaction, the parliament mediates this relationship by establishing a thickened technical floor that houses all of the organizing forces of the building. In this sense, architecture is the interface between data and humans. It exceeds the limitations of the screen by spacializing data and giving representative form to buried infrastructures. It performs as a machine for lawmaking utilizing humans and non-humans as part of the political decision progress.
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02 | Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
POLITICAL THEATERS Audience as Performers The Dining Table
Board 03
The Party
Print 24” x 36”
Made famous in Luis Bunel’s film, Le charme discret de les bourgeousie, the dining table is a space where all members are asked to be engaged audiences as well as performers, simultaneously.
Like the Salon, the party also creates a homogeneous space for discussions. The party, however is less orderly and more prone to smaller gatherings due to its scale. Attention and performance go hand in hand but they both have to be earned to be granted.
The Information Age ushered in a new notion of the implications of power largely centered around the collection of data. In a consumerist economy, data has been used by places like Amazon to gain knowledge on the spending habits of their customers in order to better advertise and optimize the shopping experience. What began as a simple collection of basic facts (name, birth date, address, etc.) is now an overwhelmingly large collection of complex information that is analyzed to increase consumerist demand.
Confession Booth The confession booth is a conversational typology where one member is acting and representing a larger entity, while the devotee is asked to bring forth the topics of discussion. In this scenario neither and both are audience and/or performance at any point in time.
The Procession A group of organized people moving through a space for festivals or ceremonies, the Procession is a political theater that invites viewers to join in and participate in the performance, not as active audiences but as performers themselves.
Tactics like this have lead to the exponential expansion of companies such as Amazon to the point that they are international, stateless tycoons, more powerful than most countries today. Unlike governments, these tycoons are providing a service that fundamentally ‘benefits’ the customer, returning high approval rating and cultivating an expanding constituents base.
The Catwalk The Catwalk, like the Procession, has a linear narrative illustrated by time and use of space. Unlike the Procession, the catwalk creates a hard divide between the performer and the audience. However, in doing so, dissemination is also hindered. This leaved the majority of the discussion in the hands of a passive audience.
The Salon Host of many political discussions in time, the salon creates a homogeneous field for discussion that obliterates hierarchy... until someone earns it. Performance becomes an act that is seeking attention and it in the nature of this arrangement to have constantly fluctuating performers.
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
EPIC THEATERS Estranging the Act Board 04
Print 24” x 36”
Venn Theater Similar to the bipolar theater, the Venn theater unifies four separate conversations by creating a unifying central ground for discussion. This zone is privileged to all four performances and by uniting them through conversation becomes the central stage of the space.
Artudian Theater Like other Epic theater directors, Antonin Artaud also aimed to reinforce the performance, However in his Manifesto: The Theater and its Double, Artaud explains the perfect theater for his performances. An open warehouse, a constantly changing stage and and audience that is asked to react to each conversational change
The question is: what would happen if we continue to allow the unmonitored collection of data? The US’s laissez-faire economic policies have allowed information to stay completely privatized, and now we have largely unregulated technological advancements that threaten the whole structure of our current economic system. Under this context, we propose a parliament that disbands existing notions of government, officially transferring the power to where it truly lies— in the private sector. The two bodies in question are the companies and their consumers. Consumers provide information and feedback that drive the economy but companies process the information to increase their power. The system in balanced through this market feedback, but representation of constituents becomes obsolete as companies retain private control of the data. This means that the parliament represents urban economies, but we redefine urbanity in terms of technological engagement, where soft infrastructures are prioritized over traditional built notions of a city.
Brechian Theater Epic theater aimed to highlight the modern idea that a performance was meant to be seen as such. This is highlighted by the performers’ distance from empathy the use of theater technology to highlight and amplify the performance and lastly the engagement with the audience by not providing stable conclusion and therefore creating a space for discussion.
Private Room The private room, a space for small secluded discussions is often seen as a space for performance.
Bipolar Theater The Bipolar theater challenges the number of conversations that can happen in theater space by introducing two separate stages. Both stages are equipped with lighting and acoustics to make the self sufficient, but they are bound together by a removed second audience. The second audience has full visual access to both performances and serves as the conversational glue between the two stages.
Piscatorian Theater Utilizing the Proscenium design to create a new theater type, the Piscatorian theater brings politics into a traditionally closed-off theater type. Piscator considered the theater to be a parliament and he achieved this by breaking the fourth wall by addressing straight on the performative qualities of theater. Through its presentation, it does not ask for empathy from the audience. Instead, it gives the audience a series of facts that are to be interpreted and discussed.
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02 | Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
ARISTOTELEAN THEATERS Empathy & Dissemination Board 05
Print 24” x 36”
Dome Based on Etienne-Louis Boullee’s Cenotaph for Newton, this theater typology favors the audience experience by completely removing the performer. The space utilizes the acoustic dome for projections, making it best for the dissemination of information, while abstracting the source.
Power is transferred according to the amount of information held. We envision that companies will rise by finding niche markets to collect information. At that point each seat in the parliament will be in control of each constituent in particular ways. We envision the structure of this parliament to transfer power between entities depending on the ‘value’ of the information depending on the issue at hand.
Traverse Theater The Traverse theater is a type commonly used in parliamentary design-- the most famous example being the British Parliament. In this theater type the central stage serves more as a bridge between opposing benches. It minimizers the buffer between performance and audience in order to increase debate in the hall.
The parliament will be host to forums that discuss issues and define governmental action all to have the maximum business development potential. Though business growth is the incentive drive of this parliament, data is what gives companies rights to incremental power. For example, lets imagine a scenario where a new disease is rapidly spreading worldwide. The forum to solve this problem by devising a vaccine that will protect those who can purchase the vaccine will be in question. The representatives will be organized hierarchically determined by the amount of relevant data they own. Companies with the most relevant information will serve as ‘speakers’, leading the conversations of the forums.
Shakespearean Theater The Shakespearean theater is a surrounded hall that subdivides the space into a series of hierarchies. Unlike the more egalitarian traditional theaters, the Shakespearean Theater subdivides the space through acoustic and visual accessibility.
The Ring A space of debacle the rink creates a small meeting area. The audience might gather around to see the confrontation, but there is a strong divide between performer and audience.
Roman Theater Similar to its Greek counter part, the Roman theater also aims to create the optimal vision and hearing for the audience in order to amplify engagement. However, the main difference can be seen in the increased buffer between performance and audience, which is blurred in the Greek Theater.
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Podium
TRADITIONAL PARLIAMENTS Common Typologies
This small platform used to be seen and heard by an audience is the most basic unit of theaters. The podium elevates, the speaker, highlights for focus, and amplifies acoustics to a surrounding audience. The separation between performer and audience is clear but engagement is easy to achieve at small scales. This type is common on the campaign trail.
Board 06
Print 24” x 36”
The parliament resides in a particular moment in time when the economy functions much like it still does today. The consumer works for pay and gains more purchasing power. Proscenium Theater
However with the introduction of automated robotic technology, the number of jobs for humans will rapidly become more specialized. First we will see an economy primed for people to have even more time to consume goods and services, however as jobs are lost to robots, we could enter a gray period in which there are too many humans and not enough consumers to keep the system growing in the same way. The parliament, to act in its best interest and maintain power, would redistribute wealth because ultimately its not about the money, knowledge is power.
The Proscenium theater aims to unify views and acoustics of a stage. The typology is very directional so the audience is very much in the hands of the performers. This theater highlights the fourth wall and works through communicating empathy through the performance. The proscenium theater and is a common parliamentary typology, seen often in totalitarian regimes. (ex. Russia)
Circus Maximus Another ancient Roman theater typology, the Circus Maximus elongates both the stage and the viewing area. The traditionally large scale of the Circus Maximus also makes it an ideal place for watching a performance rather than participating in congregational discussions. However unlike the Arena, the Circus Maximus is biased by hierarchies. For example, the two audience legs might have a more direct view of the stage, but the curving amphitheater favors conversational engagement with the performance. This hierarchy makes it a common type for parliamentary chambers. (ex. Australia)
Arena A design championed by the Roman Colosseum, the Arena is among the first Western theater typologies. Radially arrayed along a central stage, the Arena guarantees egalitarian views of the performance area. Due to its multi-directionality, this theater typology does not prioritize acoustics or favor discussion. Also the proportion of audience to performers is at its highest, creating an space best suited for viewing as opposed to participating. For this reason, very few countries have adopted the Arena’s circular typology for their parliament (ex. Senegal)
Greek Theater At the core of Greek politics, the amphitheater was particularly designed based on creating the optimal vision and hearing for the audience in order to amplify engagement. The typology’s roots are grounded on Plato’s Republic, making it one of the more common types of parliaments today (ex. France).
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02 | Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
DEMOCRATIC PIXEL GROUND Seats & Walls Board 07
Print 24” x 36” The Democratic Pixels can be arranged in different configurations to accommodate the representatives. Several Pixels can join together to form a bench or if a discussion pushes the limits of comfort, the Pixel can deploy a pneumatic seat. The ergonomic pneumatic seat conforms to the body of the representative for optimal coziness. The Pixel can also deploy half-height walls. These barriers allow smaller discussions to take place within an existing chamber or also provide a backdrop that amplifies the performance.
Inflatable Wall Type
Welded Seam Type
Standing at 0.5 m, it is ideal in establishing immediate barriers between representatives if needed. Also if required, a series of these can formulate an internal conference space
A hybrid of a stitched seam, chemically welded seam, and a vinyl infused polyester is used in order to eliminate any air leakage
Inflatable
Vinyl Infused Polyester
Inflatable Seating Type Designed to take up to 90% of the pixel surface area. Each panel is designed for it the resulting form to ergonomically conform to the representative’s body
Inflatable Handles When the inflatables are deployed the handle bars will act as an anchor for the PVC tube to provide a formal structure
Pneumatic PVC Pipes Each inflatable has a built-in PVC tube that allows for the air compressor to push air into the inflatable. Being extremely flexible, it is able to sqeeze through the groove without any damage and is used to maintain the rigidity of the form of the inflatable
Inflatable Seams A hybrid of a stitched seam, chemically welded seam, and a vinyl infused polyester is used in order to eliminate any air leakage
Inflatable Panels Each inflatable consists of several unique panels that is specific to a form necessary for performance and comfortability
Inflatable Rollers When the inflatable is being activated or deactivated, the rollers will be able to provide guidance without causing unusual creases
Air Pipes & Vaulves Pipes that are directly connected to the air compressor and feeding into each of the four (4) inflatables
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Stitch Seam
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
DEMOCRATIC PIXEL CEILING Floating Acoustical Shells & Digital Screens Board 08
Inflatable Handles
Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type
When the inflatables are deployed the handle bars will act as an anchor for the projector to hang from. But it will also hold the PVC tube to provide a formal structure
The acoustical shell is designed to enhance the quality and range of the speaker towards the audience. In order to accompany those in the blind spots, a built in projector can be used to project onto other inflatables
Print 24” x 36” 360° Projector
In order to compensate for those who lie in the blind zones, a built in projector will either: provide a projection of the speaker on other inflatables, or it will be used to signify any information or alerts
The Democratic Pixel is mechanism that constructs proper visual and acoustical environments for political discussions. Hovering pneumatic acoustic shells adapt to the different configurations of the chambers to provide an homogeneous distribution of sound. Each Pixel includes two types of acoustic cushions. One utilizes its geometry to function as a passive acoustical shell while the other amplifies the sound through electrical means. Each type is deployed according to the chambers configuration. The cushions also include a panoramic projector built inside of the pneumatic shells. The projectors can operate at the scale of the Pixel, as individual screens for the representatives, or collectively, joining to construct massive displays.
Tension Cable An internal tension cable is used within the inflatable to provide the concave form for the best acoustic distribution to the spectators
Inflatable Panels Each inflatable consists of several unique panels that is specific to a form necessary for performance and comfortability
Inflatable Canopy Type This particular type allows the ability to expand the range of the Acoustical Shell Type or to essentially become an immediate roof if desired
Pneumatic PVC Pipes Each inflatable has a built-in PVC tube that allows for the air compressor to push air into the inflatable. Being extremely flexible, it is able to sqeeze through the groove without any damage and is used to maintain the rigidity of the form of the inflatable
Tension Cable Attached directly to the inflatable and the PVC air hose to support the form of the form of the inflatable
Inflatable Handles When the inflatables are deployed the handle bars will act as an anchor for the projector to hang from. But it will also hold the PVC tube to provide a formal structure
360° Projector
In order to compensate for those who lie in the blind zones, a built in projector will either: provide a projection of the speaker on other inflatables, or it will be used to signify any information or alerts
Inflatable Panels Each inflatable consists of several unique panels that is specific to a form necessary for performance and comfortability
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02 | Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
DEMOCRATIC PIXEL PLAN Technical Services Board 09
Print 24” x 36”
Inflatable Handles
The Democratic Pixel is a piece of technology at the representative’s service whose purpose is to receive and disseminate information through multiple media. It includes a built-in tablet, microphones, electrical outlets, and various lighting fixtures. It stages the presence of the representative occupying the Pixel and enhances the performance of the speaker(s) on stage. The Democratic Pixel includes a perimeter LED fixture that illuminates and draws attention towards the representative addressing the audience. When the pixel is part of a podium, the LED fixtures operate as stage lightings, spotlighting the speaker and adding to the performance’s atmosphere.
KYDEX Thermoplastic Roll-Top Cover
Handles that provide support for the inflatables and weight
150 mm Digital Touch Screen Monitor
Protects digital screen from damage when pixel acts as a circulation sequence
LED Lighting Strips
Each pixel has a digital monitor installed to provide visual feed of the speaker or a or of information that is being disseminated
Located on the perimeter grooves of the pixel where the Inflatables reside, it allows the opportunity to deploy light through the Wall Type and Seating Type Inflatables
LED Light Sheet Panel Being a performative parliament, Lighting floor allow the opportunity to coordinate/choreograph/ communicate primarily on the stage
Inflatable Canopy Type An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Canopy Types that can elevate up to 3.0 m. This particular type allows the ability to expand the range of the Acoustical Shell Type
Dual Air Compressors (2) Air compressor that is designed to operate two (2) separate air pipes that feeds into the each of the four (4) inflatable types
Inflatable Wall Type An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Wall Types that stands at 0.5 m
Air Pipes & Vaulves Pipes that are directly connected to the air compressor and feeding into each of the four (4) inflatables
Built-in Microphone Inflatable Seating Type
Electric Outlet & USB Port
An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Seat Types allowing for a mulidirectional placement
Available to the user for any protable device he/she may have
Power Supply Device (2) Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type
Each pixel stores two power sources that powers all electrical components withing the Technology Cabinet
An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type that can elevate up to 3.0 m. The acoustical shell enhances the quality and range of the speaker towards the audience
Junction Box (2) Located on the four corners of the pixel where all electrical wire run through
Non-operable Panels Panels are not operable since they store equipment necessary to activate technology devices and inflatables
1.00 m
Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type that can elevate up to 3.0 m. The acoustical shell enhances the quality and range of the speaker towards the audience.
Inflatable Canopy Type
Inflatable Wall Type
An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Canopy Types that can elevate up to 3.0 m. This particular type allows the ability to expand the range of the Acoustical Shell Type
An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Wall Types that stands at 0.5 m
Inflatable Seating Type An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Seat Types allowing for a mulidirectional placement
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
DEMOCRATIC PIXEL SECTION Personal Services
Tension Cable
LED Light Sheet Panel
Board 10
Attached directly to the inflatable and the PVC air hose to support the form
Print 24” x 36” The Democratic Pixel contains a storage units for all personal items that a representative needs to endure a parliamentary session of extended length. Cabinets including water, food, silverware, clothing storage and shoe storage are located below the pixel the representative occupies. Depending on the representative’s status, he or she may have access to other storage units easily attainable in adjacent pixels.
Being a performative parliament, Lighting floor allow the opportunity to coordinate/choreograph/ communicate primarily on the stage
KYDEX Thermoplastic Roll-Top Cover
150 mm Digital Touch Screen Monitor
KYDEX Thermoplastic
Protects digital screen from damage when pixel acts as a circulation sequence
Each pixel has a digital monitor installed to provide visual feed of the speaker or a or of information that is being disseminated
Kydex Thermoplastic is used as this is an extremely durable material that can take on several moverments and loads at a time
Inflatable Rollers When the inflatable is being activated or deactivated, the rollers will be able to provide guidance without causing unusual creases
Directional Light
Technology Cabinet
A directional/spotlight is implemented on the perimeter of the pixel primarily for the representatives on stage
Houses all technological components necessary in operating the activating and deploying the inflatables and digital devices and lighting devices - Two (2) Air compressors - Electrical Outlets - Directional lighting - Touch screen monitor - Built in microphone - LED floor panels - Pneumatic Tubes - Digital Touch Screen
20°
20°
Carbon Steel Honed Tube Stages Each pixel includes a hydraulic that telescopes in three (3) phases
Personal Cabinet The pixel services the individual with an personal needs including food and H2O. Additional space is provided for any lon g term storage
Air Chamber
- Food - H20 - Storage for shoes - Silverware - Clothing Storage
Space created to allow pressur e to build up when air is deployed
Elongated Hydraulic Cap Oddly elongated in order to provide enough surface area for the personal cabinet to attach to
Seals Prevents air leaks between telescopes to maximize air flow through its designated paths
Inflatable when not in use The inflatable simply drapes along the perimeter of the pixel in order for ease of air to flow through and inflate
Carbon Steel Honed Tube Stages Each pixel includes a hydraulic that telescopes in three (3) phases
Air Chamber Space created to allow pressure to build up when air is deployed
Ground Level
Phase 02 +5.00 m (+1.75m)
Phase 01 + 3.25 m (+1.75 m)
+1.75 m
Initial State +1.50 m +1.75 m +1.75 m
+1.5 m
Dual Configuration with Desk
Standard Dual Configuration
An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type that can elevate up to 3.0 m. The acoustical shell enhances the quality and range of the speaker towards the audience.
An individual pixel holds up to four (4) Inflatable Acoustical Shell Type that can elevate up to 3.0 m. The acoustical shell enhances the quality and range of the speaker towards the audience.
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+1.5 m
+1.5 m
02 | Parliament for a Spectacular Democracy
Democratic Pixel Model
Democratic Pixels | InďŹ nite Mirror Box
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
DEMOCRATIC PIXEL SECTION Personal Services In collaboration with Urtzi Grau for the Seoul Biennale 2017 As part of exploring how to incorporate non-humans into the political representation, the machine that allow autonomous vehicles to operate were analyzed. Autonomous vehicles uses a device that constructs the world in which it is driving through as point clouds; a self generated model that allows the vehicle to understand the obstacles that it is encountering every second. A LIDAR machine was used to generate the urban landscape of Seoul. But it was also important to explore other techniques that the LIDAR could not reproduce. A technique of capturing several images that generates a point cloud model was also used to generate the urban landscape of Seoul, South Korea.
Studio Portrait using LIDAR
Gangnam Agisoft Software
Gangnam Agisoft Software
Bukchon Hanok Village Agisoft Software
Bukchon Hanok Village Agisoft Software
Dongdaemun Agisoft Software
Dongdaemun Agisoft Software
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Rice University
Academic Work
+
Spring 2016
03 Professor Location Program Semester
Unification of the Disjunction Daisy Ames Houston, TX Urban Housing Development Spring 2016
Houston has become a patchwork of several autonomous parts that has created an unidentifiable and in-embraceable whole. Highways and other vehicular infrastructure are leading causes for the division of the city, however, a condition in which there are no zoning codes leaves Houston vulnerable to solely self-satisfying needs. Therefore, this logic of disjunction is placed within the site of the Conti development in order to investigate the need to unify these distinct parts. Within the Conti site rests several distinct infrastructural networks existing simultaneously amongst each other. These various networks ranges from railway, pedestrian, bicycle, and drainage networks that exists simultaneously although being distinctly different. This simple observation of simultaneity leads to the proposal of how infrastructure can be seen not as a divider, but a way of unifying the parts into an identifiable whole.
03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
Masterplan | Site Plan
Masterplan | Type Plan
Masterplan | Ground Plan
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
Spine-to-Building Relationship | View 01
Cross Section
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Spine-to-Building Relationship | View 02
Longitudinal Section
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03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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03 | UniďŹ cation of the Disjunction
- 58 -
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
- 59 -
University of Cincinnati
Academic Work
+
Fall 2014
04 Professor Location Program Semester
Tectonic Experience Whitney Hamaker -Pool House Summer 2013 Located at the apex of a hill, inspiration was drawn from the movements of converging and plate tectonics to form the architecture of the pool house. By understanding the characteristics of the movements of involved in plate tectonics, an architecture was developed as if it was built from within the hill as opposed to the general conception of digging in to the hill. The role of the diverging plates comes into play where these two plates are moving away from each other to reveal this body of water from beneath the surface. The role of the converging plates comes into play where it is as if the plates are colliding into each other to create these rubbles and cliff-like elements. These rubbles and cliff-like elements becomes features that visitors can physically interact with.
04 | Tectonic Experience
Converging Plates Figure 01 - 03
The role of the converging plates comes into play where it is as if the plates are colliding into each other to create these rubbles and clif f-like elements. These rubbles and cliff-like elements becomes features that visitors can physically interact with.
Conceptual Sketches
01
02
03
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Diverging Plates Figure 04 - 06
The role of the diverging plates comes into play where the two plates move away from each other to reveal this body of water from beneath the surface.
Conceptual Sketches
04
05
06
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04 | Tectonic Experience
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Converging Tectonic
Diverging Tectonic
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04 | Tectonic Experience
Balc o n y Ac c es s
Mid - Leve l
Rin s in g Show ers
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Entry
Chan g i n g Ro om s
Smal l Poo l
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04 | Tectonic Experience
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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04 | Tectonic Experience
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
- 71 -
University of Cincinnati
Academic Work
+
Fall 2014
05 Professor Location Program Semester
International Studies Center at Cincinnati Jeff Kock Cincinnati, OH Institution Spring 2014 The program called for a center for 30 international students per semester. As students coming from across the world to collaborate to give new insights into contemporary issues, the fellows should be given a presence within the community to value and recognize their work. Therefore in order to establish that presence, the resident housings for the fellows and market housing were raised through the concept of a podium. This podium transformed into a force that intrudes into the private programs to establish a space speciďŹ c for the semi-public spaces. To distinguish between the market housing building and the fellows insitute, the same language of the force intruding into the private spaces was utilized, but interpreted differently. As the force intruded into the private programs in the fellow’s institute, the force was interpreted to highlight the circulation of the housing building creating an atrium that is exposed to the Calhoun side.
05 | International Studies Center at Cincinnati
SITE ANALYSIS Visibility Analysis
02m Above Ground
05m Above Ground
10m Above Ground
15m Above Ground
20m Above Ground
25m Above Ground
30m Above Ground
35m Above Ground
40m Above Ground
With a change in elevation of 35 ft from the north part of the site to the south, analysis of what height needed to be achieved in order to have a visual connection with the signiďŹ cant views around the site was made. After collecting data, a clear understanding could be made about how the landscape and the surrounding building effects the view of the University of Cincinnati and the Downtown skyline.
Downtown Visible Blocked
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Summer
Autumn/Spring
- 75 -
Winter
05 | International Studies Center at Cincinnati
PRIVATE PROGRAMS Private Programs are arranged according to the Fellows Housing and Market Housing
a
a.1
PODIUM To achieve a presence for the fellows, a podium consisting of semi-public and public programs is developed
b
b.1
INTRUSION To distinguish between public and semipublic programs, the podium intrudes into the private programs to create a podium consisting only of public spaces
c
c.1
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Massing Iterations
Iteration 01
Iteration 02
Iteration 03
Iteration 04
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05 | International Studies Center at Cincinnati
OPERABLE METAL FACADE
Operable Metal Facade [Before]
OPERABLE METAL FACADE [After]
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Floor Finish
Corrugated Metal Slab
Floor Joists
Ceiling
18� Columns
Spandrels
Mullions
Metal Railings
Perforated Panels
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05 | International Studies Center at Cincinnati
BALCONY METAL FACADE
Balcony Facade Iterations
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Floor Finish
Corrugated Metal Slab
Floor Joists Balcony Floor
18� Columns
Curtain Wall Metal Studs Spandrels Metal Railings Perforated Panels
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05 | International Studies Center at Cincinnati
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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05 | International Studies Center at Cincinnati
- 84 -
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
- 85 -
University of Cincinnati
Academic Work
+
Fall 2014
06 Professor Location Program Semester
Micro-Urban Tower Gerald Larson Chicago, Il Mixed-Use High Rise Fall 2014 The site is located on the west end of the East Water Street Axis with Trump Tower terminating it on the West end of the axis. The current state of the site is a disappointing moment in that people do not fully occupy or use the space despite the vastness of space. Therefore a new skyscraper is proposed that will terminate the axis from both ends in order to create this formal language between the two towers. However, by creating a skyscraper as tall Trump Tower (1200 ft), it is rather more intimidating than inviting. Therefore, the idea of a micro-urban space is introduced to develop a sense of human scale. In this case, the micro-urban space means extracting the experience of being in the city and converging it all into this single site. With micro-urbanism being the driving force of the ground level buildings of the site, this compacted urbanism continues into and up through the tower to develop a “vertical street” that unifies the various programs of the tower (Office, Residential, Hotel, and Public Amenities). Also, being an enclosed space that strives to be the experience of still being a part of the surrounding urban context, the experience provokes a night life experience with many entertaining programs filling the space.
06 | Micro-Urban Tower
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
Aerodynamic
Hierarchy
Rotate
Functional Wind Element
Axis
Paths
Elevate & Voids
Retail Pavilions
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06 | Micro-Urban Tower
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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06 | Micro-Urban Tower
+30 Pathway Lvl Office Lobby Commercial Lobby
Hotel
Retail Pavilions
Roof Terrace
Ground Lvl
Residential Lobby
Residential
Hotel Lobby Retail Pavilions
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Concourse
Office
Vertical Street
Public Amenities
Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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06 | Micro-Urban Tower
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
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Spring 2017 + Academic Work
MODERN ART MUSEUM Tadao Ando
Rice University
Fort Worth, TX 2002
07 Professor Program Semester
Architectural Representation Daisy Ames Representation Spring 2017
Architectural representation can be understood as interpreting a narrative that conveys a story about a building or even the architect’s intention on the design. Using the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth by Tadao Ando as a compositional focus by exploring the drawing techniques of Rem Koolhaas, Thom Mayne, Zaha Hadid, and Vittorio Aureli. Through each of the architect’s own drawing techniques, what other information, story, or narrative can it convey about the museum by Tadao Ando?
07 | Architectural Representation
MUTE Inspired by Rem Koolhaas Board 01
Print 22” x 22”
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
LAYERS & SYSTEMS Inspired by Thom Mayne Board 02
Print 22” x 22”
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07 | Architectural Representation
DYNAMISM Inspired by Zaha Hadid Board 03
Print 22” x 22”
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Selected Works 2013 - 2017
THREE LINE TYPES Inspired by Vittorio Aureli - Exhibited at the Biennial 600: Architecture Board 04
Print 22” x 22”
- 101 -
University of Cincinnati
+
Rice University
Yu Kono
p :: 859 327 6552 e :: yurkono@gmail.com
Academic Graduate + Undergraduate Works 2013
+
2017