I want to thank Prof. Mpho Matsipa, Prof. Cole Roskam, Mr Eric Bunge, Ms. Miho Hirabayashi, Mr. Holger Kehne, Prof. Andrea Pinochet, Mr Oscar Y T Ko, Prof. Thomas Tsang, Prof. Géraldine Borio, Prof. Wallace P H Chang, Prof. William Tam, Prof. W S Wong, Prof. Olivier Ottevaere, Ms Grace Alli, Ms Lam See Ching, Sharon, Ms Li Yin, Ms Zhang Jiaqi, Iris, Marly and Ms Wang Aiyu, Samantha. They are my tutors and friends who have been helping and encouraging me during my exploration at the University of Hong Kong. The works cannot be done without their sincere supports.
ARCHITECTURE AS A JOINT
The field station will connect people, history, culture and nature together.
WUI STATION
YEAR: 2020
LOCATION: SHEUNG WO HANG, HONG KONG
THEME: FIELD STATION, DESIGN
CATEGORY: INDIVIDUAL WORK, ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: ANDREA PINOCHET
As a traditional Ha Ka Village , Sheung Wo Hang situates in the remote northern part of Hong Kong. This scattered village is surrounded by forests , which were thought to be the natural protection for the residents. Years ago, the villagers discovered a quarry field in the woods. However, the extraction of stones had caused too much pollution on the site, and it was finally stopped by the government. After that, the forests have been restored
To introduce these environmental events and encourage the connections of people with the forests, 回舍 Wui Station is designed. The station will locate in the original quarry zone, as a complex of an exhibition chamber, an open platform and rooms , to welcome studies of the site . In terms of form, the symbolic translation of Wui Station is derived from the context and ideas of spatial connectivity . Furthermore, natural materials such as waterproof paper and wood will be employed to echo the green environment
FORESTS & ACTIVITIES
Irreversible artificial changes have been made to Sheung Wo Hang forests.
INTERPRETATION, SPACE & DYNAMISM
STRUCTURE OF JOINTS
To lower the constructional effects towards the natural environment, manual construction and local materials such as paper and timber are applied. And with the considerations of structural support and user safety, concrete and glass are used.
ACTIVITIES, INTERACTIONS & SEPARATIONS
The station is divided into functional zones by floors with a centralised circulation core. They are further separated by partitions and panels for various events. Meanwhile, the translucent frames and flexible folding screens will create different connective experiences for the users with the external natural environment.
SECTION BB’
ARCHITECTURE AS A PATCHWORK
The new public housing will work as a patchwork to encourage social interactions and communal connections while handling the problems of sustainability and efficiency.
YEAR: 2020
LOCATION: JAKARTA, INDONESIA
THEME: PUBLIC HOUSING, DESIGN
CATEGORY: INDIVIDUAL WORK, ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: HOLGER KEHNE
A sustainable mid-rise affordable housing is designed for developing countries like Indonesia. The public apartments will provide the residents with desirable living conditions , which include flexible and organised space , and help them improve the living quality
First and foremost, elementary units and standard modules , which fulfil the core living needs of people , are designed with the considerations of different family scales . Then, the elevated woven structures , formed by the resilient configurations of housing blocks, will responsively create and divide spaces and zones for different uses and activities. The structures will also become adaptive “patches” to help reshape and redefine the community . The new pattern would further connect areas of the district to encourage more social interactions . Other details like the use of local materials - bamboo and wood , the design of green roofs and the applications of prefabrication are also made to further enhance the sustainability of the apartments.
rationale
“full and partial extension” “shift of space”
“number/area of overlap” “number/area of gap” “location of the overlap and the gap”
“pixelation”
“summary of weaving methods” “plan and section”
ORIGINAL PATTERNS ADAPTIVE TRANSFORMATIONS
“plain weaving”
“twin weaving”
“basket weaving”
“satin weaving”
DYNAMIC BLOCKS
General housing prototypes are designed to satisfy the basic living requirements with a higher standard of living quality for Jarkata residents.
The research on human activities and social scales initiates the design of elementary units, which would be further configured to adapt to family growth and expansion. The flexibility of changes enhances the sustainability of the housing.
Responsive designs to the tropical weather and living cultures are also made. For instance, to improve the overall interior ventilation, a lot of openings and bamboo louvers are added.
Besides, to strengthen the communal bondings of with sufficient connective space and public space for gatherings and circulations, dynamic configurations of units and modules are made.
CONFIGURATIONS, SPACE & COMMUNITY
RAISED STRUCTURE
The apartment is elevated to create more covered public space for social activities while lowering the effects brought by flooding, which usually happens in cities like Jarkata.
ARCHITECTURE AS A PENETRATION
The proposed brick wall will pass through the whole historical district to re-establish the connections of the local architecture to the history, the cultures and the communities.
BRICK THE WALL 03
YEAR: 2018
LOCATION: TILANQIAO, SHANGHAI
THEME: REVITALIZATION, DESIGN
CATEGORY: COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH SHARON, LAM SEE CHING (50:50), ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: OSCAR Y T KO
Shanghai government has decided to revitalize the Tilanqiao district , where several Jewish settlements and traditional Longtangs “弄堂” (characteristic Shanghai communities which centre on interconnected lanes) locate. However, instead of conserving the historical elements and improving the architectural quality , the government only retrofitted the old facades with face bricks or concrete “bricks”.
To reveal the true Tilanqiao and enhance the living quality of the residents, a continuous wall , which weaves through the whole district , is designed. The wall, constructed by recycled local bricks , will guide the visitors to travel around the site and show them the historical architectures and vivd living cultures of Tilanqiao . Meanwhile, the wall will penetrate the site to open up more communal spaces for daily uses . Furthermore, the changing form of wall will solve the existing problems of insufficient lighting and poor ventilation It is hoped that, the history, culture and architecture of Tilanqiao could be conserved in a more lively, interactive and beneficial way.
MATERIAL
Bricks record the architectural history of Tilanqiao.
PERCEPTION OF MATERIALS
Since the constructions, the repairs and the retrofits of Tilanqiao’s walls are mostly random, except for the official renovations, various architectural styles and traces of use could be observed.
EXISTING WALLS, COMMUNITY, CULTURE & HISTORY
The walls in Lilongs have diverse construction styles with various architectural developments recorded. Therefore, with the guide of Continuous Brick Wall, the public can learn more about Tilanqiao.
BRICK THE WALL
Better ventilation & lighting (open)
Better ventilation & lighting (private)
Framing of views
e.g. Semi-open kitchen
e.g. Public dinning area
e.g. Private dinning area with kitchen
PROPOSED WALL & ACTIVITIES
THE WOVEN BRICK WALL & INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES
ARCHITECTURE FOR ADDICTION
Reactive Sober Walls address the pressing issue of drug addiction within communities like Delray Beach by proposing innovative architectural solutions integrated within Sober Homes. These homes, while intended to provide a drug-free environment, often lack regulation, leading to exploitation and tragic consequences, as evidenced by the case of Alison’s death in 2016.
REACTIVE SOBER WALLS
YEAR: 2024
LOCATION: DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA
THEME: DAMAGE CONTROL
CATEGORY: INDIVIDUAL WORK, ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: GRACE ALLI
The project aims to leverage architectural design to mitigate such risks and foster a supportive environment for recovery . It introduces two reactive wall systems:
1.Overdose Reactive Walls: Equipped with bio-sensors under the mattress, these walls detect abnormal activities indicative of an overdose. Upon detection, the bed moves to the exterior, partitions enclose the space, and Narcan is sprayed to alleviate the overdose while notifying emergency services.
2.Emotion Reactive Walls: Embedded within interior walls, these walls monitor patients’ emotional and physical states. When negative emotions or relapse indicators are detected, the walls reconfigure to facilitate peer support and communication, with responsive panels, foldable benches and calming blue lighting.
By seamlessly integrating these systems into existing infrastructure , the project seeks to maintain the comforting atmosphere of Sober Homes while proactively addressing the challenges of relapses and overdoses. Ultimately, Reactive Sober Walls aim to transform these spaces into healing environments that promote recovery and community connection.
EXPLODED REACTIVE SOBER WALLS
INTEGRATION OF RESPONSIVE SOBER WALLS
OVERDOSE WALL
/EMOTIONAL DETECTION /PHYSICAL DETECTION
DETECTIONS OF RESPONSIVE WALLS
ARCHITECTURE FOR RESPIRATION
Air, as a shared resource for humanity, supports humans’ survival through the operation of lungs. However, in the 21st century, breathing has become a severe challenge because of global pollution and pandemic threats. Pollutants accumulate within people’s lungs over time, gradually erode the respiratory system, making it more and more vulnerable.
THE FILTRATION STATION BREATHING BUBBLES
YEAR: 2023
LOCATION: HARLEM, NEW YORK
THEME: AIR STATIONS, DESIGN
CATEGORY: INDIVIDUAL WORK, ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: MPHO MATSIPA
Ideally, people could live in a green, and preferably open environment. But with the ongoing development of densely populated cities and the relentless pace of industrial production , a favorable living environment has become a dream for most humans. When it comes to Harlem, the cars, buses, and trucks there emit large amounts of exhaust , filling the air with PM2.5 which enters people’s lungs, causing irritation . However, being a generally low-income community , Harlem people often lack the financial support and access to healthcare, leading to increased mortality rate compared with other communities.
Therefore, the interventions , Breathing Bubbles , are designed. These Bubbles, constructed from algae-infused plastic cells , the containing algae solution would absorb the CO 2 and PM2.5 particles in the air. Ultimately, this intervention aims to erase the segregation between the different districts and create a more inclusive and accessible space for people who all seek clean air and open space. And the Bubbles would continue to grow and float around, attach to other areas in need.
HARLEM WITH BREATHING BUBBLES
BREATHING BUBBLES WITH POLLUTED BUS DEPOT
The polluted air would be drawn into the cell through pumping pipes embedded in the structure. Through photosynthesis, the algae would transform the polluted air into clean oxygen.
The purified air from the cell can either be collected into air bottles for use or directly released within the Bubbles for public breathing.
The Bubbles serve to gradually dissolve the Bus Depot and become a Breathing Station, which also introduces new programs such as Algae Growing, Planting and Playground and most importantly, provides fresh air to people.
As the Bubbles grow, the rooftop of the depot would be transformed into a Green Park which welcomes students and families, who live and study next to the depot.
LIVING WEB
YEAR: 2024
LOCATION: HARLEM, NEW YORK
THEME: AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CATEGORY: COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH YUNHAO ZHONG, ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: ERIC BUNGE
Our design envisions a connected community inspired by the symbiosis of nature , where buildings, like trees, foster interaction and growth . The vertical core acts as a tree trunk , with branching connectors replacing isolating corridors to create open, interactive spaces . These connectors encourage social interaction, transforming circulation into meaningful experiences. Residents can enjoy shared activities in vibrant communal spaces while connecting with neighbors and nature. This design mirrors the Wood Web , a dynamic network of mutual support , emphasizing harmony between people, architecture, and the environment - creating a thriving communal system of interaction and connection.
The design focuses on housing as an armature to catalyze life within the neighborhood. In this project, the entire housing system becomes a grand theater . Large portals draw in the surrounding flow of people, transforming the space into a vibrant hub for social interaction. Within, connectors of varying heights and types weave through the spaces, unfolding the internal circulation outward to create dynamic, multi-angled pathways that encourage outdoor activities. These diverse connectors provide unique experiences, fostering varied forms of social interaction and lifestyles. The entire structure serves as a stage where life unfolds, emphasizing a multidimensional, symbiotic relationship that brings everyday living into dramatic expression
ARCHITECTURE AS A LIVING ORGANIC NETWORK
1. TOP DOWN PERSPECTIVE 2. EAST VIEW
VIEW
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
42 TUNG ST.
YEAR: 2022
SIZE: 1,820 SQM
LOCATION: SHEUNG WAN, HONG KONG
THEME: RESIDENTIAL TOWER, INTERIOR DESIGN
CATEGORY: PROJECT COORDINATION, YEAR OUT
Dark and light contrast of the architecture is continued in the interior space, with special private lobby, kitchen, bathroom, and clubhouse linked together with a dark bronze accent in an otherwise light context of beige stone and desaturated wood.
SHENZHEN BAY CULTURAL
PLAZA
YEAR: 2021-2022
SIZE: 166,250 SQM
LOCATION: SHENZHEN, CHINA
THEME: COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CATEGORY: MASSING DESIGN & FACADE, YEAR OUT
The design is to use interactive clusters to stitch the surrounding urban fabric and pocket lands back together while connecting the public spaces, landmarks, people and culture.
INHABITABLE TERRITORIES
YEAR: 2019
LOCATION: NAKSAN, SEOUL
THEME: RESEARCH, SEOUL BIENNALE
CATEGORY: COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH WANG AIYU, SAMANTHA (50:50), ACADEMIC PROJECT
TUTOR: GÉRALDINE BORIO
The Seoul government has tried to redevelop Naksan, one of the inner mountains of Seoul, by restoring its historical Fortress Wall and installing new public facilities. And with the help of the local residents, which is the adaptive use of the official facilities, a comprehensive and organic district system is formed.
Visual interpretations were developed based on the studies of Paulo Mendes’ project, the Saint Peter Chapel (1987). It is believed that the reflective world, formed by light, shadow and imagination, is an extension of the physical world. With reflective material, the two worlds overlap and react with each other.
