2021-2023
Architecture
portfolio.
Yukun Liu
YUKUN LIU About Me
Experience Date of Birth
05-24-2001
Nationality
Chinese
Designer Assistant
Jun 2023 - Present Fuzhou Huilong Construction Engineering Management Co.
Designer Assistant
Language
Chinese, English
Jun 2022 - Sep 2022 Fujian Fuda Architectural Planning and Design Research Institute Co.
Intern Architect
liuyk2022@126.com
Jun 2021- Aug 2021 Fujian Electromechanical Coastal Architecture Design and Research Institute Co.
Intern Architect
Education Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Architecture (Class 2:1)
Jan 2021- Feb 2021 Beijing Lantu Engineering Design Co. Fujian Branch
2021-2023 University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
Software skills
Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture
• AutoCAD • SketchUp • Rhinoceros • Grasshopper
2019-2021 Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
• Lumion • V-Ray • D5 Render • Enscape
• Photoshop • Illustration • InDesign • Premiere Pro
Selected Works
01 02 03 04 05 2
Exo-skyleton
P.3
The Oasis Next
P.8
Next-Gen Community Design
Post-Conflict Energy-Efficient Educational Facilities
What do we sleep for?
P.13 An Exploration of Sleep Philosophy Through the Lens of Space and Architecture
Flux Film School
P.16
Other Works
P.20
Innovative Education, Creative Insights in Cinematic Spaces
Projects in Interships and Work
01
Exo-skyleton
Next-Gen Community Design
London, UK | 2021-2022 | Individual Work | Personal Practice
With population growth and ecological imbalance becoming global challenges, the programme will design a future community for living, housing, working, culture, education, recreation and commerce within a limited site area. The site is on the south bank of the River Thames, across the river from the City of London. It is located in a residential area, adjacent to the commercial area. The project is designed to create substantial residential and office accommodation with a technological look and feel, whilst creating a beautiful new city skyline in harmony with the City of London. The project is based on Topology Optimisation design methodology. After several experiments using parametric calculations, towers were designed as way to realise the idea of Vertical Living.The project re-planned the internal roads. The planning is based on Frei Otto's Wool experiments, in a parametric way.
Site Analysis Surrounded by Tower Bridge Rd and Tooley St, it is a transport hub with an abundance of Tube stations, bus stops and nearby piers ensuring superior accessibility. Nestled amidst historical landmarks, the locale offers a mix of heritage and modernity with stunning views of the London skyline, delivering luxury, comfort, and a taste of London's rich history.
Replanning Following the selection of key internal transport connections, the community road plan was optimised by using wool experiment to optimise the connections to the control points. Combined with the design concept of the community and the chosen tower plan, the final choice was made to plan the community roadmap in the form of a Central Island.
A
Central Island
Radiation Distribution
Tower Settlement Setting the base variables combined with the distribution of roads from the wool experiments initially set the height and location of the tower so that the district could balance the renewal of the city skyline with better natural light gain.
B
Vertical Distribution
C
Circular Distribution
Masterplan Exhibition A
Pier
Exhibition B
Shopping Precinct A&B
Gymnasium A Stadium Gymnasium B
Recreation Room A
Shopping Precinct C
Recreation Room B
Cultural Center A
Cultural Center B
Theatre A
Theatre B
Cultural Center C
Tower Summary Exoskeleton Tower (E.T.) The principal structures are distributed on the exterior facade of the tower, with minor internal ancillary structures supporting the deck. Exterior Deck Tower (D.T.) Exterior decking to provide public space for activities or landscaping. Cenrtal Void Tower (V.T.) The central voids create attractive public spaces and a diversity of observation conditions. Twin Tower (T.T) The t win buildings create separate but connected architectural spaces through a mirror structure. 4
E.T.01
E.T.02
E.T.03
D.T.01
Topology Experiment
Structure Forming Process Topology Optimization Loads and Supports Setting
Topology Optimization Result
Mirror Result
Rebuild Structure
Interior Floors Slabs
The Tower design will use topology optimisation to construct the basic structure. Topology optimisation is a mathematical approach to optimisation and this design experiment determines the placement of materials in the design domain based on the specific target loads and boundary conditions in order to achieve optimum building load performance.
Final Result (E.T. 02)
Load Load-deck
Support Boundary
Main Districts The community has six districts: The cultural and artistic functions are located to the south-west to serve both the community and the surrounding area. The exhibition and commercial areas are located adjacent to the Thames River for visitors from the pier and to prevent excessive noise from affecting the residential and office areas. The sports area is provided for the daily physical fitness of the residents. The central island is provided as a multi-functional community centre.
200m
150m
100m
50m
D.T.02
V.T.01
V.T.02
T.T.01
0m
5
Functional Programme Circulation Main Circulation
200m
Secondary Circulation Private Circulation Public Circulation
150m
Function Zone Lobby Community Space
100m
Co-working Space Garden Office
50m
Commercial Apartment Hotel
0m
Integrated Community (V.T.02) A Main bedroom Big Size Apartment
Second bedroom Bathroom
B
Flat A
Flat B
Public area Laundry room Kitchen
Flat C
Living room
Flat D
Outdoor garden Small Size Apartment
C
Elevator
Plan of Mid Size Apartment (17th Floor)
D Mid Size Apartment
Mid Size Apartment Sky Garden
Nursing Home
E
Central Area
Nursing Home
Hotel
Nursery Gymnasium Reception
Central Area Shared Garden
Nursery
Integrated Community (D.T.01)
Hotel
Hotel Reception
Small Size Office Commercial Shell
Central Area
Big Size Office
Reception Exterior Deck
Shell Private Circulation
6
Public Circulation
Living Quartet: The Four Seasons
7
02
The Oasis Next
Post-Conflict Energy-Efficient Education Facilities
Ubari, Libya | 2022-2023 | Individual Work | Personal Practice
The project will use Ubari as a site case to design public care and education institutions for postconflict desert cities. Ubari is an oasis town in the Fezzan region of southwestern Libya. It is in the Idehan Ubari, a Libyan section of the Sahara Desert. Ubari has suffered from the effects of the conflict, which have had a great impact on the lives of the residents. At the same time, many school-age children are unable to get the education and shelter they deserve, which is a problem faced by many desert cities.
The design scheme endeavors to create an educational environment for pre-primary school children in the Mashru' region. It intends to address the climate challenges of a desert city. It also aims to reduce costs and provide energy for subsequent use through the use of local materials and resources. And create well-being for school children and the community while minimising the impact on nature.
UBARI Ubari is divided into four districts, most of which are lagging behind in development. The ravages of civil war and foreign invasion have left Ubari in a state of disarray, triggering population displacements and economic decline, as well as creating educational deficits for countless school-age children. This deficit is most evident in Mashru', indicating that the area is in urgent need of attention.
Summer Sunpath Winter Sunpath Summer Prevailing Winds Winter Prevailing Winds
Desert Building Agriculture
Sport and Recreation Health
Ubari experienced fierce fighting during the 2011 revolt.
More than 300 people died and more than 2,000 were injured during this period.
Most of the IDPs originating from Ubari municipality have started to return in the beginning of 2016.
Commercial Agriculture In all districts, the main reason for not attending school concerns the availability of teaching material.
Education Public Services 2021 saw a welcome period of relative peace and political stability.
Project Location
Primary Road Secondary Road Path Distance
A battle for Ubari erupted in September 2014, and raged until February 2016 ceasefire. Between 2014 and 2016, around 75% of its population have been displaced during its internal conflict.
There is since May 2018 a tendency of increase in the hosting of IDPs. And there are ONLY 3 public child care centers in Ubari.
Satellite Image
Status of Education
According to City profile of Ubari
9
Climate
Sustainability Strategy
Temperature
Precipitation
Climate Challenges
Sunpath
Windrose
There is a great dif ference in temperature between day and night, with highs reaching 45 degrees Celsius and the lows not dropping below 0 degrees Celsius. Being one of the driest regions in Libya, ubari receives almost no precipitation and below the Libyan average. Temperatures are horribly high at noon and in the afternoon, especially in summer. East and north-east winds prevail. There is a light breeze at times, but no strong winds.
Detail Section 0
25
50
75
100cm
1. Photovoltaics Panel 2. PV Panel Anchor Bolt 3. Lightweight Concrete Roof Deck 4. 150*150mm Timber Batten 5. 200*200mm Timber Joist 6. 200*200mm Timber Beam 7. 200*200mm Timber Column 8. Gusset Metal Framing Angle 9. Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam 10. Reinforcement 11. 400mm Rammed Earth Wall 12. Pre-fabricated Stone Window Uint 13. Steel Base Plate 14. Anchor Bolts 15. 150mm Concrete Floor Slab 16. Damp-proof Course 17. Damp-proof membrane 18. Crushed Stones 19. Reinforxed Concrete Footing 20. Gravel Base / Native Soil
Construction Details
1 2 3 4 5
PV Panel
6
Lightweight Concrte Roof Deck
7
Batten
8 9 10
Joist
11 Timber Support Frame
Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam
12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
10
Upper Floor
Timber Column Reinforced Rammed Earth Wall
Plan
J
A2
a'
a A1 A. Public Library A1. Ground Floor (Reading) A2. First Floor (Self-Study) B. Classroom C. Courtyard D. Integrated Activity Centre
E. Medical Room F. Staff Room G. Kitchen H. Service Room I. Toilet J. Activity Space
B
Local, Sustainable, and Functional The building endeavors to achieve thermal comfort and cross ventilation through its distinctive architectural form and the use of rammed earth walls. Each roof is equipped wi t h l a rg e - s c a l e p h o t ovo l t a i c p a n e l s , maximizing the conversion of natural light and reducing the dependence on artificial lighting. The building also features a variety of window designs that reduce the intensity of direct sunlight while providing visual connection between the interior and exterior spaces, igniting the curiosity of children and fostering their exploration of light and shadow. The use of louvered windows, predominantly, not only offers cost-effective solutions but also utilizes materials readily available in the local area.
C E
I
F
G
D
H
N
0
2
5
10m
West Elevation
South Elevation
Perspective Section a-a'
11
More Than a Preprimary School The facility will not only serve as a place for academic learning, but also as a sanctuary for play, reading, dining and rest for children. The facility equipped with basic medical amenities to cater to the needs of the community. The library, open to the public, offers ample opportunities for students to continue their education and reading over the weekends. Additionally, the project is aimed at generating employment opportunities for the local resident, which contributes to the local economic development. The second floor reading space provides an expansive and relatively private learning environment. The north side of the building houses a large playground equipped with recreational facilities and a designated planting area, fostering an appreciation for cultivation and the great outdoors.
The entrance has a definite directional character and leads into the large courtyard.
The integrated activity centre provides dining space, while it could provide a wide indoor space for activities. Behind the folding screens there is a shady indoor space for the children to take their lunch break.
Folding doors allow multifunctional classrooms to be connected. The openings in the rammed earth walls with light and shadow encourage children's desire to explore.
The public library has books for children to borrow and a pleasant environment for reading.
The courtyard, formed by the building enclosure, provides effective shade and creates a shaded and attractive space for children.
12
03
What do we sleep for?
An Exploration of Sleep Philosophy Through Space and Architecture
2023 | Individual Work | Personal Practice During my undergraduate studies, I realised that most architecture students and practitioners suffer from sleep problems. Even we have become accustomed to it. Sleep is considered to be an enabler of productivity rather than enjoyment of sleep itself. In order to achieve "reasonable sleep", we become anxious about sleep deprivation when we can't sleep and even need to take medication. So I started thinking about the meaning of sleep and realized that more and more people are defining sleep in a utilitarian way of thinking. Yet what has caused this trend in us?
How Did Sleep Habits Evolve?
Sleep Now
Mr Brown and Mr Parker have arrived and about to start a thought-provoking journey...
WHAT RULES?
Here there are forks in the road, a route with rules and a free route.
It looks like a very exciting place with a lot of interesting facilities.
And it looks like you can enter the tower and enjoy the view from the top.
1
But I don't like the feeling of being set up in this kind of routine. I'll choose this side.
The way to the high place should be this direction.
The whole amusement park seems to be centred around a huge tower.
2
While Mr Brown came to Sleep Odyssey...
When he has gone through a journey cycle...
Sometimes thrilling, like a dream.
AHH! MY HAT!!
This seems to show a countdown to reach the destination.
Chapter 1 Utilitarian
Welcome! Here you will enjoy a scientifically correct "sleeping journey".
Not Us It seems that we are not always really in charge in choosing our sleep. More and more people suffer from insomnia, and it's not just the immense stress that takes away the ability to fall asleep. Also, we don't have complete freedom over our sleep schedule and can even feel anxious about not getting enough sleep. We set sleep goals to be more efficient, but then give it up in order to strive for more free time. Is all this vicious cycle really just because we can't follow the rules and accomplish our goals?
What is the time flashing on these tunnels?
3
Social Driver
5
4
He found that the facilities mimic the cycles of "scientific sleep".
We are like products without self-awareness on the giant assembly line of society, with mechanized procedures pushing us forward step by step. In pursuit of greater effectiveness, we choose to conform to the rules, but we also give up our true nature. We treat sleep as a means of restoring our energy and enhancing our productivity. Most people get so caught up in it that they can't stop to think about what sleep really means to our existence. At first, we may feel relaxed and experience the pleasure of being pushed by society, but gradually we become squeezed and manipulated products, unable to make our own choices.
At the same time, there was someone who found a shortcut to get up there.
It is just like our daily sleep, it always feels like it takes a long time to fall asleep. And while indulging in dreamland we are urged to get up by the fast passing time.
Central Tower The center that the assembly line surrounds is the tower of power. Because the most direct path to the tower is to be integrated into the assembly line, people willingly throw themselves into it in pursuit of power and profit. Yet how is this not driven by the invisible tower?
So there's a shortcut! 6
7
Moving forward, Mr.Brown found...
At the next stop Mr Brown was faced with a strange shaped slide.
Let's explore!
My body changes postures with the slide's shape!
AHH! IT HURTS!
Of course, some abandoned this way.
I'm sick and tired of feeling arranged! I'm being transported and processed like an object, and it's like I'm not myself anymore.
Gosh! My body was squeezed by the shape of the slide, and it hurts because of the fabric rubbing!
Hey! It should be this way!
12
Mr Brown is getting suspicious too.
8
The whole conveyor belt seems to be powered by the centre tower and passed down by gears. We were moved forward automatically like items on an assembly line controlled by the central tower!
11
I'm almost at the top, but why am I feeling tired and jittery when I should be excited.
13
9
The whole journey was automatic, an invisible force kept pushing him forward.
14
This place runs like a giant factory. And I'm moving forward effortlessly.
Starting this cable car adventure was a blast! But as it got higher and higher, the uneasiness of hanging gradually filled me. Looking out from the inside of the cable car, I felt as if I were trapped in a cage. Can I quit now?
10
14
Things seem to be getting worse.
Mr Brown found that ultimately he would just keep revolving in a loop in the giant conveyor belt if he didn't find an exit.
Hey, why did you turn back?
This is already the highest point. And there's only one way to cycle on this conveyor belt except to get back to the origin.
We are all trapped in the great cycle of the "system" unless we find the way back. But the truth is, many of us are enjoying it. Enjoying the pleasure of being pushed by an external force to keep moving...
Well, it looks like we're stuck in this order.
15
16
He found his way back to the initial point, only to enter a new platform. He found that the one who chose the shortcut...
Was trapped inisde the glass room.
It seems that people who choose shortcuts don't get what they want and instead get stuck in suffocating situations.
Can anyone help me? Hey, what's up? I seem to be trapped, could you help me open it.
Finally he can't bear to live in the "system" and chose back to the beginning.
It's exhausting.
Sorry, I'm afraid I can't help it.It seems you can only go back the original way.
22
Looks like Mr Parker's chosen direction led to a free and happy place. 17
18
However, he was also trapped in a maze of glass rooms.
Finally he found his way back.
Seems like it would be very hard to escape the system even if one chose to do so.
21
I've reached here with great difficulty, do I really want to go back to the initial point?
19
If I could do it over again, would I really choose another way?
20
23
Mr Parker chose the less crowded path...
WHO RULES?
It seems that most people still follow the trend and choose the path of being ruled.
24
The long and lonely tunnel made him suspicious.
However, the scenery beckon him...
Then it came to where there was no route restriction.
Why is freedom so lonely?
Here I am!
25
Chapter 2 True Nature
26
27
Mr. Parker made a new friend here, someone who had escaped from the system.
Sleep is Sleep
Why did you turn here? I couldn't stand that way any longer.So I zip-lined here.
When going to sleep is simply a result of feeling tired, sleepy, or simply a desire for a peaceful sleep, we return to the true nature of sleep. However, very few people are able to leave behind the convenience of going with the flow, deviate from societal norms, and resolutely follow their heart's choice. Even fewer are able to rise to the top despite this disregard for societal rules. Sleep is just sleep and I am just me. How many people are able to stay true to their hearts in today's society?
Against the Flow Unlike social drives, when you choose to focus on natural drives, you lose the automatic forward movement that seems easier. Everything needs to be chosen and discovered by yourself, even the paths that are not clearly guided. However, you gain freedom, which comes at a heavy price. Some will fall prey to the temptation and choose to go with the flow, while there are numerous others who step out of the assembly line loop and choose to follow the path of nature. However, who can definitively say who is right and who is wrong?
28
They looked back and pondered the gains and losses.
What would you choose?
Despite having the freedom to walk around at will, the upper limit of height only seems to reach up to here.
But it's still good.
Self We deeply believe that when sleep is no longer utilitarian, people's health will improve and their minds will be at ease. Perhaps it is by choosing to forgo those fleeting pleasures of the high places that we have the opportunity to explore the joy and fulfillment within our own selves.
Indeed, it looks much more cosy here.
Contrary to those who were in the SYSTEM and could only have a partial view, this place seemed to have a much broader perspective.
Perhaps Mr Brown is standing at the top of the tower enjoying the best view...
29
30
15
04
Flux Film School
Innovative Education, Creative Insights in Cinematic Spaces
Liverpool, UK | 2023 | Individual Work | Academic Study
The design will create a new film school for the University of Liverpool at the junction of Oxford Street and Mulberry Street. The design aims to fulfil the required function whilst introducing an innovative concept of film teaching - learning about the making and shooting of films through the experience of being in the architectural space. Also, because cinema is a popular art, the building introduces a new educational method of public presentation of works, which can introduce multidisciplinary cooperation, public participation and cooperation with film companies through the rich social space and open cinema setting. Through the interesting design of the space, it is hoped that it can arouse students' interest and effectively utilise the space for collaborative discussions, creating more interesting inspirations.
Collaboration Encourage active collaboration among students, staff, and film professionals for interdisciplinary cooperation.
Inspiration Creating cinematic spaces that inspire students to draw inspiration from their spatial experiences.
Functionality Optimise space while meeting functional needs, with a balance of practicality and interest.
Social Hub Establish diverse social spaces to meet communication needs andspark collaborative creativity.
Community Engage the community in evaluating and enhancing student work, promoting community involvement.
Cinematic Space Analysis TECHNIQUE
FILM
Clients Analysis SPACE
Straightforward Sequential narrative with clear objectives
Diverse View Enriching narrative with varied views
Central Radiance Triggering diverse development from a core
Holism All aspects of the central event
Temporal-Spatial Enriching depth t h ro u g h v a r i e d dimensions
The Essence A gradual approach to explore deeper meanings
Inner Dissect A comprehensive, multi-angle in-depth exploration
Omniscient Understanding every aspect from a god's-eye
Detail-Centric In-depth investigation of event particulars
Step by Step Reveal completely different face sequentially
Obscured Things get ambiguous through a medium
Imagination Leaving room for infinite speculation by omitting event details
Eureka Moment Unexpected insight into the core
Tunnel Vision St u ck i n n a rrowe d view, unable to escape limited thinking
Design Approach SOCIAL CONDENSER Embedding a cylindrical space within the site to form a central hub t h a t a ct s as a so cia l condenser and enhances the richness of the space.
CENTRAL CIRCULATION Establishing an open flow between two entrances creates a central pathway. Strategically use the hub subtly divides functional areas visually and psychologically, directing the circulation of people.
VERTICAL JOURNEY East: The vertical circulation is facilitated by a double s t a i r c a s e . We s t : A n outdoor cantilevered corridor connects all floors, creating a spatial experience like a journey with rich scenarios.
CONNECT Bridges connect the massing, travelling through the central hub. It creates a variety of spaces for socialising, and provides a variety of viewing perspectives for the user.
ADAPT The massing was slightly adapted to the climate and surroundings. The roof of the eastern block is also used to create a garden terrace that echoes the surroundings.
17
Plan
Detail Section
1
Parapet Caping 2-ply Bitumen Waterproofing
Ground Floor
2
Double Glazing Acid-etched Glass 2 -ply 15mm Gypsum Fibreboard Waterproofing 300mm CLT Wall 100mm Rigid Foam Insulation
3
WPC Decking Chippings Protective Membrane 2- Ply Bitumen Waterproofing 200mm PUR Thermal Insulation Board Vapour Barrier 300 mm CLT Roof Slab Batten (fastened on spring clips) Ceiling Ventilation System Gypsum Fibreboard
4
Triple Glazing In Timberaluminium Window Frame Double Glazing Acid-etched Glass 400*400 mm Glulam Columns
5
Carpet 60mm Cement Subfloor 40mm Mineral Wool Impact Sound Insulation 300mm CLT Floor Slab Batten (fastened on spring clips) Ceiling Ventilation System Gypsum Fibreboard Acoustic Ceiling Panels For Cinema
First Floor
6
Second Floor
Perspective Section
18
By strategically placing the Creative Hub and the main corridors, the functional areas are ambiguously segregated. This ensures the most efficient circulation of different user groups without conflict. And an overhanging stair corridor, connecting the floors above ground, generates a convenient circulation while adding interest and interaction with the surroundings.
150*50mm Aluminum Facade ribs 30mm Aluminum Facade Cladding Water-resistive Barrier 2-ply 15mm Gypsum Fibreboard 400*400mm Glulam Columns Intersperesed With Mineral Wool Thermal Vapour Barrier 30mm Timber Wall Panel Acoustic Wall Panels For Cinema
The main structure is dominated by CLT floor slabs and glulam columns. The façade is also created through the use of transparent and translucent materials. Different degrees of softness of light and shadow can be formed to meet different needs while increasing the interest and sense of hierarchy of the space.
Exploded Diagram ROOF
(+12.70/13.50m) SECOND FLOOR
(+8.10m) 4. Toilet 8. PC Lab 26. Staff Office 27. Costume Studio 30. Leisure Garden
31. Lab 32. Open Plan Office 33. Staff Kitchenette 34. Headmaster's Office 35. Meeting Room
FIRST FLOOR
(+4.50m) 3. Lecture Theatre 4. Toilet 7. Creative Hub 12. Social Terrace 25. Seminar Room
26. Staff Office 27. Costume Studio 28. Costume Store 29. Inspiration Zone
GROUND FLOOR
(+0.00m) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Exhibition 9. Film Studio Reception & Office 10. Studio Control Room Lecture Theatre 11. Sound Control Room Toilet 12. Social Terrace Store 13. Kitchen Cinema 14. Ticket & Cafe Bar Creative Hub 15. Cafe PC Lab
LOWER GROUND FLOOR
(-3.60m) 4. Toilet 6. Cinema 9. Film Studio 16. Recording Control 17. Sound Recording 18. Photography Suite
19. Changing Room 20. Green Room 21. Film Archive 22. Equipment Store 23. Technician's Office 24. Film Workshop
ENTRANCE A. Main Entrance B. Cinema Entrance
C. Express Entrance
LEGEND Academic Social Film-making
Technical Service Administrative
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05
Other Works
Projects in Interships and Work
Fuzhou Senior High School Branch
Responsible for massing design, rendering for project bids Primary Section
Shared Space
Aerial View
Secondary Section
Perspective of Secondary Section
Jinshan Juyuan Industrial Park Project D Responsible for site analysis, rendering for project bids Massing Design
Aerial View
Modelling Concepts
Perspective of Low -level Landscape
Jinshan Juyuan Industrial Park Project D Responsible for site analysis, rendering for project bids Solution 1
Solution 2
Perspective of Playground
Solution 3
Aerial View
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