Project: The Future Vertical Life (Master Thesis Project)
THE PREFABRICATION PROCESS
Step One (Single Bedroom)
Step Two (Two Bedrooms)
Step Four (Four Bedrooms)
Step Three (Three Bedrooms)
BACKGROUND This project focused on a sustainable vertical living system for Phnom Penh. It reassessed the low-income housing strategies and provided a strategy for a sustainable, regenerative architectural system for housing the poor and vulnerable communities in Phnom Penh. The thesis looked to promote the idea of self-sufficiency,
individualization, and independence by reducing reliance on costly external services and sup- port, thereby refining social wellbeing and sustainability. The design solution is inspired by the concept of Grameen Bank (The Financial Development in Poor Community) to help poor inhabitants have housing with traditional construction methods that dwellers can build themselves.
All the bedrooms are designed with a large window for light and air. The window has a handrail providing the perception of a terrace. Khmer people like sleeping on wood or plastic mattress on the floor because the airflow on floor can provide cooling in the room.
The concept of designing a living room comes from the Khmer house where inhabitants can use in multi-purposes like serving the guest or sleeping at night. Cambodians like sitting on the floor. The picture also indicates how sunlight enters the Building.
CONCEPT While vertical housing is generally designed as a solo construction, this thesis explored two diverse constructions; a separate vertical structure and service system as an enabling framework for housing and self-buildable infill housings through modular and prefabricated components. The architecture initially develops as a building frame (Columns, Beams, and Slabs) into which is added the prefabrication housing. The concept is that inhabitants purchase a “plot” in the vertical structure to construct their own house.
The first phase of design is all about designing the prefabrication housing. The design adapts to traditional beliefs, crafts, users, construction methods, and architectural styles. It is converted from vernacular architecture to contemporary architecture, having both culture and sustainability. The design testing provided for the quality of housing and also offered livelihood opportunities for the inhabitants.
Perspective of Farmhouse Types 5 Where the Upper Floor’s Door can Fold to Become a Terrace
Perspective of Shophouse Types 4 (Front View) indicates the front of the house is multi-purpose and could be used as a workshop, shop, storage of livelihood resources etc. Note: the house is shown out of context (this was an oversight realized too late to amend, the same applies to similar renders below). Its intended context is between two concrete slabs spaced at double height.The ground floor slab in certain areas may have gardens.
Perspective View of Housing placing in the vertical plot
Diagram illustrates the process of the idea of designing vertical village layout
Khmer Traditional Village has an organic shape with a community and praying area at the centre (Type 1)
The floor’s sample layout CONCEPT where to place the housing The second scheme tests the idea of the vernacular village and how people can live together as a community vertically. The design aim was to reflect traditional village life and enable community perception to direct the layout even though arranged vertically. The proposed design solution previllages social wellbeing, cultural, con- textual, and economic suitability of housing and vertical living for low-income communities.
Khmer Traditional Village has a round shape with a community and praying area at the centre (Type 2 )
The final design tested the concept of regenerative architecture. The focus was on ventilation, renewable energies, and zero waste. The building uses natural and passive ventilation design to reduce the demand for energy for cooling. A Photo shows the Corridor Design and Skylight from the A Photo shows the Corridor Design and Skylight from the Second Floor. It also shows the notion of playing in commu- Third Floor. The perception of community where neighbors nity. The children can play together at the corridor can meet and visit each other housings. It can improve the people social connection in neighborhood.
The Design testing will replace a rectangle shape because this shape puts more housings and easily and quickly builds; however, at the center of the building remains a community and prayer area functions.
Horizontal Village
Vertical Village
Comparing : Building four villages horizontally need land fourth times more than building vertically.
A Photo shows Biomass plant where bamboo is burnt to gain energy. It is located near the large water storage (storing recycled water) and bamboo because they can absorb and hold the smoke.
A Photo shows the center open space with the public stair and bridge to connect each apartment block. The picture shows the community connection. Inhabitants can seat here or have some events together (Community event) to improve neighbors relationship.
A Photo shows A biomethane plant for the sewage treatment system transforms sewage, MSW, food waste, or distillery waste into biogas.
Project: Urban Park (The Rise of Green) (Bachelor Thesis Project)
BACKGROUND Central Park inspired the concept of the New Oxygen project in New York. The project would like to promote sustainability and human wellbeing because of the serious loss of natural resources like lakes and greenspace and promote culture and tradition. Therefore, this paper will address the urban problems by incorporating the ING City company (Urban Development Company) to develop this area into an urban park. The study site is located in the Southeast of Phnom Penh as the potential of massive natural resources, history value and economic development. The specific area is next to Choeing Ek Lake (The current largest lake in Phnom Penh) and Circular Village (One of the oldest villages in Cambodia). The Concept Master Plan The concept comes from farms and water. The reason for choosing a farm is to represent the Circular village where those villagers mainly worked as farmers. Thus, the master plan was designed with a huge circle shape in the middle, di-
vided by various grid lines like farm grids. In terms of water, it represents Choeing Ek Lake because it is the primary water source for villagers. This project indicates water as the wave and lets it flow into every landscape like plants need water. The project has three main architectural designs. First is the Circular Village Research Centre and Exhibition, while the second is the Public Library and Cambodian Ballet Theatre. The last is Traditional Herbal Medicine Botanic Building and Research Centre.
THE CONCEPT DESIGN The inspiration for designing comes from “the growth of plants”, as the tree symbolises the botanic building. Therefore, the building was designed like a trip to allow visitors to perceive the pathway of plant growth from seeds to roots to trees. Three buildings represent SEEDS (RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATION), ROOTS AND SPROUTS (GROWTH PLANT AREA), TREE (PRODUCTION). In terms of structure design, the botanic building is constructed by Steel columns and frames with tree steels to support and create the form. Its surface mainly uses polycarbonates reinforced fibre polymer because of its lightweight and flexibility. Meanwhile, the minority surface is polycarbonate glass as it is light and transparent that can easily allow sunlight to access the building. The building’s frame is formed as a Rhombus shape because its strength and flexibility are greater than square and rectangle.
Step 1
Step 2
Zone Divide
Step 3
Air Movement
Final Design
Sun Path
Building Function
Cafe Shop
Souvenir Shop
Indoor Water Park
Library
Indoor Garden
Research Center
Project: Wellington Opera House (The Journey)
Diagram 3 : Adding a Structure Panel (Moment Frame
Concept Design
Sketch Elevation
The project “The Journey” would like to engage the architecture, people and art into a story. It also represents the resilience and rehabilitation of the past in the present. Inspiration The inspiration comes from the curtain wire. This curtain wire can consider as one of the identities of the Wellington Opera House because the current theatres mostly replace computer systems. More importantly, this curtain wire presents people who do not gain much credit from the audience.
Perception The project “The Journey “would like to create a scene from before to the final performance. The design initially attempts to keep the front facade of the current Wellington Opera House, so when people enter the building, they can perceive a sense of reminding the past story. This design calls “Facadnism.” The second perception is sacrifice. Many artists spend ages for a performance, while audiences only memorise their short performance on the stage. Therefore, the new edition of a drama and dance school is designed with glass walls be-
Sketch Building’s Skin
hind the building’s entrance on the ground floor. The last perception is integration. The participation of audiences, artists, and behind the stage workers is the triumphant key of every show. This sense shows at the theatre’s top because it is the most memorable part of the building. Evolution The Wellington Opera house was built more than a century, so some of its functions cannot fulfil the current need. This project will move to the current stage for two main reasons. The first reason is comfort. Audi-
ences will feel uncomfortable when they sit at the current stage because its slope is not high enough, and each seat line also does not have sufficient space to watch the show. However, the most significant reason is safety. The building usually has some issues with the earthquake. For example, the top mezzanine seat cannot use because an earthquake broke the ceiling. This problem indicates the construction issue of buildings. In short, moving the stage can avoid the problems above, and it probably attracts audiences when it has a more incredible facility.
Diagram 1 : Adding Column
Structure Report Due to the various facilities added in the Wellington Opera house, the current stage will move the building’s top with some new upgrades to increase the audiences’ comfort. However, this change will significantly impact the existing building, so we must have a new assisted structure to support the new and old sections. Three structure systems improve the building’s construction. Diagram 1: Adding Column As the current Wellington Opera House does not have any columns, the
Diagram 2 : Adding a New Storey
new structure will need new columns for resisting. The first step is to add the columns outside the present wall and inside the vast space. The next step is to remove some interior walls and to add new facilities. Even though most of the walls were demolished for new functions, the core structure remains to use as normal. Diagram 2: Adding a storey for a large theatre The new Wellington Opera House expands vertically. The new storey is divided into inside and outside structures. The inside layer is a stage, and the outside
layer is the building’s skin. The inside layer uses the whole concrete wall to cover the stage like the current stage for resistance. Meanwhile, the outside layer uses pined columns and V frames structure as the building’s skin design and structure. Diagram 3: Adding a structure panel The new structure panel is designed for aesthetics and construction. The panel helps to hold the building from the outside. Its ventilation can allow the wind and light to enter the building effectively.
Service Report
Diagram 1 : Solar Energy & Wind Turbines
Diagram 1: Solar Energy & Wind Energy
Diagram 3: Double Glazing and Skins
We can equip solar energy and wind energy
The current graffiti wall on the right side of the
on the roof to produce energy for the building.
building replaces a glass wall to let the sunlight
The reason is that a roof is a place that gains
come through. Meanwhile, another reason is
the sunlight and winds the most. Moreover,
to give audiences a sense of the street’s art,
the high area helps these systems work more
and people can view artists training inside the
Diagram 2 : Green Roof & Sky Garden effectively. Diagram 2: Green Roof & Sky Garden
Diagram 4: Ventilation
We can plant some trees and plants on the
The building covers by panels that design with
top terrace because there is a vast glass wall
ventilation. The purpose of this ventilation is to
behind the garden. Hence, having the green in
hold the building’s structure from the outside.
front can reduce the heat. Moreover, green-
Additionally, this ventilation allows the air and
space can diminish the acoustic of urban
light to go in through the building.
crowded. Diagram 3 : Double Glazing and Skins
Diagram 4 : Ventialation
building.
Renovation Diagram Rehabilitation As the reason for leaking and the structure decay, the current stage will move the top. It will replace to school.
Circulation Prosthetics The centre of the building will design as a small theatre for both the school and the public. Its design combines both new and old architectural styles.
Rehabilitation Because the school has more people access, the first three floors are used as the function of the school. Therefore, it is convenient for students and staff to reduce energy.
Conservation The lobby will remain the same, but some additional designs follow the style of the existing building.
Facadism The front elevation remained utterly the same with the current appearance, but it is dramatically different behind this mask.
The building’s backside uses as the artist area, which includes artist accommodation and make-up rooms. The separated zone creates more convenient for artists
From Basement to First Floor, they use School of Dance and Drama because this location is convenient for students and staff, who stay in the building longer.
All the theatres are located on the top of the building because users use them occasionally only. The new theatre design is an entirely contemporary style, and it can use for both school and official performances. Meanwhile, the main theatre remains the same style as the current theatre, except for the angle of the seating area.
The front part of the Ground Floor to the Sixth Floor remain Victorian Style.
Project: Lilith’s House in the Odom (The Last Light)
Layer 2 : Insulation
Layer 6 : Glass Roof
Layer 4 : Weather Proof
(Wellington Excellence 2020: Creativity)
Detail the connect between Nodes and Tubes
Layer 1 : Steel Frame
Layer 3 : Glass Fiber Concrete Panels
Detail the connection of timbers
Layer 5 : Timber Frame
The Origin Story of Lilith Lilith is Adam’s first wife, who is created at the same time and clay with him. They are the inaugural people on the earth in Jewish Bible. Due to refusing to become subservient to her husband, she leaves the Garden of Eden, although three gods convince her to return. Her action is considered as betraying the god in the bible. Therefore, Lilith is considered the mother of evil in the story.
Detail the connection of timber panels
The Project “Lilith’s House in the Edom” In contrast to the bible, this project would like to represent Lilith as stubbornness, confidence, and independence in the contemporary perspective. Due to demanding equality, she suffers both mental and physical pains. Therefore, this project would like to design a new universe for Lilith called “Edom”, where she lives in the Edom with freedom and comfort, although it is similar to hell surrounded by darkness and fire.
Topology Design
Initial Sketch
The Design Process Initially, the idea of designing this painting came from Jarek Kubichi in 2012. The picture shows a woman buries in the darkness that indicates the concept of sadness and isolation. The new edition design considers this lady Lilith, and her hand is bound and detained in the darkest space. Although she lives in the darkness (Black), she is satisfied and happy (White). The architectural design concept is about light and shadow, black and white. Therefore, while Lilith’s house is built in the black landscape to represent the shadow, her home is covered by white objects to symbolise the light. Moreover, the white colour that binds her hands represents her soul to gain happiness, even though she stays in jail (Darkness). The building is designed with a curved shape like silk or snaked because it represents flowing, freedom, and unlimited. The building’s three entrances also represent three angels who interfere with her freedom.
Project: The Cambodian National Library (Past in the Present)
THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
The new buildings represent the present (Action) because the current action impacts the past and affects the future. Hence, the new buildings are used as the reading areas. People have to read books and listen to the audio to gain The potential of traditional and contemporary architectures surround the site. knowledge. Various reading area styles are essential areas, outdoor areas, priThese lead to the concept of “Past in the Present”. This conceptual design would vate areas, group study areas. Those are representations “strict, relax, comfort, like to indicate an idea of the past building, but it can still survive in the present. accompany”, respectively. This concept will be illustrated through the circulation of the building.
(IFC Competition: Second Prize Winner) ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Cambodian National Library is a conservation and preservation project. It is located in the central of Phnom Penh, surrounded by high-rise and traditional buildings. The building was built in 1927 with the French Colonial Style, but some parts were destroyed during Khmer Rouge. Currently, the library has various problems: construction decays, insufficient space, and ventilation problems. Therefore, this study would like to these three problems through adding new buildings, designing, bringing original services and increasing new services.
Type of Reading Areas
Traditional Reading Room
Map Reading Area
Multiple Type of Reading Area
Staircase Reading Area
Free Style Reading Area
Green Reading Area
Overall, the circulation of the building would like to describe the journey of life. The current national library will offer the first impression as a memory (The Past, The past is always memories that accompany people every time. It is also a result Passive) because the existing building refers to storage or brain. Therefore, this of the present. The present is necessary, but the past is the writer of the present. building will use bookshelves and an entrance because memory is the knowlThus, people sometimes need to revise their past before they choose the right edge that comes from books. way in the present.
Model Making
Project: High Rise Building (The Crown)
Ventilation C : Vertical Ventilation for Avoiding the sunlight and Allowing the air get in building
(CSA Competition: Third Prize Winner)
Ventilation A : The Combination of Glass and Timber
Ventilation E : Green Wall Ventilation for decreasing the temperature and advantaging to eyes
Ventilation D : Movable Ventilation
THE CONCEPT DESIGN Cambodia is one of the oldest countries in Southeast Asia, with various cultures, civilisations, and arts. However, some arts are lost because of a lack of attention. Therefore, this project would like to convert the concept of Khmer artwork into a contemporary building to serve all Cambodians to promote our culture. “Bos Bok” is an ancient architecture component, and Cambodians consider it the Buddha’s crown. It has nine layers, which represents different meanings. As this project is a commercial building, the building uses “Bos Bok” seven layers, meaning seven generations live together with peace and happiness. Besides the cultural promotion, the building also promotes sustainability and wellbeing in Phnom Penh. For example, the whole tower is covered by plants to reduce the earth’s heat, absorb pollution, and add a new urban aesthetic. All the plants have different blossom periods to change the colour based on the season, and its frames have black piles that can absorb the humidity and rainwater to water plants.
THE PROCESS OF CREATING FORM
INTERIOR DESIGN
Work Experience Bangkok Swimming Pool (Interior and Renovation)
Vattanak Tower (Interior Design)
THE CONCEPT DESIGN Bangkok Swimming pool is a renovation project, and its decoration idea comes from Southeast Asian style during the 1970s. It is an open design style with partition walls because it allows the air and sunlight to enter the building significantly.
THE CONCEPT DESIGN Vattanak Tower is the largest tower in Phnom Penh, with an organic shape. The purpose of entrance design is to use light colour timber, laminate, and marble because these materials can create a fresh and bright and luxurious perception.
Sihanouk Hotel (Interior Design)
Kompong Cham Office (Interior Design)
THE CONCEPT DESIGN Sihanouk Hotel is a 20 storeys building and various functions. My design sections are corridors, private casino rooms, a gym and staircase walls. The private casino rooms are designed with a massive pattern at the staff’s back seat to indicate casino power. Meanwhile, corridor designs with luxury partitions in front of the lift and LED lights at the wall foot create a sense of welcome when they walk. Its staircase design with simple Tadao Ando concrete wall style gives a perception of relaxation when people walk. The gym is designed as an open style to feel relaxed when they see the outside view, especially its location on the top.
THE CONCEPT DESIGN The design of the Kompong Cham Office mainly focuses on a sense of home. Its interior uses many home materials such as marble tiles, laminated walls, carpet, and sofas to relax users.
Phnom Penh Condo (Architecture and Interior Design)
THE CONCEPT DESIGN The design of Phnom Penh Condo is inspired by the famous grey building in the 1970s in Phnom Penh. Its exterior designs with pulling in and out to allow the light to enter the whole building. Meanwhile, its interior mainly uses brown and dark colours because they represent Khmer House (Traditional House).