KURT CHAN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO SELECTED WORKS 2016-2022
CONTENTS ACADEMIC 01 02 03
THE MIST p.3
A Sensory Museum
COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS
Covid-19 Housing Concept
p.8
URBAN SANCTUARY p.14 An Introspective Sports Centre
04
TIMBER JUNGLE p.20
A Cycling Conscious Community Space
PROFESSIONAL (AEDAS) 05 06
CHANGSHA BBG p.24
Podium & Residential Project
DRAGON HOLDING p.27 Bus Terminal Mixed-Use Project
07
CHENGDU RAILWAY CITY
p.28
TOD Design Competition
PERSONAL 08
BAR SOCIETY p.29 Art Deco Product Design
THE MIST A SENSORY MUSEUM Location: Delft, Netherlands | Academic: TU Delft Masters Quarter 1, 2022 | Individual Superviser: Saynzo Ozinga & Mauro Parravicini | S.M.Osinga@tudelft.nl & M.Parravicini@tudelft.nl SELECTED FOR STUDIO EXHIBITION IN PRINSENWARTIER MUSEUM The site is located in an industrial site in Delft, The Mist is a 10-storey structure that creates an iconic element within the existing context, attracting visitors arriving from the train station on the south. The Museum is dedicated to the influential couple Jacob Van Marken and Agneta Matthes, whom were progressive entrepreneurs that implemented innovative worker rights at the time. The Mist hopes to capture this attitude through a pavilion in the ground level, creating social spaces, research incubators and a stage. Moreover, breaking away from the often-introverted Museum typology through the use of frosted glass; creating a permeable yet enclosed, private yet public space that teases and exposes what is within. The spiral circulation enables the visitors to have a clear linear path, yet discover many different pockets of space: open, closed, framed, smelt and heard. On the ground a large pavilion timber structure, held by thin columns, seemingly floats atop the ground. The pavilion not only serves to link The Mist with the Taplokaal museum, but acts as datum that connects a multitude of social programs; energizing and creating a sense of vibrancy within the space. Taught within the Form Studies Studio, an emphasis is placed on models in the explorative process of design, switching between various scales to investigate the conceptual and technical elements of a building. This particular methodology of working in three dimension enables a tangible interplay between materiality, light, space, tectonics and construction.
Conceptual Model Explorations
THE MIST |ACADEMIC
3
Ventec Roof perfume/temporary exhibit (Matthes exhibit)
+26.25m
+14.80m
office/auditorium (public realm)
film room/model exhibit (Van Marken exhibit)
+37.65m
+3.75m
Tower: Conceptual Model/Sketches Through the manipulation of solid and void, a diverse spatial experience is created, such as: a auditorium, film room, gallery, model exhibit & perfume exhibit
Long Section A spiral circulation enables the discovery of varying pockets of space, from light filled double height rooms to a mist filled perfume exhibit
Main Structure Layer 1
Main Structure Layer 2
Outer Wall Columns
Concave Roof & Louvers
Outer Facade Glazing
Core & Circulation
Internal Massing
THE MIST | ACADEMIC
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- Timber cladding panels - 120mm Insulation, Vapour Barrier - 160mm CLT Panels
suspended ceiling
Floor finish with cement on triple layered 15mm Fermacell
Slanted frame system with frosted glass
LED Light
Double glazed secondary glass
Hanging stair steel system Curtain Frame
Tower Section Detail (Middle Opening) Extrusions create visual rhythm on the facade and a internal release of space through the strategic framing of views
Horizontal Detail Section (Middle Opening) Double facade system, creating passive thermal barrier
THE MIST | ACADEMIC
5
Circular Design Strategy An awareness of circular design was applied to the construction of the building. The deliberate use of timber as the main material enables a more sustainable circular economy compared to other materials like concrete. Passive cooling and heating designs is also implemented, such as the use of a double facade system. The main climatic strategy behind the building is the Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F) concept by Ben Bronsema, to create a low-energy indoor environment. The concept utilizes solar and wind-energy on site to create the potential of a zeroenergy building. A comfortable interior is achieved through passive systems
Ventec Roof Structural Diagram Ventec Roof, Louvers and Barrel Vaulted Paneling
of a: climate cascade for air-conditioning, a solar chimney for air exhaust/energy recovery, and a Ventec roof for exhaust/ power production.
Barrel Vaulted Roof Panel System Steel joint with diagonal steel Glulam Waffle Structure
High strength steel-to-timber connection
Steel Louver Frame
Glulam Beam and Column Operable Double Glazed Skylight Cross Laminated Timber Filter, Drainage Layer, Water-tightness, insulation, Vapor Barrier
Roof Structural Construction
Tower Section Detail (Ventec Roof)
Glulam Waffle Structure with high strength steel-to-timber connection.
The concave roof structure increases and funnels wind, in which the Barrel Vaulted Roof
Steel joint with diagonal steel members. Elements allow for easy replacement and maintenance
Panel System enables minimal interference and maximizes efficiency of energy transfer
THE MIST | ACADEMIC
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7
10
Level 5
Level 9
7 5
6 9
8
Level 4
Level 8
11
6
8
4
Level 3
Level 7
10 9
C.C.
4
7
5 4
4
3 6
1
7
Level 2
Level 6
8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
12
Ground Floor Plan
Ticket Office Information Desk Cloak Room Toilet Mechanical Room Office Courtyard Research Lab Stage Cafe Taplokaal Museum Bicycle Parking
1 3 3 2 1 2 3 4
Office Toilet Living Units Auditorium
5 6 7 8
Film Room Gallery Model Exhibit Perfume Exhibit
Level 1 9 10
Mechanical Room Temporary Exhibit
Floor Plan
The large site is bisected by a pavilion, creating a more public frontage, while protecting
A periphery spiraling circulation surrounds main programs,
and creating a more private refuage in the North-West side
with a vertical core on the North-West facade
THE MIST | ACADEMIC
7
COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS COVID-19 HOUSING CONCEPT Location: Hong Kong | Academic: TRAA Housing Competition 2020 | Group | Role: Designer SELECTED FINALIST 8/328 APPLICANTS BY FRANCINE HOUBEN
Hong Kong continues to rank as the least affordable housing market, with many often resorting to coffin homes or being forced into homelessness. Observing local typology, specifically, the ingenuity behind illegal structures in Hong Kong, otherwise known as unauthorized building works (“UBW”), formed the basis for my housing idea. I took inspiration from the physical aspects and abstract concepts of UBWs to address issues presented by Covid-19 being: 1. Versatility: of truss and bay construction that influenced the flexibility of the sliding modular design 2. Diversity: From small gardens for cooking to kiosks for business; our design enables such informal spaces to develop and thrive 3. Resilience: Work has infiltrated into our homes, which were once spaces of tranquility and privacy. This imbalance is resolved through a sliding unit that enables the private and public space to compress or expand depending on personal needs. 4. Community: Our flexible design enables several buildings to become interconnected, allowing for greater access of communal spaces
Concept Sketch The inspiration behind the aesthetic and design of the Pods
Produced by applicant
Produced by applicant COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS | ACADEMIC
8
Community
Resilience
Rooftops often utilized as communal areas for social gathering and chatting. e.g. gambling, drinking, Taichi, etc.
The informal nature of UBC’s enable expansion and transformation depending on their needs
Unauthorize Building Works
Versatility
Diversity
The construction of UBC’s utilize simple and affordable truss and bay construction, which can be adapted to different needs depending on the user.
The informality of UBC’s invites a diversity of programs to be conducted within a small room, creating richness and vibrancy within a habitable space.
Unauthorized Building Works
Pod & Grid Transformation
Transformation of UBW typology
One in four Hong Kong properties have illegal structures. Upon closer analysis one would
Taking inspiration from the physical aspects and abstract con-
discover the beauty and potential within this fragmentation.
cepts of UBWs to address issues presented by Covid-19.
Produced by applicant
Produced by applicant COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS | ACADEMIC
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7 6
5
42 1 3
Workshop
Wall Construction
Modular Construction
Transportability
5 Insulation 1 Plywood Panel 6 Sealant Tape 2 Timber Frame 3 Metal Rod Fastener 7 Aluminium Panels 4 Water Proofing
Utilizing affordable materials and predictable construction methods, easily manipulated depending on needs
The design is easily transported on a cargo truck, providing quick/reliable shelters during recent unpredictable periods
Hydroponics Garden construction Laundry
Sunbathing
Gambling
Aluminion roof panel Waterproofing Insulation
Metal grid docking structure
Timber Structural Frame
Toilet Module
Glass Window
Cafe Yoga
Modular Slice Construction
Foldable work bench Foldable Bed Foldable Sofa
Rain Water Tank
Customizable Moving Shelf/Wall
Structural grid system, enable easy docking of new pods and accessibility to other users
Expansion of Units for changing needs: e.g. office space, growing family, shared community space, etc
Grey Water Tank
Metal Track
Kitchen Toilet
Versatility of Pod Construction
Diversity of Program
A simple and versatile construction system, consisting of a prefabricated modular slice
Our design enables informal spaces to develop and thrive, encouraging individuals to
design, utilizing economical materials that can easily be sourced locally.
express and grow oneself even under restrictions within their building.
Produced by applicant
Produced by applicant COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS | ACADEMIC
10
The Kiosk / One Person Pod
One Man Kiosk The unit can be transformed into an office and shop front during the day generating income and remain as a spacious bedroom at night.
Bedroom & Lounge Pushing the slice to end so the flipped out furniture enclosed the room to form a relaxing night time setting.
Daily Social House Two pods are connected with a shared secondary space. The two ends are set out as two functional space during the day, for work and leisure respectively.
Spatial Divider The slice is moved to the middle to split the overall living space, giving two areas with different level of privacy served by flipped out furniture.
Bedroom House Daytime furniture’s are flipped out and slices will be pushed to the ends during the night, which transformed into a cozy bedroom at both sides.
Entertaining Parking the slice in the inner end gives extra movable space in order to accommodate extra guests or simply an space expansion to fulfil indoor exercise needs.
The Couple / Two Person Pod
The Collective / Four Person Pod Resilience of Sliding Pod The pods are designed to offer flexibility, through a sliding unit that enables the private and public space to compress or expand depending on personal needs.
Produced by applicant & teammate COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS | ACADEMIC
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KINDERGARTEN SPACE
SCHOLAR STUDY PODS
GREEN SPACE PUBLIC OPEN PLAZA/MARKET
Community: Macro Isometric View A sense of connection and intimacy are crucial during troublesome times, to prevent burnout during quarantine. Our mutable design enables such community spaces to thrive.
Produced by applicant & teammate COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS | ACADEMIC
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VERTICAL LINK
Regional Railway Sytem
Material Distribution
Utilizing a vertical link, new underground transportation systems such as “Hyperloop” can be utilized to sup-
Hyperlopp underground transportation
Tapping Into New Infrastructure ply living pods, materials, etc. A regional railway system can further assist in material supply and distribution
COMMUNITY AMONG THE CLOUDS | ACADEMIC
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URBAN SANCTUARY AN INTROSPECTIVE SPORTS CENTRE Location: Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong | Academic: Final Bachelors Studio 2020 | Individual Superviser: Chiyan Chan | email: chiyan@collective-studio.co
What would an introverted sports centre look like? How would one create a sanctuary within an urban setting? Despite the site’s close proximity to the populous areas of Shau Kei Wan, in reality it is isolated due to the bisection of the main road. This creates a more concealed space, where one has to travel through confusing underpasses and crosswalks to arrive at their destination. These geographical conditions allow for a more introspective space, and informed the spatial sketches on the left. Once you have entered the site, one immediately notices the intimidating presence of neighbouring high-rise buildings. However, this uneasy atmosphere is quickly forgotten, and balanced by a tranquil view of the bay and lush vegetation. The building is split into three massing for each program: 1) Gymnasium, 2) Squash Court, and 3) Gym. Each box manipulates the space through a symphony of skylights, courtyards and openings. This sports centre represents the essence of an introverted character– a monolithic façade to a stranger, but upon closer inspection, surprises its visitors with colourful spatial moments with every turn of the corner.
Aligning Park Axis
Splitting Masses
Shifting of Massing
Ventilation Strategy
Moments & Main Circulation
URBAN SANCTUARY | ACADEMIC
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sports hall / multipurpose / cafe
entrance
squash / reception / washroom
courtyard
gym / bath
Long Section Carefully manipulated moments are purposefully placed in programs, creating unique ambience and experiences throughout the sports hall
Curved Roof / Skylight
Rounded Courtyard
Central Skylight
Arched Roof
Visual Courtyard
Rounded Skylight
Curved Wall
URBAN SANCTUARY | ACADEMIC
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Rounded Courtyard / Sky Frame
Curved Roof
Slits / Central Skylight
Textured concrete wall finish. Rounded courtyard embracing vegetation and framing sky
Curved Roof, guiding visual focus within sports stands
A Linear entry, with modulated slits creating rhythm towards central skylight
Arched Roof / Skylight
Visual / Framed Courtyard
Channel Skylight
Directed Light through arched skylight and visual direction through curved roof with a wood plank mold concrete finish
Visual release within enclosed squash court and reception
Channel skylight creating subtle transitions in shadow and light
16 URBAN SANCTUARY | ACADEMIC
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1
2
3
4
5
6
9
1
1 2 3 4 5 6
Outdoor Balcony Cafe Stands Sky Light Squash Viewing Platform Outdoor Public Avenue
6
LVL 1 Plan: Public Programs
2 3
5
7
Public programs placed in level one, with easy access through central avenue outdoor stairs 8
3 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
GF Plan / South Elevation
Multipurpose Space Sports Hall Storage AC Plant Squash Court Grass Gourtyard Gym Yoga Studio Tiled Courtyard
South Avenue Approach
Despite the sports hall’s introspective character hidden behind walls of trees, it serves as
The sports hall entrance aligns with the park avenue, hidden behind lush foliage
a mediator and connector between the park in the south and north
perpetuating its introverted character
URBAN SANCTUARY | ACADEMIC
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1 2 3
1 6
4 5
7 11 8 12 13
8 9
15
14
2 3 10
1 2 3 4 5
Filter, Drainage Layer, Water-tightness, Insulation, Vapour Barrier Stainless suspension cable AC Duct Panel Lighting 20mm timber panels
6 7 8 9
Double Glazed Skylight Pre-Tensioned Exposed Concrete Drain 20mm Timber Decking, 2 layers of 12mm APA underlayment, 10mm resilient pad, 6mm polyethylene vapor barrier
10 11 12 13 14 15
Timber formwork concrete Steel Handrail and metal cable 300mm I beam Skylight glazing Ribbed concrete Textured copper
Detail Section: Central Axis Each space has carefully chosen material finish, timber finish (sports hall left), copper
Bush-hammered ribbed
skylight (middle), squash court (timber formwork concrete right)
concrete finish
Timber formwork concrete finish
URBAN SANCTUARY | ACADEMIC
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Linear Entrance: Slit / Central Skylight Protruding columns, bush-hammered concrete walls and slits create visual rhythm, ultimately leading to a central glowing copper skylight
Squash Court: Framed View / Arched Roof
Bath: Curved Skylight / Pocket Window
Visual release within confined squash court, with timber formwork
Curved wall creating gentle transition of light and shadow, with visual
textured concrete arch roof directing towards framed tree
connection through pocket window
URBAN SANCTUARY | ACADEMIC
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TIMBER JUNGLE A CYCLING CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY SPACE Location: Buona Vista, Singapore | Academic: NUS Exchange Studio 2019 | Individual Superviser: Ronald Lim | email: ronaldlct@gmail.com
The inspiration behind the project began with a study in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, extracting the creative potential of its grid system that created a multitude of spatial experiences as one journeyed through the space. A vignette model was created in response to the creative potential of the grid. The grid’s rigid yet adaptable potential enables the cycling center to expanding and contract depending on program, from a weaving bridge to a maze garden. The scheme not only engaged the community through cycling activities, but generated new vibrant civic spaces and public programs, such as: a courtyard, community garden and makerspace. The main circulation system consists of two paths from the green corridor (cycling path), one side being cycling focused and another for walking. The clear distinction hopes to create a safe space, so the older population is willing to engage with the building and not feel intimated by the moving cyclist. Overall, the scheme and grid system create a hierarchy of spaces, that not only engages the cyclists, but also immerses the local community through encouragement of sharing, learning and experimentation.
Vignette / Timber-Grid Exploration Models
TIMBER JUNGLE | ACADEMIC
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Site Circulation & Massing Logic
Building Circulation and Massing Mutation
Maze: Secret Garden
Bridge: Floating Among Trees
Massing responds to existing site circulation
Two pathways: cycling-centric and foot-centric.
Manipulation of porosity enable discovery of hidden
Changes in grid dimensions, enable the weaving of a
and conditions
Basic Square massing contracts and expands based on program.
private spaces
bridge along existing trees
TIMBER JUNGLE | ACADEMIC
21
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Str
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Medi
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-cent
Foot-Centric
Foot Path / Cafe
Strutural Logic
Community Garden
ric
Mediator
Washroom / Reststop
Grass Courtyard
Cycling-Centric
Bike Parking
Cycling Path
Workshop: Makerspace
Axonemtric Section
Through careful manipulation of porosity in walls,
Two-path circulation system, foot-centric& cycling-centric.
shading to glazing, a clear programmatic logic is found
Interspersed are varying public programs and in the center a central courtyard.
TIMBER JUNGLE | ACADEMIC
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Workshop: Makerspace
Community Garden & Hydroponics
Not only a workshop for fixing bikes, but a space encouraging creation and experimenta-
The cafe manages the community garden, gaining access to fresh produce, and surplus can be sold.
tion, where fabrication tools are readily accessible to the community.
Also, public workshops enable local community to understand future sustainable food practice.
TIMBER JUNGLE | ACADEMIC
23
CHANGSHA BBG PODIUM & RESIDENTIAL PROJECT (AEDAS) Location: Changsha, China | Professional | Group | Role: Assistant designer & Production Superviser: Pierre Tong | email: pierre.tong@aedas.com
Currently under construction, the Changsha Lianhu BBG Podium and Residential Tower project, occupies a large site, generating engaging programs from a cinema to rooftop garden in the podium mall. Sitting atop are two large-scale residential towers 200m and 150m high. I was given the opportunity in facilitating the design process of the 150m tower, generating various trials for the client through various renderings and concept diagrams. The final massing consists of disjointed block entities, highlighted through material finish (glass reflectivity) and fin detailing. The fin design was crucial in further highlighting the strengths of the massing, where I tested various designs and lengths. Through sectional models and careful manipulation of form, we achieved the desired contrast in massing through generating shadows within the facade. Furthermore, I assisted in designing the construction details of the mall main entrance, understanding the relationship between brick-pattern screen and joint detail. These experiences were crucial in understanding the collaborative process in professional design from design concept to realization in detailing.
Massing Development Basic Massing --> Material Reflectivity --> Fin Detailing
Produced by applicant Produced by applicant CHANGSHA BBG | PROFESSIONAL
24
Interior Perspective of Vertical fins Produced by applicant
250mm
15mm
75mm 250mm 24
Ultra-white glass (low reflectivity)
100 35mm
Transom: 15mm x 24mm 75mm
Residential Tower Wall Section
Main Vertical Fins: 250mm x 75mm
The wall section study highlights the effects of protruding fins, creating shadows and
Other than the long 250mm fins, a 35mm cap is added to create a deeper
exaggerated vertical lines
shadow to further emphasize its verticality in the facade
Produced by applicant
Produced by applicant CHANGSHA BBG | PROFESSIONAL
25
850mm 400mm
250mm 500mm 75mm 300mm 200mm
Building Ceiling Supporting Frame Vertical Support Frame
Building Beam
Curtain Wall
Composite Deck
Mall Main Entrance: Brick Screen Wall Section Size of modular brick system corresponding to joint detail attached to floor slab
Produced by applicant NOT Produced by applicant (Rendering Company) CHANGSHA BBG | PROFESSIONAL
26
DRAGON HOLDING BUS TERMINAL MIXED-USE (AEDAS) A new bus terminal mixed-use project in Ulaanbaatar Mongalia. The “Dragon Holding” company name became the inspiration to the scale cladding facade. Variation in the facade is achieved through angling the mondular diamond pieces. The scheme utilizes 20 controllable openning angles at 3 degree increments(0-60 degree) to create a smooth transision effect. The shape and size of individual panels stay the same for cost-efficient fabrication. The gradual tilting of the scale facade is achieved through Grasshopper, utilizing the input of a curved line to open wider when close and less when afar.
Scale facade designed by applicant Rendering NOT produced by applicant (Rendering Company)
DRAGON HOLDING | PROFESSIONAL
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CHENGDU RAILWAY CITY TOD DESIGN COMPETITION (AEDAS)
A new transit-oriented development in Chengdu is a convergence of various sources of transportation: high speed rail, metro, bus terminal and car. An overall core is established through a ring that connects the various residential, commercial, transportation and public spaces together. Underground and suspended walkways connect the various programs in a logical circulation, creating a cohesive and vibrant hub. The organic form of the circle is adopted in the podium design through a fluid canopy draped over the rigid podium functions. The tallest tower is placed near the major highway, to serve as an iconic element within the urban design. Each face of the tower gradually twists downwards, seamlessly flowing into the podium and ground levels.
Tower and podium designed by applicant Rendering NOT produced by applicant (Rendering Company)
Assisted in Masterplanning of TOD development Rendering NOT produced by applicant (Rendering Company)
Office Tower
TOD Masterplan
The structure of the fluid form is achieved using the Grasshopper plug-in LunchBox
Several elevated walkways connect to adjacent residential neighbourhoods, creating a circulation network
CHENGDU RAILWAY CITY | PROFESSIONAL
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Personal: Bar Set Package Design The exuberance of Art Deco and the novel Great Gatsby, gave inspiration to a M.C. Esher-inspired bar set package. Blending within the spaces are bartending pieces, creating a whimsical but subtle package design Dropshipping Package Design | Freelance | Individual | 2020
BAR SOCIETY| PERSONAL
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KURT CHAN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO SELECTED WORKS 2016-2022
