FLAT / SPACE Portfolio 2015

F L AT / S PA C E a rc h i t e c t u re

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design

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portfolio

Š 2015 FLAT / SPACE. All rights reserved. No form of reproduction in this portfolio may be done without the permission of the author. The material in this portfolio is a compilation of works done by the author during his tenure in the various offices. The design office will be given due credit where required.

All texts in this portfolio are originally wriiten by the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the respective design offices that the project is taken from.

Layouts by Alex Tan Cover Photograph by Alex Tan

F L AT / S PA C E “ The world of the future might be like Japan is today - Super Flat “ Takashi Murakami , artist “ The World is Flat. ” Thomas Friedman , writer

In 2000, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami coined the term Superflat, an art movement referring to how society, customs, art, culture are all fused onto one singular plane.

In 2005, American writer Thomas Friedman published The World is Flat, analyzing the effects of globalisation and the world as a level playing field in terms of commerce.

In 2015, FLAT / SPACE is conceived.

FLAT / SPACE is many things. It is a magazine, a lo okbo ok, a portfolio. It is about travel, lifestyle, craft. It showcases design, photography, architecture.

FLAT / SPACE also serves as my personal documentation of selected projects that I have worked on, while at the same time a platform to generate conversations with the world.

I believe that Design is a lifestyle, inspired by daily rituals and habits. While a product / building is three dimensional, Design and Architecture is essentially flattened with culture, memory and society. This is the core foundation of FLAT / SPACE. The rhizomic effect between design, architecture, landscape, lifestyle, culture, art, memory, society continues to inspire. I hope it inspires you to o.

Welcome.

Alex Tan

CRAFT i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

fraser suites, shenzhen peakfields estate, sri lanka kyee phyu lake, myammar pop music centre, kaohshiung tugu tani residences, jakarta punggol mosque, singapore

INTERLUDE vii. a bo okcase for 5 bo oks viii. plywo od

SPECULATE ix. something there is, that doesn’t love a wall x. a dwelling in the wo ods xi. symbiosis and paradoxities

PROFILE xii. about xiii. acknowledgments

01 CRAFT

FRASER SUITES Shenzhen, China

How can we rehabilitate an old, existing building to cope with the developing modern urban lifestyle of its surrounding while preserving and respecting it? Our solution is a celebration of the existing building structure, accentuating the facade through a combination of contemporary materials and attention to detail, attaining the gesture of luxury living as we all know Fraser Suites possess.

Connecting the park to the west side, the massing is worked together with landscape elements through the exterior zones as well as in the interior. Guests check in at an elevated atrium space on the 7th flo or with grand vertical green walls. With natural light filtering in from the skylight above, the dramatic green wall creates an ambience of a garden within. Topping the building, outdo or facilities are encased with lush landscaping lo oking out to the adjacent surroundings. An infinity edge po ol lo oks across the park, facing the setting sunset.

The drop-off arrival is located to the south side of the development, creating an exclusive yet cosy feel when entering the premises.

A clean welcoming zone at 1st flo or ushers the guests up a grand Atrium at the 7th level, using the existing courtyard space as a grand gesture of arrival.

PEAKFIELDS ESTATE Maskeliya, Sri Lanka

The region around Nuwara Eliya (Maskeliya) forms a large part of Sri Lanka’s main tea production area. To the south lies the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, and pilgrimage site Adam’s Peak is located in in the vicinity. Arriving at the estate felt much like returning to a home away from home, where home is returning to a place of reside after a long day of travel, and returning home to nature.

We wanted to tell the story of the estate, to celebrate nature’s beauty and the estate’s legacy.

FIlled with manicured staircases of tea set against lush majestic landscapes, out masterplan proposal is a contextural response to highlight its surroundings with lightness, textures and connectivity.

Conceptually, a main focal axis connnects the main front of house spaces, while all the villa units have unobstrcuted view of the landscape. Building fo otprint in minimised, existing pathways are utilised whereever possible. New proposed extension of tea areas are located.

The axis not only serves as a directional view guide, but also links the main front of house spaces together.

Visually provocative, yet respectful to the landscape, the axis is an ode to coloniol formality, and a celebration of Sri Lankan’s majestic waterfalls and lush nature.

Guests can cho ose to visit the estate via helicopter or car. The arrival experience climaxes at a vantage point, revealing a breathtaking panoramic view at the drop off.

“You go round the world but you come back to the land of your forefathers. For the ashes of your fathers and the temple of your Gods�

- anonymous

When night falls, the villa lights glow and one sees speckled lights littered across the estate, much like fireflies shimmering above the plantations Welcome home.

KYEE PHYU LAKE Taunggyi, , Myammar

Envisioned as a health conscious and eco-living residence, the masterplan is configured as a series of gated communities providing a tranquil and secure environment. With retirees as its target group, it is a place that promotes healthy living away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and as a secondary stop for visitors to Inle Lake.

Experience manicured landscapes, orchards and vineyards upon entry, rest under tree canopies, pockets of play and exercise at every turn, join the pious in visiting the pagoda hill - these are some of the programs available for within the estate.

The harmony of all these elements is the underlying factor for the successful integration of the development with the community.

POP MUSIC CENTRE Kaohshiung, Taiwan

The proposal envisions the Maritime Cultural and Pop Music Center as an emblem of energy, a place where people, culture and music resonates as one entity.

The design is perceived as a continuous landscape that unifies different programs together, creating new grounds and opportunities. Its undulating landscape mediates between city and the bay, its ground porous and low, constantly maintaining connections between city and sea.

The competition entry is done with TangGuanBee Architects.

T UGU TANI RESIDENCES Jakarta, Indonesia

The design proposal for a three tower block condominium apartments located in the heart of Jakarta capitalises on the site boundary by rotating the tower blocks to maximise views out to the Jakarta’ s National Monument. Lush landscapes are interwoven between the tower blocks, with a dedicated area designed like a tropical garden set towards the river to create a buffer zone and establish better relationships to the low-lying residential area on the opposite end.

Program: 3 tower luxury condominium Completion: ongoing Scope : feasibility study, masterplan, concept, schematic Done under the employment of eco.id architects pte ltd

PUNGGOL MOSQUE Punggol, Singapore Intimacy within grandeur plays a central role in thie design for the Punggol Mosque. By sinking the main prayer halls underground, a tranquil and intimate prayer environment is created, while freeing up the ground level for communal activities.

The use of water as a feature element not only alludes to verses and key events in the Quran, but also co ols down the building. Motifs are incorporated alongside these water elements to enhance the grandeur of the mosque.

02 INTERLUDE

03 SPECULATE

SOMETHING THERE IS, THAT DOESN’T LOVE A WALL Final Year Design Thesis, 2013

The design thesis projects a typology of community care that speculates new relationships between geriatrics and the neighbourho od residents.

It aims to de-stigmatize and allows a point of entry into community living where geriatrics can heal in the community, with the community.

Spatially, the proximity between everyday life with aged living is maintained. The adjacencies of aging and death as a part of the life cycle is celebrated through common activities for different purposes as spaces for creative learning, as gardens that heals and yields, and as spaces that serves and in turn be served.

This project was exhibited in NUS CityEx 2013.

Exisiting plans has led to stigmatization and gentrification of geriatric care. Efficiency is not maximised as patients still relocate to facilities between communities.

Existing as a counter point, main geriatric provisions are consolidated under one facility, and a new model is proposed where different provisions of care is inserted at alternating levels into a main public anchor program. Community care is reprogrammed with the public program as a responsive matrix to care.

A DWELLING IN THE WO ODS 14th International Shelter Design Competition 2011

The design proposal is approached with a conscious intent to probe conventional ideas of the house in an attempt to introduce new ways of living.

The concept revives the basic understanding of the primitive hut. It explores spaces that is both “inside-out” and “outside-in”. Spaces are perceived as extensions of the wilderness, creating new spatial categorizaions that enables one to experience nature in its entirety while being in the comfort and safety of a house. Large holes frame views and surrounding trees demarcate the spatial boundaries.

SYMBIOSIS AND PARADOXITIES Studiowork, 2011

A dance center in Little India exists as an irony - it aims to promote interaction and brotherho od, yet gentrifies itself as private property. In addition, Large congregations of the Indian community lie in contrast with lack of public spaces.

The project investigates the limits of spatial contestation by juxtaposing programs and playing up these paradoxities, allowing for new situations to emerge.

Using the dance center as a basis, an intervention that provides additional public space is proposed, seeking to bridge the barrier between the dance center and the indian community. Secondary street levels are added and connected to the surroundings, with dance and arts related activities are introduced to intensify use and activities.

This project was exhibited in CityEx 2011 and featured in NUS Yearbo ok 2010.

04 PROFILE

ABOUT ME

Alex was born and raised in the heartlands of Singapore.

His passion for design and the arts is fueled by the exposure given to him growing up with his extended families. He sought apprenticeship with Mr Randy Chan (Zarch Collaboratives) and was under the mentorship of one of Singapore’s pioneer architect Mr Tang Guan Bee throughout his educative years, taking a gap year after completing his Bachelor’s Degree to gain experience at these respective offices.

Alex received his B.A.(Arch) with 2nd Upper Honors in 2011 and graduated with a Masters Degree in July 2013. He is currently working at Eco.id Architects Singapore, specializing in hospitality and resort masterplanning and residential apartments. He also manages office projects coming in from the mandarin speaking countries (China, Taiwan).

In addition, Alex’s interest in the creative fields outside of Architecture led him to pursue a scholarship to travel to Los Angeles to research and work at the prestigious USC Scho ol of Cinematic Arts in 2009. He has also worked freelance for local artists to explore ideas and inspirations that he hopes would be applicable in future.

Alex believes that design is a way one conduct the self, a lifestyle and an attitude, and sees everyday rituals as potential inspirations for radical design breakthroughs.

TAN SOON LEE ALEX skewedperspektifs@gmail.com +65 9298 3219 26 / 11 / 1986 Blk 90 Tanglin Halt Road #09 - 322 Singapore 141090 EDUCATION 2011 - 2012 National University of Singapore, Singapore Master of Architecture 2007 - 2011

National University of Singapore, Singapore Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (2nd Upper)

2010 - 2011

Ceské Vysoké Ucení technické v Praze, Czech Republic Student Exchange Program 1( semester)

2003 - 2005

GCE Cambridge ‘A’ Levels St. Andrew’ s Junior College

EMPLOYMENT 2013 - Present Eco.id Architects Pte Ltd, Singapore architectural executive 2012 Zarch Collbaoratives Pte. Ltd, Singapore apprentice architectural designer 2009

USC Scho ol of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles, USA visiting scholar / design intern

2008 - 2011 Zarch Collbaoratives Pte. Ltd, Singapore architectural Intern 2008 Istana Art Event architectural volunteer SCHOLARSHIPS / AWARDS 2010 NUS Exchange Awards Travelling Scholarship 2009 NUS Interactive and Digital Media Institute NUS IDMI Scholarship

SELECTED PROJECTS 2015 National Sailing Centre

Boatyard, Sail Repair Workshop and Cafe Concept Design 2015

30 Jalan Haji Salam, Singapore Multi-generation residential unit Concept design, Project Documentation and Co ordination

2015 Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express, Singapore Landscape design

Concept design, Landscape Co ordination 2015

Hidden Valley Resort in Shangri-la, China Niche Resort with Outdo or Activities and Glamping Masterplan Design, Design Documentation and Co ordination, Construction

2014 Resort in Phang Nga, Thailand Stars Resort Masterplan Design 2014 Doubletree Hilton , Sanya, China Luxury Hotel Feasibility and Project Co ordination 2014

Kyee Phyu Lake Development in Shan State, Myammar High End Mixed Used Masterplan Development Feasibility Study and Concept Design

2014 Madifushi, Maldives Stars Resort

Concept Design and Documentation 2013 Tugu Tani Residences, Jakarta, Indonesia

Three tower Luxury Condominium development Design documentation 2013

Fraser Suites Shenzhen, China Reconstruction of existing building block to Luxury Service Apartments Concept Design, Design documentation and Project Co ordination

COMPETITIONS 2015 North Barrier Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE (with Eco.id Architects Pte Ltd)

Luxury Resort, Ongoing competition 2014

Peakfields Tea Estate and Resort, Sri Lanka (with Eco.id Architects Pte Ltd) Luxury Resort C , ompetition Entry

2012

New Punggol Mosque, Singapore (with Zarch Collaboratives Pte. Ltd.) Cultural Mosque, competition entry

2011 13th Shelter International Architectural Design Competition 2011, Japan competition entry 2011

Mapletree BizSpace, Singapore (with Zarch Collaboratives Pte. Ltd.) Office Building, competition entry

2010

Kaohsiung Pop Music Center,Taiwan (with TangGuanBee Architects) Cultural Music Centre, competition entry

EXHIBITION 2011 City Exhibition 2011 Essay, The Authentic Jargon 2011 NUS Yearbo ok 2011 Reflection Entry, Ignorance of Experience 2011 NUS Yearbo ok 2011 Design Project, Symbiotic Paradoxities SKILLS AutoCAD Revit ArchiCAD SketchUp Lumion Artlantis Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign

PUBLICATIONS 2013

Something there is, that doesn’t love a wall NUS City Exhibition 2013

2011

Exhibition of design project contestation NUS City Exhibition 2011

2009 Exhibition of project a ‘ bo okcase for 5 bo oks’ Archifest 2009

Acknowledgements 2014 Peakfields Estate, Sri Lanka luxury 36 key resort invited internation design competition work done under the employment of eco.id architects pte ltd Kyee Phyu Lake Masterplan, Myammar mixed-used masterplanning with farms, vineyards, golf course, residences and hotel feasibility study, masterplan work done under the employment of eco.id architects pte ltd 2013 Fraser Suites, Shenzhen luxury service apartments expected completion 2016 design concept, project documentation and project co ordination work done under the employment of eco.id architects pte ltd Tugu Tani Residences, Jakarta Indonesia 3 tower luxury condominium residence ongoing design concept, project documentation work done under the employment of eco.id architects pte ltd 2012 Punggol Mosque cultural mosque open design competition work done under the employment of zarch collaboratives pte ltd 2011 Kaohsiung Pop Music Center cultural centre open international design competition work done under the employment of zarch collaboratives pte ltd

Acknowledgements 2013 Something There is, That Doesn’t Love a Wall Design Thesis Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Lilian Chee (Assistant Professor) 2011 Symbiosis and Paradoxities Studiowork Tan Teck Kiam Studio A Dwelling in the Wo ods Design Competition 2008 Plywo od Studiowork Randy Chan Studio Kho o Ee Jia, Fabian Fan, Chua Gong Yao, Jolene Lee, Kion Wong, Michelle Chew, Gary Terrence, Shaun Yeo, Xing Ying, Zhang Qian, Tan Zi Hua A Bo okcase For 5 Bo oks Architectural Construction Instructor: Cheah Kok Meng (Associate Professor) Team: Chen Yanyi, Joleen Wo on, Welly Budiman, Neo Wen Hao

F L AT / S PA C E