A Cultural Influence on Architecture Visual Exploration
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Restructuring an Identity Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
7-10 11-12 13-20
Door, Window, Stair,
21-22
Spiritual Haven
23-26
Urban Reticulation
Luminaire 27-36
37-38
Morph Loft
39-40
Parametric 41-42 Tower
Metropolitan Primitivism
43-54
A Cultural Influence on Architecture East Asia Study Abroad
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Collage constructed from 12 Photographs
Itinerary:
Hong Kong Shenzen Beijing Chengdu Chongqing 2
Chengdhu, China 11 Photographs
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Olympic Square, Beijing, China
Hong Kong 7 Photographs
Collage constructed from 31 Photographs 4
Hong Kong 13 Photographs
Beijing, China 11 Photographs
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Mainland China and Hong Kong provided an architectural playground that consisted of layers upon layers of cultural identity. This visual and analytical exploration of East Asia depicts moments in time captured and broken down through the usage of photography, digital manipulation and graphite and ink sketching techniques. The primary goal of this exploration was to experiment with various techniques of documentation in order to analyze such architectural topics as scale and density but also to capture the essence of an alternative atmosphere and learn about how such influences as society, culture and history molded the architecture we see today.
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[Re]structuring an Identity Shibati [18 steps] District Projections |Year 3 Study Abroad
重组的标识
Site: Shibati District, Chongqing, China
62 Acres
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Phase 1: Analyzing the Site
In Phases 1 and 2 during our 3 week joint studio with Chongqing University, four students from UF were asked to join a team of four students from CQU in an urban planning project to redevelop the historic Shibati [18 Steps] District. This 62 acre site presented us with an over-developed, highly dense area that was not only experiencing problems within itself but was also becoming a hazard to the community. Due to this negative cloud looming over the community, the government intervened, literally tagged about 80% of the buildings (ranging from middle schools to homes that housed three generations) with red spray paint. This indicated a later confiscation, lWeaving countless families without a place to call home. Witnessing this, our main goal was to analyze these problems and come up with an alternative design for a community that would not only create proper housing, commercial, and civic facilities for the locals but also introduce a new way of living through the usage of architecture that would attract outsiders to invest time and money into this community with a newly structured identity.
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Population Density
Function Sprawl
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Phase 1: Analyzing the Site
Topography Analysis
Level of Activity
Building Density
Building Typologies
One of the major reasons for many of the problems encountered within this site, spawn from the fact that it is located on a 50 meter drop in elevation from the northern end of the site to the southern end. The southern-most end of the site distinguishes the edge between land and water and presents us with the problem of contaminated rainwater emptying into the river. The site is so overdeveloped that green spaces are highly limited and disappearing rapidly. Therefore no form of filtration is available and with all the mechanical pollution and further sanitary hazards mixing on a daily basis, Shibati, seemed to be on a downward spiral. 10
Housing Proposal
High Rise Community
Introducing a sprawling green space that flows three dimensionally to create functional interior and exterior spaces.
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Phase 2: Proposing an Alternative
Proposed Master Plan Civic District
Commercial District
Historic District
Housing Proposal
Hand Rendering of Master Plan
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Phase 3 of the East Asia Study Abroad Program took place at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The primary goal of this phase was to specify a certain point of interest in the newly developed master plan to further indivually develop. A major issue that presented itself numerous times throughout the analysis phase was the problem of density and how it was invading people’s lives. Creating a systematic modularity of housing and commercial space seemed to be the ideal answer to this overwhelming issue.
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Phase 3: Individual Development
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Residential Units Gestured Forms
Southeast
Northwest
Southeast
Northwest
Carved Forms
Gestured Forms
Carved Forms
When it came to function, many of the built constructions allowed for little to no flexibility. Therefore, it could be concluded that the issue of density in most areas were direct outcomes of commercial areas, such as markets and local shops, spilling out onto the streets due to the lack of flexible facilities. This problem directly lead to the solution of creating a system of modules that could either be stacked or continuously shifted depending on if the space was private or public. For example, the diagram above shows how residential (private) spaces were created by stacking “L” shaped modules, maximizing livable space, then carving out of them as necessary. The complete breakdown of this system starts with a private or public module that links together with others alike. This accumulation of modules is called a unit. A unit then links with other units to create a cluster as seen in the two bird’s eye views below.
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Phase 3: Individual Development
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Level 3
C
B
C
E D A
A) B) C) D) E)
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Phase 3: Individual Development
Residential Unit A Residential Unit B Common Areas Private Elevator Public Elevator
Level 2
B
C E
D A
A) B) C) D) E)
Residential Unit A Residential Unit B Skywalk Connection Private Elevator Public Elevator
As seen in this unit, the sizes of residential spaces vary in order to accommodate a variety of people. Smaller spaces are more affordable and can accommodate the locals who were driven out of their homes previously. Larger units can attract a class of people that weren’t previously interested in this site. One of the major reasons to create spaces in this manner was to reach the ultimate goal of a well-integrated society. There are many cases in which people are segregated based on their economic class however if they were to live side by side and interact in these commercial areas on a day to day basis, it will only give reason to unite a community.
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Level 1 Similarly to the private spaces, the public commercial spaces were created from the same “L� gesture. However, unlike the stacking method used previously, these modules are created from alternating and shifting the original gestures in order to enhance circulation and flow.
A B
A) B) C)
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Phase 3: Individual Development
Commercial Space Private Elevator Public Elevator
C
Commercial Space Gestured Forms
Southeast
Northwest
Carved Forms
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Door, Window, Stair Spatial Interaction | Year 2 Fall
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Door, Window, Stair presented a challenge to take these exact words out of their everyday terminology and apply them to spatial concepts that were originally derived through a method of cinematic mapping. The true challenge was to conceptualize these everyday terms in a way so they reveal their deeper representations. Relationships were then created between these ideas and experiences of circulation, pace, or flow and then applied spatially to such cinematic terms as jump cut or cross cut. Materiality was then applied in manners to strengthen such concepts as pace and flow. Also applied and manipulated in ways to control experiential qualities such as light and shadows.
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Spiritual Haven St. Augustine, Fl Projections | Year 3 Fall
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This waterfront site presented a consistent tranquility that naturally created a calm atmosphere. This with the complete natural context encouraged me to study some of the more natural aspects of architecture like the filtration of sunlight, the movement of air, and the idea of a shelter used for shade and/or protect. The form was originally inspired by the natural movement of the water and air that so heavily populated this particular site and combined with the ideas of creating a space that is flexible in its function. Simplicity was key in creating this meditative center.
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This exploration resulted in a spiritual haven that had three major components, an enclosed pod, an interior/exterior meditation space, and an interior/exterior communal space. Each of these spaces stood for their own purposes: the enclosed pod was an intimate space meant for singular or small group usage. This pod was designed in a way to help focus on the coastal conditions of the water’s edge. The two interior/exterior spaces were intended to provide the occupants with a space they can use to meditate and collect themselves individually before they continue into the communal gathering space.
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Urban Reticulation Upper West Side Projections | Year 4 Fall
Site: Upper West Side, New York City
23,730 sq. ft.
27 Partner: Sagar Desai
Residential/Educational Area Surrounding Height Level: 4-12 Stories
Urban Reticulation started off with the general idea of creating private spaces within a networked complex and interrupting them with highly active public spaces. The primary intention here was to create a stabilized community within the chaos of the city. Basically create an atmosphere that physically stands out independently from the city yet stays connected visually. These basic intentions then lead to the idea of views and circulation being the primary generator to the form and functions of the complex. The design process itself started through site analysis. We found that the majority of the immediate context was comprised of residential and commercial units that ranged in height from five to seven stories. This relatively low rise area was then spotted with seven to twelve story buildings and as you move outwards towards the city the vertical scale starts to shift in size. From this analysis, the idea of wrapping was introduced which ultimately lead to the reasoning behind the tower heights (ten, twelve and fourteen stories) and the primary means of public circulation (the two large horizontal constructions). 28
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The form of this complex was split up into two major gestures; three predominantly private towers and two publicly active horizontal constructions. The single piece that literally tied these forms together was the central four story building that created a community center/courtyard to celebrate the three towers. Forms were then further edited depending on the views the occupants would receive from certain areas. For example, the glass and walls on both the towers and horizontal constructions are slightly angled to suggest specific views depending on the ideal experience at that certain height. 30
Interior of Restaurant
31 Exterior Recreational Space
The program of the complex was highly dependent on how occupants traveled through this networked space. The bottom horizontal construction gradually eased people into the building while providing them with programmatic spaces that would be needed in everyday living. The idea was to invite the public into the space and provide a sense of convenience.
Exterior of Restaurant
Also to introduce a slightly faster pace of movement with moments of pause like the Gallery Space or the Food Court area. Though the second horizontal construction, the skybridge, is also meant for public use the change in pace is dramatic. Since the ground level construction is more dynamic and fast paced, this one provides occupants with a leisurely atmosphere. The program is predominantly commercial with a few restaurants and most importantly provides visual connections to the city. This allows occupants to experience the city from a different vertical perspective and provides an interesting connection to the urban spaces as well as the open green spaces.
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The theme of wrapping is thoroughly recurrent throughout multiple systems in this complex. One specific system that strengthens this theme is the “skin�. The complete form of the building is made up of two basic articulations; concrete extrusions that frame off sun shaded balconies, and indents that reveal highly transparent glass that lets in natural light.
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Iconic Views
This is an interior view from a lounge in the Second Tower overlooking the courtyard. The inspiration behind the tectonics come from the light and shadows created by that of a natural tree canopy. This was an attempt to introduce it a natural phenomena into a highly urban setting.
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Luminaire Design Environmental Technology 2 | Year 4 Fall
Stained Wood Smoked Plexiglass Metal Bolts
Section
Plan 37
This design was generated from the idea of keeping a sleek elegant aesthetic while establishing an intimate dining atmosphere through the method of lighting. The choice of materials were based on a pallet that would be bold yet simple. The two half inch thick “C� shaped wood pieces would be encasing the light sources for this particular luminaire while the four six by twenty-four inch sheets of smoked plexi would help direct the light straight down and illuminate the periphery. These two goals were established in order for the luminaire to set a certain mood at the same time be functional.
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Morph Loft
Advance Digital | Year 3 Spring
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The main idea that generated this project was the thought of an organic form deteriorating to reveal its more structural qualities. Some of the words that helped influence the forms include, balance, equality, dialogue and fluidity. These three organic forms, the canopy, table, and bench, all show a sense of fluidity while keeping a strong dialogue with the existing architecture building. Once the organic forms were created, a structural element had to be constructed that would both link these existing forms fluidly, and provide a perforated canopy that would help filter light.
Canopy-Organic form that reacts to the flow of the bench and provides a completely opaque shelter. Wooden Rib Structure-Flows from one organic form to another creating a physical link. It provides both structure for the construction and a light filtering wall/canopy.
Table/Bench- A complimentary piece to the larger bench that provides people with a multipurpose surface. Lounge Bench- A fluid construction that provides people with a place to sit or lay down. The contours of the bench help further the usage possibilities.
Serial Section Cuts
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Parametric Tower Advance Digital | Year 3 Spring
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North
East
South
West
Elevations
Floor Slabs Core+Floor Slabs Glass+Core+Floor Slabs Structural Parametric Skin+Glass+Core+Floor Slabs This was the final project in the Advance Digital class. The assignment was to explore the general qualities of a tower such as the core, the skin, and the proportional breakdown of floor slabs, through the usage of the Grasshopper plug-in for Rhinoceros 4.0. The inspiration behind this tower was a study on human anatomy and how the body can create certain gestures as it moves. In order to turn this organic concept into an actual construction, scripting in grasshopper was essential. This method of digital construction aided in the efficiency and control that was given to the creator for the overall gestures and repeated systems.
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Metropolitan Primitivism West Chelsea District Projections | Year 4 Fall
43 Partner: Sagar Desai
Site:West Chelsea District, New York City
1,230,000 sq. ft.
Historically Industrial Heavily Residential
This project takes place in the West Chelsea District of New York City. With the objective of creating a new way of urban living, we decided to introduce a hybrid complex to the community that would encourage interaction between the public and private spaces in an attempt to create a well-knit community. Ultimately with the intentions of creating this linkage between private living and public housing, we introduced public nodal spaces, located throughout the numerous networks of circulation, that act as attractors amongst the community. Our main goal was to provide the community with a highly flexible commercial space, a periodically changing civic center and both permanent and temporary housing units. 44
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East Entrance
Movement Analysis
Density Studies
Public vs Private Developmental Progression
A
B
General flow of movement Major Entry points into the site
C
D
Ground Level Floor Plan The main driver behind this project was the immediate interest we had in the density of the city and how spaces were impacted by the amount of people and the pace of people that occupy it over a period of time. One of our intentions was to present the community with a complex that allowed them to have their own individual journeys..We created numerous amounts of paths that take people on journeys through expanding and contracting spaces, transforming from intimate to completely open at an instant. These spaces were then complimented with the previously mentioned public nodal spaces that helped direct the flow of pedestrian traffic. This system of alternating networks and nodal gathering spaces helped establish a sense of balance in the complex.
E
F
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Condominium Towers Private Housing interrupted by public nodal spaces such as restaurants, observation decks, and public lobbies.
56% Hotel Towers Public Housing that provides the community with additional observation decks and public lounges.
Civic Tower Public building that houses a museum, library, galleries and exhibition halls, towards the bottom and offices filling in the space above.
16%
Commercial & Recreational Space
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This construction is what encourages the most movement. The interior of this volume is a highly flexible commercial space that starts to transform into more privately used facilities once it reaches the Condominiums.
28%
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Directly under the High Line, overlooking courtyard.
Directly under the Hotel Towers, Interior of Commercial Space.
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Introducing green spaces brought a sense of calm in the chaos of the city.
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Private Spaces
Public Spaces
Residential Units
Condominium Lobby Athletic Center
West Elevation
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The perforations vary depending on the function of the units behind them. For instance, the density of perforations increase as the function becomes more public and decreases as it becomes private.
Each of the towers, as seen from the exterior, predominantly consists of concrete cladding attached to a reinforced steel structure. This sense of solidity is complimented with a sun shading perforated glass skin. The skins’ own system is comprised of a truss that holds the panels of perforated glass between the concrete columns. The glass itself is frosted, in order to give a sense of vagueness, which is then perforated by one foot holes that finally bring clarity to the blurred images. Since this skin is a sun shading device, it protects an interior/exterior balcony space created between the interior modules and the exterior skin. 52
53 West Entrance
Since our site was located in a historically industrial area which has slowly turned into an art district, we wanted to merge the ideas of an industrial looking sculpture of art. Also with the newly acquired knowledge of the Hudson Yards Proposal, we wanted to make sure that our project would make a statement and not disappear as the new New York Skyline started to appear in the near future.
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Thank You Mom, Dad, & Nikisha Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to go that extra mile. Calming me down in the most chaotic moments and encouraging me to “never settle.� Without you guys none of this would have ever been possible.
Classmates Thank you for all the advice and criticisms that helped make my concepts and projects clearer. Most of all thank you for the memories these past few years have brought us. They are irreplaceable.
Professors and Faculty Thank you for opening my mind, pushing me to the limits, and truly giving me the architectural knowledge I have today.