ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Michael Zhou 周文渊
Michael Zhou Professional
(608) 239-5515 mlzhou94690@gmail.com
Architectural Design Specialist (February 2021 - November 2023) Strang, Inc. - Madison, WI •
Lead architecture production specialist responsible for developing the final Construction Document packages for over 30 firm projects.
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Managed the final package production on multiple projects by serving as an integrator between the internal and external Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing teams to ensure projects were delivered to the client on-budget and on-schedule.
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Supported firm growth by building relationships with several prospective clients and attended various economic conferences.
Selected Project Experience •
Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Center for Music - Madison, WI ○
Assisted the Project Architect and third-party acoustic consultants on detail work to ensure the doors, walls, and ceilings of the 40,000 sqft music center were sound proofed to industry standards.
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Coordinated with the door hardware vendor to schedule the installation of over 100 doors in the complex.
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Provided updates through field reports to project leadership by inspecting building sites to assess progress.
Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory - Des Moines, IA ○
Worked with the Project Architect to design various staircase systems for a 94,000 sqft lab facility.
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Drafted detail drawings based on design and structural specifications to ensure the building met State and Federal environmental and safety regulations.
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Led the creation of As-Built drawings during the Construction Administration phase.
Confidential Laboratory Client - Madison, WI ○
Served as a lead modeler tasked with creating a complete model of the existing building in preparation for
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Sub-team lead responsible for managing and delegating tasks to ensure models were developed accurately
various future renovation projects. and on time. ○
Designated lead quality reviewer of interior partitions, casework, and furniture to ensure the models were consistent with the established standards.
Associate Architect (July 2019 - August 2020)
Dimension IV Madison Design Group - Madison, WI •
Served as the designated red-line drawing editor for over 20 projects, including retirement homes, restaurants, multi-family housing, and office complexes.
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Interacted with several clients to ensure project scope alignment by identifying and resolving design issues.
Selected Project Experience •
MSP Heritage Senior Care Housing - Oshkosh, WI; Wauwatosa, WI ○
Designed the roof and staircase system for a 15,000 sqft senior care housing complex in coordination with the Project Architect.
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Ensured building designs were compliant with light, ventilation, accessibility, and energy conservation codes.
Pizza Ranch Restaurants - Sun Prairie, WI; Duluth, MN; Vermilion, SD ○
Led the drafting and 3D modeling for three restaurant locations to drive the interior and exterior changes requested by the client.
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Collaborated with third-party structural consultants to develop a layout that adhered to structural guidelines.
Architectural Intern (August 2014 - July 2015)
Culture Heritage Conservation Center at Tsinghua University - Beijing, China Selected Project Experience •
Xiawu Culture Center - Mount Huangshan, Anhui Province ○
Created a new museum visitor center to replace the original building that was destroyed in 1990 that integrates modern technology while complementing the original aesthetics from 700 years ago.
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Developed an interior design for cultural artifacts to be displayed while properly representing the village’s history and culture.
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Huangtian Village Conservation - Huangtian Village, Anhui Province ○
Conducted the full documentation of the village site to produce 3D models for historical archiving and future conservation efforts.
Leadership
Marbella Condominiums HOA Building Committee Design Board Lead (April. 2023 - Present) Madison, WI •
Providing architectural design expertise as a member of the HOA Board of Directors for a community of nearly 200 residents by developing plans to modernize on-site facilities while reducing operational costs.
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Leading discussions with external vendors to support facility modernization plans that remain within HOA budgeting guidelines.
Co-Designer, Composite, and Lighting Lead (Dec. 2022 - Oct 2023)
“Dance with Flowers” Olbrich Botanical Garden GLEAM Art Exhibit - Madison, WI •
Co-designer of the “Dance with Flowers” Exhibit, a 3,200 sqft interactive art installation with the goal of synchronizing the movement of people and nature.
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Lead designer and manufacturer responsible for creating various flower patterns inspired by native Wisconsin Flowers and Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Spearheaded a molding system to produce resin casts to create highly detailed 3D prints compatible with electrical and structural design.
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Developed a form-fit-function lighting, control, and sound system that enabled 10-20 guests to simultaneously interact with the exhibit through pressure pads.
Skills
Modeling - AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, Solidworks, Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, RhinoCAM, 3DS Max, Inventor, Unreal Engine Design/Render - Bluebeam, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Bridge, V-ray, Maxwell Microsoft - Word, PowerPoint, Excel Manufacturing - 3D Printing, CNC, Woodworking, Soldering, Epoxy Resin Mold Casting, Concrete/Ceramic Languages - English (Native), Mandarin Chinese (Fluent)
Education
Washington University in St. Louis - St. Louis, MO Sam Fox School of Visual Arts and Design Master of Architecture (Class of 2018) University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Milwaukee, WI School of Architecture and Urban Planning B.S. Architectural Studies, B.A. Major in Urban Studies (Class of 2014)
Honors
2023 GLEAM - Art in a New Light, Finalist Dance with Flowers Exhibit 2021 Senior Housing News Architecture and Design Awards, 1st Place MSP River Parkway, Dimension IV 2017 - 2018 Marketing Assistant of the Year Washington University in St. Louis Recreation Fall 2016, Spring 2017 Dean’s List Washington University in St. Louis 2014 Chicago Student Awards in Architecture, Honorable Mention AIA Chicago 2014 UWM Student Award Program, 1st Place University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Selected Works
Professional 05
Forest Product Laboratory
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Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
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Center for Music
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Biotechnology Lab
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MSP Heritage Senior Care
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Pizza Ranch Restaurants
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Five Halls Culture Center
Design Build Projects 53
Dance with Flowers
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Confluence in Flight summer
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Solar Decathlon (Phase I) m
0p
Solar Decathlon (Phase II)
5:3
pm
4
5 :4
equinox
12:30pm
81
winter
7:3
0a
m
05
Forest Products Lab - Entry & Pergola
Strang, Inc.
Project Manager: Bill Simpson Project Architect: Michael Zhou Location: Madison, WI Project Statement: In this project, the architect was tasked with developing multiple design options of a new entrance pergola for the client. The original entrance was poorly maintained and starting to rot. This was a safety concern and the client was contemplating entirely removing the entry. The Project Architect and Manager collaborated with the client to develop a new entry design using new weather resistant materials. On top of using new materials, the new entry design had three primary goals in mind: 1) To have improved structural construction; 2) To have improved accessibility via new ramps and handrails; and 3) To utilize salvaged components from the original construction to reduce costs. My Role:
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Developed multiple design options for different budget ranges Drafted building plans and led production of construction documents Minimized costs for the client by incorporating original entry components into the new design Specified and detailed new materials Created an improved structural system in collaboration with structural engineers
Exterior render of one of the options.
Exterior Details
Details of the new rain screen (left) and the pergola (right) showing a mix of new and salvaged components.
Details showing the updated structure developed in collaboration with structural engineers. The new structure provides better protection from wind and weather.
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Design Option One
Option one was a lower budget option for the client with the sole focus of mitigating the compromised portions of the pergola.
Section showing the demolished areas of the pergola that removed the original rotted materials.
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Design Option Two
Option two was a cost-effective option that included not only restoring the compromised sections of the entry, but also enhanced the entry by drastically increasing the life span with weather resistant materials.
Section showing the new components spliced onto the salvaged portions.
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Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Strang, Inc.
Project Manager: Dan Hale Project Architect: Alec Hembree Location: Ames, IA Project Statement: In recent years, the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VDL) has had a significant increase in demand and as a result, now requires a new facility to support its growth. This new facility aims to provide a space that supports all of VDL’s requirements, including but not limited to classrooms, surgical suites, and diagnostic laboratories. As a life sciences building, this new facility must also follow all biosafety and containment guidelines in addition to providing a comfortable workspace for everyone. My Role:
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Developed building exterior models, creating details, and addressing redlines Prepared sheets (floor plans, enlarged unit plans, exterior and interior elevations) Developed the staircase design for roof access Performed various calculations to ensure building designs were compliant with light, ventilation, disability accessibility, and energy conservation codes Collaborated with the Lab Planning team to create various lab layouts throughout the building Drew the As-Built drawing set during Construction Administration
Exterior render of the lab.
Stair Sections
Sections of the staircase system that provides roof access.
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Enlarged Lab Floor Plans
Floor plans of labs providing ample space for work and movement in addition to following all biosafety guidelines.
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Lab Axons
3D axons of labs for clients to visually understand equipment layout.
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Enlarged Lab Equipment Plan
Lab layout plan that highlights the organization of lab equipment to meet client needs.
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Lab Elevations
Interior elevations showing layout of labs.
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Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Center for Music
Strang, Inc.
Project Manager: Tim Crum Project Architect: Drew Martin Location: Madison, WI Project Statement: The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) is a youth music organization that for many years did not have a permanent practice space despite having a roster of over 500 young musicians in any given year. The goal of the project was to create a new permanent home for the organization by providing space for rehearsal and performance. The 40,000 sqft building features three rehearsal halls, eight studios, nine practice rooms, a music library, and administrative office space. This new building will meet all the current organizational needs while providing additional growth space for WYSO moving forward. My Role:
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Assisted with early conceptual presentations during the Schematic Design phase Prepared sheets (floor plans, enlarged unit plans, exterior and interior elevations) Assisted project architect on all drafting aspects of the project from floor plans to elevations, to sections Coordinated with vendor for door hardware Collaborated with Project Architect and acoustic consultant on drafting details Created field reports during the Construction Administration phase to ensure project timeline was being followed Worked with client to ensure all requirements were addressed in the design
WYSO exterior render.
Floor plans
Axon diagram of floor plans in relation to the site.
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Acoustic Partition and Details
Examples of acoustic partition types to ensure adequate sound proofing for all the rehearsal and practice studios.
Examples of acoustic door details for the rehearsal and practice rooms.
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Roof and Ceiling Details
Samples of various roof details.
Details of the isolated acoustic ceilings.
Sample of isolated ceiling details used in practice studios.
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Building Sections
Building sections showing the Acoustically Isolated Construction (AIC) being tracked throughout the drawings.
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Wall Sections
Wall sections showing the AIC and acoustic floors.
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Confidential Biotechnology Lab Project
Strang, Inc.
Project Manager: Bill Simpson Project Architect: Jens Hanson Location: Confidential Project Statement: This project had a unique situation where the client wished to expand their campus to meet the growing biotechnology market demand. The scope of the project consisted of 2 distinct phases. The first phase consisted of renovating the existing building facilities in preparation for phase two, the expansion of the client’s building campus. For Phase 1, the existing building would have multiple office spaces renovated into labs. Phase 1 tasks also included: Remodeling the exterior walls of the existing building to meet new thermal and light requirements for the client, and developing demolition plans to prepare for Phase 2. An important design consideration was that several exterior walls of the original building would eventually become interior walls during Phase 2 - the expansion of the original building. Lastly, to meet the client’s needs, multiple custom Revit families were created to account for biotechnology equipment, labware, and electrical support systems. My Role:
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Coordinated with various mechanical teams to develop custom Revit families Developed custom Revit families for lab equipment with lab planners Coordinated with different architecture teams to develop wall sections based on phasing Conducted custom 3D modeling of exterior wall for accurate demolition plans
Interior render of lab.
Demolition and Floor Plan
Floor plan showing location of demolition work.
Proposed floor plan showcasing the new layout of an office being transformed into a lab.
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Custom Lab Equipment
Equipment plan of lab.
Examples of the custom equipment models.
Interior elevations showing examples of the custom-made models.
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Elevations and Sections
Exterior elevation
Wall sections showing the renovated walls.
Details showing the retrofitted thermal addition while retaining the exterior facade.
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MSP Heritage Senior Care Housing
Dimension IV Madison Design Group Project Manager: Ray White Project Architect: Bjorn Hallsson Nick Kirscht Locations: Oshkosh, WI Wauwatosa, WI
Project Statement: The project consisted of two new constructions for senior care housing that provide independent living and mental nursing care. The goal of the design was to create a combined space for individuals wanting to downsize without compromising a sense of independence obtained through freedom of movement. Another important design consideration was to ensure the safety of residents — a factor especially important for residents requiring mental nursing. My Role:
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Developed building exterior model, creating details, and addressing redlines Prepared sheets (floor plans, enlarged unit plans, exterior and interior elevations) Assisted the roof and staircase design Performed various calculations to ensure building designs were compliant with light, ventilation, disability accessibility, and energy conservation codes Consulted with clients to review and determine design changes Collaborated with Project Architect on drafting details
Oshkosh axon render
Stair Sections
Stair sections of the Oshkosh facility showing the various terrain grades.
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Code Compliance Calculations
Oshkosh first floor code compliance plan showing the light and air calculations.
Oshkosh fire wall building section
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MSP Wauwatosa
Exterior axon render
Sample of exterior elevations
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Interior Details
Examples of enlarged unit plans at Wauwatosa developed to ensure code compliance.
Detail examples at Wauwatosa.
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Floor Plans
Wauwatosa floor plan diagram.
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Pizza Ranch Restaurants
Dimension IV Madison Design Group Project Manager: Jerry Bourquin Project Architect: Bibiana Lightfoot Locations: Sun Prairie, WI Duluth, MN Vermillion, SD
Project Statement: Pizza Ranch, Inc. approached Dimension IV to help design the expansion of their Sun Prairie location. The original expansion consisted of creating private party dining rooms in addition to a new video game arcade space. Pizza Ranch later requested further renovations at a number of their other locations in order to ensure their older facilities were compliant with new corporate branding specifications. My Role:
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Led the drafting and 3D modeling for all three locations Supported the development of client-driven floor plans Interacted with structural consultants to refine interior and exterior designs Collaborated with clients to ensure the design, theme, and colors adhered to corporate standards
Before (left) and after (right) photos showing the completed addition at the Sun Prairie location.
Sun Prairie New Addition
Enlarged plan of new addition
Demolition Elevation
New Elevation
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Duluth Renovation
Duluth demolition floor plan of the original bar and restaurant
New floor plan showing the renovated bar space with the newly added arcade and outdoor area.
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Duluth Interior
Floor finish plan
Interior elevations
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Five Halls Culture Center
CHCC of Tsinghua University
Principal: Cui Guanghai (CHCC Director) Xu Zhilan (Team Lead) Location: Mount Huangshan, Chengkan, Anhui Province, China Project Statement: The Chengkan Five Halls Culture Center is a project with two purposes. The first is to create a historical museum that exhibits the uniqueness of the buildings history by replicating the original settings on how the building would have been used at the time of its occupancy. The second is to create the primary culture center showcasing the history of the city. Tragically, in 1990 the fifth hall of the historical building was destroyed in a fire, where now it remains as vacant ground. We used this opportunity to merge modern to historical through the construction of the new culture center. The Five Halls name comes from the fact that the singular building is in fact five buildings that are all interconnected. The building was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 1300s where over time, had sections remodeled or added on such as another hall during the Qing Dynasty in the 1800s. The Five Halls went from being originally homes for five different families to a schoolhouse and finally a tourist attraction. The Five Halls Culture Center will contain a museum to display these historical events and contain information of the culture on the people and village of Chengkan. My Role:
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Fully documented building and updated CAD drawings Fully 3D modeled building Designed the reconstruction of new structure to replace destroyed hall Developed interior design of museum display for the cultural relics and arts
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Zoning Map
INDEX Road
Historical Site
Exhibition
Path
Water
Historic Building
Zoning
Node
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Site
Land Use Map
INDEX
Main Exhibition Space Auxiliary Exhibition Space Road
Private Gallery
Water
Administration
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Museum Locations Map
Conservation Timeline
INDEX
Confirmed Phase 1 Project Road Water
Enviromental Restoration
Confirmed Phase 2 Project Future/Unconfirmed Project
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8 Exhibition Zones
Touring Map
INDEX Exhibition Road
Tour Route
Water
Historical Building
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Current Conditions
The 3rd floors of two buildings were damaged during a fire in the 90s and were later restored by its future occupants.
The Residence of XiaLuo, or Xia Wu, was built 600 years ago. With a floor square footage of 2000 Sq. m. (~21,500 sq. ft.), Xia Wu is a typical courtyard house in the building style prevalant during the Ming Dynasty.
The current exhibition content poorly contextualizes the history of the site. A change in display was suggested.
Existing stone paving and active surface drain.
Existing green space scattered along alleyways.
Xia Wu expanded into a building complex consisting of 5 interconnected buildings as Space to the east of Xia Wu was part of a the population grew and through the various dynasties. Flower and bamboo gardens private yard for local residents. surrounding the compound can be converted into a resting area for local residents and tourists.
The current conditions of the site showing the remains of the destroyed hall as well as the now neglected garden (green) across of the building. The garden became isolated due to years of overgrowth along with the original entrance being converted into a part of a resident’s backyard.
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Proposed Changes
Pavilion marks the node of tour routes.
North entrance with wood paving and decorative screening
Cross-shaped paving connects the courtyards.
Existing pebble paving is kept; seats and signages are added on top
Bamboo garden renovations: 1. Keeping the original bamboo trees and restoring the stalagmite decorations; Green space near the south entrance 2. Traditional Huizhou style water landscaping is introduced. 3. Install water gates connecting the new provides buffer zone for the narrow landscaping installations to the existing water source in the village; 4. Space for future expansion is saved on alleyway the east side of the courtyard.
North Entrance
Pavilion and waterscaping
The proposed changes to the Five Halls and garden. To re-purpose the garden so that people can once again enjoy it, multiple new access points were created. The garden itself went from a simple bamboo garden into a stone garden with a pavilion next to a koi pond.
Historical photo of the pavilion
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Current Floor Plans
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Proposed Floor Plans
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Sections and Elevations
Section 1-1
West
Section 6-6
North
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2-2
3-3
4-4
5-5
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Culture Center Structure Offset
Added structure is offset from the historical building; offset prevents extra load on the existing structure.
Elevated Ground Floor Elevated ground floor makes future archaeological excavation possible.
Transparent Envelope
Upper floor construction uses glass as envelope material, providing sufficient natural light and ventilation.
Light-weight, Reversible Construction Light steel frame construction allows for a flexible plan layout.
Shallow Foundation
Shallow foundation avoids disturbing the underground archaeological site and the stability of the original structure.
Section
Plan
New Culture Center Site Plan and section showing the entrance and the layout of the new addition to replace the destroyed hall.
Section showing the Culture Center exhibition spaces.
To the right, a construction diagram showing the various components of the culture center. The center is a modern structure that retains its historical roots using the original wall.
7-7
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Construction Diagram
Light-weight Roof
Perspective view of addition construction Light-weight Roof
Envelope
Envelope
Structural Frame
Structural Frame Floor, Furniture and Stair
Furniture and Elevator
Elevated Ground Floor and Ticket Kiosk
Elevated Ground Floor and Archaeological Display
Isometric view of addition construction
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Interior Renders
A representation of the replicated historical setting for a hall during the Ming Dynasty.
The entrance to the Historical Museum portion.
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Render showing the proposed Culture Center interior.
Render of a hall that will be refurbished to replace current rotting materials.
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Dance with Flowers
GLEAM Interactive Light Art Installation
Team: Alec Hembree Michael Zhou Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI Project Statement: Every year, Olbrich Botanical Garden hosts a light-based art exhibition where artists from around the world submit proposals to display their art. The goal of the art installation “Dance with Flowers” was to create an interactive experience with the goal of synchronizing the movement of people and nature within a 3,200 Sq. Ft. space. The nature was represented through laser cut acrylic in forms inspired by native Wisconsin flowers. The human movement came through pressure activated pads to turn on over 1,500 LEDs. Attendees were encouraged to dance, jump, and move to music either solo or in groups up to 5 per pad. This resulted in creating unique and harmonious movements not just between the pads but with the flowers as they lit up the night sky. My Role:
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Lead designer for laser etched patterns on the flower petals inspired by Wisconsin-native species and Frank Lloyd Wright Developed a molding system to produce epoxy resin casts from highly detailed 3D prints Researched various flower species that best represents local nature Lead composer of music to inspire human movement Developed custom coded lighting, electrical, and sound controls that enabled 10-20 guests to simultaneously interact with the exhibit through pressure pads
Conceptual sketch during initial proposal.
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Research Below are initial sketches for designs inspired by Wisconsin-native flowers and potential construction methods.
Eastern Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea
Prairie Blazing Star Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya
Wood Lily Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Bottle Gentian Gentiana andrewsii
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Prototyping Testing to see the effects of light travel through etched acrylic.
Initial testing of the pressure pad system.
Resin cast from 3D printed forms to evaluate how many details can be kept.
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Laser Cut Patterns that were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright were etched into the acrylic using a laser cutter.
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Production Casting resin components.
Laser cut petals ready to be assembled.
Embedding LEDs within laser cut acrylic pieces and creating LED chains.
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Final Assembly
“Blazing Star” pedals ready to be attached together.
Fully constructed “Coneflower” heads prior to attaching stalks.
Assembled “Wood Lily” heads prior to attaching flower stalks.
“Ghost Pipes” on their holding rack waiting to be transported.
Assembled “Bottle Gentians” on their holding rack.
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Dance Pads
Cutting and preparing the bottom layer rubber mats
Applying the first layer of aluminum foil.
Adding the second layer of aluminum foil that sandwiched a layer of reticulated foam.
Painting the flower petals after closing and sealing the rubber with adhesives.
Electronics
The individual control boxes for the exhibit - 4 flowers to 1 box, and 1 box for each pad.
The computer driving the entire art installation and its waterproof box.
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Installation
Final concept sketch.
Site visit to measure and confirm flower locations.
Art exhibit with flowers installed without pressure pads and control boxes.
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Exhibition
Images showing the flowers in daylight and lit up during the night.
Images of the installation during the two-month long exhibition, during which, the garden garnered over 40,000 attendees.
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CONFLUENCE IN FLIGHT
Washington University in St. Louis
Professor: Lavender Tessmer Jason Butz Spring 2017 - Studio Group Work Location: Lambert International Airport - Terminal 2, St. Louis, MO Project Statement: The installation focuses on the vast pre-security space at Terminal 2 of Lambert Airport. The structure is an investigation of rigid construction, volumetric structures from assemblies that consist of numerous, intricate pieces as well as unique representation methods that enable assembly communication and fabrication. The installation provides a visual representation of the various confluence elements of the city. These elements represent the city as a whole, such as the convergence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers or the assemblage of those arriving and departing the city through the airport. My Role:
• • • • • •
Primary researcher for various composites Carbon fiber specialist Developed initial molding system for carbon fiber Model builder conceptual carbon fiber model Primary research for fiber optic lighting integration Surface modeler
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Circulation Path DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL GATES
VACANT COUNTER
SECURITY GATE SOUTHWEST TICKETING/ BAG DROP
TSA PRE SECURITY GATE
PASSENGER DROP-OFF
METROLINK STOP
A circulation diagram was created to show the paths of vehicular and pedestrian movement in order to understand in order to understand how the various spaces are occupied throughout the daily operations of the airport.
An overlay collage showing the various paths people take within the airport
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N
Daylight Analysis
summer
4 4:
m 5p
equinox
12:30pm
pm
0 5:3
7:3
0a
m
winter
A sunlight study diagram shows where the natural sunlight enters the terminal
A light analysis diagram illustrating how the sunlight moves through the building allowing a structure that fully optimizes light to be designed
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Rhombic Grid Concept
Physical representations of various early conceptual volumetric grid grasshopper studies
Initial massing render to determine an optimal location to place the installation
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Massing Model
Testing the same rhombic grid using two materials: one using carbon fiber, and the other using PEX pipes
Massing render showing the form of the installation within the terminal
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Carbon Fiber Module Mold
1. To create the module, a mold was first created by laser cutting plywood
2. The molds were glued on the edges and reinforced with color coded edges to help differentiate the wrapping order
3. The panels were joined together using the slots to finish the mold in reparation for the wrapping process
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Massing Model
4. The wrapping order showing the two different directions to create the module
An image of modules ready to be taken out of their molds (See step 4)
Modules out of their molds and ready to have colored surfaces attached to them
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Surfaces
1. Starting with a diamond base shape, a knife plotter was used to cut out different sizes using various radii from alcohol ink dyed polycarbonate
2. The connection detail of the polycarbonate connector for attaching the surface to the carbon fiber module
A photo showing the detail of the dyed polycarbonate attached to the carbon fiber module
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The above photo shows all the surfaces laid out on a flat surface. The bottom photo shows the placement of the surfaces within the geometry of the installation
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Assembly Process
1. To start the clusters, the individual modules were first connected to each other using aglets
2. Later, the small clusters were connected together into larger ones to prep for transport
3. After transporting to the airport, the larger clusters were connected by running cables through them to be lifted into positions
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Final Process
Fitting together the individual modules into the larger clusters for transport
Using a boom lift to install one of the larger clusters
The grand opening of the installation on June 15, 2017
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SOLAR DECATHLON (PHASE I)
Washington University in St. Louis
Professor: Pablo Moyano Hongxi Yin Spring 2016 - Studio Group Work Location: Tyson Research Center, St. Louis, MO Project Statement: To design a visually appealing, comfortable, sustainable and energy efficient home as a 2017 Solar Decathlon competitor. The design will focus on adaptability, supporting a range of potential users while providing a highly flexible and dynamic building envelope. The house will be a testbed for technological advances in architectural design and construction using of concrete. The end-result will be a showcase, market ready home demonstrating market appeal, efficiency and climate resilience. My Role:
• • • • •
Primary researcher for concrete use on facade Developed design for facade Primary builder for concrete molds Physical models Develop framing system
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City Data
The typology behind the design is that it functions as a 2-bedroom house, or a 1-bedroom with an office. This is appealing to the most current invigorating industries in the city. Washington University in St. Louis, itself, attracts many students and young professionals. There is a booming technology sector in the city and several strong medical campuses that give an opportunity for the city to utilize a home, such as ours, that appeals to couples, families, and professionals.
Climate Data
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Shading System
Summer Solstice June 21 Spring/Fall Equinox March/September 21
Winter Solstice December 21
Summer Solstice Section June 21, 1PM o Maximum Solar Angle: 74.8
Equinox Section March/September 21, 1PM o Maximum Solar Angle: 51.3
Winter Solstice Section December 21, 1PM o Maximum Solar Angle: 28
Through analyzing the sun path, various shading options were studied. The shading system that was chosen at the end is a multi-functional lightweight steel frame. It holds photovoltaic panels to collect solar energy, contains an array of fixed and movable louvers to provide shade and privacy, and will support hanging planters to be suspended at different heights. The frame will facilitate louvers to protect users from wind. The planter beds will also act as a safety barrier with the house being lifted off the ground, while also holding built-in furniture such as seating tables, storage, etc. to be used around the exterior of the house.
Louvers
Overhang
Clerestory Window
Privacy
Solar Panels & Roof Shading
Summer Sun Shading
Wind Protection
Planting & Productive Landscaping
Furniture
Natural Ventilation
Thermal Heat Gain
Sun Space
Thermal/Trombe Wall
Green/Blue Roof
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Exterior Render
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Facade Variations
Throughout the process, we developed various facade options in design and color. Initially the facade was designed on a purely aesthetic standpoint. As the point of the house is to be a test-bed of technological advances in the use of concrete, the facade design was changed to showcase the abilities of concrete.
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Sections and Elevations
East
Section A-A
West
Section C-C
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South
Section B-B
North
Section D-D
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Site Plan
Floor Plan
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Axon Render
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SOLAR DECATHLON (PHASE II)
Washington University in St. Louis
Professor: Pablo Moyano Ryan Abendroth Fall 2016 - Studio Group Work Location: Tyson Research Center, St. Louis, MO Project Statement: The design will pick off from the previous semester and make changes according to feedback from leading architects. The house consists of precast concrete structures bolted together that will demonstrate the integration of advanced building technology and a compelling alternative to the traditional light-frame construction materials. The house will use Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) panels that provides resiliency against fire, moisture and mold, insects, and extreme weather conditions as well as being able to structurally outlast traditional materials by decades. Large gutters will extend out from the main concrete structure and offer support for shading materials while creating an outdoor living space as well as allow rainwater to run down them for collection. A water collection system will allow for vertical planting and together with a series of modular planter beds, will support a hydroponic system as part of a productive landscape to cultivate vegetables for consumption. At the conclusion of the competition, the house will be brought back to St. Louis as part of the Ecovillage of net zero-energy-ready buildings for research scientists at Tyson Research Center. The house will act as a long-term residence for research scientists staying at the Research Center. My Role:
• • • • •
Act as research lead for the transition team of new students Primary developer for new decking system Development of an interactive deck for guests during competition Designed an integrated decking for outdoor space as well as a modular hydroponic and water gathering system Physical modeler
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Site Plan
Floor Plan
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Hydroponic System
A diagram of the various plants that will be grown in the hydroponic system.
98
Sections and Elevations
East
Section C-C
West
Section D-D
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South
Section A-A
North
Section B-B
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Interior Elevations
A North Elevation
B West Elevation
Living, Dining, and Kitchen
C South Elevation
A East Elevation
Kitchen
B West Elevation
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Bedrooms
A East Master Elevation
B South Master Elevation
C North Office/Bedroom Elevation
B West Office/Bedroom Elevation
A North Elevation
B West Elevation
Bathroom
C South Elevation
102
NIT
RS
Construction Sequence
1 1.
22.
3 3.
44.
5. 5
6.6
77.
8.
Precast CONCRETE ConcreteFOOTINGS Footings PRECAST
PRECASTWall WALLPanels PANELS Precast
DECKING, RAMP
Decking and Ramp
Precast PRECASTFloor FLOORPanels PANELS
PRECAST ROOF PANELS Precast Roof Panels
PLANTERS
8
Planters
4.
Core UNIT Unit CORE
PRECAST WALL PANELS
PRECAST GUTTERS PrecastCONCRETE Concrete Gutters
7.
DECKING, R
9 9.
PV PANELS, FURNITURE, ETC
PV Panels, Furniture, ETC.
103
Core Unit
104