MINGJIE ZHANG Architecture Portfolio 2017 - 2018 Selected Works
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
Contacts Email: jack1998cs@gmail.com Phone: 0425 558835 Website: jack1998cs.wixsite.com/home Address: 15 Macartney Avenue, Kew, Melbourne 3101
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Patterns & Surfaces
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Dystopian Dream
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p.14 Fields & Grounds
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p.22 Living House - Brutalist Dream
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p.26 Living Neighbourhood - Individuality in Unity
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
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PATTERNS & SURFACES
Exploring the intricate relationship between patterns and surfaces. This study focuses on both digital creation and fabrication. Digital softwares such as Rhino provides opportunities to manipulate the general forms and contours of a surface. This particular surface is then divided into 10x10 portions, each holding a unique structure that add up to become a mesmerizing patterned surface. The fabrication stage consists of both manual and automated process: 3D geometric structures are unravelled into 2D strips, which are then lasercut onto white cardboards. Special patterns are then manually carved onto individual surfaces, furthering the unique characteristics of each module. Modules are then folded to their 3D forms, and stitched together to form a landform with terraneous narratives.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
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This study of patterns and surfaces allows a great degree of freedom in creativity; hence many of the manually carved patterns are based on baroque-styled ornaments,as seen in the picture. These individual components contribute to a larger, more complex canvas, much resembling modern urban fabrics.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
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DYSTOPIAN DREAMS
The concept of dystopian dream is, contrary to its name, not entirely about people struggling to live in war-ravaged lands, surrounded by disease, crimes and poverty. Instead, think of it as a dream for idealists, a dream so very distant yet so appealing: to offer shelter and protection for those in need, even just for a little while. Lincoln Square, situated not far from the University of Melbourne, is chosen as the site to develop upon. Having a natural downwards contour, this project utilises a range of stairs, platforms and ramps to complement the natural landform. Small nooks and strips of undercover areas protect residents from not just unpleasant weathers, but also unpleasant visits from local authorities. Afterall, it is a dream of pureness and freedom - a dream born from the dystopia.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
Long section depicting various levels of the proposed design - stairs are very prominent means of travelling from one level to another, and they also vary in size to double as seating areas. The site is mainly constructed from concrete, a material very fitting to the themes of the dystopian dream.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
Hand drafted concept of site layout.
Site plan, with contour and shadow.
Pancake model, with plantation.
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SPATIAL PROGRESSION DIAGRAMS Selected perspectives illustrating site functions and human interactions.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
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FIELDS & GROUNDS
The challenge of fields and grounds lies within the premise of creating something that fuses these two aspects instead of separating them. Repetition, sequence, mediation are all crucial aspects which defines the parameter of a project - in this proposed housing estate, repetition is used as the primary principle. Identical modules of housing is the central focus of the proposed plan - most of the units are 5m x 5m housing/dining units, while amenities units are half that size and the central conference centre is quadrupling the standard size. Together, they form a miniature grid of living environment, connected by various pathways and stairways. Many units are designed to be accessible from not only the ground floor, but also from (and to) another unit’s roof space, which is considered to be the public realm. The entire site is slightly sloped downhill towards a body of water, which hosts a small stage and amphitheatre for musical performances.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
The body of water acts as a venue of live music performance, where the stage appears to be floating, surrounded by a ring of raised steps as a small amphitheatre. On the right: Diagram illustrating the concept of repetition, a mock up spatial plan and a site plan with contour lines.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
MODULES From left to right: living, amenities, dining. These small modules are precise in their dimensions and spacings, thereby creating a matrix of living environment.
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Long Section 1
Long Section 2
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
SITE MOVEMENT DIAGRAM Individual modules are interconnected through various paths and stairways.
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Rendering of Communal Resting Space
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LIVING HOUSE - BRUTALIST DREAM
Located in the heart of Carlton, the living house challenge is an ambitious one - to transform a heritage Victorian house into a modern, spatious abode sufficient for a family of five, all within a narrow strip with only 5m in width. This design proposal seeks to overcome the many problems of the existing house, while bringing together a versatile living environment that is capable of adapting to a 30-year time frame. The current establishment offers a narrow, linear layout with poorly lit interiors, and this proposal drastically changes these aspects through a unified living space as well as taking advantage of natural light sources.The living-dining-kitchen is an uninterrupted experience, abundantly illuminated by the overhead void, skylight, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are in use, suitable for up to three generations of residents. Each rooms are equipped with storage options, making them easily adaptable to other purposes, such as accomodating guests or renting out.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
Brutalist Dream The original concept for the back facade of the house sought to offer a distinctly contrasting experience to the heritage front. Hence, works of Le Corbusier are referenced for their brutalist nature - concrete blocks with sharp corners and concise cutaways, strip glazing and structural piloti, etc. A vertical slit is added to the plain surface as a subtle motif. While it is not the major source of interior illumination, something about rays of light reaching inside through ‘cracks’ on the surface is simply, magical.
Long Section
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LIVING NEIGHBOURHOOD INDIVIDUALITY IN UNITY
The living neighbourhood is designed for a small, close community of international students. Located in the centre of Carlton, this three plots of land is in close proximity to the University of Melbourne, as well as local commercial strips. The proposed design relocates points of entry to the side and back in order to preserve the heritage front. This living complex is capable of holding up to 18 individuals, each to their own rooms and ensuites. A sizeable communal kitchen and dining area is located in the very centre of the establishment, and could be easily accessed from all floors. Green areas are also prominent features in this lot, from the central courtyard to the roof, they are vital stress reliefs for those at work or study. Despite the seemingly broken-up layout of individual rooms, the entire site is connected via shared walkways and stairs, therefore encouraging its residents to interact with one another, instead of keeping to themselves.
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
Short Section
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Long Section
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Mingjie Zhang 2019 Portfolio
CENTRAL STAIRWELL/COURTYARD Ground Floor
COMMUNAL DINING/KITCHEN AREA First Floor
REAR ENTRY/CENTRAL COURTYARD Ground Floor
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SITE MOVEMENT DIAGRAM The centre of the community - the communal dining area is easily accesible from all entry points and floors.
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