Architecture Portfolio

PORTFOLIO OF SELECTED WORKS

2019-2022

2023 FEBRUARY EDITION

MELVIN WONG WEIJIE 1

My work is largely inspired by how I view the world. As a self taught photographer, I enjoy curating moods in my spaces and often pair them with striking colours to bring out a certain graphic quality and emotion.

Till date, my education has allowed me to approach my designs through a marriage of design intuition and systematic logic, yet not forgetting a buffer for accidental discoveries.

EDUCATION

2021 - 2022 SUTD | M.Arch In Architecture

2018 - 2021 SUTD | BSc in Architecture and Sustainable Design cGPA : 4.40/5.0 Second Class (Upper) Honours

2010 - 2015 Dunman High School | GCE A Levels IP Program

AWARDS

2021 SUTD Honours List ( Senior Year )

Awarded to the top 10% of the ASD cohort based on GPA

2021 SUTD Capstone Faculty Award ( 2nd Prize ) + Public Award ( 1st Prize )

Awarded to the top 3 teams from the school cohort based on overall performance

2018 - 2021 SUTD Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

Recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence and have a penchant for creating radical technology and innovative designs

WORK EXPERIENCE

2022 Introduction to Design Computation | Teaching Assistant

2021 - 2022 RT+Q Architects | Architectural Intern

2021 RSP Architects | Architectural Intern

2020 Spark Architects | Architectural Intern

2018 - Freelance Photography

1.5 months 8 months 1 month 3 months

MELVIN WONG WEIJIE

2016 - 2017 1st Commando Battalion | Alpha 3 Company Sergeant Major Runner 2

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Language English Sketchup Photography Photoshop Team-Player Ansys Fluent Chinese Rhino Autodesk Revit Grasshopper Model Making Lumion Enscape Unreal Engine Illustrator Detail-Oriented Leadership Multi-tasking Indesign Organisation Communication Final Cut Pro Adobe Software 3D Modelling Arch-Viz Simulations

: mustardmelvin@gmail.com

: +65-9722 3449

: @mlvnwng

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

SKILLS PERSONAL SKILLS 2022 Kayaking 3 Star Training Course 2021 Kayaking 2 Star Award 2020 Kayaking 1 Star Award 2021 Skyhive Shortlisted - Team of 4 2020 Microhomes - Team of 2 2018-2020 SUTD DDZ 2019-2020 EXCO Member | Internal Publicity Lead 2019 Ignition Volume 2.0 | Supported + Performed 2019 Super24 | Performed 2018-2020 Member 2018 PADI Advanced Open Water Diver 2018 PADI Open Water Diver 3

: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-wong-weijie IG

CONTACT

PROFESSIONAL

DISRUPTOR

PROJECT ZERO Skyhive 2021 Shortlisted

Page 62-65

HOTEL DE JULIA

URBAN TREE HOUSE Microhomes 2020

Page 66-71

THE METAMORPHIC HOSPITAL

SOMETHING FISHY

Advanced Topics in Performative Design: Daylight and Electric Lighting

PLAYCUBE Capstone

CLUSTER HOUSING Core Studio III Page 44-45

DELTA REIMAGINED M.Arch Thesis Paper

LE CORBUSIERTHE TRAVELLING EXHIBITION PRIVATE RESIDENCES Option Studio III Page 58-61

PHOTOGRAPHY Selected Works

2019-2022

Core Studio I Page 6-13 Option Studio I Page 14-23

Page 34-43

Page 54-57

Page 46-49

Page 50-53

RT+Q RT+Q

Page 72-79

Page 24-33

Flow of Content 1 2

POSTGRADUATE

INTERNSHIP 4

SELECTED WORKS UNDERGRADUATE

CO-CURRICULAR

2023 FEBRUARY EDITION 5

Architecture

DISRUPTOR

The Bernini & Borromini Rome Studio Option Studio I

Duration : 7 weeks

Site : Galleria Borghese, Rome

In true baroque fashion, disruptor aims to reimagine the rectillinear axis the Galleria Borghese is situated upon.

Taking the dramatic precedents of the Lourve and the Gardens of Versailles, the diagonal is once again utilized to create a site specific subterranean extension with strong relations to basic geometric shapes.

This extension will house the Borghese Collection returning from the Lourve and will incorporate a new secondary entrance as well as elements for the visually impaired.

Interior Perspective 1 Designing for the visually impaired would mean that other aspects of our sense have to be factored in. The flower courtyard and herb courtyard (not in image) allows the user to differentiate the otherwise symmetrical architecture.

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Concept Diagrams

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Site Analysis Strong Rectillinear Axis of the Galleria Borghese

Interior Perspective

Light strips on dark backgrounds create contrasting environment for the ease of wayfinding, in addition to miniature models cradled in standing signages.

Plans Sectional Perspective 2 8

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Element for the Blind By engaging all five senses, the most optimal museum experience is achieved

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Interior Perspective 3 Beneath the glass panelling, a square oculus lights up the main lounging area.

SCAN FOR VIDEO 11

Interior Perspective 4 Sunken themed courtyards house different plant species to allow users to differentiate the otherwise symmetrical underground space.

1:400 Physical Model Disruptor reimagines the axis on an urban scale

Sectional Perspective 1 12

Tools : Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, Hand Cut

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Architecture HOTEL DE JULIA

The Bernini & Borromini Rome Studio Option Studio I

Duration : 7 weeks

Site : Basilica de Julia, Forum Romanum, Rome

Conservation seeks to preserve the feelings of the past while serving the people living presently.

The new Basilica de Julia is familiar yet novel at the same time. By building upon its ruins, we restore Basilica de Julia’s former glory while injecting it with contemporary elements through the introduction of a luxury hotel and shopping arcade, that are clad in a mix of modern-day materials.

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site analysis

Due to excavation works, the site is recessed by 5m, thereby denying direct access from the Foro

into the

Due to excavation works, the site is recessed by 5m, thereby denying direct access from the

into

This intervention aims to reconcile the two roads flanking the site while being sensitive to the exisiting conditions of Basilica de Julia.

model b | exterior exterior perspective | via sacra exterior perspective | foro romano road site plan | the roman forum exterior perspective | via sacra model b | central nave Basilica de Julia is flanked by the northern Via Sacra and the southern Foro Romano Road. Foro Romano Road the Via Sacra. foro romano road via sacra Basilica de Julia is flanked by the northern Via Sacra and the southern Foro Romano Road. Romano Road Via Sacra.

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1:400 Physical Model Tools : Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, Hand Cut 16

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Exterior Perspective 1 The rear of the Basilica de Julia is activated to introduce a new entrance for guests arriving via vehicular means

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Exterior Perspectivte 2 The new Julia is built upon the foundations of the original julia, while still retaining its form with new functions

Interior

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Perspective

The skybridge is the only element that is starkly new and is a modern touch to the original clerestory window-ed roof

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Undergraduate | Architecture

CLUSTER HOUSING

Superdiversity

Core Studio III

Duration : 5 weeks

Site : Kallang Lavender

Cluster Housing aims to normalize as well as integrate the micro-housing unit type into Singapore’s housing typology landscape.

The normalization of these unit types ties in with the emerging demographic of individuals who may choose to live in single dwelling units, these include the likes of fresh graduates to newly employed, single divorcees to single widows. The next step of integration lies in the incorporation of other dwelling unit sizes into the development, allowing for new types of interaction between communities of various sizes.

Cluster Housing is built off a grid that allows for both ultra flexible housing unit arragements as well as allocation of various degrees of public-private communal spaces that serves as social fabric between the different communities

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Concept Diagrams Approaching from the Section

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Concept Diagrams Approaching from the Plan

Unit Floorplan 26

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Typical Floorplan L10 Vitality A 28

A 29

Section Perspective A-A 30

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1:400 Slab Model Urban Windows segment the megaclusters

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1:400 Slab Model Elevated Deck that is shaded and welcomes both residents and shoppers.

Undergraduate | Architecture

THE METAMORPHIC HOSPITAL

Breathe: Healing Architecture

Option Studio II

Duration : 14 weeks

Site : Ng Teng Fong Greenfield Site

Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital were the first of their kind, when they emerged as successful integrated facilities in Singapores hospital landscape. Drawing inspiration from these integrated facilities, we seek to design a new integrated-care facility where the patient does not move, the building however morphs and adapats to the patients metabolic needs.

The Metamorphic Hospital utilizes a pneumatic pillowed roof to shape the internal environmental conditions, creating various micro-cliamtes suited for every stage of a patients care pathway. With reliance on natural ventilation, it is unlike the modern day hospital where air conditioned spaces are common place.

By freeing up the roof of its services, the ceiling clearance can be maximized and the quality of space beneath becomes light and airy.

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Diagram | Conceptual 35

Transformation

v v Site Plan Modules, Testing of Modules 36

Rules of Agglomeration 37

v v Plan, Section 1:100 38

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v v Systems 40

Structure 41

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Undergraduate | Architecture PLAYCUBES

Capstone 2021

Duration : 28 Weeks

Site : nil

The Capstone project is a collaboration between companies and senioryear students. Students of different majors come together to work in teams and contribute their technology and design expertise to solve real-world challenges faced by companies. The Capstone project will culminate with a design showcase, unveiling the innovative solutions from the graduating cohort.

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writeup from https://capstone2021.sutd.edu.sg/about/ 44

1:1 Cardboard Model Used for user testing in the 75% stage of the project

m odula r ? m o bile? digi t al? p lay c ubes !

We initially hypothesized that current playgrounds are outdated and do not cater to the needs of the generation today that are growing up in a digital world. To check this, we visited two playgrounds - a conventional playground and a digitally-driven playground - to observe how children play in these contrasting spaces. Marine Cove Playground was our pick as the conventional playground and the Art Science Museum: Future World was the digital counterpart.

Using the observational methods of gate method, static snapshot and people following, we found that conventional playgrounds v, are still able to strongly engage children’s interest and provide a space for free play, which is an important factor that allows children’s imagination to run wild. At the Art Science Museum, the combination of physical activity and digital technology provides an elevated play experience for children.

With this discovery, we decided to keep core traditional elements of physical playgrounds, while incorporating digital features that would help enhance the overall experience of free play.

design process

the product was an amalgamation of various processes and multiple rounds of iteration

digital elements digital rock wall

rock climbing wall with light sensor-fitted rock holds. each sensor allows for two play functions

PlayCubes is a 2 m x 2 m modular pop-up playground that allows for mobility and scalability. By integrating digital components, PlayCubes caters to both the physical and digital needs of 3-9 year olds.

physical elements individual elements

the design incorporates deconstructed components that make

digital elements

conductive hand cut outs are all linked to a specific note, creating a tune when stringed together

physical elements

user testing

x x 0 1 2 3 5 4 12 8 9 13 6 10 14 11 15 5 4 8 7 - 12

music wall

cube

up a

key design elements the design is adaptable and flexible in various forms 4 digital rock wall 1 music wall product video user testing 5 bouncy net 3 netted hideaway 2 warpy mirror

user

physical, digital

integrated aspects of PlayCube touch to change colour touch the climb hold, next-in-path climb hold changes colour 1 2 Different panels can be swapped out for

research ideation prototyping hypothesis 1 observational studies literature review hypothesis 2 proritized needs idea generation evaluation physical concept development digital play functions evaluation + modification Individual Modules can be stacked to expand variability of play 1 4 5 3 1 2 3 1 2 4 5 6 jacob wijaya istd jonathan chan fan keng asd melvin wong weijie asd nan shing kham shing istd ng yun shu asd nurul nazeera binte yazid asd 1 Musical Wall - collaborative play between mother and child was achieved 2 Digital Rock Wall - competitive play between siblings was achieved 3 1 1 Cardboard Prototype - scale of the product was ideal for target group 4 Virtual Experience - response was positive, and the children were drawn by the colours of the end product 1 1 : 1 prototype 2 Wiring to arduino (back side) 3 light dependant resistor wiring (back side) 3 led wiring setup (back side) 1 Music Wall 2 Warpy Mirror 3 Netted Hideaway 4 Digital Rock Wall 5 Bouncy Net 1 1 1 prototype colours denote a note, squares denote colour and sequence 2 wiring to arduino (back side) wires are attached at the centre and are stored and attached wihin a compartment situated at the back of the panel 1 3 12 3 6 1-8 Key Nodes 9 Bare Conductive Module 10,12 Speaker 11 Powerbank 9 11 10 13 14 4 15 4 2 1 2 3 2 4 planning (drawings) 1:1 and 1:10 prototype evaluation + modification final prototype 2 45

testing was conducted to test the

and

different functions

| THE TRAVELLING EXHIBITION

Duration : 3+1 exhibitions over 8 months

Site : Alliance Francaise Singapore,

National University of SIngapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, National Design Centre

The Travelling Exhibition revolves around the built and unbuilt works of the icon of modernist architecture, Le Corbusier. As a tradition, each intern that comes through the office is tasked with making a model of a built or unbuilt project designed by Le Corbusier. Over the years, interns past and present, have added to the private collection.

Due to the temporal nature of the exhibition and the need to bring the exhibits to multiple venues, custom pedestals were designed to accommodate flexibility and ease of assembly and transportation.

To address the challenges of multiple usages and frequent moving, sustainable materials were utilized – honeycomb boards that are lightweight, sturdy, and collapsible, allowing them to be flat-packed to save transport costs. Eliminating the need for glue or screws, the pedestals are made up of two main parts and locking components, allowing for ease of assembly, disassembly, and transportation. The pedestals allow for versatility in configuration to adapt to the unique spatial requirements of different venues.

v v RT+Q

Internship | Exhibition Curation and Production LE CORBUSIER

writeup from https://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/

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NDC : LC101 Banner Design and Collaterals

NDC : LC101 Floor Decal and Layout 47

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With every venue, the exhibition adopts a different curatorial theme:

Exhibition at NUS: Model Insights focuses on the different construction methods and techniques for building the unique forms and details of Corbusier’s built and unbuilt works.

Exhibition at SUTD: Now Boarding: Le Corbusier focuses on geography, bringing the works of Le Corbusier from around the world to SUTD.

Exhibition at NDC: LC101, features the works of Le Corbusier – ranging from Architectural to furnishings and artworks, making it accessible for all in the heart of town.

In this post-pandemic period of limited travel, the Travelling Exhibition aims to make the works of Le Corbusier accessible to a wider audience. The collection of Le Corbusier’s works forms priceless lessons for interns, architects, and the general public alike—today and in the future.

v v NUS : Model Insights Pedestal Design, Physical

Model Construction

writeup from https://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/ 49

PRIVATE RESIDENCES

RT+Q

Duration : 8 months

Site : Various Projects (2 Sites) Typology : Private Residential - New Erection + Design Competition Entry Dormitory - Addition and Alteration

Development of Scheme

- Managed 2 projects concurrently with supervision, one in concept to design dev. phase, while the other is in construction phase - Collaborated and managed clients, contractors and consultants to ensure that all designs were resolved and sufficiently detailed for construction.

- Developed concepts, drawings and models for client presentation, tender submissions and construction drawings.

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Internship | Architecture

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Scheme for Design Competition

- Managed 2 projects concurrently with supervision, one in concept to design dev. phase, while the other is in construction phase

- Collaborated and managed clients, contractors and consultants to ensure that all designs were resolved and sufficiently detailed for construction.

construction drawings.

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Design Development of LIving Room, Dining Room, Study Room, Common Courtyard, Basement Activity Room

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Developed concepts, drawings and models for client presentation, tender submissions and

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Design Development of Attic and Master Bathroom

SOMETHING FISHY

Advanced Topics in Performative Design: Daylight and Electric Lighting

Duration : 7 weeks

Site : nil

We wanted to incorporate elements of interaction, playfulness and softness into our luminaire. The end product is a play on these three key characteristics.

It is positioned as a playful fixture in the day time for a child to meddle with, and a functinoal light fixture in the night for the child to settle into dreamland.

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Product Image | The product is meant to emulate fishes in a pond, the soft glow that shines through the frost acrylic panels makes its a soothing night light fixture

Postgraduate | Fabrication

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Product

Interaction

Image

|

The final product appears to be floating, the materials used for the three layers are deliberate and add a different dimension to the otherwise simple light fixture plug! stack! fish! The power unit is enclosed for child use Acrylic fishes guide the child in piecing the layers together

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Follow the shadows and slot the fishes

Visualization 2 In the night time, it functions as a night light 56

Visualization 1 In the day time, it functions as a toy

Selected Plan Wiring Set up Part Section + Detail Drawing Wiring Set up 57

Design Beyond Zero

M.Arch Thesis Paper

Duration : 28 Weeks

Site : Ben Tre, Vietnam

The thesis speculates a mitigative and adaptive transition of a modern delta into a reimagined delta system. The productive ecosystems will be largely dependant on salt in seawater as a resource and through a time-based approach see through the incorporation of brackish - saline based systems. It acknowledges that existing delta deterioration (sinkage and shrinkage) is largely influenced by a multitude of factors, both climatic and anthropogenic.

Hence, the thesis will pivot from a trigger point when upstream communities decide to cut damming and remove existing dams from the delta system. Next, it proceeds to develop the scenario of when the river and sediment flows are replenished to pre dam levels through sedimentenhancing river diversions and begin the testing of using saline in the fully saline city through a naturalized desalination process. In the near future, there will come a time when the two process are incorporated and this leads to the formation of the City of Salinity - SALINICITY

The study is situated upon the Mekong Delta (MKD), with interventions conducted in the district of Ba Tri, Ben Tre, South MKD. The site is selected for its vulnerability in geography and productive importance in a larger context.

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Postgraduate | Architecture, Masterplan DELTAS

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REIMAGINED

Physical Models

1:1000 Layers of the Productive System + 1:100 Housing Unit

Tools: Laser Cutting and Engraving, 3D-Printing

SCAN FOR FULL DOCUMENT 59

Visualization City of Saline 60

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Extracurricular | Architecture PROJECT ZERO

Skyhive 2021 Shortlisted

Duration : 4 weeks

Site : Pulau Semakau

Team Size : 4

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Exploded Axonometric 63

v v Competition Entry 64

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Extracurricular | Architecture

URBAN TREEHOUSE

Microhomes 2020

Duration : 4 weeks

Site : NIL

Team Size : 2

Inspired by the dense alley ways of urban cities, the urban tree house seeks to inject narrow urban alley-ways with green architecture.

The concept of the house explores the ideas of a standalone structural core and the act of climbing up a tree.

The level of privacy corresponds with levelling of functions and the use of climbing creepers aids in visual privacy and natural ventilation.

Designed to fit into the density of the urban city fabric, we aim to bring a new life to the forgetten alleyways of our cities.

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Concept Diagrams

The central courtyard space is inspired by the Chinese Siheyuan.

It acts as an airwell and introduces natural ventilation that penetrates the living space through the porous green walls of the microhome.

The coloum of negative spaces doubles as the entryway for our urban tree house.

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Night Render 67

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Exterior Perspective 1 Pushing the main functions up, creates a void on ground level that may be activated for various activities Exterior Perspective 2 Staircase core is symbolic of the traditional ascension of a treehouse, and is angled for privacy

Exploded

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Axonometric Synonymous to the treehouse, urban treehouse is clad with vines held on a single cable trellis system.

Interior Perspective 2 Functional Spaces within the interior for space saving 70

Interior Perspective 1 Central Courtyard flanked by the main functions and entrance into the urban treehouse

Transitional

Having a communal space that doubles up as a sleeping area and dining area creates unique moments within the quaintness of a small home.

The swinging doors situated at the transitional space act as an indicator on whether the home is taking in visitors. When closed, home owners can also access storage beneath the deck steps.