2024 Spring Portfolio

Works from 2018-2023 Undergrate & Graduate School

Table of Contents

Works from 2018-2023 Undergrate & Graduate School

04

Elegant Hybrid

Instructor: Na Wei

The Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia

Individual Project

10

14

Synapse

Instructor: Jackie Martinez

Callowhill Neighborhood, Philadelphia

Individual Project

20

Provenance

Instructor: Douglas Hecker

38 Patton Ave, Asheville

Individual Project

Tube

Instructor: Joseph Choma

Emergency Residential Shelter Needs Areas

Group School Project with Ria Naab, Ke Ning, Breland Land

Rail Park

Instructor: Scott Erdy

The 46th Street Septa Rail Station, Market Street, Philadelphia Individual Project

Mountain Transit

Instructor: Dustin Albright 54 Gray Eagle Dr, Asheville Individual Project

28

Rittenhouse

Revit Practise

1901 Walnut Street, Philadephia Individual Project

36

42

Internship Examples

Firm: Zhongji Xuan, Trace Architecture Office Jiying School, Roche Diagnostic Office, Shenzhen Mangrove Wetland Museum

44

Elegant Hybrid

Museum Extension

Weaving Time, Emotion, and Monumentality

The Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia

Instructor: Na Wei

Individual Project Project Length: 5 weeks

Picture an awe-inspiring architectural design concept that harmoniously intertwines the rich history of a city with the vibrancy of modern life. The design creates an immersive experience that merges permanence, contrast, and the wisdom of humanity with the idea of monumentality. Channeling the metaphor of time as a river, the museum becomes a vessel that encompasses the entirety of human civilization. The dynamic placement of this metaphorical ship reflects the winding path of our collective journey while incorporating found objects from everyday life to foster a sense of familiarity and emotional connection. This architectural marvel transcends traditional design, employing a kitbashing toolkit approach to create an elegant hybrid that is both monumental and deeply personal. When accessing a building, the façade, often overlooked, becomes an integral part of the museum’s exhibition and a powerful advertisement for the building itself. Through kitbashing, the exterior form and interior space are rich and complex, enticing visitors to explore the layers of history and emotion contained within, further strengthening the bond between the past and the present. The incorporation of 3D printing technology enables the creation of low-cost decorations, inviting everyone to participate in shaping the building’s façade. In the end, this design becomes more than just a museum—it becomes a testament to the city’s spirit. This living archive evolves over time as modernity and history converge and communicate. This architectural symphony stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and the enduring power of human connection by weaving together the threads of time, emotion, and monumentality.

Axonometric Drawing

Found objects form solid space representing Philadelphia and

Voild Space kit parts

The boat is the analogy of a museum carrying our history

Solid Space kit parts

time

Top View Showcasing symmetrical combinations from the top

Plan

Exploring the spatial qualities through the combination of objects

Axonometric Rendering View from the northwest

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Choisy Revealing the interior spatial relationships and how the building integrated into the existing structures

Office Classroom Exhibition Boat House

Section Revealing the overall interior space and the integration with context

Synapse

Farmer’s Market

Breathing New Life into Rusted metal

Callowhill Neighborhood, Philadelphia

Instructor: Jackie Martinez

Individual Project

Project Length: 4 Months

This design concept reimagines rusted steel, traditionally seen as a sign of decay, as a key element in innovative and sustainable architecture. Embracing the natural rusting process, the concept repurposes the material to revitalize underutilized spaces. The aim is to give a new purpose to rusted steel, enhancing its aesthetic while highlighting areas of the site that have been overlooked, making this place more secure. The architectural approach involves experimenting with materials and techniques to give rusted steel a renewed role. This approach not only rejuvenates the neighborhood but also incorporates sustainable practices by reusing and repurposing steel. The public market’s transformation is envisioned to be a vibrant and sustainable community hub. The integration of vineyard/distillery elements and a celebration of local culture aims to create a space for social interaction and community bonding. The design prioritizes community empowerment, social justice, and environmental responsibility while respecting cultural heritage and introducing innovative spaces. WOverall, this concept extends beyond visual impact, aspiring to make the public market a symbol of community resilience and optimism. It challenges conventional architectural norms by showcasing the potential of materials considered obsolete, inspiring a fresh perspective on the use of rusted steel. The design envisions a future where resilience and adaptability are celebrated, combining vineyard culture and architectural innovation to create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable environment.

Toxic Modeling

Chemical reaction modeling help to demonstrate the transformation and rebirth of urban elements

Assemblage Diagram

Urban systems spolia, assemblage, and diagnostics show the key features of existing context

Aging Distillery Lab Market

Metal defamiliarization

Vineyard

Market Interior Rendering

Vineyard Rendering

Market Rendering

Chunk Model

Provenance

Culinary Art Institute

History, nature and food collide

38 Patton Ave, Asheville

Instructor: Douglas Hecker

Individual Project Project Length: 4 Months

The primary objective is to establish a state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Institute in the heart of downtown Asheville, aimed at enriching the community, along with its students and educators. This institute is envisioned to be a beacon of local food culture’s origin and history, while seamlessly integrating with the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—Asheville’s culinary cradle. The architectural design draws inspiration from nature, with a foundation that branches out into mountainous forms, symbolizing the growth and spread of food culture from this nucleus.

This structure is intended to be more than just a building; it’s conceived as a cultural hub and a vibrant conduit for engagement with the surrounding communities. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for students and faculty to delve into the food culture journey, from raw ingredients to sophisticated cuisines. By incorporating vertical and rooftop gardens, the design not only enhances the physical accessibility, views, and experiences for its occupants but also cultivates a deeper, spiritual connection between individuals and food. Through this fusion of architecture and local gastronomy, the institute is poised to foster a thriving food culture, positioning itself as a pivotal cultural and educational landmark in Asheville.

Roof Farm

The roof consists of many triangular areas of different sizes. These different triangular areas divide the entire roof into multiple planting areas. The undulating rooftop farm provides a field-like planting experience.

Fritted Glass

Fritted Glass was carefully incorporated into the curtain wall to reduce direct sunlight. These Fritting converts harsh sunlight into soft light and provides a unique façade to the building.

Floor Slabs

The Open Web Steel Joist used in the middle of the floor slab allows for more column-free areas between floors. Narrower floor edges make the building's façade more complete and unified.

Steel Structure

The main appearance of the building is made up of exposed steel structures. The intricate but intentionally arranged steel structure ties the building itself more closely to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the birthplace of local cuisine.

Farmer's Market

The ground floor is dedicated to the agricultural market and lobby space. The exposed irregular steel structure provides a unique experience for the market. The three roots of the building divide the farmers' market into a relatively quiet part in the south and a relatively dynamic part in the north according to the surrounding environment.

Soil

Steel Tube

CLT Floor Panel

Frosted Glass Interior

CLT Ceiling Panel

Fritted Glass

Open Web Steel Joist

Exterior Steel Tube

Stone

Concrete

Tube

Deployable Shelter

Fast, safe and comfortable

Instructor: Joseph Choma

Group School Project with Ria Naab, Ke Ning,

Breland Land

Project Length: 4 Months

I was in charge of research on earthquakes. I designed this Tube Deployable Shelter on my own. All the drawings, concepts and studies in this portfolio were done by myself. After that, as the team leader, I led the team members to complete the physical model.

Folding is a systematic method of transforming flat materials into three-dimensional rigid structures. This research-based design studio explores the following questions. How can you design a light emergency shelter that will last longer than a tent? How do you design a deployable structure that can be flat packed, deployed, and flat packed again? How do you design a collapsible structure that remains stable without the use of resin stiffening hinges?

A temporary shelter is defined as a shelter that has an expiration date usually not to exceed a short given time frame. In our case, it is from one to three weeks. An emergency shelter is defined as a shelter designed for implementation in a scenario that is likely to be dangerous and requires immediate action. A deployable shelter is defined as a shelter designed to be easily moved to a location and set up when necessary. This usually also applies in the case of an emergency.

What and how could we design a more comfortable living situation so that people could stay while preparing for permanent housing? Or what we would design could become a more semi-permanent solution in reality.

2015 Nepal, Gorkha 7.8M

2011 Japan

2010 Haiti,

2006

2016

Tent Transitional House

• Easy to assemble

• Easy to transfer

• Less parts

• Short production time

• Long lifespan

• High durability

• Privacy

• Safety

Alaska XP Shelter System Paper Log House

China Tarp

T-Shelter

Tube Deployable Shelter

Assimilation & Accommodation

House Grief & Loss

Recovery

Community

• Community Center

• Activities

Warm Atmosphere

• Natural Light

• Familiar Materials

• Warm Color

• Scenery

Stress Reduction

Comfort

• Airflow

• Natural Ventilation

Family & Friends Support

Family Size Space

Safety

Privacy

• Lockable

• Private Space

Food, Water, & Shelter

Physical Protection

Natural Disaster

1. Foldable Wall

Create a foldable wall based on the principle that the crease extending outward from each vertex is usually the same as the two lines forming the vertex.

2. Foldable Corner

Create an extendable and foldable corner by assuming the diagonal lines are the mountain and a valley fold at the middle.

3. 1/2 Tube

First, match the first folding pattern with the second one, then create 1/2 Tube by combining these two patterns together.

4. Tube

Repeat a foldable wall folding pattern and a foldable corner four times to form a closed tube when compressing it to a flat pack.

5. Stronger Tube

Extend the pattern in a vertical direction to allow it to form a closed tube before flat-pack but still foldable. And this extension improved its overall strength.

6. Stronger Tube with Frame

After combining these two folding patterns together, the tube forms the frames of the stronger tube to avoid the edges from deforming when exerting force to them.

Mountain Valley

57'

5. After twenty-four hours, remove all the tapes and fold it.

6. After the folding is completed, rubber is applied to each crease to enhance its stability.

people

Fold the two frames at the two

flat and hold them in place.

1. Unroll an 8-foot wide by 28-foot long fiberglass and flatten all the wrinkles on the fiberglass.

2. Draw the designed crease pattern on the fiberglass with a pencil.

3. Cover the previously drawn lines with painter’s masking tapes.

4. All the exposed fiberglass cells are painted with resin.

Two

lift one side of the frame together and then overlap the two ends together.

ends

Rail Park

A Pondering Nexus

Championing universal access to knowledge

The 46th Street Septa Rail Station, Market Street

Instructor: Scott Erdy

Individual Project Project Length: 4 Months

Rail Park, positioned in harmony with Philadelphia’s City Hall, embodies William Penn’s vision of egalitarianism through its innovative architectural design. This project integrates a green public space with the city’s historic ethos, seamlessly extending from a bustling train station to a vibrant educational hub. Designed to be more than just a transit area, it offers study pods, dynamic, collaborative spaces, and expansive platforms for various activities, fostering a community-centered learning environment. The park’s distinctive feature, an accessible bridge, serves as a picturesque vantage point for the Philadelphia skyline and a lively center for classes and workshops. This bridge, along with the surrounding residential units that reflect local historical architecture, blurs the lines between private living and public spaces, enhancing community interaction and learning. A central element of Rail Park is its movable bridge, linking two buildings while promoting autonomy and a balanced educational dynamic. This bridge transforms into a mini community hub for engagement and collective learning, providing an urban retreat with panoramic views. Connected to an existing train station, the park makes education more accessible, reducing commute times and fostering a collaborative environment. This unique blend of architectural ingenuity and educational purpose positions Rail Park as a symbol of modern inclusivity and a catalyst for knowledge acquisition, community engagement, and personal growth.

Singel Dwelling Unit Diagram

Singel Dwelling Unit

Section

Project Diagram: Rail Park, positioned in harmony with Philadelphia’s City Hall, embodies William

4 Pipe Fan Coil MEP system

Hinged Axonometric Drawing

Mountain Transit

Transit Hub

Lonely mountain cohesion people

54 Gray Eagle Dr, Asheville

Instructor: Dustin Albright

Individual Project

Project Length: 1 Months

Far from the center of the city

A hill sits lonely

Located south from the city

I have seen people cry

Mourns of loss

Tears of separation

From what was once a celebration

Every day is the same

Nothing looks different

Cars follow the same trail back and forth

With their stubborn and consistent path

People gather at or away from the city

But this simple systematization allows it to connect

Connecting this city

Unifying the hearts of people

It may be a small place

At the city’s furthest corner

It may be a small place

At the city’s furthest corner

Away from the nightlights and hustles

From the time of sunrise

To past sunset

Temperature and Color are the only changes

Nothing else

Quiet and peaceful

Like a library

But not dead like a cemetery

But this quiet and peacefulness unifies order

Allowing me to feel

The beauty of the city

Hebei

Baoding,

Roche Office

Roche

Shanghai, China

Wetland Museum