Issey Fang
yishui.fang@network.rca.ac.uk Currently studying in Royal College of Art, I have been academically trained in art and design for more than 10 years, which set up the foundation to harmonise diversity in my work. I have completed internships and research programs within architecture and space design industries and participated in various design projects in other fields. From undergraduate to postgraduate, my concentration and career goals have been discovering and designing public spaces for a more vibrant urban living.
Issey Fang
Major Project and Research
1
9
17
25
Fair Factory Studio
No.2 Blast Furnance Performing Art Centre
Christmas Threshold
Let Experiments Happen (in progress)
key words: local fashion studio village adaptive reuse in-outdoor space
key words: industrial structure culture restoration adaptive reuse
key words: Christmas culture experience journey temporary architecture
key words: London public realm vertical village high-rise living
Work and Experiment
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Fair Factory Studio
Sichuan, China
FAIR FACTORY STUDIO
June, 2017
Located at Sichuan, China, Fair Factory Studio is reformed from a discarded countryside primary school to a fashion design studio. Sichuan, my client's hometown, has been exercising an imperceptible and formative influence on her fashion design for a long time. After analysing her products and the target site, I was inspired by the elements within and used the logic of weaving to speculate the reconstruction of the architecture. The innovation of designing the space meets the client's requirement, reserving the essence of the existing building, flexibility between indoor and outdoor, and a runway for a unique fashion show.
2
Site: Context and Regional Texture
Origin: Product and Making Process
Fair Factory Studio
Location:103.95E, 29.22N Sichuan Province, China Every product from the Fair Factory possesses exquisite embroidery, essence of Chinese tradition. The structure of the weaving texture inspired me to apply this interlaced pattern on the architecture reconstruction. Also, there are some basic functional demands needed to be considered in the arrangement of space. The self-produced textile indicates that dye vat, dye pool and drying rack will be daily-used equipments in the studio.
3
The site is located at the bank of Mabian River, a small town in Sichuan Province. The village maintains the balance between modernity and tradition under a diverse topographic context.
Village texture
The village keeps a clot architectures, trees, path a this area still live on Chines scenes of villagers sitting ou cards can be seen everyw in Sichuan, people enjoy spaces, both with and with
th-like texture, woven by and river. Some residents in se traditional craft skills. The utside, drinking tea, playing where. As a famous custom y spending time in open hout a roof.
Fair Factory Studio
Area: About 1000 ㎥
Existing condition
The origin structure of the site was built nearly 100 years ago and retained the typical form of Sichuan traditional architecture. The walls are ruined badly. However the signs of sliding doors and moving windows still can be noticed, as they are frequently because of the custom of hospitality in the town.
Current situation of the abandoned house is dilapidated: most of the walls are old and crummy and only 85% of the wooden structure remains intact. Two trees stand at both ends of the yard, stretching their branches and embracing the roof.
4
Original Construction
Intervention: Weaving Strategy
Fair Factory Studio
tile
wall
rafter
column and beam
fence
5
Highlighting rather than erasing its historic roots, the extant column, beam and rafter structure daringly preserve their original tradition under the surface material. After waterproof and durable maintenance would they gain second lives. The intervention of floor slabs and stairs allow the new part to weave in the former structure, and provide canopy for indoor spaces.
Plan and Detail
Fair Factory Studio
1 office
2 restroom
3 conference room
4 show room
5 computer room
7 machine room
8 restroom
9 sewing room
10 dyeing pool
11 washing pool
7 7 5
6
door's moving and spining
technical structure in the slide rail
turning point of the slide rail
the electricity plug is cling to the celling
junction in the top and bottom
junction among the steps
10 4 3 A
1
12
11
9
8
A'
2
5M
1M 2M
0
11
13
12
A'
A
1M 0
5M 2M
6
Fair Factory Studio
on
fashi
7
utine
ro show
Fair Factory Studio
1 entrance
5 machine room
2 office
6 sewing room
3 computer room
7 dyeing pool
With the complexity exceeding both horizontal and vertical routes, a fresh spatial experience develops. More than an interior or yard, two levels of the architecture gradually form a path where the outside and inside merge into a proper and continuous shape, which allows a unique fashion show or other events. Without the use of a single solid wall, the transition from outdoor to indoor activities presents. The direct and frequent connection among processes of designing and making clothes effectively erases any distinction between indoor and outdoor.
4 designing room 8
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
Beijing, China
NO.2 BLAST FURNACE PERFORMING
May, 2018
With the rapid retransformation of Chinese economic structure and environmental policies, the traditional industrial sites undergo stagnation, relocation, and reformation, which necessitate theoretical and experienced guidance. Meanwhile, introducing a methodology of spatial and cultural reconstitution could revitalise the industrial parks. Therefore, this project is divided into two steps: developing of a set of approach based on research on the concept of cultural restoration, and applying in the reconstruction project of Shougang No.2 furnace.
This dissertation is going to analyse the functional transformation and spatial re-organisation of industrial parks, extract experiences and lessons from distinguished cases on a global scale, summarise a set of design methodology to illuminate reformation of industrial sites. In the project, Shougang industrial site symbolises a miracle of this era and her blast furnace the meritorious milestone. By employing the process, the blast furnace finds a freshing second life as a performing art centre. The core of this special cultural restoration is to integrate the workflow of the origin furnace with the new circulation in the site, which conveys a new crowd of users, and perpetuates the rebirth of the blast furnace architecture.
G ART CENTRE 10
Site: Context and History
Background: Research and Methodology
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
Industrialisation is a vital path for the rise of a country. By gathering relevant infrastructures in a certain area, the complex could attain the best efficiency and productivity. This pattern was successfully used in many metropolises around the world. However, times have changed. As a typical urban issue, the reconstruction and conversion of traditional industrial park pose a question to every historic industrial city. Albeit experiences and lessons from other developed countries, this phenomenon still exists in China. The scale and process of industrialisation in China in last century were expeditious but thoughtless as well, which had left a series of problems in city planning and environment. Eventually, Beijing Olympic Game in 2008 was served as a deadline to root out desolate factories in urban area. To be torn down or reformed? Most factory owners chose the second way, the reason why there was a sudden emerging wave of factory transformation. Nonetheless, without enough time to think and test, more than half of the adaptive reuse cases ended up with failure. The predicament is mainly caused by low utilisation of these beautifully refurbished structures. It was hardly a surprise that the underlying trigger was the blind imitation of the existing mode in factory reformation. With the purpose of exploring a set of methodology on cultural reconstruction of industrial site, the design analysis and development process is branched into the following step: firstly, the core is about protecting the basis. Culture is the essence produced by accumulation of history. The concept of reconstruction should be apparently distinctive when building a new object. Secondly, analysing and discarding the dross is a necessity when giving a second life to old structure. Conservative altitude of the basis does not mean to keep everything. Lastly, users should be the focus in the process when analysing space and deciding new function. Digging the authentic need of the new users of the building by investigating them and referring to local history is a more conducive way rather than duplicating existing cases. More importantly, the problem of reconstructing a industrial site should not be limited in the “old” sites, because the concept of “tradition” is a relative one. As time and science advance, the trending technology will become “tradition industry” in 50 years. Therefore, the discussion of this issue is never a disposable one but a long run. 11
[a]
[b]
[c]
[d]
[a] Industry, Shougang Old Site, Hongquantou. [b] https://www.sohu.com/a/284616220_355034 [c] Liuxingyun's travel photography blog. [d] Wanhetingsong's sina blog.
Site: Regional Analysis and Development Policy
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
Shougang industrial site Green land River Road
[a]
Location of Shougang industial site in Beijing Site Green land Industrial Pool Road
Location of No.2 blast furnace in Shougang industial site
Shougang industrial site is located Shiijngshan District in the western part of Beijing. Because of the demand of water in the steel production process, it was built close to a river, and has increased more pool in the site. The screenshot above is a part of the report on the redirection policy of Sijingshan District. As a city plan, the file was issued on the Central People's Government's website on 6th April 2007, to encourage the development of modern services in this district and create a Capital Recreational Centre Zone. It also pointed out the function of the reused Shougang industrial park should carry the role of a Public Service Centre in Western Beijing and a Post-industrial Cultural Creative Industry Zone. Analysis of existing recreation venue in Shijingshan District shows the condition for hosting large event is worrying. After comprehending the propose from government, the function of performing art centre to the historic No.2 blast furnace is accommodated.
[a]: http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2007-04/06/content_574106.htm 12
Intervention: Workflow Strategy
Space Arrangement
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
Staff Space
Perf Sp
Inspired by the crux of blast furnace, the workflow of producing steel is applied to the new user group of the performing art centre: audience, performer and staff. Integration of the three roles and three production elements derive a set of clear and non-interfering circulation. This collection of circulation lines is interweaved with certain functional spaces for each group, conveys different users separately, and resurrect the blast furnace architecture.
Grid
Control room Directing room
Fly tower
Understage
Centrifugal dust separator
Fine coal injector
Charging hopper
Shaft furnance
Storage house
Space of each element in blast furnace system during every procedure 13
Coke Iron ore Limestone
Ladle car
Performer
Top combustion preheating furnance
Tapping hole
Slag recycling
Foyer
30min Stalls
Shop
Ticket box
1h
6h
Cloakroom
Waiting space Cold air Oxygen
Blast furnance blower
Balcony
Restroom
Dressing room
Restaurant Costume room
1h Elevating platform
Lounge
Private lounge Fly tower
Private restroom
Understage
12h Directing room
Practicing room
12h
Lighting control room Staff
Shaft furnance
Box Furnance gas
Gas pipe network
Shaft furnance Audience Tourist
Blast furnance dry dust collector
Sound control room
Grid
Prop room
Emerge
24h Prop room
Support
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
former pace
Audience / Tourist Space
Waiting space for auditorium Cafe
Practicing room
Auditorium
Dressing room Lounge Shops
Prop room Wating space
Restaurant
Elevating platform
Box
Stand
Service group
24h
m
ency office
Restroom
Lounge
Stage
Back stage
36h office
Security office
Equipment room
5day+ Reception office
Space of each user group in performance art center before the show 14
Space Rendering
Section Model
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
The production facilities in the blast furnace aggregates mechanical aesthetics and extraordinary fascination, which are incorporated in every experience in the performing art centre by maximising the conservation of these apparatuses. After maintenance, combining with lighting effect and elevating stage, the hot blast pipes will become an astounding space-ship-like device, and be served as an important visual element both in the performing hall and restaurant. The grid system of outdoor trails provides an arresting lighting effect, not only a new icon at night, but also a perfect place for advertising the new events.
15
No.2 Blast Furnace Performing Art Centre
rooftop
hall
restaurant
shop
16
Christmas Threshold
London, UK
CHRISTMAS THRESHOLD
Dec, 2018
The site sits in the atrium of a pop up Christmas Museum in London called 'My story of Christmas', which used to be a horse stable in 19C. The client requires the threshold space to yield an emotional experience from the street to the museum, and provide a series of basic services at the same time. Inspired by the history of the site and the subtle connection between horse stable and Christmas, a Christmas journey is created and only can be discovered by people who know about the story of Christmas eve.
18
Site: History and Interpretation
Site: Context and Street Experience
Christmas Threshold
"In the nineteenth century the site was originally built as stables for horse draw taxis. Located in teh space behind buildings on Commercial Street, Hanbury Street ...... A protected open courtyard space has been enclosed to create a triple height atrium space around which original brick buildings are arranged at basement level, first floor level and 'loft' level ...... The building is currently owned and operated by The Old Truman Brewery and forms part of their complex of former industrial buildings that are used for temporary events such as fashion shows, exhibitions and pop up retail installations."
Museum
Atrium
Source from: History of 106 Commercial Street, Steven Jensen
View
Elements
Distance pathway
19
intersection
pathway
corridor
atrium
stair
Intervention: Concept Development
Culture Analysis: Christmas
Christmas Threshold
entrance & rump
grotto & horse stable
entrance & rump
grotto & horse stable
entrance & rump
grotto & horse stable
"For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."----Matthew 13:17 IIf not placed together, maybe no one will realise the photo on the left is a Chinese couple playing the scene of the wedding of Joseph and Mary on a Christmas party. The name cards hanging on their chests write the names of the characters in Chinese. Not everyone can recognise the meaning because of the language barrier. However, there are many other barriers apart from vocabularies. Sometimes we see things that we do not really understand. Many of the Londoners have heard the story of baby in the manger since childhood. But does that suggest everyone will suddenly realise "this is a space about Christmas" when he or she starts to notice a manger in the horse stable on Commercial Street? While welcoming the costumers to Christmas Museum, the threshold is also testing them.
20
Intervention: Space Strategy
Christmas Threshold
path leading to museum path in the museum entrance existing floor
The foyer is not so much a mere walkway for passing through as the venue for holding all kinds of activities related to Christmas and the museum. The ramps bring a playful experience of finding Christmas, and provide multiple entering choices for the museum. A flexible space changing system will be needed to celebrate these events. The sliding doors and partitions on the lower deck can create space of different extent of open and closed area.
Circulation strategy
Invisible Chrismas
sliding door stable partition
Space dividing strategy 21
N
N
Christmas Threshold
Plan and Detail
2
1
10
2
1
3 3
9
4
5
4
Ground Floor 1:200 8
5
1 Entrance from Hanbury Street
1 Exit to Hanbury Street
2 To Basement(the Museum)
2 To Loft(the Museum)
3 To First Floor(the Museum)
3 To First Floor(the Museum) 4 To Pavilion(the Museum)
4 To Basement(the Museum) 5 To Upper Deck 6 Entrance from Commercial Street 7
Upper Deck 1:200
6
5 To Ground deck 6 Exit to Commercial Street
7 Tradition horse stable 8 Reception area 9 Main event area 10 Tradition horse stable
6
22
Section and Model
Christmas Threshold
This section shows the layers of the deck in the atrium. The double-deck system brings more possibility on hosting activities and the up-and-down ramp entertainment to visitors, especially those with kids. A 1:20 model was made to examine the details in the structure, which is a regular module in the ramp system.
23
Christmas Threshold
The cushions are filled with hay and wood shaving, which comes from the hay spread out in the tradition horse stable.
The usage of the sliding door in the partitions
The detail of the sliding track
The form of the hand rail is derived from the pattern on horse stable.
24
Let Experiments Happen
London, UK
LET EXPERIMENTS HAPPEN
2019 - 2020
How should public space be like in the advancing urban context? An exploration was started from researching various kinds of public spaces in London and Tokyo. In the investigation, human activities were extracted solely to present the user behaviours in site and experienced journeys. As the first vertical village in London, 22 Bishopsgate is to refresh public experience in the centre of the city. This research re-examines this idea from the perspective of users. The analysis on citizens' experience in the "village" on the ground sheds light on how to bring this kind of experience into a vertical tower.
2 26
Observation and Behaviour Analysis
Let Experiments Happen
Sometimes the actions performed within the physical surroundings and feeling received along the expedition, instead of the material surroundings themselves, characterise our impression of different public spots, and reveal the true essence of public spaces.
27
Public Charter 1.Public spaces should be free, accessible for all. 2.It should be open to be used as an urban experimental petri dish. 3.Experiments can be any form of activity that improves civic living. It does not have to be based on function. 4.Every user of public space should be treated equally regardless of gender, race and socio-economic status. 5.The application and result of using public spaces should be open and transparent.
28
Observation and Behaviour Analysis
Let Experiments Happen
2
2
22 Bishopsgate
Let Experiments Happen
2
SHOP
RESTAURANT OFFICE
BAR
SUPERMARKET BAKERY
GALLERY
GYM
CAFE
PUB
OFFICE
SHOP GARDEN
GARDEN
GALLERY
SHOP
GYM
OFFICE
PUB
RESTAURANT
2
MOUNT OLIVET COFFEE TABLE AND CHAIR SET Client: Mount Olivet Cafe Time: 2017 Material: iron, glass, soil, plants, cotton fabric, sponge.
Mount Olivet is a weekend cafe on the western mountain in Beijing. In a city of extraordinary contrasts, this is a place to escape the bustle-andhustle from the city centre. The inspiration of the table comes from the concrete block in urban construction, while the opposite concept is to build a block of plants. Coffee time will be more enjoyable with plants feasting customers' eyes under the table.
27
BOAT -- THE CHILDREN'S FURNITURE Sleemon : Client 2017 : Time Wood, flannel fabric, sponge : Material
Boats are one of the furnitures that could accompany children to grow. For an infant under 3-yearold, the boat will swing like a cradle. With sponge of different softness, the baby will only feel comfortable rather than sense any pressing by the wood frame. For child under 10, the boat can be used as a rocking-chair, and also a toy in their games. The pillowcases for the cushions could be easily changed and cleaned.
28
GROWING SPONGE Client: Tsinghua University Time: 2016 Material: steel pipe, high strength bolt, latex paint.
The skeleton showed in the photo is a testing module extracted from the project "Growing Sponge", created based on an uncharted area on campus. By introducing BMX bicycle, skateboard and parkour, the entire space can be transformed into a sport field that absorbs vigour and stimulates surrounding activities.
29
FREEZE -- A MATERIAL TEST 2019 : Time Wax : Material
This is a 1:100 model to probe the air bag system in the project AT FIELD. Motivated by the animation masterpiece Neon Genesis Evangelion, AT FIELD is an inflatable architecture specially designed as a venue for comic-con, liveshow, comic bookstore and relevant animate activities. Bonded to a truck, it can be transported easily and deployed at anywhere wanted, and installed quickly.
process: pouring melted wax onto ice
30
AT FIELD -- A SHELTER IN A TRUCK FOR ACG PEOPLE Time: 2017 Material: wood, iron joint, PVC fabric, turbo blower(40W)
This is a 1:100 model to probe the air bag system in the project AT FIELD. Motivated by the animation masterpiece Neon Genesis Evangelion, AT FIELD is an inflatable architecture specially designed as a venue for comic-con, liveshow, comic bookstore and relevant animate activities. Bonded to a truck, it can be transported easily and deployed at anywhere wanted, and installed quickly.
31
THE VOID'S ARM 106 Commercial Street : Client 2019 : Time Wax : Material
The Void's Arm is a pub developed under the theme of "Britexit Pub". With the purpose of creating an anonymous place to drink, half transparent screens are set in multiple scenes in the pub. Some are between customer and bartender and some are between customers. To find a material that could attain appropriate effect, various lighting test on pvc fabric, translucent paper, polyester mesh and metallic fabric are made.
32
AROMA APPENDS RED SLEEVES & GARDEN TIME Client: Beijing Arofine Technology Development Co. , Ltd Time: 2015 Product: Wardrobe aroma scent diffuser set, Bathroom fragrance.
33
ART WORKS
Night on western hill, Beijing, 100*60cm, 2015.
Red chair, Beijing, 50*50cm, 2015.
34