RHEA AHONG
UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
CULTURAL
RELIEF
CONTAINER
STAIR
[3]
[4]
HOUSING
[2]
CENTRE
[1]
Fourth Year Projects: [Sept 2010-May2011] Cultural Centre of the Bahamas Relief Housing Container Project Stair Third Year Projects: [Sept 2009-May 2010] Museum Sustainable Housing Memorial
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEMORIAL [7]
HOUSING
SUSTAINABLE [6]
MUSEUM [5]
Projects appear in reverse chronological order
CENTRE
CULTURAL
1
Project Title: Cultural Centre of the Bahamas The City of Nassau, Bahamas, was the chosen area of study for the AS-4 urban tour. This project, A Cultural Centre, is hence set in the downtown area, the outskirts of the historic district. The aim of this project is to revitalize this area by introducing an outlet for fostering the culture and expression of the island. This site, Site B, is located along the main throughfare Bay Street. It is bordered to the North by the sea, which affords this site with great views, especially of Paradise Island and the Atlantis
SITE: Waterfront, New Providence, Bahamas
[A]
[A] Analysis: With the main access and axis eminating from Bay Street, I decided to ensure that this vista was maintained. This visual axis is carried throughout the site by opening up the central area. I also capitalized on the views to the sea and the surrounding islands by creating a viewing deck. [B] Precedents/Inspirations: It was difficult to find inspiration to develop my concept seeing Bahamas doesn’t have an obvious show of culture. I found inspiration in a quote by Govan Robinson, where he vividly expressed the Junkanoo festivities. I played on the geometric nature of the costumes and the opposing meandering nature of the sidewalks with the buildings and the site reflecting such a relationship. Natural ventialtion was also integral, pulling inspiration from the walkthrough plazas found downtown Nassau.
[1]
[B]
CULTURAL
CENTRE
[A]
Ground Floor Plan shown in Context of the Site/Surroundings
[A]
[1]
Upper Floor Plan shown in Context of the Site/Surroundings
CULTURAL
CENTRE
1 Makeup Room 2 Outdoor Performance Space 3 Rehearsal Room 4 Changing Room 5 Backstage 6 Stage 7 Orchestra Pit
Theatre Ground Floor Plan
2 1
3
11 4
10
5
6
12
7
13 11
4
9 8
8 Theatre Manager’s Off. 9 Storage Room 10 Lounge 11 Ticket Booth 12 Concession Area 13 Staff Room
14 Auditorium 15 Sound and Lighting Room
Theatre Upper Floor Plan
[1]
9
14
15
9
CULTURAL
CENTRE
16 Outdoor Eating Area & Bar 17 Storage 18 Food Court 19 [Fill] 20 Suport Area 21 Conference Room 22 Manager’s Office 23 Admin/Reception 24 Daycare
16
19
17
20
21
22 18
Admin/Auxillary Ground Floor Plan
23
24
25
25 26 27 28 29
27 26
9
Viewing Deck Dance Studio MultiPurpose Hall Wireless Internet Cafe Accessible Green Roof
[1]
OPEN TAB
28
29
Admin/Auxillary Upper Floor Plan
CULTURAL
CENTRE
“Thousands dance through Bay Street, Nassau’s town center, like a wild ocean of colou cow bells over the singing of brass horns. The sidewalk like a snake comes to life tw rhythmic feet of onlookers. There is a timeless sense, a feeling inside that is
ur, while deep goat skin rhythms reverberate off the surrounding walls and wisting blacks and browns while balconies and roof tops sway under the
[1]
s so vital that even the deaf feel to move� C 2000. Govan E. Robinson
CULTURAL
CENTRE
[1]
These renders show, the second structure (above) [which houses the food court, Dance Studio and the administration areas] and the waterfront promenade with viewing deck (to the left). These areas are areas of interest because when the theatre is not in use these areas will still be high traffic/very frequented.
CULTURAL
CENTRE
HOUSING
RELIEF
2 6
A
Private/Public
Interaction
Project Title: Relief Housing Relief Housing Project, Bourkesfield St. Catherine, is an effort to better equip Jamaica for natural disasters. This project required the design of a prototype for a unit to house a family of five. My concept played on ease of construction, innovative materials and the social norms of Jamaica.
A Green Spaces
SITE: Bourskfield, St. Catherine Jamaica
[2]
[A]
[A] An illustration of a unit -It is raised by 1 meter as a response to the area of Boursefield being flood prone -Louvered panels to encourage natural ventilation [B] Sketches of the evolution of the unit prototype. Starting at the top, my concept was based on having ‘frames’ that when combined would create the skeleton of the unit. This evolved into a version with a butterfly roof that had a series of square interlocking panels. When including openings, I realised that this version was becoming complicated for easy reproduction and assembly because of it’s many panels. The final sketch is beginnings of the chosen design: 1m wide rectangular panels with a difference in height at the private areas (to the rear)
[B]
RELIEF
HOUSING
INFILL PANELS All infill panels have an aluminum frame to allow easy connection to the Bosch Aluminum Strut
90mm Bosch Aluminum Strut This component is used for all structural elements
1-1/2” Tubular Polycarbonate Honeycomb 2# 1’4” Clear Tempered Glass
Polycarbonate Honeycomb Panel
The honeycomb core acts as a filter for the sun and also allows foe full frontal views only, obscuring views from oblique angles
Used to connect the main structural elements
Aluminum Honeycomb Panel
A sandwich panel with 1/2” recycled wood sheets and 1/2” aluminum honeycomb core The Bosch Strut is bolted to the concrete footing
The connector is placed at the center of each panel at the top and at the bottom
The secondary members for the floor and roof are 60mm aluminum struts. They are connected by what is called an “inside to outside” gusset
Gussets
Foundation Connection
CONNECTORS The infill panels are connected using a ‘quick connector’. This component is attached to the panel and when the main structural struts are installed the panels are slided into place and secured by tightening the bolt
Weights about 1 pound per sq. ft
[2]
OPEN TAB
Elevation 1
Elevation 2
RELIEF
HOUSING
[2]
Site Section A-A
RELIEF
HOUSING
CONTAINER
3 5
[A]
[A]
SITE: Panorama of the Site (looking from the north of site )
[B]
[3] Jun 21st - 9am
Jun 21st - 12 noon
Jun 21st - 3pm
[A]
Dec 22nd- 9am
[A] A bird’s eye view of the site [B] A Shadow analysis of the Site -The Configuration of the units is key. My concept was for users to remain a priority with clear circulation and open/green areas that act as gathering spaces (rest spots). The relationship between spaces (site planing) is also an integral part of my design. I grouped the public spaces at the forefront while private/less fequented areas were placed on the top floor or set back from the main axis. Also, the containers were positioned mainly along the east-west axis and strategically placed so that they can assist in shading and allow for cross ventilation.
Dec 22nd- 12 noon
Dec 22nd- 3pm
CONTAINER
1 Gym 2 Public Restrooms 3 Concessions [4] 4 Dining Areas
3
1 4
3 4
2
Ground Floor Plan 1
[3] 5
Student Lounge
5
Upper Floor Plan 1
CONTAINER
6 7 8 9 6
7
8
9
Ground Floor Plan 2
Student Services Reflection/Meditation Room Student Union Commitee Office Conference Room
[3] 10 11
Executive Commitee Member Office President/VicePresident Residential Units
OPEN TAB
10
11
Upper Floor Plan 2
CONTAINER
[3]
Site Section A-A
CONTAINER
President/VicePresident Residential Unit: - Considering the width of the container, spatial arrangement of the residence was a challenge. The most space resicting areas [Bedroom and the Living Room] because of the large furniture were placed on either end to ensure no loss of area to circulation. These areas sandwiched the service spaces which were aligned along one wall.
[3]
Site Elevation
CONTAINER
STAIR
4
A
B
B
Project Title: Stair
A
Conceptual Sketches
Research led me to the Temple of Kukulkan, an Aztec Temple dating back to the 11th Century. I was very intrigued by the tremendous detail that the architecture of this temple entailed with precise reference to the Mayan Calender and orientation to the solitices and equinoxes. The geometry of the temple articulated the importance of progression to the temple through its steep nature.
[4]
Section A-A
Section B-B (Right) Diagrams showing the assembly of the staircase
STAIR
My concept uses geometry to imply movement and rest. My articulation of the progression is indicated through the use of the steepest stair permitted by code. The main stair is 1.6m wide with a rise and tread (0.191m and .300m wide). Rest areas were created by extending the landings to accomodate sitting. The relationship between the main stair and the landings occur every four risers for seating. -The main stair is an open stair whereas the sitting areas (large landings) are closed. These risers are made of hardwood and are an attempt to express a grounded feeling of the temple through enclosure : solid vs void.
[4]
An Exposed T-Strap used to connect the two beams to the main columnn 2” * 8” Timber Beam
Stringer Continuous Ledger
4” * 4”Timber Column 2” * 8” Timber Beams (Double Header)
4” * 4” Timber Column
Hardwood Floor 2” * 4” Timber Beam
(secondary member)
Welded Steel Baseplate
1/2” Galvanized Carriage Bolts
Concrete Wall Wall Anchor Bolt
Details The structure of the stair is made of timber. I utilised columns and beams in combination with secondary members to support the entire structure. -The columns are bolted to the ground through the use of a welded steel baseplate. -Beams are then connected to these columns and adjacent beams with either an exposed T-strap (which is recessed to be flush with the beam) or a steel angle (attached to the underside of the beam) -These beams are connected to the south walls by anchor bolts. -The stringer, also timber, is attached to the wall on the East side and rests on the main beams by a continuous ledger
Joist Hanger
(secondary member to ledger)
Ledger (3” thk)
STAIR
MUSEUM
5 3
[C]
[C]
Above: Pictures showing the site (currently occupied by commercial buildings)
and it’s immediate surroundings
Project Title: The National Museum of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Site 2 is located at the corner of Halifax and Egmont St in Kingstown, St. Vincent which is within a dense commercial area. Halifax is a main street for vehicular traffic so it is always lively whereas Egmont is a less frequented street. Halifax, a part of ‘back street’, is know for its arcades. a defining characteristic of St. Vincent also the use of brick and stone is very prominent and hence these have influenced my design.
SITE: Panorama of Halifax (looking north of site)
[5] The use of columns are in response to the existing arcades which are very prevalent. This gesture is also an attempt to encourage pedestrians (seeing that it provides shade) to experience the space
[A]
A shading device is employed on the western side to aid in creating comfortable conditions for the outdoor cafe. The use of balconies are used to encourage interaction among floors and also as a passive design technique for shading. The cafe area is an open green area to break the existing high density of the area
[B] [B]
[A] A Section through Halifax St. - Singer/ScotiaBank (left) and the Income Tax Building (right). This section shows the most common typology along this street: the covered walkway (arcade) / three storey commerial building [B] A Section through Halifax St. - St. Vincent Loan Association (left) and the High Court Office Building (right) [C] A Section through Edgmont - Singer/ScotiaBank (left) and My Museum(right). This sketch demonstrates my attempt to maintain the common typology. [C]
MUSEUM
[A]
Ground Floor
[A]
First Floor
A significant area of the ground floor is dedicated to the public. My intent is for the museum to reflect the liveliness of the street by inviting the public to experience the space even without the intention of visiting the exhibits
Pedestrians are channeled into the building by the continuation of the sidewalks leading toward the entrance of the museum and cafe
Balconies are used on the first and second floors as break points for visitors to experience the green space and the surroundings
Second Floor
[5]
Sectional Perspective A-A
Elevations (left to right) West,East,North,South
MUSEUM
DETAIL [upper floor-roof]
Rendered Image of the Museum in it’s surrounding context
Typical Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) system: - It has low thermal conductivity hence it assists in maintaining a cool temperature on the inside of the building -Recyclable -No greenhouse gases emitted in production -Economical
[5]
Site Elevation
[along Egmont looking East]
Site Elevation
[along Halifax looking South]
Rendered Images of the Outdoor Spaces
MUSEUM
HOUSING
SUSTAINABLE
6 2
Project Title: Sustainable Housing Community This project, set in Kingston, speaks to a need of such an urban area: Residential units. It has to be Sustainable and cater to a cross-section of possible occupant types. Three main unit types. Mature units (3 bedroom), Expanding units (2 bedroom w/h room for expansion) and Transient units (1 bedroom), were to be considered along with some Commercial units.
SITE: The corner of Lady Mustgrave and Trafalgar Rd. Kingston, Jamaica
[6] 8 am
[A]
[A]
[A} Shading devices are utilised on the faces most prone to heat gain. On the western faces, vertical extruded planes were used as compared to horizontal plaes on the Soutern faces. [B] Along with Passive design techniques, Solar panels and roof water catchment were employed in an attempt to make this housing community sustainable. Photovolatiacs are to be installed on the Transient Units (southernmost of the site). It is believed that these two gestures will cover all the landscaping needs of water and lit areas for safety.
10 am
[B]
12 noon
[C] High level openings that face North are used to capture the ‘clean’ light for well-lit areas.
[C]
[To the Right] A shadow analysis of the site from 8am to 4pm. Configuration of the units on the site are of particular importance with regard to passive design and the interaction of the stated tenant typology. The units are arranged to afford every unit good natural ventilation and access to the clean North light. The more frequented spaces (Commercial units) are placed at the most visible and accessible area: at the intersection. Whereas all the residential units are inward facing creating common areas which are more private. Also the existing trees were maintained to add vegetation and shade.
2 pm
4 pm SUSTAINABLE
HOUSING
Laundry Room
Commercial Units
Mechanical Room
Commercial Space #1 Maintainence Room Commercial Space #2
[6] Property Managers Office
Lawyers’s Office
Doctor’s Office
HOUSING
Transient Units: designed for a young professional Commercial Units
[6]
Mature Units: designed for a family with two teenage children
HOUSING
[6]
Expanding Units: designed for a family with a newborn and intentions to have more children
HOUSING
MEMORIAL
7 1
Project Title: A Memorial to a Memorable Event (An international Design Competition) My memorial is to the Great Fire that occurred in 1907. It was a catastrophic event that was started by an earthquake. Kingston and it’s three surrounding parishes were severely damaged. It claimed the lives of 800 persons and incurred damages estimated at 2,000,000 pounds.
SITE: The Waterfront, Downtown Kingston, Jamaica
Above: Pictures taken after the disaster on King and Habour St. Downtown Kingston, Jamaica
[7]
[A]
[B]
My memorial is a way to remember those who died and those who suffered through those trying times. My concept is to mimic the destruction done by the earthquake and consequent fire, creating spaces that are somewhat uncomfortable. [A] The memorial consists of wedges haphazardly placed creating thresholds that will mimic ones that may have been created by the incident. [B] This area is surrounded by a series of different levels that imitate the vertical displacement that earthquakes form. [C] On the highest level there is a concrete column that represents the uprising of Jamaica and its people. Jamaica rose out of the calamity, generating a good situation and is still trying to grow as a country.
[C]
MEMORIAL
West Elevation
North Elevation
East Elevation
South Elevation
[7]
Renders of the memorial express the scale, materiality and the sentient qualities. As you approach the memorial there is a sense of disarray. There is a stark change in materiality starting at the grass as it relates to the stone and also the brick (a plastic rendered as brick) planes. You are channeled into the opening created by the interection of the brick planes. It is a representation of the rubble created by the collasping buildings, dark (sunlight peeks through small openings) and warm, it mimics the experience of a trapped person. The undulating floor planes is an abstract representation of an earthquake: making it difficult for one to manuever.
MEMORIAL