RYAN QUAH KUN HAO
P O R T F O L I O ARCHITECTURE
SELECTED WORKS 2019 - 2022
WWW.RYQUAH.INFO RYAN.917@OUTLOOK.COM
VOLUME ONE
RYQUAH.INFO
VOLUME TWO
1 Urban Tarzan National University of Singapore
Year Three, Semester Two
2 High-Tech Favela: Industiral Agora Year Three, Semester One
3 Wayang Kulit: Breathing Light Year Two, Semester Two
4 Fashion House: Dancing Dragon Year Two, Semester One
5 Stalemate
Year One, Semester Two
6 Temporal Reordered Year One, Semester Two
7 Drawings
Competitions
Year One, Semester One
A Changi Retreat: Eco-Village Changi Poin Masterplan
B Ecological Hub
Re-purposing Old Changi Hospital
EDUCATION NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE 2023 - 2024 (expected) Masters in Architecture 2019 - 2023 (expected) Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (Honours)
RYAN QUAH KUN HAO
Board of Architect Prize [Best Student in Year 2 & Year 3] BCA-Industry iBuildSG Scholarship Cumulative CAP: 4.85 /5.0 Key Appointments & Involvements 2022/23 Semester Exchange Programme in Delft University of Technology 2022 Teaching Assistant 2021/22 The Architecture Society (Vice-President) 2021 Archival Exhibition (Executive Committee) 2019/20 Design and Environment Club (Media Executive) 2019-21 Studio Representative NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC
RYAN.917@OUTLOOK.COM WWW.RYQUAH.INFO
A passionate Architectural Student currently studying at the National University of Singapore, expected to graduate with Master in Architecture in 2024. Possesses excellent technical skills, design-thinking skills and interpersonal skills. Interested in spatial and urban design. A strong believer of design thinking and critical thinking process to generate quality architecture.
2014 – 2017 Diploma with Merit in Sustainable Urban Design and Engineering (with Architecture Specialisation) Gold Medal Graduate Lien Ying Chow Scholarship Cumulative GPA: 3.8697 /4.0 Key Appointments & Involvements 2017 Graduation Show (Planning Committee) 2016 Archifest Exhibition 2016 Oversea Internship Programme in Yangon, Myanmar (with Surbana Jurong) 2016 Oversea Immersion Programme in Chengdu, China 2016 Oversea Study Trip in Bandung, Indonesia 2015 Oversea Study Trip in Milan and Rome, Italy 2015 Oversea Service Learning in Lombok, Indonesia 2015 Oversea Study Trip in Bali, Indonesia 2015/16 Student Society Committee (Member) 2015-17 Class Representative 2014-17 The Christiera Programme - Talent Development TECK WHYE SECONDARY SCHOOL 2010 – 2013
Cambridge ‘O Level’ Certificate
Grade (Net): 5 CCA Grade: A
Portfolio
Key Appointments & Involvements 2013-14 Student Council (Executive Committee) 2011-12 Student Council (Member) 2013-14 National Cadet Core (CCA Leader) 2013-14 Class Secretary 2012 Singapore-Hong Kong Exchange Programme 2012 Service Learning with School in Batam, Indonesia
WORK EXPERIENCE DP ARCHITECTS May 2022 - July 2022 Architecture Department Internship ETC.LAB - NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC May 2017 - August 2017 Architecture Department Architectural Assistant SURBANA JURONG INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT August 2016 - November 2016 Myanmar Branch (Architecture) Internship
AWARDS BCA-Industry iBuildSG Undergraduate Scholarship National University of Singapore, 2019-24 Dean List National University of Singapore, 2020-21 Board of Architect Prize [Best student in Year 2 & Year 3] National University of Singapore, 2021 & 2022
COMPETITIONS 10th ACARA Asia Award 1st Prize Asia United Architectural Association, 2021 “Charmingly Changi” Idea Competition 2nd Prize (Tertiary Category) Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2021 International Building Design Competition ShortBuilding & Construction Authority, 2021 Young Designer Award, 2016 Finalist Design Intervention, 2016 National BIM Shoot-Out Competition Champion Building & Construction Authority, 2015 Inter-School Design Thinking Process Competition 2nd Position Teck Whye Secondary School, 2012
LANGUAGE & SKILLS English
Communication/ Read/ Write
Architecture Alumni Fund (AAF) Prize for Distinction in Architectural Design [Best student in Design 3 & 4; Best Student in Design 5 & 6] National University of Singapore, 2021 & 2022
Chinese
Communication/ Read
Ramalingam Medal [Best student in Architectural Structures and Construction Technology Module] National University of Singapore, 2022
SketchUp
Gold Medal & Prize for Most Oustanding Graduate Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 2017 (Graduation Award) Lien Ying Chow Scholarship Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 2016/17 (Academic Level 3) Director List for Excellent Academic Performance Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 2014-15 (Academic Level 1,2 & 3) Most Outstanding Performance Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 2014-15 (Academic Level 1, 2 & 3) Design & Environment Study Award Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 2014 (Academic Level 1) Academic Excellence Award Teck Whye Secondary School, 2014 Edusave Scholarship & EAGLE Award Teck Whye Secondary School, 2010-13
Microsoft AutoCAD Rhino Grasshopper Revit ArchiCAD Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Premiere Pro
COURSE & EXHIBIT Urban Conservation Workshop by UNPAR, Indonesia Business Information Modelling Workshop by BCA Digital Fabrication Workshop by City Form Lab Bamboo Building Workshop by Green Village, Bali IND ArchiVAL Exhibition (NUS), 2020, 2021 & 2022 Design 6 Exhibition (NUS), 2022 Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia Exhibition, 2017 Archifest Exhibition, 2016
URBAN TARZAN National University of Singapore Dr. Joseph Lim Studio
Year Three, Semester Two 13 Weeks
The Urban Tarzan responds to the increasingly hostile urban environment of Downtown Singapore. It opposes the conventional typology of maximising floorplates for commercial, monetary and material culture. It also criticises the lack of physical playzone in the downtown district, where work and transaction dominates as the anchor programme. Hence, Urban Tarzan attempts to break the monopoly of the concrete jungle and display the heroic return of wilderness and fun in the city. This project proposes an alternative typology of a high-rise tower that incorporate the operations of the public realm, ecological habitat and the climatic environment. The composition of the tower examines a computational form-generation methodology: discrete aggregation - where the assembly of the components is initiated and constructed through a bottom-up, peer-to-peer approach. The discrete construction is appropriated by the relations between aggregates, structural efficency and spatial effectiveness. The composition of the aggregates are investigated and iterated in a constant feedback loop to incorporate space, functions and services - activating what seems to just-so be a structural element into a device of spatial experience and system of ecology. This manifestation of a structure-only aggregate results in a porous and unpredictable outlook of the building where the inconsistency of the structural element negotiates and shapes the creation of architectural experiences - yielding a circulation path that dances around columns and beams, fragmented floorplates and decentralised service systems. The Urban Tarzan challenges the naturally horizontal park typology as a vertical tower. It re-imagines how nature could be re-experienced in a modern superstructure setting that would provide sense of freshness, wilderness and bionomics. Leveraging on the architecture form, an ecological system (as programme) is curated between human, plants as well as native and migratory bird species. The seemingly leftover site is revitalised and returned to nature - ingraining itself as a fundamental part of Selegie Road’s ecological and urban habitat. In prospect, the Urban Tarzan forwards a proposal to inspire a paradigm shift in the atittudes and methodology towards high-dense development and commercialism.
Floorplan (+57000)
Floorplan (+64000)
Floorplan (+39000)
Floorplan (+47000)
Floorplan (+20000)
Floorplan (+32000)
Floorplan (+4000)
Floorplan (+4000)
HIGH-TECH FAVELA: INDUSTRIAL AGORA National University of Singapore Ar. Colin Seah Studio
Year Three, Semester One 13 Weeks
A SCENE OF TEMPERAMENTAL GROWTH AND NEGOTIATION Urban Context Set in an impending scenario wherein Singapore’s land scarcity has deemed singular-zoning and independent industrial operations as an unsustainable strategy for future development, the Industrial Agora reimagine Defu as a testbed that seeks for a collective, decentralised and circular solution for production and consumption – conceptualising as a total-field altogether. Finding value in existing elements on site, Industrial Agora conserves the structural element of its formal self to act as affordance for the universality of its future urban fabric. The removal of physical boundary and built-element reconstitute Defu as a singular piece of land with unrestricted space and tenants. Freed from lease and prescriptive land-use, this creates a paradigm shift in urban planning - subverting the former factory typology from capitalist hegemony to a new democratic collectivism. The shift catalysts for varied operations, field of different intensity, fragmentation and scale of operations to permutate throughout New Defu. The Field The Field is assembled with six filters without a synthesise of a higher order. They are purely superimposed without any sequence nor hierachy. It is in the lack of collective resolution that provides affordances for constant change, accidents and improvisation. The unrestricted field of the Industrial Agora allows the occupants to choose the optimal location based on their personal agenda - such as, but not limited to: convenience, accessibility, publicness, climate, neighbours, utilities and availability of physical space. The lack of prescriptive land dictation allows one occupant to constantly evolve their spaces/threshold - to expand, infiltrate or collaborate with surrounding neighbours/facilities. The following scene attempts to demonstrate and reflect the complex relationship of interest, conflict and exchange - manifesting an imagined outcome with varied possibilities of growth and negotiation that could take place. The Scene This project attempts to postulate the notion of growth and negotiation through a bottom-up approach. The scene is set on the left-over columns of the Industrial Agora. Permutated by various small and medium-scale occupants, the growth of the occupants palimpsest based on the circumstances that preceded it. The evolutionary growth is demonstrated through expansion, increment and decrement. Using columns as the device for management and ownership, the spatial and ‘land’ development becomes unrestricted. Negotiation of space takes place through a play on form, function and programmes - resulting in acts of entanglement, skewed, merged, nudge, break, collaboration and exchanges. The formal yet spontaneous negotiation between occupants result in the creation and adoption of by-spaces (unintended resultant spaces that are not originally planned for).
Urban Field: The Six Filters
Ground Surface
Pathways and Entrances
Green Spaces
Columns
Utilities
Artefacts
17
Episode 1: Urban Site
Episode 2: Columns Purchased by Tenants
Episode 3: Left-over Columns as Devices
Episode 4: Infancy
Episode 5: Growth
Episode 6: Collaboration and Leeching
Episode 7: Expansion
Episode : Usage of By-Spaces
Exploded Axonometric: Tenants
19
A Scene of Temperamental Growth and Negotiation
21
Scene of Negotiation: Form Skewing
Scene of Negotiation: Usage of Informal and By-Spaces
Spatial Ambiguity
Scene of Negotiation: Programme Exfiltration
Scene of Negotiation: Collaboration
Self-Suffice Co-Plaza 23
Delivery Central Kitchen in Episode 4
Packaging Suppl
Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Episode 7
Makerspace Comm
lier in Episode 5
Furniture Maker in Episode 6
merce in Episode 7
Traditional Textile Makers in Episode 8 25
Siteplan
Sectional Perspective 27
Systems
Mode Study of Spatial Contestation
Favela Models 29
WAYANG KULIT: BREATHING LIGHT National University of Singapore Ar. Roy Pang Studio
Year Two, Semester Two 13 Weeks
Breathing Light attempts to revitalise Wayang Kulit by reinterpreting it through a contemporary presentation whilst meeting the basic comfort need of the Dhalang. The reinterpretation would encompass: 1. the envelope as part of the story-telling process; 2. retaining 360 degree multiperspectivity of the performance. Wayang Kulit (which could also means ‘Skins Reimagined’) extracts the notion of membrane of an organism skin. Here, each module mimics at a molecular level that would perform a specific function - structure, movement, aperture, views, rays. This is achieved through the manipulation of the module’s form, scale, tessellation and joineries. Akin to a living organism, this project breathes - light. The reimagined visualisation reify the movement of the Dhalang through animation of light and shadow on the floor. The Dhalang moves the puppet, which moves the envelope, which mediate the light, which alter the atmosphere. The transference of this energy seeks to elevate the atmosphere during the intense fighting scene. The light scape created on the ground is carefully planned - Seat Zone, Stand Zone, Light Zone, Dark Zone - where the order of movement and behaviour of the spectators is intentionally arranged and orchestrated. This orchestration draws relationship back to the light source where the skin would become an actor of filter and mediator. Climate, in this project, is essentially about the flow of elements. We attempted to reformulate the task of an envelope that traditionally protects one from the external. This project re-organises the climatic negotiation from outside-in to inside-out, an aspect often neglected yet critical to the atmospheric conditions to an internal space. In an up-scaled context, it would have been about the control of light, sound and air-pollution that spills from indoor to the external environment. In speculation, we embraced the Breathing Light’s capacity of transferring and amplifying the energy outward. Keeping to the theme of performance, the entire orchestral is reimagined with its function, element, action and equipment in mind.
Watch: Experiential Video http://tinyurl.com/breathinglight
Peel-Away Section
31
Spatial Organisation
Perfect Light-Scenario
Exploded Axonometry
33
Plan - Anthropometry and Viewership
Section - Entry and Rear-View
Envelope Distortion
35
A - Gender
B - Kendhang
C - Bonang
Design Speculation - Wayang Kulit Family
D - Gong
E - Seats
F - Dhalang 37
Front Perspective
Side Perspective
Back Perspective
Back-Axonometry Perspective
39
Engravement
Engravement
Floor Effect
Floor Effect
41
Puppet Holder
Move Zone
Pulling Mechanism
Pulling Mechanism
43
FASHION HOUSE: DANCING DRAGON National University of Singapore Dr. Joseph Lim Studio
Year Two, Semester One 13 Weeks
Dancing Dragon is a Fashion Design Studio for Fashion Designer Asher Levine. Asher is known for his eccentric avante garde fashion pieces that mixes with technology and luminations. He experiments with pioneering fabrication technique, modern textile and electric circuits. Of it’s unorthodox futuristic pieces, all of his pieces fundamentally seeks inspiration from Biomimicry and organism. Inspired by his Biker Jacket for the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Fashion House abstract the voronoi element of its design and reinterpretted it into architectural aggregation and spaces. The Voronoi scheme extracts the physical qualities and intangible nature of the form. Each cell is explored 3-dimensionally with faces of all directions. A voronoi also postulates the idea of connection, relations and inter-relations. It visualises density, distance and proximity. These intangible ideas are materialised tangibly, turning “relations” into physical space. Each cell is evovled through a series of agglomerated operations to create unique spaces suit for each specific cell’s unique conditions (of site and function) - for views, connection, climate, structure and experience. By the mix-matching the different variant of forms and alter operations, each cell is unique. The interior and exterior surfaces are also maximised for functional and programmatic purposes.
External Perspective
Public-Private
Key Circulations
45
VORONOI STUDY
COORDINATE EXPLORATION & MANIPULATION
VORONOI AGGREGATION AND DEVELOPMENT
BASIC FORM
‘ALTER’ OPERATIONS
47
Exploded Axonometry (Structure)
Exploded Axonometry (Spatial)
Exploded Axonometry (Details)
Atrium
Retail
Studio
49
Sectional Perspective (from Orchard Hotel)
51
Sectional Perspective (from Orange Grove Road)
53
BASEMENT FLOORPLAN
LEVEL ONE FLOORPLAN
55
LEVEL TWO FLOORPLAN
LEVEL THREE FLOORPLAN
57
LEVEL FOUR FLOORPLAN
LEVEL FIVE FLOORPLAN
59
DETAIL A - CEILING-ROOF
SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE (DETAIL)
DETAIL B - RAISED FLOOR
DETAIL C - BASEMENT-FOUNDATION
61
Sectional Model
Massing Model 63
STALEMATE National University of Singapore Dr. Junko Tamura Studio
Year One, Semester Two 4 Weeks
‘Stalemate’ is part one of two on the study of Balestier as a Conservation Area. In this component, the project attempts to embody the spirit and essence of Balestier into a Cube through the abstraction of narrative, symbolism, experience and actions. In William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”, the monologue postulates the human lives in seven stages. Drawing inspiration, the cube attempts to represent Balestier in its ages. Reinterpreted into 8 different stages, the cube is crafted through an 8x8 matrix system that juxtaposes the development of architecture, significance, progress and history. There are three main components to the cube: the shophouses, the condominiums and significant architecture. The opacity of each component cross-relate to the essence it holds. Presently, the cube is delicately balanced between two battles - Development vs Conservation. The new development “pushes” the shophouses while government, as strings, are “pulling” the shophouses - preventing their fall. All in the act to attain balance. Ultimately, this cube presents a dilemma: Would everything eventually fall apart? Or would there be a possibility of rebirth for Balestier Road? If our progression is any indication, Balestier cannot develop as it is forever. Eventually it will fall apart as development and conservation continues to play this aggressive game of chess. Right now, it stands as a stalemate.
65
NARRATIVE - SHAKESPEARE: ‘ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE‘
CUBE GENERATION - BALESTIER’S DEVELOPMENT IN 8 STAGES
67
Cube Generation
Foreshadowing - Balestier as Sustain or Death 69
Top View
Section 1 - Collapsing Identity
Elevation
Section 2 - Development Pushing Heritage
71
Axonometry
Side Perspective
Top Perspective
Front Perspective
73
Nolli Map of Balestier Road
Section - Whampoa Market 75
Plan - Whampoa Market
77
TEMPORAL RE-ORDERED National University of Singapore Dr. Junko Tamura Studio
Year Two, Semester One 9 Weeks
‘Temporal Re-Ordered’ is an artefact that attempts to answer the dilemma that was set up from Project 1 - the Cube. The cube concludes in a Stalemate where the development is attempting to push the essence of conserved Balestier out, whilst being hold back by the government. In it’s continuation, ‘Temporal Re-Ordered’ attempts to sustain Balestier as a cultural center through identity reamplification. This is achieved with the use isolation and event networks. The project is developed through a Masterplanning of Nodes and Network which connects the most cultural and popular features of Balestier together. This is achieved through a green network along the boundary of Balestier Conservation Area. In this system, it attempts to establish culture amplification by correlating different events of scales of different seasons together. Here, human traffic along the network will carry the spirit of one node onto the other, radiating features of livelihood for cultural redevelopment. A part of the network - behind a series of shophouse - is chosen as site of intervention (the Artefact). The artefact acts as the instrument of culture reamplification. Inspired by the Balestier History, the architecture embodies the 8 stages that were pre-defined in ‘Stalemate’. The artefact attempt to bricolage the multiple heritage of different era into a singular space - embodying Balestier like a memory lane. A multi-transcendant idea was developed by time-warping a logic of Klein-Bottle as space. Cycle of Events, Boundaries, Over-lapping and Spill-over spaces are also explored in this project. Architecturally, the artefact studies two key precedents: N-House by Sou Fujimoto and Vitrahaus by Herzog & de Meuron for spatial design. Anthropometry, proxemics and Scale was also studied to plan for spatial articulation (eg. Windows, Voids, Activity Nodes, Transition Effects). The entire project is hand-drawn.
Tectonic Strategies Tectonic Strategies Form and Structure and ToForm articulate theStructure idea of “multi-transcendence”, the Klein bottle was used as a form stimuli. Individual
To articulate theand ideaoverlap of “multi-transcendence”, theform Kleinanbottle used aswithin a formspace”. stimuli.AIndividual stages combines with other stages to idea was of “space unified stages combines and overlap with other stages to form an idea of “space within space”. A unified structural system and openings are create through all the different components. They are designed structural system and openings are create through all the different components. They are designed cohesively and not independently. The dimensions and grid system are planned with consistency. cohesively and not independently. The dimensions and grid system are planned with consistency.
Individual Individual
Combined Combined
Bricolage Bricolage
Structural Structural
Final Final
Axonometry
79
SITE STUDY - BALESTIER ROAD
Network and Nodes
Boundaries
Conservation Area
Solid and Voids
Busstops
NARRATIVE STRATEGY
The relation of conservation and development in Balesier is lob-sided, where the conserved is always at the losing end. Hence, to stop the dilution of Balestier’s heritage, a proposed division between the conserved and developed is created. It is further enhanced with connections to key attractors to form a system of nodes and networks. The event-based nodes are expandable and contractable depending on seasons.
BALESTIER ORIGIN
HERITAGE DILUTION Development does not value-add to Balestier
GROWTH OF DEVELOPMENT Heritage brings values to development
HERITAGE CONTAINMENT To bring focus within the conservation area
HERITAGE SELF-REAMPLIFICATION To reamplify old heritage and new customs
ESTABLISHING A NETWORK
1. NETWORK CREATION Connecting different aspects of Balestier together
2. SEASONAL CHANGES Events and Activities of various scale form within nodes
3. EVENT NETWORK Connecting related events together, amplifying culture
4. RADIATING NETWORK Events of one aspect influences the growth of another aspect
81
Structural System – Generation BASIC FORM
Conception articulation. Inspired by Klein Bottle.
Basic Form
Conception articulation. Inspired by Klein Bottle.
Basic Form
Conception articulation. Inspired by Klein Bottle.
Basic SYSTEM Form STRUCTURAL
Structural Systems of columnsarticulation. and beams are strategically placed Conception Inspired by (in uniform, where possible) to create a load distribution
Klein Bottle.
Structural System
Structural Systems of columns and beams are strategically placed (in uniform, where possible) to create a load distribution system.
Structural System
OPENINGS Structural
Systems of columns and beams are strategically placed a load distribution system.
Walls infill and openings are protruded strategically (away from uniform, where possible) to create the columns)(in to create spatial articulation and cross ventilations.
Structural System
Structural Systems of columns and beams are strategically placed (in uniform, where possible) to create a load distribution system.
Openings
ELEVATION Walls infill
and openings are protruded strategically (away from the columns) to create spatial articulation and cross-ventilations.
Opening and Order influenced by specific time-period.
Openings
Walls infill and openings are protruded strategically (away from the columns) to create spatial articulation and cross-ventilations.
Openings
Walls infill and openings are protruded strategically (away from the columns) to create spatial articulation and cross-ventilations.
09
09
09
83
Form and Structure
To articulate the idea of “multi-transcendence”, the Klein bottle was used as a form stimuli. Individual stages combines and overlap with other stages to form an idea of “space within space”. A unified structural system and openings are create through all the different components. They are designed cohesively and not independently. The dimensions and grid system are planned with consistency. BRICOLAGE
Individual Individual
Combined Combined
Bricolage Bricolage
Structure Structural
Final Final
ARCHITECTURE ELEMENT CHANGES
Each stage consist of different varies of Architectural elements - wall thickness, floor height, shapes of perforation. Unique architecture elements of each stages provide contrasting and complex experience between spaces.
Individual A unified e designed ncy.
ed
Tectonics Techniques & Variance
Each “stage” of the artefact encapsulates three components – Main Body, Transition and Second Body. The essence of the construction is a mix of a column-and-beam system infilled with filigree pre-cast construction. The floor is casted with in-situ concrete. The walls are infilled with pre-cast twin walls, constructed with water proofing, plaster and in-situ concrete. The roof is constructed with insitu-concrete with precast slab. The Level Two roof and floors are laid to fall to ensure drainage of stormwater. Drainage pipings are hidden within the twinwall construction for aesthetic purposes. Each “stage” manipulates different architectural elements to provide a contrasting experience. By default, all components are supported by the column-and-beam structural system. The key variance are the wall thickness, floor height and perforation sizes.
Level One
ge Structural System – Plan Structural System – Plan
Column Column
100mm Thick THK Wall 100mm
WALL
200mm ThickTHK Wall 200mm
WALL
300mm Thick Wall 300mm THK
WALL
STRUCTURE There are 3GRID Wall variance: 100mm, 200mm and 300mm thickness. The columns are sized at 200x200mm. The following is a tectonic floorplan that conceptually shows the different variance of walls and floors used.
ral
Level 2 Structural Plan
Scale 1:200
Level 2 Structural Plan Level Two Scale 1:200
Exposed Column Increased Floorheight
100mm THK Wall 200mm THK Wall 300mm THK Wall 11 Level Level 1 Structural Plan One Scale 1:200
Level 1 Structural Plan
Scale 1:200
Structural Plan
A consistent system of columns and beams that harmonizes with different “stages” of the artefact. Most Level 1 and Level 2 columns are located of the same position to minimize load transfers. Structural Plan A consistent system of columns and beams that harmonizes with different “stages” of the artefact. Most Level 1 and Level 2 columns are located of the same position to minimize load transfers.
85
Time (Annual)
Default
Spillover
Events + Spillover
Festive + Events + Spillover
EVENT CYCLIC
The artefact act as the connecting network that bridges between nodes. It is the instrument that amplifies the events of its immediate vincinity. To achieve this, the artefact must allow for spill-out and event spaces. Spill-out spaces are derivative immediate to the shophouses - where the back of the shophouse will become the front of the shophouse. In which, the activities within the shophouse will flow outwards to start the perpetuation of its activity. Event spaces allows for independent activities (eg. Regular and Festive Events) to happen. At times, both spill-out and independent events will overlap with one another, creating the opportunity of “event radiation”. The co-existence of programmes creates a new complexity of human interaction, which would influence and spread to other parts of Balestier. To ensure that the artefact could handle the various types of events, informal and deigned-homogenous spaces are planned co-existently in different areas of the artefact.
BLURRING BOUNDARY
Multiple layers of skin with different scales of preforation. To create a constant change of interior-exterior relationship.
KLEIN BOTTLE
Inspired by the Klein Bottle, the spatial arrangement morphes inbetween spaces - always encapsulating one within another.
OVERLAPPING SPACES
Cuboids of spaces overlaps to create intersecting spaces. Blurring the transcend and relation between two distinct spaces.
VOID PROTRUSIONS
A distinct void that punches through the cuboids vertically and horizontally to re-warp architecture with surrounding context.
TIME WARPING
Creating a non-linear stage progression that is suitable for dual-entry. Allows flexible movement that results in different sequential experience of space.
87
VOIDS AND EVENTS
Throughout the artefact, voids have been punctured horizontally and vertically to create spatial gaps amongst the interior. These voids become open “courtyards” that connects b ack to the contemporary “reality” - Stage 8. Events spaces are allocated via nodes that may spillout, overlap and expand into a bigger node.
MOVEMENT AND FUNCTIONS
The artefact has three key functions - Transit, Transact and Gather. Utility spaces are provided as supporting function for Transact and Gather. The functional spaces are designed homogeniously with the transit spaces - to create flexibility for function transformability between different seasons.
SPILL-OVER SPACES
The artefact carefully blends the exits of the rear shophouses with pocket spaces. Activities of the shophouse may flow outwards to fill such areas, turning the rear of the shophouse into a new frontal. The dual frontal will open a porous experience of the shophouse’s entirety - front to back.
MODE: SPILLOVER A snapshot that exclaims activity on a typical day where shophouses spill-over into the artefact.
MODE: SPILLOVER + FESTIVE A snapshot that exclaims various activities on a festive s eason that congregates and interacts with one another.
89
PRECEDENT STUDY: N HOUSE by SOU FUJIMOTO
N-HOUSE by Sou Fujimoto was selected as a precedent study due to it’s experimental methodology to blur boundaries. The house itself is comprised of three shells of progressive size nested inside one another. The outermost shell covers the entire premises, creating a covered, semi-indoor garden. Second shell encloses a limited space inside the covered outdoor space. Third shell creates a smaller interior space. Residents build their life inside this gradation of domain. The N-HOUSE architecture is not about space nor about form, but simply about expression of living `between` houses and streets. There is no distinct boundary within each shell of space. The outdoor space feels like the indoors and an indoor space feels like the outdoors. In a nested structure, the inside is invariably the outside, and vice versa. The perforation of the house is carefully designed and placed to ensure privacy, and suited for the function. In this precedent study, the plan, section and elevation will be disected into multiple layers to study how Sou Fujimoto blurs the boundary of the house. In it, there is an evaluation of a total-private space, semi-private space and a fully public space. The analysis will also showcase the relationship between the three sized house.
PRECEDENT STUDY: VITRAHAUS by HERZOG & DE MEURON
VITRAHAUS by Herzog & de Meuron was selected to study the creation of different multitudes of spaces by overlapping. The concept of the VitraHaus connects two tkey themes: archetypal house and stacked volumes. The proportion of the houses varies to suit for the interior needs. It also has extrusion and overlapping spaces that create a three-dimensional assemblage. Though, the appearance looks chaotic, its interior has a sequential movement that leads upwards. The complexity of the interior space arises from the angular intersection of the individual houses and the integration of a second geometrical concept. The intersection creates unique ensemble of interior functions.
91
ANTHROPOMETRY - PROPORTION STUDY
PROXEMICS - SOCIAL INTERACTION STUDY
SCALE - SPATIAL EFFECT
Interior and Exterior
Adjacent Relations
Spatial Scalar Impact
93
SITE PLAN
95
ROOF
LEVEL TWO
LEVEL ONE
97
+3500
+8100
+21100
+26600
+41400
+44400
ELEVATION ONE
+12100
+15600
+19100
+30000
+34600
+37600
+51400
+57400
+63400
SECTION
ELEVATION TWO 99
LONGITUDINAL SECTION +7000
LONGITUDINAL SECTION +4500
LONGITUDINAL SECTION +2500
LONGITUDINAL ELEVATION +0
101
SECTIONAL DETAILS
103
DRAWINGS National University of Singapore Ar. Yang Han
Year One, Semester One 13 Weeks
In this section, ‘Drawings’ is a series of compilation of hand-drawn works in foundation studio - Design One. The drawings studies architecture within the context of the prevalent design principles of a specific period. Through a comparative framework, the construction of hand-drawings allowed me to read and understand architecture of different times that embody different design ideologies, represented in a form that is the most communicative and convincing. The studio was simultaneously introduced to a variety of representational techniques as well as ways to think about, feel and read architecture. The objective of design one was to understand that content and representations of architecture are not separate operations, but three parts of one creative, communicative process. Seeing, thinking and making, form a set of indispensable skills stretched out across a ceaseless intellectual investigation throughout one’s architectural career. The studio demonstrate a voracious appetite for understanding and formulating original design thinking around case studies, and after the practice of producing precise drawings and models, acquire the ability to originally convey their own ideas through drawing and making.
Computation Design Thinking 105
KATSURA IMPERIAL VILLA Order and Geometry
The Katsura Imperial Villa was studied for its classical design philosophies. The design of the villa was influenced by Zen Buddhism and culture of Japanese tea drinking. In this exercise, I had particularly focused on the analysis of the New Palace due to its profound relationship towards the entire architecture. Built in 1624 – 1631, the New Palace is the last extension that was constructed. It mainly consist of royal bedrooms, tea rooms, throne room and wash closets. The spaces within the palace is organized with consideration of its surrounding environment. The Imperial Villa was studied through the drawing of its Plan, Elevation and Section. Some key design principles observed were: Axis, Scale, Hierachy, Material, Nature, Private-Public, Exterior-Interior, transitional, circulation, movement, serve-servant, function, view and daylight.
Front Elevation
Side Elevation
Section (Space and Material)
Section (Structure)
Floorplan
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MAISON COOK Parti and Space
This topic dives into the comparison of modernist building. Maison Cook was built in 1924, during cubism. They key organization of the building divides into 4 quadrant by pilotis - forming a free plan. The interior walls within the building are non-load bearing, which can be moved. Spatially, Maison cook’s interior has a flux of compressing and expanding spaces. It’s living room is located on the 3rd storey within a double volume height. While the bedrooms in 2nd storey has a flux of curving walls. Maison Cook was also the first building by Le Corbusier to express his idea of 5 Points of Architecture: Pilotis, Free Facade, Free Plan, Ribbon Window and Roof Garden. Hence, through this topic, I will be analyzing Maison Cook’s architectural feature, with specific focus on Modernism philosophy. As accordance to the topic brief, I had approached the study through the drawing of Axonometric diagrams. Through exploration, I have decided to dissect the house into 3 key components. By exploding and rotating the components, I intent to show the volumetric relationship within the house.
Sectional Exploded Axonometry
Vertical Exploded Axonometry
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SCHRODER HOUSE Parti and Space
The Schroder House was designed by Gerrit Rietveld and Truvs Schroder in 1924. The architecture is designed with De-Stijl style. Fundamentally, the house is designed to be free from any association. It aims to create a free plan and a sense of connection with the exterior. This was achieved through the use of balconies and corner-windows to increase the exposition of views. The interior walls on the 2nd storey are moveable. This allowed the users to turn bedrooms into living rooms as per their needs. The flexibility of moving walls allowed the house to have an ever-changing volumetric dynamics. Despite the the small floor area of the house, the volumetric needs of the building can be adapted to the user’s needs. This interplay of volume creates an interesting living experience. The facade of Schroder House was designed artisticaly with the play of planes and lines, detached from the actual house. The use of colour further enhance the intricity of the building.
Sectional Exploded Axonometry
Vertical Exploded Axonometry 111
PEOPLE’S PARK COMPLEX Interiority and Exteriority
Topic A Exercise 3 is a study of Singapore’s Early Independence Architecture. With this exercise, I have chosen People’s Park Complex as the architecture for analysis. People’s Park Complex was built in 1973 by (now known as) DP Architects. It was the proposition to resolve Singapore’s housing and social issue. A site visit was conducted to experience, first-hand, on how the building operates. Through the site visit, I was able to observe the physical elements of the building (such as structure, volume, circulation routes, etc) and also the intangible aspect (such as human activities, events, culture). The design of People’s Park Complex have allowed for many different types of activities. The ground floor, which serves as a public streetscape expands onto the upper storey through the layering of different atriums. A research was also conducted to study the old People’s Park Complex. Old photograph and interviews were studied to understand the significance of the complex and how it has impacted the users. The existing People’s Park Complex is slightly different from the past due to renovations and services upgrades. Hence, I have grew an explicit intention to show the different volumetric spaces of the complex and how it had brought life and activities to the spaces. This was also achieved through the study of functions and zoning of each specific levels. As such, I attempted to generate a sectional-perspective, which cuts through the atrium streetscape - to show the layering of atrium and the human transitional staircases. At the same time, I have also dissected floor-cuts to better exclaim the interior spaces and structural systems. Therefore, through the study of volumes and facade, I have decided to dissect the axonometric drawings to show the interior spaces (volume) and exterior design (facade). With this method of dissection, I intent to demonstrate the versatility of the architecture.
Peel-Away Sectional Axonometry 113
BRIDGE
Structure and Tecctonic Topic B was a group project with 3 of my studio mates - YongXuan, ZeYi and ZiWen. This project was also a cross-module assignment with Structural Principles. The task was to construct a bridge that spans more than 600mm without the usage of glue while having the capacity to hold a 1.5kg load. This project was particularly interesting as the restriction of glue increased the complexity of the project. The foremost research that we had conducted was the construction of Da Vinci Bridge. We explored the idea of building the Da Vinci Bridge through the use of ice-cream stick. Though the upward arching structured failed as the load would pushes the deflection of each component, collapsing the entire structure. This was an important learning step as we were able to learn that the shape, size and profile of a module would affect the internal load transmission of the structure. Hence, to ensure structural integrity, we have decided to design a new module that would arch, interlock and secure the bridge in place. The biggest challenge in designing the module was to find the appropriate dimension that would allow seamless interlocking. A cross-joinery was also considered to enhance the structure integrity of the bridge. The modularity of the component allowed for mass-production which was a additional plus point, At the final testing, the was 0.34kg and has a span of 620mm. It was able to support the 1.5kg load indefinitely.
DOME
Geometry and Composition The task was to construct a 400mm diameter dome without the usage of glue while having the capacity to hold a 1.5kg weight. In this project, a ribbed dome and geodesic dome was explored to construct the final model. Initially, our team chose Ribbed Domes to be our Macro Structural Form due to the fact that it is easier to construct and requires lesser calculations. Ribbed domes are also generally lighter than the other types of domes since lesser materials are used for the same volume of the dome. However, we were not satisfied with the shape and form of the dome as it felt far too simplistic and lacked creativity. The team moved on to learn about Geodesic Dome and have decided to pursue in that direction. The Geodesic Dome, which is also our final design, is designed unlike a typical dome, the model does not engage a node for connections but through its joinery. The entire process on designing the joinery was extremely tidious as we had to find a correct shape, size, interlocking methods, degree of interlocking and many more. Though, the end-result was extremely satisfying as the dome was able to hold the 1.5kg load indefinitely. The dome weighs 0.44kg within 410mm internal diameter.
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Plan
Elevation
Perspective
Construction
Joinery
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Plan
Elevation
Section
Composition
Construction 119
CHANGI RETREAT: ECO-VILLAGE re-new, re-connect, re-educate
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Changi Point Masterplan
Competition Entry 3 Weeks
Developed as part of Singapore’s Green Plan towards sustainable development, Changi Retreat: Eco–Village is envisioned as an integrated green coastal retreat settlement. The masterplan aims to promote eco-living lifestyle to visitors, seeking a respite from the bustling city, through a series of rustic experiences such as farm staycation, farm-to-table dining, adventurous sports activities, hiking and educational trails. The integrated village is developed with a Green-Belt system that serves as a spinal connection between series of decentralised clusters. Each cluster harnesses the on-site condition for its programmatic features - Nature Trail, Farming, Coastal Dining, Farmer’s Market, Eco-Resort and a Central Green Hub. Each cluster is also designed to correlate with its adjacent zones to provide a seamless transition of eco-lifestyles and habits while promoting pedestrianisation and green-economy. This masterplan conceptualizes the idea of eco-living through a holistic living experience of environment, education, health, food and energy. This aims to educate and promote eco-living through first-hand participation and engagement. To formulate a green and sustainable practice, five key principles were conceived to guide the creation of a self-sufficient and low energy rural living habitat. The Eco-Retreat creates a whole ecosystem of living, playing and exploring in a green and sustainable manner. It promotes the essence of green-habitat and lifestyle through learning, engagement and experiences. The retreat village would ultimately aspire to serve as Singaporeans’ gateway to leading a sustainable and healthy lifestyle in the urban city.
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ECOLOGICAL HUB
Learning Center for Heritage and Sustainability
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Re-purposing Old Changi Hospital
Competition Entry (2nd Prize) 3 Weeks
Situated in the middle of Changi Point, the former Changi Hospital is repurposed as the core of the Eco-Village Retreat @ Changi Point, a small satellite town that pilots the development of future towns in Singapore towards self-sustainable urban living within the natural environment. The Changi Ecological Hub serves to connect and support activities in the new eco-lifestyle while functioning as a heritage museum to educate visitors of its colonial past. As a landmark of the eco-village with historical importance, its distinctive architectural features are conserved. Underused spaces such as the roof are reintroduced as urban farms with lightweight roof canopies, while existing floor slabs are extended strategically to double as experimental testbeds and eco-classrooms. To champion the rich history and unique geography, old interiors are redesigned to form gallery spaces that flow across the three blocks. Voids are carved to accentuate the unique roof structure of Block 24, while the atrium of Block 161 draws visitors out to its balcony spaces with a glass facade that frames a sweeping view of the village. The old driveway of Block 37 is revitalised as a courtyard that functions as a pitstop and event space. Beginning with an introduction on its vast biodiversity, visitors are then taken through the building’s heyday during the colonial period with preserved hospital wards, before winding up at research classroom labs exploring the potentials of urban farming and an eco-centric lifestyle. As visitors travel through different blocks of the ecological hub, they learn about its past as a colonial hospital and wartime prison, experience its present as a lush forest rich in flora and fauna, and anticipate its future of sustainable living with nature.
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My architectural journey is not made possible without the help of my professors, tutors, friends and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to express my immense gratitude and appreciation for their guidance and unwavering support. Thank You
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