Shawn Lee | Portfolio (2015-2018)

[ PORT FOLIO ] Selection of academic works 2015 - 2018

by

S HAWN

LEE

S H A W N

L E E

I n te r io r Desig n G ra d uate shawnlee218@gmail.com

K EY

MI LE STO N E S

Valedictorian for School of Design (2018) Diploma in Interior Design, with Merit (2018) U-Phoria Architecture Design Prize (2018) Director’s Honour Roll (2015-2018) BC A iBuildSG Sponsorship (2015-2018)

I social / public

[ T h e Fo r go t t e n C o l l e c t i ve ] / Ye ar 3 F in al Year P r o ject /

II experimental

[ E s c a l a t i n g Tr i l a t e r a l s ] / Year 3 Desig n St ud io /

III retail

[ Oxfords ] / Year 2 Desig n St ud io /

IV theoretical

[ Theory Collages ] / Year 3 Desig n Th eo r y /

I social / public

[ T h e Fo r go t t e n C o l l e c t i ve ] Allowing the public to understand more about dementia.

This project calls for the design of a Dementia daycare centre.

Situated in the heart of Casa Clementi, the project integrated underneath an HDB, the design aims to bridge the gap

between users of the centre and the community. The Forgotten Collective revolves around curating the spatial experience through materials, language, and generative design to produce a transient and reflective space. Imitating the degeneration of

the brain, the space brings about the duality of the emotions

felt by patients and allows visitors to understand them better.

/ the forgotten collective /

/ site plan

Casa Clementi is situated in a fairly new neighbourhood with a majority of its residents, living in multigenerational families. Thus the site adapts and has many elderly and handicap friendly features such as ramps and sheltered walkways.

C ASA C LE ME N T I B LK 4 2 5

/ sun diagrams

9 A M

12P M

4PM

7 PM

/ what is dementia?

DEMENTIA PAT I E N T S

7 AM

2 AM 7 PM

8 AM

Gener al ter m f or a dec line in mental abilit y se vere enough to inter f ere with dail y lif e.

1 PM

5 PM

User Rituals.

4PM

1 PM

5PM 8 AM 7 PM 11 P M

7 AM

CAREGIVERS

/ the forgotten collective /

/ inspiration and mood

The main inspiration for the project was the material and the power of reflection. As the project deals with problems of the mind and things that can only be felt, the mood of the place needed to portray that. The feeling of entering a space where there is constant juxtapositions around you, confuses and allows you to feel things subconsciously.

/ the forgotten collective /

PRECEDENT STUDY

U U H HO OU US SE E ,, T TO OY YO O II T TO O

I selected this as a precedent study as it expresses how materiality, correlates directly to the architecture physically and mentally. The U house, commissioned by Ito’s sister, was an expression of grief over the loss of her husband through cancer.

The grief was expressed through a U shaped transient walkway that forms the shell of the residence. Walled off from the outside, the singularity of

the concrete shows a certain reflective quality when it came to healing.

The project is effective as it provides a blank canvas for its users to express emotions, and to have a reflective space to allow healing to occur. Which is why I chose concrete as my primary material whilst supplementing with warmer elements to create a balanced palette.

/ the forgotten collective /

/ first iteration

Interior View 01

The first concept was highly based on forms generated by software. The main concept, was creating a space that was fluid and had functions integrated into the design. However, it lacked considerations of programmes and structured based on form.

Sectional Perspective

/ material casting

The interior view of the first concept. The main idea is to get the organic flow of the structures and naturally lead users into the space. Also, to give materials like concrete, a juxtaposing quality of being molded into organic shapes.

The entire space is based off such contradicting qualities to express the many ongoing thoughts within a dementia patient. The state of confusion to the world.

The first concept was highly based on forms generated by software. The main concept, was creating a space that was fluid and had functions integrated into the design. However, it lacked considerations of programmes and structured based on form.

/ the forgotten collective /

/ Interactive wall details

/ the forgotten collective /

Level 1 Plan

Basement 1 Plan

Basement 2 Plan

/ the forgotten collective /

/ exploded isometric diagram

D O U B L E L AY E R E D FAC A D E

Public Seatings

LEVEL 1

P rivate seatings

Music Therapy Room

BASEMENT 1

Librar y

C o m m u n a l Pa n t r y

BASEMENT 2

/ the forgotten collective /

ENTRANCE/GALLERY

MUSIC THERAPY ROOM

C A R E G I V E R ’ S P R I VA T E AREA

LIBRARY GYM

S E AT I N G / PA N T R Y

/ section AA

The above section illustrates the functions and programs of each space within the centre. The main purpose of this diagram is to show the use of voronoi adapted to many functions from, central social spaces, walls to floor, and planters. The use of voronoi also demarcates social areas, for instance, the columns seen running through the various floorplates becomes a central area for different levels of social and hangout area. This thus becomes

a symbol within the space.

Also, the transparency of usage in materials within the space is simple. The use of concrete in the entrance floor and all the concrete floating walkways, this represents transient space. The use of a singular material brings about the reflective qualities and hopes to be thought-provoking. The usage of wood is warm and inviting, thus situated in social and public areas. The floors are arranged with a 3 storey void on the right,

for users on the upper floor to have a visual connection with the people downstairs. This allows them to firstly, have private spaces for alone time, and still have the option to join in the activities.

Lastly, the use of nature is prominent with space. It allows the design to integrate with the flora rich surroundings of the neighbourhood. It also, reduces the isolation of indoor spaces, making it feel more inviting.

/ the forgotten collective /

/ zoning diagram SOCIAL / PUBLIC

P R I VAT E / P R I VAT E

S O C I A L / P R I VAT E

Staircase

Suspended Concrete Wa l k w a y s

Vo r o n o i C o l u m n w i t h f itted functions

C LT Pa n e l Fa c a d e

/ sect ion BB: Cross S ect ion of I nte r ior show ing t he diff erent l ayers and f ac ad e

ENTRANCE RENDER

The entrance of the centre is designed to provide different layers of privacy and introduces an interesting shadowplay and visual interest with the voronoi facade.

MUSIC THERAPY ROOM

The main focus of this room is a secondary social area in the centre. The design of the space is made warmer and more inviting, with the use of materials and natural openings to sunlight. The introduction of the voronoi forms within the space is also subtle and placed on a different axis as seats and planters. This brings more focus to the performance and building the social atmosphere.

CAREGIVER’S P R I VAT E A R E A

Entry to this floor starts within the enclosed concrete walkway. This creates a semi private space for the people on that floor and the walkway is raised, so traffic flow can be seen entering.

Also, the render is to illustrate the use of shadowplay and how the transient walkway is made purposefully darker and singular in material. This gives a moment of reflection before entering each space.

L I B R A R Y/ SOCIAL AREA

The lowest level within the centre is an allotted social space. This scene shows the library and central social zones where all patients and caregivers can interact. This library column is the main feature that stretches through the entire 3 stories’ void bringing the attention to this space.

The gentle introduction of voronoi is now a symbol of the social area.

The presence of the voronoi column in every space represents a congregation of people in a social setting for different purposes. Also, the same use of warmer materials is introduced into this space to contrast with the cooler concrete used throughout. Lastly, the open concept of the space allows for easy interaction and keeps the space bright.

II experimental

[ E s c a l a t i n g Tr i l a t e r a l s ] To d e s i g n a n d c u r a t e t h e j o u r n e y o f ascending.

This experimental project entails an imaginary ascend through a 9 by 9 grid structure. Mimicking the ascend of

Jacob’s journey to heaven, my groupmate and I intepreted this

brief as a transient experience. We encounter many challenges throughout lives to better ourselves. Through this grid, we need

to curate and design a series of ‘doors’ that reduces the mobility and convenience for the user. This creates an explorative

journey. The main focus of the project was moving upwards.

So we needed to design a way to ascend f rom a singular plane and f it the design language.

/ escalating trilaterals /

The project calls for the manipulation a planar surface. Also, the designing

of of a

series of challenges for the user to mimic life and its difficulties.

Here are some case studies.

A AR R TT II SS TT,, G E G EO OM ME E TT R R II SS TT Here are some of the people we took inspiration from. Using the power of grids and mathematics, they were able to manipulate the possibilities of paper through intricate origami techniques.

RON RESCH

Ron was an artist, computer scientist and applied geometrist. He is most known for folding paper and origami tessellations.

P PR RO OD DU UC C TT E X A M P L E X A M P LE E SS Here are some of the people we took inspiration from. Using the power of grids and mathematics, they were able to manipulate the possibilities of paper through intricate origami techniques.

WOOD SKIN

/ escalating trilaterals /

Here are some of the people we took inspiration from. Using the power of grids and mathematics, they were able to manipulate the possibilities of paper through intricate origami techniques.

RESONANT CHAMBERS

Here are some of the people we took inspiration from. Using the power of grids and mathematics, they were able to manipulate the possibilities of paper through intricate origami techniques.

/ escalating trilaterals /

ARCHITECTURE EXAMPLES Examples for buildings utilising triangular facades and parametric modelling to asssit in enhancing the quality of space.

AL BAHAR TOWERS

Thanks to modern technology like parametric modelling and studying algorithms, the architects were able to produce this complex design. We then wanted to adapt out triangular design to to this. But we needed to change its final form into a square.

/ escalating trilaterals /

/ Iteration One

Our first iteration is simple and focuses more on discovering the path and finding out how we can manipulate it to make it more challenging. We used a series of wall designs that will enable it to be used on another floor after opening. So thus the walls have multiple functions and provides an overall clear cut path.

/ escalating trilaterals /

/ Final Iteration

The final iteration is about bringing the attention to the challenges faced

by Jacob. The different doors range in difficulty starting from the hardest to the easiest. The first floor concentrates on reducing the overall surface area used for crossing. This makes the first few doors difficult to cross.

/ escalating trilaterals /

III retail

[ Oxfords ] A be spok e s u i t m a k i n g e x pe r i e n c e.

Located at shophouses along Amoy Street, the brief called for a design of retail that suited its context. With a majority of

the demographics being off ice workers, a bespoke suit making

business was thus pursued. The design of the shophouse embodies the values of authentic suit making and embracing the century old craft. The shop also embraces the architectural detailing

and the overall design revolves around the functionality and establishing the brand.

/ oxfords /

/ site plan

LEVEL ONE PLAN

LEVEL TWO PLAN

LEVEL 3 PLAN

SECTION B-B

/ oxfords /

F A C A D E E L E VA T I O N

OFFICE

ACCESSORIES

S H I R T S / PA N T S

SECTION A-A

SHOES

FITTING ROOM/ TA I L O R I N G

/ oxfords /

/ oxfords /

LEVEL ONE :SHIRTS

OX FO R DS

E N T R A N C E D I S P L AY

IV theoretical

[ Theory Collages ] / Ye a r 3 Lo n g Desig n Th eo r y /

Here are some of the collages I made pertaining to certain topics we covered in our Theory of Design Module in SP. They

cover current and projected issues of the future. I believe in the art of collaging as it brings a quick and dirty way to translate ideas into visual reality.

/ theory collages /

/ theory collages /

S E M I OT I C S The task was to produce a collage that addresses the icons and symbolism relating to local living conditions. So, I wanted to pick out the contradiction of tourist areas against humble flats. The difference I feel was stark so I wanted to show the importance of economic interest over the welfare of its citizens, so this collage is like a hyperbole towards this issue. Within the collage, I included elements of Singapore that are promoted to tourists as the main key points of Singapore; Our amazing skyline, being a

Green City. However, hidden behind all that strong and towering blue glass facades, is where the majority of Singaporean resides. It is meant to be an exaggeration of our current situation. Despite being far more developed as compared to 30 to 40 years ago, we still face problems in our everyday life, that are neglected by the government. Many residents still live in poverty and surviving barely, with the little help they get from the agencies.

/ theory collages /

/ theory collages /

A F O O D CO L L AG E MY PERSONAL OPINION. I envisage Singapore to be self-sustaining with our food and water supply.

Already expanding vertically, Singapore will use advanced technology and built upwards for agriculture and livestock purposes. There will be a more advanced way of harvesting and distributing food to increase freshness and uphold a ‘farm to table’ motto. Opened fields like this will be catered to sustainable farm and animal rearing, whilst vegetation and planting will be done in the air via hovering platforms to maximize vertical space. Tall towers and structures will automate the process of food collection and harvesting whilst packaging fresh food and produce to be sent to local farmer markets nearby. The markets will directly cater to the people, as greater emphasis has been placed on health and sustainable practices.

/ theory collages /

/ theory collages /

A PA N O P T I C SOCIETY Singapore is a fine example of a panoptic society. The use of multiple methods

from fines, cameras to the power of public shaming. We are constantly reminded of our mistakes, ‘summon tickets’ displayed in public on your cars, countless emails, and letters, public caning at an educational level. These methods keep

us in check and chain us to this never-ending system. Also, like a prison, the panopticon, like the simple CCTV with an external casing preventing you from knowing where it is focused. This keeps everyone in constant

check and prevents us from stepping out of line, reducing overall crimes.

This collage is to portray the way countries will be if the continuous use of

surveillance and keeping the citizens in check. It shows a complicated grid system

with rows after rows of cameras, hidden behind a ceiling frosted panel. While the people on the ground are not so aware of this, they know that conformity is

something that they believe is their way to freedom. The idea of false freedom

and hope is imposed on the people in hope of better behaviors. The unknown blackness pass freedom is as such because there is no freedom past this. Using

the power of social pressure and the desire to become a free and community-

based society, people are forced to follow the ways set by the government, what they feel is right.