Y3S2 | The Shape of Water | Shawn Lee

THE SHAPE OF WATER An Urban Diorama of Nature

By Shawn Lee

CONTENT 01

Site Investigation

02

Precedence Studies: Water and Architecture

03

Interim Developments

04

Architectural Narrative

05

Desalination / Cryopreservation Research

06

Stitching the Urban Narrative

07

Site Context

08

Components and Functions

09

Elements of Design

10

Materiality Research

11

Sectional Perspective

12

Architectural Occurences: A Short Story

01

1 PASIR PANJANG ROAD GREATER SOUTHERN WATERFRONT

A significant urban development that changes the southern tip of Singapore’s landscape, into a highly connective live, work, play destination , enveloped in nature.

Berlayer Creek

02

ON WATER AND ARCHITECTURE: PRECEDENCE STUDIES

The culmination of water, materiality and detailings.

Carlo Scarpa was one of the first precedent study I did, understanding his great craftmanship pertaining to water. His works displayed a strong connection to Venice, its relationship with the many states of water, and how that everchanging state is embraced in his architecture. The shaping of spaces is done through the engagement of water and how his buildings have a dialogue with the senses. From the dripping water running down overflow drains, to fast moving water, the intermediate spaces in which water and architecture meets creates interesting spaces.

Carlo Scarpa, Palazzo Querini Stampalia

Peter Zumthor, Therme Vals: Water degradation from overflow

Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects, Danish Pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale

Water as Art and Performance. The theatricality of Water can be highlighted in some instances.

DnA, Gallery of Hakka Indenture Museum

Water forming Boundaries and creating Space.

Effects of reflection Pools: Caustic Reflections

DnA, Gallery of Hakka Indenture Museum

Water expressed through Materiality, engaging the senses to understand the qualities of water.

Paul Weiner, Lava House

03

INTERIM ONE DEVELOPMENT

Extending Nature into Architecture

Allowing Climatic Conditions to Shape the Space

Expressing Materiality

Interim One

Interim One

Designing Column Details that allow desalination to occur.

Identifying the functions and elements of the architecture A function driven exercise

Interim One

03

The relation drawn from an urban scale sees the culmination of nature and

INTERIM TWO DEVELOPMENT

urban zones, to create a new hybrid zone focused on sustainability and new practices, The Southern Waterfront. The site then sits at this intersection, bringing the best of the urban and the natural.

Urban Mapping

Interim Two

The main functions of the design is to serve as : - user experience - Developing New technology on Water Research - Mangrove Conservation and Coastal Protection

Interim Two

Interim Two

Exterior Mass

Public Tidal Zone, Ground Floor

Research Spaces, Third Floor

Interim Two

Ground Level

Third Level

Second Level

Fourth Level

04

The design intervention maps the connection between different states of

ARCHITECTURAL NARRATIVE

water found on the site, mediating between the creek and rain water, allowing water to influence the architecture. The key functions remain as a Water Research centre, implmenting new technologies of the future, like capillary driven desalination, inspired by the mangroves. Then user experience are greatly involved in the process, together with Mangrove conservation and repopulation. Thus the site serves as an inspiration and its target conservation site. This creates a strong symbiotic bond between natural and urban systems.

Final Developments

Desalination Research

05

The design is based on studies done on cohesion tension theory, using the

RESEARCH TOPICS ON WATER AND PLANT STUDIES

mangroves’ natural ability to intake fresh water from brackish water solutions. This capillary based movement is mimicked in a small setting, imitating the different parts of the mangrove plant to recreate osmotic movement of water particles.

This new bio-desalination has the potential to be implmented on a larger scale to replace conventional reverse osmosis desalination, which takes up a huge amount of energy. Instead this eco solution intakes fresh water from the entry point, eliminating the need for complex filtration system thereafter.

Cryopreservation of Plant Culture Studies

Seed Bank

Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation

When it comes to protecting and preserving the mangrove population, different types of conservation can be applied. From active replanting and protection of existing forests, scientists can also use seed banking or cryopreservation as methods to maintain endangered species of plants for a longer period of time.

Exploring different methods help to cater to the specific needs of each species when it comes to freezing, drying and storing. Specialised equipments and expertise is also needed for this up and coming leading field of science.

06

STITCHING THE URBAN NARRATIVE

07

SITE CONTEXT

08

COMPONENTS AND FUNCTIONS The massing of the design comprises of two main parts, the public zones, and the semi private/ private zones. The public area behins with the ground tidal landscape, porous to nature and the elements, fully immersing the public in nature. The solid double walled facade wrapping the parameter functions as a ramp public circulation.

The private spaces are housed in individual raised blocks, providing privacy and arranged according to views; consisting of the Research, Learning and Observe blocks. Private circulation via a lift lobby and walkways segregate different circulations.

Private Zones and Details

Public Zones and Details

09

10

MATERIALITY RESEARCH

11

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

09

MATERIALITY RESEARCH