Portfolio 2024 by Tae Song

2024

PORTFOLIO

OBJECTIVE

The role of an architect extends beyond mere design; it encompasses education on various levels. Architects are educators for clients, fellow architects, teachers, students, doctors, and patients alike. As an aspiring architect, I firmly believe that the most profound education comes through direct experience. Consider teaching a concept as abstract as sweetness to a two-year-old. No amount of dictionary definitions would resonate with them. Instead, imagine allowing them to taste a spoonful of sugar – a direct and impactful experience. Architects, too, communicate through spatial experiences, conveying information and knowledge

uniquely through the spaces they design. In my journey as an architecture student, my goal is to become an architect who communicates through space. I envision evolving into a professional who not only designs spaces but also educates and communicates effectively through the immersive language of experiential design. My dedication lies in creating environments that deeply resonate with people, fostering learning, collaboration, and overall well-being. This parallels the challenge of imparting knowledge about sweetness to a child – direct, experiential engagement is key to creating lasting connections.

CONTENTS

Academic I. House of Craftman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Housing / Radford, VA II. VT Indoor Archery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Public Facility / Blacksburg, VA III.Sarasota Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Public Facility / Sarasota, FL

Competition IV. Ant-Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Clinic Center + Restaurants / Boston, MA / Honorable Mention V. PLANT: Potomac Living at New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Multifamily Housing / Alexandria, VA / 1st Place in Solar Decathlon 2023 Multifamily Building Division VI. Nuclear Bomb Memorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Memorial / Montebello Islands, Western Australia, Australia / Shortlisted in Bee Breeders International Architecture Competition

Thesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 In progress / A Tower for Self-Actualization

Other Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Real Matter Summer Workshop 2022 / Lenticular Card News / LAFAstudents.com

I. House of Craftman Fall 2021, 3rd Year Architecture Studio

Individual Project Advisor - Mario Cortes Location: Campground in Newport, Giles County, VA Program: Single Family Housing with work space

This project entails the design of a residence and workspace tailored for a kayak craftsman, where the act of crafting is viewed as a primitive and ritualistic endeavor, embodying the essence of human creation. Aristotle’s four causes—material, efficient, formal, and final—serve as a conceptual framework for understanding the crafted object, in this case, the kayak. The material cause, representing what the object is made of, is integral to the design process. Similarly, the efficient cause, or the trigger that initiates creation, influences the architectural decisions made. The formal cause, encompassing the shape, structure, and arrangement of the object, is reflected in the meticulous design of both the dwelling and workspace. Finally, the final

Academic

cause, elucidating the end goal or purpose of the object, shapes the overall vision of the space. The design philosophy extends to the roof of the house, mirroring the essence of the kayak and its artisan. Guided by the architect, the roof design draws inspiration from the river’s waves, aligning with the kayak’s purpose. The slight angle of the roof, beyond its functional significance, aims to harmonize with the surrounding mountains, fostering a seamless integration of the house with its natural surroundings. This deliberate approach seeks to create a dwelling that not only serves its practical functions but also resonates with the spirit of the craft and its owner.

House of Craftman

Living

Workspace

Entrance

Circulation

The wide bifold door in the workspace facilitates easy movement of kayaks between the interior and exterior. The complete separation of the workspace from the living area ensures that the craftsman feels distinctively detached from work upon entering the living space. Each entrance can be customized to the user’s taste, adding a personalized touch to the overall design.

Academic

Even with the spatial distinction between the workspace and living area, a direct pathway connects them. Users can move easily from the workspace to the living space by walking straight from door to door. This intentional design promotes a smooth transition while maintaining the clear separation of the two areas.

House of Craftman

A distinctive feature of this house is the continuous connection with nature throughout the day. The arrangement of indoor spaces ensures unobstructed views of the outdoors. To achieve this, the living space is strategically elevated above the workspace. This not only enhances the residents’ ability to stay connected with nature but also ensures privacy for the living area, which is positioned at an elevated level above ground.

Academic

1 2 3

Skylight

Roof structure

5’ 0’

25’ 10’

50’ 1) Storage 2) Workshop 3) Storage 4) Bedroom 5) Dining room 6) Kitchen 7) Living room

This house is designed for the unique lifestyle of the user. This designed residence and workspace blends craftsmanship and nature. Grounded in Aristotle’s four causes, the project reflects the essence of the kayak through a carefully designed roof, custom entrances, and spatial arrangement.

House of Craftman

II. VT Indoor Archery Spring 2022, 3rd Year Architecture Studio

Individual Project Advisor - Mario Cortes Location: Lower South Recreation (SRA) Fields, Virginia St, Blacksburg, VA Program: Indoor Archery

This project extended beyond the confines of indoor archery, encompassing creating a commercial area and temporary residential spaces for archers. The challenge was to harmoniously integrate private and public domains within a singular architectural structure, achieved through a thoughtful programming approach considering varying privacy levels. The residential space, designed for tranquility and reduced foot traffic, is strategically positioned along the street. In contrast, the commercial area and archery facilities are closer to the street, fostering dynamic interactions with the public. A critical requirement for the project was

Academic

the incorporation of a steel structure. Rather than concealing these elements, a deliberate choice was made to expose them, resulting in a sleek and modern aesthetic that resonates with the public and users. The intentional exposure of steel cross bracings and columns surrounding the building serves a dual purpose – ensuring structural stability while contributing to a visually striking and balanced façade design. This design approach fulfills the project’s functional requirements and enhances the overall architectural expression, creating a harmonious fusion of form and function.

VT Indoor Archery

(1)

(2)

(3)

(1) Aluminum frame with non-thermally broken system (2) Polycarbonate panel (3) Cross Bracing

Polycarbonate, as an opaque material on the façade, manages incoming light and ensures privacy. In commercial spaces, it’s placed above clear glass to provide shading while maintaining an outside view. In residential areas, privacy is prioritized, so most of the façade is made with polycarbonate.

Academic

The building’s façade design takes cues from high-tech architecture, integrating steel structures for both structural support and aesthetic appeal. The entrance features a serene garden with stones and small grasses, creating a calm and meditative ambiance that reflects the archer’s focused mindset during practice.

VT Indoor Archery

The exposed roof structure within the interior space creates a visual effect, offering visitors the perception of a more expansive area than its actual size. This design choice enhances the overall spatial experience, providing a sense of openness and breadth within the confined physical dimensions.

Academic

3 1

5 12 13

0’

25’ 10’

100 50’

1. Office 2. Conference Room 3. Laundry 4. Kitchen 5. Locker room 6. Storage 7. Pro-shop 8. Equipement Maintenance Room 9. Bathroom 10. Mechanical Room 11. Lobby/Reception Area 12. Hallway 13. Residential Area 14. Arhery Range 15. Viewing Stands 16. Bulk Storage

Upon entry, visitors are directed to the commercial space and archery, with access to residential areas restricted. Residents must obtain permission in the lobby for entry. An exclusive entrance for employees is provided in front of the office.

VT Indoor Archery

III. Sarasota Community Center Fall 2021, 3rd Year Architecture Studio

Individual Project Advisor - Mario Cortes Location: 2155 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL Program: Community Center

In conceptualizing the community center project, I extensively studied OMA’s adept organization of diverse programs within buildings, drawing inspiration particularly from their insightful diagrams. However, I opted for a more structured strategy instead of replicating OMA’s chaotic assembly. Utilizing the inspiration from OMA’s diagrams, I categorized the programs into Work+Study, Entertainment, Athletic, and Sharing Space, creating a meticulously organized layout around a central plaza. The circular design of the community center finds its roots in the panopticon, a

Academic

prison design allowing a single guard to observe all inmates discreetly. This panoptic concept has been creatively applied to the community center’s form, where the central plaza functions as an observational focal point, offering a panoramic view of the myriad programs. In this innovative design, the plaza serves as a metaphorical security guard, allowing visitors to witness activities from all angles, fostering the potential to discover new interests and cultivate community connections.

Sarasota Community Center

Roof Garden

2 Running Track

Office

Plaza (4)

(1)

Single Main Entrance

Academic

(3)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

The building has various circulation routes, but a single main entrance leads directly to the central plaza. This design concentrates individuals with different interests at the heart of the building. The running track is accessible through the athletic area, while the roof garden can be entered via the entertainment and work+study areas. This ensures an efficient flow of people, enhancing the vibrancy of the central plaza.

Sarasota Community Center

The pond surrounding the plaza functions as a barrier, isolating it from other spaces and directing visitors according to the design. In addition to its role in guiding visitors, the ponds contribute to creating a peaceful and calm atmosphere within the plaza.

Academic

1 14 2 4

5 16

6 7

100’

10’ 0’ 50’

5’

1. Auditorium 2. Classroom 3. Digital classroom 4. Bathroom 5. Mechanical room 6. Loading dock 7. Exhibition Area 8. Gaming room 9. Indoor playground 10. Community storage 11. Community garden 12. Locker room 13. Swimming pool 14. Gym 15. Plaza 16. Recoption center

Sarasota Community Center

IV. Ant-Farm Fall 2022, 4th Year, CDR Open Lab-Boston Integrative Studio

Competition - Fourth Year Competition Group - Taehoon Song, Matthew Lee Advisor - Kevin Sullivan, FAIA Honorable Mention (Top 3) Location: 74 Harrison Ave, Boston MA 02111 Program: Wellness Center Role: Participating in Concept developing, Plan drafting, 3D modeling in Rhino, Rendering, and Panel Organizaing

This project involved the creation of a clinic center for Chinatown in Boston, incorporating an additional function within the building. Following a thorough site analysis, which revealed an abundance of traditional Chinese restaurants, a scarcity of green spaces, and inadequate medical facilities, our approach aimed to address these needs comprehensively. The Antfarm was conceived as a multifaceted community centerpiece in response to the identified gaps. The clinic center provides essential healthcare services and integrates a culinary component, offering healthy Chinese foods. This dual-purpose design aims to immerse people in the richness of Chinese culture through their culinary experiences.

Competition

Recognizing the shortage of accessible green spaces in Chinatown, over half of our site has been transformed into an open garden. This intentional allocation serves our building and the broader Chinatown community, mitigating the deficiency of recreational outdoor spaces. A transparent condition along the south facade was employed to foster a harmonious relationship between the building and its surroundings, allowing seamless views into the garden and showcasing the dynamic activities within the building. The Antfarm, with its dual functions and thoughtful design, endeavors to enrich and unify Chinatown by promoting cultural experiences and prioritizing community well-being.

Ant-Farm

During the site analysis, we studied the surrounding streets, measuring building heights and identifying the tallest and shortest structures. Diagrams and collages aided in grasping the street atmosphere. This information guided our preliminary expectations for how The Antfarm would function within this urban context, shaping the early design concepts.

Competition

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

1) Extruding the site to maximize available space 2) Creating a clear division: one side dedicated to building space, the other to open green space 3) Sculpting the mass by recessing the inner part and elongating the outer part, concealing the landscape from the bustling city ambiance. 4) Expanding accessibility by opening the green space to both sides of the streets, particularly beneficial for Chinatown. Ant-Farm

8 7 2

14 9 10

2nd Floor : 1. Reading Room 2. Janitor Closet 3. Passenger Elevator 4. E.Room 5. Kitchen Shaft 6. Service Elevator 7. Kitchen Preparation Room 8. Bathroom 9. Exam Room 10. Doctor’s Office 11. Pre-Exam Room 12. Staff Room 13. Check-in Desk/Nurse Station 14. Flexible Kitchen Space

The building comprises two distinct areas: a restaurant and a clinic, with their forms extending from the first to the fourth floor. This continuous design visually interconnects the seemingly unrelated programs, creating a cohesive aesthetic. To promote interaction outside the building, all service facilities are strategically placed away from the south facade, enhancing the external environment for people.

Competition

The Ant-Farm’s interior space is crafted to unify the community. The curved glass curtain wall on the south side facilitates interaction between different program areas. Patients in the clinic can observe people enjoying healthy Chinese cuisines, encouraging better dietary choices, while restaurant patrons witnessing clinic activities are prompted to prioritize a comprehensive approach to well-being within the community.) Ant-Farm

1. Concrete Parapet 2. Roof Assembly with Continuous Insulation 3. Concrete with Metal Deck 4. Glass Curtain Wall 5. Glass Curtain Wall Mullion 6. W14 x 82 (I-beam) 7. Radient Heating System 8. Slate Ceiling 9. Concrete with Metal Deck 10. Curtain Wall Mullion 11. Mineral Wool Insulation 12. Aluminum Soffit Panel 13. Slate Ceiling 14. Glass Curtain Wall 15. Radient Heating System and Insulation

Competition

In the Boston studio, diverse 3D modeling tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines are actively promoted. This stair model, for instance, is specifically crafted using a CNC machine. The utilization of these tools enhances our ability to effectively communicate our designs with others, fostering clearer and more comprehensive design discussions Ant-Farm

V. PLANT: Potomac Living at New Town Spring 2023, 4th Year, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC)

Competition - 2023 Solar Decathlon Design Challenge Group - Juho Lee, Taehoon Song, Garrett Krueger, Arushi Mathur, Montse Cerriteno, Timothy Craft, Anahita Nazerieh, Holly Dufek, Talia Moore, Sarah Weiner, Yuanting Peng, Daniel Penalva Serrano Advisor - Peter VanderPoel, AIA 1st Place Location: Old Town, northern Alexandria, VA Program: Multifamily Housing Role: Participating in Concept developing, Plan drafting, 3D modeling in Rhino, Rendering

Rethinking the prevailing understanding of sustainability in both construction and lifestyle, Potomac Living At New Town (PLANT) introduces an alternative mode of living through technologically advanced design as part of the Solar Decathlon 2023 international competition. Situated just outside Washington DC, PLANT reimagines community living, addressing the increased need for housing in the Alexandria area. It incorporates co-living pods that foster social connections and fulfill multi-use needs, contributing to a vibrant local community.

Competition

Comprising a residential structure and a new clean energy power plant, PLANT goes beyond conventional development. It not only addresses housing needs but also actively contributes to healing both the site and the surrounding community. This forward-thinking approach aims to redefine sustainability by seamlessly blending modern design and community-centric living, competing on an international stage to showcase its innovative vision in the Solar Decathlon 2023.

PLANT: Potomac Living at New Town

ALEXANDRIA, VA INFRASTRUCTURE

TRANSIT

NATURE

Nearby schools Grocery healthcare

Bike / walking path to DC Bikeshare Bus routes Metro lines

Daingerfield Island Potomac River Waterfront

Public Green Space

Grocery

Schools

Restaurants

Metro Line Bus routes

PLANT in northern Alexandria’s Old Town repurposes a decommissioned coal plant into a vibrant hub for healthy living. Conveniently located in a mixed-use district, it envisions multifamily buildings connected to local transportation. Featuring a reimagined power plant, PLANT prioritizes energy efficiency through renewables, contributing to the area’s sustainability and revitalization.

Competition

Our former coal power plant on the Potomac River is now a sustainable energy facility. Solar updraft towers, replacing smokestacks, generate 50,000 kW per hour. A 122,000 square foot solar array and multifamily building panels produce 2.1 gigawatts annually—five times more than the previous coal plant. Remediation includes cleaning polluted soil and introducing a marsh for water filtration and flood prevention. PLANT: Potomac Living at New Town

(a)

4th Floor

Competition

(a)

PLANT prioritizes residents’ well-being with a calming environment, using natural materials and warm colors to enhance mental health. The building’s design includes wood elements for a biophilic feel. Units are arranged around a central communal area, fostering a sense of neighborhood for residents, from students to small families, who share amenities like a full kitchen, dining room, and living space. PLANT: Potomac Living at New Town

1 Bedroom x 1 Bathroom

2 Bedrooms x 2 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms x 2 Bathrooms

PLANT will offer 31 micro community “pods,” totaling 193 units with 393 bedrooms. To address the need for affordable housing, 30% of these units (58 units) are designated for low-income earners. With 88 two-bedroom units and 56 three-bedroom units, PLANT meets the rising demand for family-friendly housing in Alexandria. The design prioritizes creating healthy and comfortable spaces for both adults and children.

Competition

PLANT welcomes the general public into its ground and below-grade retail floors through transparent storefrontstyle shops. Residents and the public can interact in these areas. However, access to residential levels is restricted by key cards, ensuring safety and security for the residents.

PLANT: Potomac Living at New Town

VI. Nuclear Bomb Memorial Summer 2022, 4th Year

Competition - Bee Breeder Architecture Competition [Group] Group - Juho Lee, Taehoon Song, Hyupmin Kwon Finalist Location: Montebello Islands, Western Australia, Australia Program: Nuclear Bomb Memorial Role: Participating in Concept developing, Plan drafting, 3D modeling in Rhino, Rendering, and Panel Organizaing

Upon commemorating the 75th anniversary of the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which resulted in the adoption of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017, a competition was initiated to solicit designs for a conceptual memorial project. This memorial was intended to be located on any known decommissioned nuclear weapon testing site. Our proposal selected the Montebello Island nuclear testing site, notable as one of the British testing locations in Australia. Participating in the Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition No 2 competition, we

Competition

adhered to the requirement of submitting designs without accompanying description text. We approached the task with the belief that memorialization should be an emotionally condensed journey, experienced in a holistic manner. Our proposal introduces a novel form of memorial accessible by boat, allowing visitors to step onto the very ground where violence occurred. The act of remembrance is facilitated by throwing flowers into a central spot, offering a poignant and participatory tribute to the historical significance of the site and the importance of global disarmament.

Nuclear Bomb Memorial

The structure of the floating memorial was inspired from memorial wreaths for cemetery, an arrangement of flowers fastened in a ring. Instead of direct representation of flower-like structure as a figurative construction, we wanted the memorial to be approachable, walkable, and actively engaging by throwing flowers in the center spot as acts of remembrance.

Competition

Our memorial, a circular floating structure, features illuminated surfaces for safe night navigation and visibility. Symbolically framed with concrete, Earth’s most prevalent artificial material, it represents the impact of human violence on nature. Anchored to the seabed, it ensures permanence and resilience against natural forces.

Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Thesis Fall 2023, 5th Year, Thesis in progress

Individual Project Advisor: Aki Ishida Program: Self-actualization Assisting Program

In the primitive age, life was simple. Survival was directly linked to labor. For instance, if they didn’t hunt, they wouldn’t survive. However, staying alive was not an easy feat. Therefore, in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, they were able to fulfill primary requirements, but psychological needs were rarely met. After human settlement, the lifestyle is not merely dependent on labor. Another essential part of the lifestyle is the consumption. Today, our labor is much safer and more accessible than in primitive times, but we don’t get any food or other basic needs through work. Instead, we need to buy them with time and money.

In Process

I assumed the lifestyle of the future would be based on how people lived until today. In the future, people will be able to achieve their psychological needs as easily as people achieving their basic needs today. This ease is made possible by significant advancements in machines and AI, progressively replacing humans in the workforce. Consequently, individuals will find more time and opportunity to pursue self-actualization. However, as with the present-day reality where not everyone can afford luxury items like Guzzi clothing, not all individuals in the future may enjoy the privilege of achieving self-actualization.

Thesis

Circulation In each areas, various circulation options like elevators, escalators, and stairs are strategically placed to enable smooth movement for participants. The central floor elevator connects different sections in the tower.

In Process

Area 1 Survival Needs : Basic needs Function : Food court with different kinds of restaurants in different levels. Fullfilling people’s needs of food and water.

In this program, individuals are surveilled by androids indistinguishable from humans. While this diminishes personal freedom, it serves as an effective means of control.

Area 2 Survival Needs : Basic needs Function : Capsule hotel. Fullfilling people’s needs of sleeoping and shelter. Screens are attatched to show celebrities using the program.

While the hotel offers a comfortable environment, every participant’s activity is meticulously recorded by surveillance cameras, sacrificing privacy for the sake of monitoring.

Thesis

Area 3 Survival Needs : Psychological needs Function : Providing 3 stages of improving users’ self-esteem. Stage 1: Gym Stage 2: Soap crafting workshop Stage 3: Spa

Area 4 Survival Needs : Self-esteem needs Function : By wearing the clothes with their own tastes, increase personal uniqueness. Meeting people with similar fashion taste.

In Process

In area 3, I used symbolic ways to express and fulfill participants’ psychological needs. To meet psychological needs, rather than just providing a single program, it is more efficient when providing a process. Thus, the program here is just a symbolic expression. The process of achieving the psychological needs is essential.

Area 4 will provide different styles of clothing in different zones. It will group people with the same taste and allow them to grow new connections. However, they might meet with an android instead of a human.

Area 5 Survival Needs : Self-fullfilment Function : Displaying different world news with live comments from all over the world. Expecting viewers to enlarge their viewpoints on different kinds of subject.

Area 6 Survival Needs : Self-actualization Function : in each forum people will discuss about a certain topic that rised from Area 5. it will provide chance to enlarge their vision.

Participants will ride a trailer to go up the ramp. While on the trailer, they will have a chance to discuss world issues.

Every participant in the forum will have an opportunity to express their viewpoints on stage, creating an open platform for dialogue. It’s important to note that all discussions will be recorded and monitored.

Thesis

Other Works

Internship, YUZO DESIGN LLC_Physical Model Real Matter Workshop 2022 Lenticular Card News Boston Open Lab 2022 : Fabrication LAFAstudents.com

Internship, YUZO DESIGN LLC_Physical Model During my internship at YUZO DESIGN LLC, I applied a combination of a laser cutting machine and Revit software to meticulously craft a physical model for the “Robots in Wonderland” project. This initiative focuses on providing research facilities and workspace for robotic businesses. A significant aspect of my responsibilities included the intricate detailing of the model’s interior.

Project: Robots in Wonderland Location: Hangzhou, China Year: Under construction, Complete in 2022 Size: 52,280 m2 Type: Workspace / Research Institution

Real Matter Workshop 2022 In Real Matter 2022, tasked with addressing challenges in Raleigh, NC, our group focused on tackling the food desert issue. We proposed a solution by transforming an unused parking lot into a community farm.

Model Credit: Chutian Liang , Siyuan Liu, Taehoon Song, Matthew Lee, Kenneth Kramer, Justin Ziegler, Diana Fernandez, Kexin Xu

Boston Open Lab 2022 : Fabrication In Real Matter 2022, tasked with addressing challenges in Raleigh, NC, our group focused on tackling the food desert issue. We proposed a solution by transforming an unused parking lot into a community farm.

Vol.1

Vol.2

Vol.3

Vol.4

Lenticular Card News I collaborate with artists from various fields to provide visual arts-oriented culture and content, and design and edit monthly card news episodes for my Instagram account, @lenticular.art.

LAFAstudents.com LAFA (Lost And Found for Architecture Students), a non-profit platform, features a visually impactful layout showcasing architectural precedents and providing a community space for students, with over 50 architecture firms currently sharing their works to help students overcome challenges and expand their design vocabulary.

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