Anson Hau_Y5 | Unit 14 | Bartlett School of Architecture

RE-IMAGINING CHINATOWN -

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The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

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RE-IMAGINING CHINATOWN

A MULTICULTURAL HUB

MANHATTAN CHINA TOWN, NEW YORK, U.S.A.

The project speculates that Chinatown New York returns to the ownership of the Chinese Party, in a mutual territory trade between the US and CN. This applies a new set of planning and building rules within downtown Manhattan. This exchange between two nations would provide development for an underdeveloped area within New York City, while also providing cultural and economic values to local communities.

The negative portrayal of colonialism is questioned along with notions of territorial dynamics and borders. Colonies have resulted in many collisions of culture, resulting in interesting new topologies ranging from pop culture to architecture. Using examples such as Hong Kong and New York as thriving and successful cities due to the result of it being colonies. Interestingly, colonial methods also present a set of new rules set and borders which directly informs design and planning of a space. As China Town is returned to the Chinese Party, its borders have now become a constraint, yet capacity must increase for the influx of citizens

and workers. A key design objective is to increase capacity of Chinatown within its existing borders. By comparing vertical envelopes of NYC and CN a proposal will be formulated. The principles in will follow notions discovered from initial Artefact research while applying Chinese planning and building rules bringing a new architectural topology to the proposed site of China Town.

Artefact Research - 1.0

Offshore Oil Rig Artefact

Conclusion :

The offshore oil rig study brought forward the notions of structural purity and integrated infrastructure. The artefact itself does not provide opportunities for architectural and spatial development.

Conclusion :

The Eiffel tower was explored as a the second artefact as it presented architectural ambition and opportunity, while also displaying structural purity and clarity, similar to what the oil rig presented.

Civic Structures as Cultural Icons

Artefact Eiffel Tower

Conclusion : Another aspect which came with the architectural opportunity that the Eiffel tower presented was its cultural impact. The notion of cultural and historic impact will be further explored in parallel with structural purity and clarity.

To understand how pure structural elements became artefacts with such heavy impact on local culture, the axonometric displays how spatial conditions are generated through the structural design, how these rigid spaces are occupied

Foundation Spatial Axonometric

Artefact Research - 1.2

Galerie des Machines Artefact

Conclusion :

The gallery of machines displays qualities from notions discovered thus far. (Structural purity, Culturally important, Architectural opportunities and civic ambition.

Artefact Galerie des Machines

Conclusion :

The Gallery of machines revealed the notion of integration of technology at a infrastructural level while also showing architectural ambition. A key notion discovered within this artefact study is the interface which structure provides for architectural programme .

Spacing between primary structural members is show to have dictated spatial layout during general usage of the building. Structural grid has directly affected the general arrangement of the interior space. Bringing forth notions of structure and programme interface

Spaces between each structural member is utilized as exhibition zones. These bays are echoed throughout the entire plan.

Artefact of Gallery of Machines - Displaying its structural clarity and architectural ambition. The central structure provides a interface for programming such as display stalls. The diagram displays all of the revealed notions within one fragment.

Conclusion of Artefact Research

Notions discovered: (1)Structural Clarity and Purity, (2)Architecture with Civic Ambition, (3) Technological Integration, (4) Structural and Programme Interface

Large scale infrastructure is designed often catering to its specific time period, with no foresight into the future of its lifespan, the example artefacts has made it evident. An example being 20th infrastructure designed catering to cars and buses, yet in the 21st century many of these are being converted into bike lanes, parks and pedestrian walkways.

What would the future of infrastructure and large scale monuments look like? To keep the notions discovered from the artefacts while also synthesising urban and technological dimensions of modern day design values. In the next section we will look towards New York City and the development of its Piers.

Fragment Exploration - 2.1

NYC Bridge Pier History

Conclusion :

As cities and communities develop, so does its requirements and necessities, During the early 20th century NYC focused on Piers for imports and travellers to the city, but overtime , this is no longer required. Piers are now being converted to public spaces, bike lanes and pedestrian walkways.

Fragment Exploration - 2.2

Conclusion :

The pier as a artefact reveals interesting structural principles which will be used to inform the first fragment design. Elements such as the concrete diaphragm, structural reinforcement systems and overall composition of piers are used as a source of inspiration.

Precedent study: Connection Detail for Prefabricated Bridge Pier Elements

Components Connected Precast Concrete Pier Column

Forces connection designed to transmit Shear Moment Compression

Form development from the typical bridge pier structure resulted in monolithic concrete fragments.

Conclusion : Inspired by the structural purity of the bridge pier, forms are developed and explored through manipulating forms resulting in monolithic concrete fragments. The next stage of development would be to integrate and test such structures in the context of spatial quality.

Fragment developed through form iteration of the bridge pier structure.

Spatial qualities generated through the inversion of the concrete diaphragm, inspired by the structural principles of the bridge pier.

Fragment 02

Spatial exploration in context of the human scale

Further exploration of form is conducted by taking individual monolithic fragments and experimenting with it at different scales. This resulted in spatial qualities being uncovered

The concrete diaphragm of the bridge pier is informed by its structural properties, allowing for a more efficient use of material. When inverted, this creating positive spaces within the fragment. Allowing for spaces to reflect structural properties, while also acting as decorative elements. (Ref. The idea of celebrating modern techniques and technology. )

Conclusion : Inspired by the structural principles of the concrete diaphragm and its clarity, the following experiment attempts to generate spatial qualities through inversion of material and forms. By doing so, the fragment is placed into the context of the human scale.

Manipulation of concrete diaphragm profile

Fragment is tested within a urban context - the relationship between integration of architecture with civic ambition and existing city fabric.

Spatial conditions generated from this is specific to certain context, in this example; the traditional Hong Kong vendor stalls are used to occupy spaces, weaving programme and interesting moments into a existing city context without damaging its fabric continuity.

The Fragment above further explores circulation conditions created by adjusting and experimenting at different scales. This experiment focuses on creating a sense of verticality through connecting different fragments thus resulting in a modular and expandable system. Fragment_01 specifically reveals that each module has the potential of being connected in four different directions.

This fragment explores a cultural icon of billboard signage within the context of Hong Kong and New York.

With form purity in mind, signage structure is adjusted and reinterpreted into structure systems for suspended spaces to the existing fragment. This creates a additional layer to the modular system.

Spatial hierarchy between the topside and suspended space also provides a new dimension for spatial organization.

Conclusion :

The experiment of applying signage onto the fragment revealed notions of fragment as a interface. This interface which the fragment presents can be utilized to merge cultures, creating new topologies. This notion will be a key driver for the projects context and brief.

Contextual Research:

Throughout the contextual research, the notions of cultural importance were a recurring theme. Leading the narrative to New York, China town. As a cultural hub within a foreign setting it brings forth the notions of colonialism and borders.

Research Topic:

The negative portrayal of colonialism is questioned along with notions of territorial dynamics and borders. Colonies have resulted in a many collisions of culture, resulting in interesting new topologies ranging from pop culture to architecture. Using examples such as Hong Kong and New York as thriving and successful cities due to the result of it being colonies. Interestingly, colonial methods also presents a set of new rule set and borders which directly informs design and planning of a space.

Project Narrative:

The project speculates that Chinatown New York returns to the ownership of the Chinese Party, in a mutual territory trade between the US and CN. This applies a new set of planning and building rules within downtown Manhattan. This exchange between two nations will boast political stability and urban development for a underdeveloped area within New York City.

Design Objectives

As china town is returned to the Chinese Party, its borders have now become a constraint, yet capacity must increase for the influx of citizens and workers. A key design objective is to increase capacity of Chinatown within it’s existing borders. By comparing vertical envelopes of NYC and CN a proposal will be formulated.

The principles in will follow notions discovered from initial Artefact research while applying Chinese planning and building rules bringing a new architectural topology to the proposed site of China Town.

Precedent of territory trading between nations

Czechoslovakia’s (Gateway to the World)

The Moldauhafen port provided great economic significance not only for Czechoslovak commerce but also for the city of Hamburg as well

China’s (Gateway to the World)

enforce mutual

interdependence

A Microcosmic platform for Chinese forms of society and their confrontation with western ideas, influences and conflicts

Conclusion :

As Chinatown is speculated to be returned as a Chinese Colony, this study follows a precedent of mutual territory trade between Czech and Germany, forming free ports which mutually benefit both nations. This acts as a form of benchmark for the proposed brief.

The establishment of a zone for the Chinese party must

benefits, creating

between the US and CN.

Conditions of territory trade

Czech-German Lease Agreement

Reimgaining Colonies

A trade of territory between CN and US is initiated to stabilize relationships. The Chinese party would like to migrate into NYC China town as their first colony. Through the trade of territory and establishment of colonies in both nations, China will gain stability for their relationship between the US. The US will gain rapid development and urbanization of the China Town area.

Chinese offshore police station - Example of negative colonial method/ strategy

Context and Brief - 3.3

FAR Ratio 6.0

What is Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Floor Area Ratio is the measurement system used to regulate density of buildings, commonly as apart of the zoning regulation.

In New York City, FAR is calculated relative to the lot area. In this case the lot ratio to height is 1:6

FAR = Gross Floor Area Area of the Plot

FAR Ratio 10.0

This example above applies a block extracted from NYC China Town. The FAR of 1.0 is applied to show how building height is affected while maintaining the same density.

Taking the same block from the site, Red zoning shows the existing permitable ratio of FAR 6.0 based on NYC regulations.

Blue zoning shows FAR 10.0 zoning based on Hong Kong regulations. Through this expansion, density and capacity of blocks will increase by 66%

Conclusion :

The comparison of existing zoning reveals that following Chinese zoning rules may increase the capacity of China Town up to 66%.

Faux Façades in New York 58 Joralemon Street is a town house facade disguising an emergency exit for MTA and a subway Ventilator

The preservation of cultural façades within Chinatown must not only provide cultural value but also provide additional functions.

Conclusion : Cultural Value as a key notion must be preserved within the existing site, Inspired by western faux facade, identified culturally important façades of Chinatown will be retained as a false front

49 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013 Lin Sing Association Building

Faux Façades in western cultural were often used to project an image of stability and success to passer bys.

This was particularly prominent during the early 20th centuries when new towns were established and towns would want to attract investors.

Modern day integration of faux façades are mainly used to hide infrastructure such as subway emergency exits and ventilation points, as seen in New York.

1

2

Faux Facade Railway Context and Brief - 3.4 Historical Analysis and Cultural Values

1 2

Within Learning from Las Vegas, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown highlights the value of symbolism over form. Following a similar approach in analysing the façades of Chinatown New York, the project aims to highlight the values of cultural icons through preserving the iconic façades of Chinatown, while expanding its current limited capacity.

ProgrammeExapson of existing china town.

Conclusion :

Cultural Value as a key notion must be preserved within the existing site, Inspired by western faux facade, identified culturally important façades of Chinatown will be retained as a false front

A sketch for a Casino Sign _© Learning from Las Vegas

Duck and Decorated Shed _© Learning from Las Vegas

Design Development - Pencil Towers - 4.1

Identified historical and cultural façades will be retained. Masses which are directly connected to these façades will incorporate a podium, which would take up 30% of available space. The remaining GFA will be achieved through towers with a FAR of 13.0

NYC Envelope

Chinese Envelope

Extracting available mass after podium is allocated

Diagram above shows podium massing of lots connected to historical and cultural façades

Floor Area Ratio 13.0 Masses

Increasing Heigh of towers while retaining density

Integrating towers to podium

Arrangements of towers within Chinatown and sun light analysis is carried out presenting a understanding of sunlight exposure and its affect on the site. Buildings must not be too tall while retaining the same amount of expanded volume.

Design Development - Pencil Towers - 4.4

Conclusion :

Traditional Hong Kong Pencil towers often had small footprint and highly limited internal space. A bundling strategy is adopted which would allow the lower levels to keep its small footprint while upper levels would expand and receive more internal space for residential units. The bundling profiles is inspired by the profiles of pencil towers in Hong Kong

Design Development - Pencil Towers - 4.4

Hong Kong Pencil Tower Study

Bundling Process

Current New York Zoning

New York Zoning Allowable Capacity

Chinese Zoning Rule

Developing from the findings of research into Hong Kong Pencil Towers, a bundling strategy is adopted, this will allow for the visual ratio of iconic towers to be retained while also increasing usable space to improve efficiency, answering to one of the main downfalls of the traditional tower.

Bundling Process - Plan View

The concept of territory dynamics and borders is explored through this fragment. The design confines itself to context specific conditions. In this case, following Hong Kong urban requirements, the following experiment explores sight lines. 6.2.33 resulted in a linear spaces due to the requirement for direct sight-line, while 6.2.32 resulted in a open podium space due to the requirement for visible squares.

The fragment explores a potential interface utilizing voids between existing façades to connect new to old.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 5.1 Fragment Development

The Fragment explores the contrasting visual impact of differentiating rules. Contrasting what New York rules allow for signage and what could potentially be the new street scape when following Chinese rules regarding signage.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 5.1

Fragment Development

The Fragment explores the notions of structural interface. Utilizing spaces not usually occupied in a structure, habitable spaces are presented within this fragment as an experiment to understand how we can formalize space with a proposed structural element.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 5.3

Inspired by the pier research, structural form is introduced which retain the existing Chinatown facade while also providing additional space for programmes, expanding the capacity of the urban fabric.

Developing from initial fragments inspired by mega structures with civic ambition,and in context with the projects brief, the following fragment is a initial response to show how architecture could interact with the existing façades of Chinatown, while providing a interface for activities and programmes.

Conclusion - Findings and Development :

Although the fragments showed topologies for different spaces which the design aims to achieve, many circulation bridges remain unresolved. The heavy architecture also left undesirable spaces underneath. Optimized circulation paths with programme and solar gain would be considered in the next design versions

Developing from the initial fragment, this exercise attempts in formalizing space, defining the different spatial topologies which the design should reflect, these include (1) multilevel retail space, (2) courtyards, (3) Atrium and circulation zones such as bridges.

The fragments above utilizes heavy architectural elements to form courtyards, and multilevel zones for programmes. Circulation bridges are also introduced which are continuous from the facade towards the inner spaces of the fragment.

Conclusion - Findings and Development :

This exercise with the fragment designs explored how different topologies can be combined and interface with each other. This resulted in interesting relationship of spaces which could inform programming in the next stage of design, but also presented issues in regards to spatial quality and building logic. The next stage will focus on presenting a clear programming strategy as well as formulate inital hierarchies.

Introducing New Topologies

Electronics Market

Shop Houses

Between cultures topologies take different and contrasting forms and approaches to its design. To emphasize the benefits produced from the proposed strategy in this projects context, architectural programming will negotiate between these norms, merging the conventional to propose new topologies.

Pop culture was the result of East meeting West, resulting in iconic films, social spaces and activities such as martial arts schools will be a key proposal to the schemes programming, followed by a electronics market with shophouse residential for store owners and the intergeneration of pencil towers.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 5.5 Fragment Development

The circulation strategy of the proposal allows for general retail spaces to be formed along the existing façades, keeping their original intent while also becoming the new urban filter as users walk into the site.

Design Prototype

Towards the centre of the proposal, programmes become more dense.

Circulation is connected through walkways inspired by sky bridges in Hong Kong.

Large open areas towards the rear are areas which have most shade due to the towers. These zones will be used for delivery and loading zones of the commercial aspect.

Connecting all these zones and programmes, there will be court yards inspired by traditional Chinese gardens,

Creating moments of urban and nature as one progress throughout the proposal

Upon reaching the residential towers, we go through the courtyards below and as we look back out, There is a gentle reminder that we are in New York.

The south facing section will become a martial arts zone. With the open space being set into the ground, creating new sight lines from all around the proposal. The environment is lively and constantly moving

Conclusion - Findings and Development : After applying programme and zoning logic to this initial prototype, the strategy still lacked hierarchy and clarity, leaving the design with undesirable spaces. This will be addressed in the next chapter and following fragments. With a focus on clear programming and relationship between interfaces as well as visual hierarchy in the context of privacy levels.

The fragment above attempts to show interaction between levels of retail and the retained facade. This version has opened up central spaces for more solar gain, resulting in a sunken courtyard.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 5.6

This version of the bridge fragment integrates a sunken courtyard in relation to the architecture and retained facade. The multilevel spaces for retail programme is also expanded.

The following fragment explores the tower integration of the scheme. Located at the centre the tower can act as a focal point, where density is at its peak.

This version of the fragment proposes the tower to be surrounded by sunken plazas, forming a pedestal which the tower sits upon.

Conclusion:

The fragment reveals design cues of sunken plazas and green spaces. This will be further explored in the next stages to formalize green spaces of varying privacy level.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 5.8

Findings and Development - Conclusion

As a initial fragment design, we have defined spatial requirements and topologies which the final design would want to achieve. This version lacks hierarchy and planning in relation to spatial usage and programme, which will be the key focus in the next revision.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 6.1

Fragment Development - Solar Analysis

Previous experiments and solutions are integrated with a fragment in the context of the scheme and site providing insight on how retail spaces can be integrated into walkways and bridges utilizing ‘‘under bridge spaces’’.

Conclusion:

By conducting this study of solar analysis, shadow casted by the pencil towers are revealed, highlighting zones and the amount of daylight they would receive. This study will be further developed for more shading information to be used for informing programme of the scheme.

Retained Facade

Public Spaces

Semi Public Spaces

Transition

Private Spaces

Conclusion:

Using the solar analysis data, cast shadows of the tower is extracted and analysed. This study has highlighted the initial programming of spaces, which will inform the next stage of design. Knowing the varying hierarchies and programmes from this initial study, a sectional development will be carried out in the next section.

Section_01

Retail spaces, Tea rooms, Research labs and Residential Lobby

Stepped floor plates for both sides of retail spaces are optimized to receive maximum sunlight, informed by solar exposure analysis.

Resulting in a asymmetrical form for the outer retail ring.

Section_02

Circulation connections

Sky bridges informed by historical site context provides circulation and linkage between two sides of the retail space, while also linking other major programmes such as the main residential space.

Stepped retail spaces and atrium topology

Retail space and tea room street scape

Development Section - Hierarchies

Carrying on from the shadow study, public spaces are placed on the outer edges of the scheme. As we move towards the centre, the scheme becomes private residential. This axonometric aims to highlight circulation methods and connections which bridge private and public, through the use of lift cores.

Lift cores connects public to private zones, through the use of private lobbies. Within public areas, public lifts are available.

Conclusion and Findings

A sectional exercise is has allowed for the formalization of space to be defined more clearly. The design utilizes a stepped layout, allowing for more space to be assigned to retail zone (Public space). As we reach the centre of the scheme we arrive at private residential zones, showing the hierarchy of spaces but also privacy and programme.

Section Axonometric

Section Axonometric

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 6.4

Section Axonometric

This series of Axonometric aim to test circulation and connections between public and private spaces of the scheme. Elevator lobbies are located in both the outdoor market and indoor retail areas for residents to access private areas.

Section Axonometric

Outdoor market widen at certain sections, allowing for temporary activities.

Section Axonometric

Typical section of the outdoor market

Section Axonometric

Planters and vegetation is scattered along the outdoor market providing shading in different areas

Section Axonometric

Vertical circulation connects the outdoor market to upper retail floors. Stair structure also acts as sky light bringing natural lighting into lower retail levels.

Design Development - Initial Fragment Design - 6.5

Lab block is positioned offset to the floor plates of the retail zone. This strategy allows day light to pass into retail zones while also providing privacy for the labs and working area.

Buffer zone between the labs and retail block acts as a corridor, providing horizontal circulation across all labs.

Conclusion and Findings

Although a basic hierarchical order is achieved in this exercise of Fragment version 4, the section still requires refinement and further spatial planning. This will inform a series of sectional development which will form our final proposal.

Lift lobbies are located in every floor. Connecting all zones - retail , labs and residential

Design Development - Sectional Development - 7.2

Circulation and Programming

Strategy Option 1

Circulation blocks separate each retail section. Providing vertical circulation to connect all levels.

Strategy Option 2

Shophouse residential only accessible to store owners. Circulation access located within ground floor retail spaces

Circulation Strategy

Zoning Strategy

Circulation Strategy

Main points of circulation consists of bridges connecting the outer ring and inner atrium. Vertical circulation is accessible through a series of stair cores which links retail areas of the electronics market and F&B zones. Private zones including shop house residential areas are accessible through existing facade entrances or through private cores highlighted in green.

08_Design Development - Proposal

Comer Condition. The axonometric above shows a resolution towards comer conditions of the scheme. Instead of skylights and openings, a sky garden is introduced. Acting as privacy screens for residential of the shophouses.

Large Footprint Retail Zone

Small Footprint Retail Zone / F&B

Social Spaces (Semi Private)

Social Spaces (Public)

Amenities

Shophouse Residential

Pencil Tower Residential Gardens

Located in Hong Kong are constrained by small footprint of the architecture. The new proposed topology aims to combine the integrative approach of Hong Kong shophouses and efficient planning of typical New York Lofts

Structure Components - Pier Topology

Exploded Structure Axonometric Outer Ring

Section - Structure and floor plate relationship

Traditionally, facade retentions systems composes of light weight steel frames.

Due to the addition of floor plates and expansion of programme behind the retained facade, a new concrete structure must be added to support new floor plates.

The proposed system composes of a tertiary retaining structure made of steel and a primary concrete structure to support additional load of floor plates.

Typical Steel Facade Retaining

Facade Retaining Structural System

Exploded Concrete Column

Traditionally, facade retentions systems composes of light weight steel frames.

Due to the addition of floor plates and expansion of programme behind the retained facade, a new concrete structure must be added to support new floor plates.

The proposed system composes of a tertiary retaining structure made of steel and a primary concrete structure to support additional load of floor plates.

Version 01

This initial version follows the existing grid of the site and connects each column of the atrium to form the roof structure.

Version 02

This variation follows the grid of the atrium and connects each column of the atrium at a angle, forming a hatched patten for the roof structure.

Inspired by the George Washington bridge bus station. This result is visually more interesting compared to the traditional grid like approach.

George Washington Bridge Bus Station

The central atrium aims to recreate conditions seen in Columbus park New York. The park is a common space for the local Chinese community to host cultural events as well as daily activities, showing how central spaces can be integral to the local communities daily lives. The atrium space proposed is a mix used space presenting a interface for social, public, private and necessary activities. Ranging from space for Chinese chess to martial arts gym and social spaces.

The central atrium presents a space which provides interfaces for cultural activities that local residents of Chinatown consider apart of daily lives. Sunken plaza at the central space is a mix used space, inspired by similar topologies in parks located around New York city. The space would also be used for activities such as martial arts. At the second level, resting and social spaces are presented while top floor acts as a martial arts gym.

Atrium Fragment 01

Atrium Fragment 02

This fragment of the atrium shows circulation points, stair cores and elevators provide vertical circulation surrounding the sunken plaza. Central elevator is reserved only for private residents of the tower above.

The sky lobby is a private space only accessible by residents of the pencil towers, inspired by Chinese gardens and the hierarchical layout of Chinese planning, a inner court and a outer court is created. Inner court consists of water features and lush vegetation as well as a pavilion, while the outer court acts as a walk way overseeing the green canyon of the scheme

Enclosed Retail Spaces

Shophouse Residential

Large

Open Electronics Stalls

Footprint Retail Public Canyon

Continuous Primary Structure

Outer Ring - Retail Space and Shophouses

The outer retail ring aims to integrate several cultural topologies, revealing Inspired by the high density planning spaces of Chinese technology ring has two levels of retail at the lower levels, with large footprint at ground reduce traffic as we move upwards, following the privacy hierarchy at spaces.

Located at the top floors, only accessible through private circulation cores shop owners of the scheme at ground level, hence only being accessible

revealing new spatial qualities when we combine two different Approaches. malls and efficient living spaces of present in new York city. The outer retail ground floor and small footprint retail shops at first floor, this strategy aims to at the highest level. At the third floor, we have the food hall and resting social

cores behind shops are the shophouse residential lofts. Each loft belongs to accessible through the back of a shop or off the existing streets of Chinatown.

Roof Garden

Skylight

±8000

±4000

±00

Food Hall Canyon Garden Shophouse Residential -4000

Central Atrium and Private Residential

The Central Atrium utilizes the structure presented to create interfaces which supports the Chinese way of living. in typical Chinese podium mall topology, such as barber shops, cafés and gyms. Adding on this, the local showed that social spaces for chess and other activities are also a large part of the local community, thus public parks surrounding the Atrium.

living. Bringing many amenities presented local Columbus Park of New York also the integration of social spaces and

Private Sky Garden

Key Perspective Section 01

The section below shows the overall proposal, highlighting the continuous structure which connects the existing facade to the central atrium. The project aims to use structure with civic ambition inspired by New York piers as a interface for Chinese cultural programmes.

Key Perspective Section 02

The section below shows the overall proposal, highlighting the continuous structure which connects the existing facade to the central atrium. The project aims to use structure with civic ambition inspired by New York piers as a interface for Chinese cultural programmes.

Green Spaces Amenities

Social Space

Small Footprint Retail Space

Large Footprint Retail Space

Shophouse Residential

Green Spaces

Amenities

Social Space

Main Atrium, Mixed Use Activities

Design

Development

Social Space

Small Footprint Retail Space

Large Footprint Retail Space

Shophouse Residential

All work produced by Unit 14

Unit book design by Charlie Harriswww.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture

Copyright 2021

The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmited in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retreival system without permission in writing from the publisher.

CONSTRUCTED FUTURES 2023

At the center of Unit 14’s academic exploration lies Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’, a master-builder that follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal of the designer as somebody who is capable of comprehending the ‘integrateable significance’ of specialised findings and is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of these discoveries while not disappearing into a career of expertise. Like Fuller, we are opportunists in search of new ideas and their benefits via architectural synthesis.

As such Unit 14 is a test bed for exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new, leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through astute synthesis. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and through the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, will generate new and unprecedented, one day viable and spectacular proposals. They will be beautiful because of their intelligence - extraordinary findings and the artful integration of those into architecture.

The focus of this year’s work evolves around the concept of ‘Constructed Futures’. The term aims to describe architecture and as such fundamentally human future as the result of the architect’s highest degree of synthesis of underlying principles. Constructional logic, spatial innovation, typological organisation, environmental and structural performance are all negotiated in a highly iterative process driven by intense architectural investigation. Inspiration for inherent principles of organisational intelligence can be observed in both biotic and abiotic systems, in all spatial arrangements where it is critical for the overall performance of the developed order. Through the deep understanding of constructional principles, we will generate highly developed architectural systems of unencountered intensity where spatial organisation arises as a result of sets of mutual interactions. Observation as well as re-examination of civilisatory developments will enable us to project near future scenarios and position ourselves as avant-garde in the process of designing a comprehensive vision for the forthcoming. The projects will take shape as research based imaginative tales, architectural visions driven by speculation.

Thanks to: ALA, DaeWha Kang Design, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick Studio, Populous, RSH+P, Seth Stein Architects, ZHA, Expedition Engineering