ARCHITECTURE | Portfolio of ZHOU, XIAOJUN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN AND TECHNIQUE SELECTED WORKS FROM 2017-2023
XIAOJUN Kathy ZHOU University of Pennsylvania, Master of Science in Design Syracuse University, Bachelor of Architecture xiaojunz@upenn.edu +1 3157064639
1
01 GALLERIA
03 - 06
design studio: hotel proposal intergrating color regimes and environment with human interactions in Mexico City, Mexico
02 INHABITABLE POCHE
07 - 11
fabrication studio: the envelope stuffing prototype using glazed clay shingles and wooden frames
03 LIBRO
12 - 19
design studio: the Library addition as a sacret journey of pursuing knowledge in Florence, ITALY
04 SIMULATION
20 - 24
research-based design: the Veterance Center as a negotiation and changinng perspectives of humanity in Boston, MA
ARCHITECTURE Portfolio Preface
05 SPLIT-LEVEL
25 - 28
design studio: studio and living unit for music composer, employing a split-level strategy.
2017- 2023 Reflective Statement My design portfolio comprises a diverse array of projects that underscore my commitment to human-centric architecture. From the vibrant and interactive Mexico City hotel proposal to the innovative fabrication techniques applied in the Inhabitable Poche project, each endeavor prioritizes user experiences. Whether it’s creating spaces for collective gatherings and meditation at the Fort Tilden thermal baths or fostering knowledge pursuit through the Library addition in Florence, these projects showcase the profound impact architecture can have on the HUMAN EXPERIENCE. At the core of my design philosophy lies an unwavering belief that architecture should serve as a catalyst for enriching and enhancing the lives of those who inhabit it. By prioritizing user experiences, I aim to create spaces that not only meet functional needs but also resonate emotionally, fostering a deep CONNECTION BETWEEN PEOPLE AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS. Through innovative design solutions and a commitment to inclusivity, my design philosophy challenges conventional design norms, demonstrating that architecture has the power to SHAPE AND ELEVATE THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE in profound ways.
06 HOME SWEET HOME research-based design: the Refugee Housing Proposal as a means of representation through the iterative processes of media publications in suburb London, UK
07 STRUCTURE: VIERENDEEL TRUSS
34 - 36
design studio: the thermal baths for self-exploration though collective & inclusive gathering and meditations in Fort Tilden, NY
08 MODEL: SPACE-FILLING
37 - 38
structure investigation: interplay of space-filling geometry by linking truncated cuboctahedrons with varying scissor configurations.
09 MODEL: DENSIFICATION XIAOJUN Kathy ZHOU University of Pennsylvania, Master of Science in Design Syracuse University, Bachelor of Architecture xiaojunz@upenn.edu +1 3157064639
29 - 33
39 - 40
design studio: addition project as a negotiation and future infrastructure for mining cryptocurrencies for New York Stock Exchange in New York City, NY
2
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH JIAMIN ZHANG || INSTRUCTOR: FLORENCIA PITA
01 GALLERIA Hotel Addition | Mexico City, Mexico University of Pennsylvania, Spring 2023 Rhino+ Enscape, Adobe Illustrator, Casting+ Molding Partner: Jiamin Zhang Instructor: Florencia Pita Focusing on minor architectural elements, specifically the BRICK, this fragment of architecture delves into a rich and profound history, representing potent potential for space, material, and landscape. The investigation of terra-cotta brick engages the concept of UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || DESIGN RESEARCH STUDIO
Mexico’s urban nature by intertwining the landscape with architecture, utilizing the ingrained material and linear park sidewalks. This project aims to integrate and explore spatial experiences transformed by layered brick materials, as well as the generated lighting effects. That, this hotel proposal intergrates COLOR REGIMES, learning from Casa Gilardi by Luis Barragan, and environment with human interactions in Mexico City, Mexico
3
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH JIAMIN ZHANG || INSTRUCTOR: FLORENCIA PITA
roof plan drawing
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || DESIGN RESEARCH STUDIO
typical plan drawing
front facade rendering
side facade rendering
close-up renderings
4
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || DESIGN RESEARCH STUDIO
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH JIAMIN ZHANG || INSTRUCTOR: FLORENCIA PITA
close-up physical model
Unfold Facade Pattern | showing the double facade system following rigid and diagonal directions, allowing for moments of openings and occupiable balconies.
Diagonal Folding Pattern | generating moments for skylights, railings, and areas for plantatoions.
5
sectional axonometric drawing UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || DESIGN RESEARCH STUDIO
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH JIAMIN ZHANG || INSTRUCTOR: FLORENCIA PITA
brick colors/ types and arrangement prototypes
6
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH PQNJING ZHU || INSTRUCTOR: NATE HUME
02 INHABITABLE POCHE Envelope Stuffing Prototype | University of Pennsylvania, Summer 2023 Rhino+ TwinMotion+ Grasshopper, Adobe Illustrator, Robotic Arm+ Clay Printing, Bisque/ Glaze Firing, Wood Fabrication Partner: Panjing Zhu Instructor: Nate Hume Envelope Stuffing reimagines the envelope through glazed clay shingles and wooden frames, forming a dynamic interface that fosters INTERACTION BETWEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR REALMS. By inge-
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || FABRICATION STUDIO
niously integrating interstitial areas for systems and human movement, it introduces a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, enriching the spatial experience This project outlines the innovative fusion of carpentry wood structures and glazed clay shingles, utilizing LOCKING STRATEGIES. To enhance its functionality, aeroponic systems were incorporated, enriching the envelope’s potential. The integration of habitable circulation spaces transforms this structural envelope prototype into a dynamic and multi-functional architectural solutionin this structural envelope prototype.
7
typical color a
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH PQNJING ZHU || INSTRUCTOR: NATE HUME
shingle type A
typical A color a, b, c
typical color b
typical color c
shingle type B
typical color a
typical A color a, b, c
typical color b
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || FABRICATION STUDIO
typical color c
shingle type C
typical color d
typical A color a, b, c
shingle type D
typical color e
typical A color a, b, c
8
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH PQNJING ZHU || INSTRUCTOR: NATE HUME
clay aeroponics misting system for nutrient based moisture roots exposed
thatch to keep moisture locking strategy
thatch to keep moisture
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || FABRICATION STUDIO
misting system for nutrient based moisture clay aeroponics roots exposed
pavilion render
Ceramic Shingles | acting as aeroponics, holding plants and leaving roots falling inbetween the structure for the misting system of nutrient based moisture
9
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || FABRICATION STUDIO
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH PQNJING ZHU || INSTRUCTOR: NATE HUME
section drawing
10
physical prototype photo
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || FABRICATION STUDIO
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH PQNJING ZHU || INSTRUCTOR: NATE HUME
Physical Prototype | merging carpentry wood structures and glazed clay shingles with locking mechanisms; introducing aeroponic systems and inhabitable circulation, crafting a versatile structural envelope prototype
11
03 LIBRO Library Addition | Florence. ITALY Syracuse University, Spring 2020 Rhino+ Enscape, Adobe Illustrator Partner: Cheng Liu, Lingjing Rao Instructor: David Shanks The ritual aspects of the Old Sacristy of San Lorenzo and side chapels in San Andrea and Santo Spirito examines how priestly vestment circulation was secluded in sacred spaces and how PRAYER RITUALS WERE SHOWCASED TO THE PUBLIC. Drawing inspiration from these nested reading spaces, our project aims to create a ritual of reading within the building. By publicly displaying a SACRED VOLUME and the act of book restoration, we seek to cultivate a serene environment for contemplative study and reading, echoing the essence of the observed rituals. The ritual emphasized is a place where people have the freedom to MAKE DECISIONS between reading books or other activities, and the displayed book restoration process is a manifesto reminding people of the sacredness of knowledge and to be conscious when making their decisions.
12
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
axonometric drawing
13
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
prototype section drawing
prototype section drawing
Ritual of Reading | useing the same idea of how the priest’s vestment circulation has been isolated in a sacred space, and how the ritual of the prayers and the priest has been displayed in the church to the public With one sacred volume and action of book restoration being displayed to the public, to form(inform?) the action of quiet study and reading prototype exploded axonometric drawing
14
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
Book Restoration | being separated in volumes and stacked in sequence to follow ritual of restoring knowledge connected by directional stairways and elevator from parking to the top for staff and not directly seen by the public. The three processes are together performed in sequence to restore books.
exploded axonometric drawing
15
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
first floor plan drawing
second floor plan drawing
Courtyards | book restoration as the central courtyard and then the new courtyard is activated with sunken plaza connecting the city and the university. (plugged into the site, connected with the existing parking lot to form a discrete circulation) The rest of the building structure circulates around the book restoration with mainly the second floors as the archives spaces (nested) and the open reading spaces, while the first floor has the meeting rooms, computer lab and the staff offices.
16
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
Elevator Core | extending beneath ground just above the car park and we have created an underground path connecting the restoration space to the library. So the staff would enter from the university building and travel underground transporting books in and out. The students from the university would use the side stair case, and enter from the balcony. section drawings
17
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
renders
18
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU CHENG, RAO LINJING || INSTRUCTOR: DAVID SHANKS
axonometric drawing
19
04 SIMULATION Veterans Center | Boston, MA Syracuse University, Fall 2019 Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, Laser cut Partner: Shuyu Meng Instructor: Britt Eversole The DISCONNECTION between veterans and the VA leads to the service access and the detachment of veterans from mainstream living and community. Through innovative design, it aims to mend these divides, fostering a harmonious integration of services, living environments, and a renewed sense of community for veterans. Focusing on the gap between the allocation of state resources and the true needs of veterans, SIMULATION in veterant center has been proposed for veterans’ gradual return and adaptation to everyday life. This project envisions a TRANSITIONAL CENTER that employs simulated spaces featuring diverse environments, each offering unique experiences. The grounds serve as dynamic territories for simulations, mediating interpersonal struggles, encouraging reconfiguration, and shared accountability. Through a framing strategy, the design facilitates multi-programming, creating bounded images and nested spaces within an intricate layered skin, fostering a rich experiential journey.
20
UD -VA SH (H ing ve Ho us Su pp or ti Ve te ra ns Aff air
Specia l Hou sing A dapta Supp tion (S ortiv HA) e Se r v i c Ho e for me Vete En les ran F sP ha amil rov nc ies(S De ed ide SVF r Us pa sG ) eL rtm ran HU ea t P e se nt er D Dv (EU of iem et Ho L) (GP us O) ing an dU rb an De ve lop me nt -D ep ar tm en to f
cial woso man support vete rans ho me les s
sp ou se par ent s depend ents caregivers
H LT EA
university train ing dai ly u se pe ns ion
Com p nity
Served in
cy a nd Inde m VA - Birth
Defects Ass
istance -P ayments Chi
ldren wit
h Spina B
ifida who se Parents
Pare nts' Dep end en
Respite Care
Vietnam or Korea
ensa t
Ba n
Br ain
ry
po sit o
ior e
ment
VA B
ion
kP rog ram
Ce nt er
ry
In ju
ra in
sB
Ve te ra n
&
din g fin
T EN M OY PL EM
ION CAT EDU
ing nd g fi n ss i us ussine b ho job
) ES VC H ( s
ce rvi am n Se t gr a n o r Lo me loy n P ce mp oa nan E L y fi nit me Re mu Ho Out om A C V sh an ter Ca Ve T) s s (CW le top rapy me e eS h o n T H rO ork ree dW eling Ca ouns sate n e er C p e r m a B) Co and C m (VU ation Progra Educ Bound ) rd a w m (CEVSS ns Up ent Progra Vetera teran Stud Ve r fo e nc Excelle Center of GI Bill
Educational Oppotunity Center Prog ram (EOC) Center for Clinical Man agement Re Educati search on and Emplo Natio yment nal V Initiativ etera e (E2I) VA ns Tr - Ed ansit ucat io n Ser ion vices & Tr ainin g Be Int nefi ts Ho eres VA me t Rat Su pe Loan e Re du n rv cti ivo sion for on rs be Regu Re Pe ne fin lar ns an fit P ce ur s io ch n Lo as an e (IR RR L)
ies lit bi sa Di d te ) ec IC (D nn on Co ati ens vi c pe er om rS yC fo n nit io em ers at emb Ind ns icem nd pe a Serv om cy and en 'C rans nd ns ts Vete fi ra pe led ne te De isab Be Ve rs' ax for D sT vo ent rvi rce uipm Fo Su e Eq ed ptiv Ada Arm and
se
ealth men t al h
ho us ing
an
es obil
Financial Distribution | misconnection between the VA and Veterans in terms of receiving services and support created the gap between the allocation of state resources and the true needs of veterans`
veterans
e insuranc g in g a re ca ry ju in
lo
om Aut
De fe n
ati on ns
pe co m
socia l me dia
ry lita mi
disability
HO US IN G
burse l Reim Trave
s m ra og Pr n io at ities ur il l D pab a ica lty es Med ch C ecia m r p S ga te ea ob ar ua es lth a m W ad t R a J He a s est he Gr bu g in e Te ry t of t y Ro inin Car ram atte ing n rsit eB Tra alth Prog t Trai Unive itud s Apt He cer mba ice nal Offi ic Co d Serv ocatio s Ba forme vices V Uni ed Ser Arm
Do Go D L Ar ive m Bl y.c og om
me nt nur al he sin g alt addic homeh tion
Homeless Veterans Dental Program
rral Centers (CRRCs) Community Resource and Refe (HCRV) try Veterans e for Reen m Health Car progra sports aptive re d a a C ry al milita Dent es ic v r e nd S s a s ran m ete ogra re r Pr or V f e a iv e C eg ag Car ary ack ter m P i s en Pr efit n C i n e on n h B o ati th arc cal ati nt edi ese ov e al M R n s n ic lem s He hI ice Bas ' ac mp erv n e I S r e h ut nd alt om lO na He W ura tio for R a r z e d nt ni an ga Ce it y Or qu e E r lth ca ea lth ea nH o H t r es fo arl er Ch nt e C
LIFE H ELP
FAMILY MEMBER S
test
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN V
TH DEA TER AF
YMENT EDUCATION PLO EM
ie s
ts
olo gic al
rty ve po tax
ILY M FA
ECO NOM Y
enefi
ce ac ad em
ipm en t fo
ECO NO MY
rvi
Ps yc h
Ve te ra ns rD Ju isa He nV sti ble iet a ce l th nam dV O C e ut Ve en ter ter re te an ans ac rO sa h He nd f (V E alt Se x JO hC ce rvi l are ) len ce me Be c e ne mb Serv fits e Clo r icem Pro s thin emb gra gA ers’ m llow Gro up L anc ife I e Domic nsur Agen iliary C ance t Ora are for n ge ex Homele posu ss Vete re rans (D CHV) P rogram Health Car e for Homel ess Veterans (HCHV) of Wo me
tion porta
ily
me
se
pti ve Eq u
trans
fam
rs
e mb
ion b
M ts DoD er Benefi on and tain Oth Educati with Cer ls na io ss Profe ude Test Strength Aptit Exam ical Phys Health and Fitness Requirement Apprenticeship Training Tuition Assis tance Military Sc holarship Colleg and Grant e s Licen Credit for M ilitary E s Care ing & Testin xperie nce an er G g Progr d Train Unit uida ams ing n e Uni d State ce ted s N Uni aval Sta t t Aca Un ed St es Air dem y Un ited S ates M Force Aca ilita Se ited tates dem r S y r Co tat Aca y O vic ast dem Re ffice e me es M Gu y ard Ba ser r Ca mbe erch an sic ve nd rs t M Acad Tr Offi ida Opp em ari te ain c y ne o ing er T Sch rtun Ac a ra ity de ini ool ( Co my O ng lle Co CS) ge s( rp S s( OC RO ) TC )
Ch ildr en
memorial al fuder ial cy ar am
elp
educ at
s ge lle co ary ilit rm r ms latfo nio se ing p train
life h
fitness tests
recruitment
r Caree
nd Ad a
ph
death
her ca g an Edu Trainin d Work T e b t o a J pens ools eling Com edical Sch Couns
ile sa
bur
DoD
ols Scho
u sta Ho In ry ion iil ta allat t M d Ins nie tary a p ili m s dM co ac wne ense nce n U -o wa xp g or ent d E Allo sin le nm ate ing ou g l n r s r H cation Si ove g-re ou o f a ing G ovin eas H ance id V g rain elin M vers llow al Pa alty T u i uns A c n o e O sic n C p A r S e Ba Days and are 30 anced and C elp v dH apy tion Ad
ob
H
ility
ce
medical exams
b disa
an ur ins
s job
care
P HEL LIFE
po mis en Sup Com agem ram n rog lic a b rt M ce P e Pu reer s o n h Ca am pp sta t u S si ong y gr As rm ta ion y am n A Ins t i u m f a nd T r ry f A ge o k, a lita ss o Mi ma boo e n e eI are itiv Fac w s e A a Po ers, s i tt g Ra wi tin yT ea r r a C ilit M
ur y
AFTER DEATH
Su
i nj
HEA LTH
M or et M Li the Se e fe r tL Ch vic W i fe ild em ren Es ill P e ta r mb ’s H t e R epa er ea ra s’s lth Gr esol tio Ins ura oup utio n S Ro b n n erv Ca L ust c reg Re e Pro ife In Serv ice ive sea Mil s g r ur ice s r Pro a itar r yP gra ch C m (C ance s rici ap ms Pare n a HIP a go ntin f In nd S bilitie ) g an erv sur dM s a ilitar nce ices Wo Dep y Ch loym ild C men’s Plans ent H H are elp f Movin Assis ealth or M g Ass ta ilitar istanc y Fam nce e for Milita ilies Supplem Military ry Fa ental Ass m Health istance N and W ilies utrition P e ll ne rogram (S NAP) ben ss Military Fami efits ly Support & Advocacy Se rvices Money Management Serv ices School-age Service ices Serv Youth Education Support ograms Child-care Pr rograms P s es rn d Fi Sports an Platform ooking ns Hotel B nditio te a C v Pri ial o urces inanc o F s r e e R t Bet ning Plan ce an d man tion a c u d rfor ention s E e l ia P nc rt et ie Fina ppo rt R sar t
HO US ING
id
g sin
Presidential Memorial Certificates
or sf ct
ica
ge har ns isc Pla g al D dic ealth enin m e Me H a r re Te e Sc Ca ine are Car s Tri L C al ard s e Liv alth ent nd ard D ta d He l S an ica St ed ss M t ne Fi
Me d
n
tio lla
Au tom
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH MENG SHUYU || INSTRUCTOR: BRITT EVERSOLE
meteries VA National Ce ndent Burial in Veteran & Depe eries emet ate C in Priv ment Place ses ns for pen edallio l Ex uria a nd M rkers of B s, Ma ent ) stone s em SA Head bur HI ) s( Reim H T on tial Par ati PA Ts) r e s( C Alt es PA sn ral Hles c tu s( tru me am dS Ho Te an m ts re fro en Ca ion em ed ov sit n pr ign Im Tra Al in me nt e Ho ie nc at ta sis sP es As el m Ho
o je Pr
ing
us Ho
financial expense on recruitment and veterant stages
21
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN V
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH MENG SHUYU || INSTRUCTOR: BRITT EVERSOLE
Simulation Grounds | analyzing the difficulty of the transmission process for veterans to go back to their civilian lives; each level becomes a ground of a simulation-based learning environment to provide the possible world that enables the specified uses of certain living, floor plan drawings
22
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN V
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH MENG SHUYU || INSTRUCTOR: BRITT EVERSOLE
section model
23
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN V
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH MENG SHUYU || INSTRUCTOR: BRITT EVERSOLE section models
24
section renders
05 SPLIT-LEVEL Music Composer House+ Studio | Syracuse University, Fall 2017 Revit, Hand drawing, Hand Modeling Individual Work Instructor: Keyla Hernandez, Eric Wing Through innovative design, single house project seeks to unify living and creative spaces, enabling artists to thrive within compact yet functional dwellings. This architectural endeavor involves crafting single houses that seamlessly integrate living quarters and artist studios for diverse artists while conforming to a shared land area and a 0.5 floor area ratio. This project optimizes spatial functionality for a music composer, employing a SPLIT-LEVEL STRATEGY. The ground floor accommodates daily living, while the upper levels provide inspiring studios, fostering a harmonious blend of personal and creative spaces within a vertical dwelling concept.
25
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || BIM
ZHOU, XIAOJUN || INSTRUCTOR: ERIC WING, KEYLLA HERNANDEZ
26
plan drawings section drawings
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || BIM
ZHOU, XIAOJUN || INSTRUCTOR: ERIC WING, KEYLLA HERNANDEZ
27
physical model photo
06 HOME SWEET HOME Refugee Housing | suburb London, UK Syracuse University, Fall 2020 Rhino+V-ray, Adobe Illustrator Partner: Wentao Liu Instructor: Zigeng Wang Using media as a MEANS OF NEGOTIATION, the refugee housing project in London suburbs has been gradually optimized through an iterative process, under the bigger question of the boundary of selves specifically the DOMESTIC SPACE IN THE AGE OF THE DIGITAL SCREEN in suburb London, UK. This Project exemplifies an ITERATIVE ARCHITECTURAL OPTIMIZATION PROCESS guided by government and public input via media. The role of media involves disseminating a refugee home proposal, incorporating diverse voices, even contradictory ones to extract essence from opposing views, informing government decisions, fostering solutions, and progressing iteratively. Each iteration builds upon past success, perpetuating a dynamic cycle of near-perfect improvement, perpetually evolving towards an undefined zenith.
28
working opportunities
Solution I
underutilized urban space
- City
HOUSING
Refugees EVELUATION/ BACK TO CIVILIAN SYSTEM
- living units at underutilized infrastructure space
INT PO L C IA
ER MM O C living conditions
working opportunities sense of belonging TIO LA
AR SM
T IN
N
L STA
PA /S
SER
IC BL
PU
Working opportunities
- collaborate with local stores - work inLEARN local shops and BY DOING construction site - learn by doing
TRAIN
Provide opportunities to get engage BUS STOP in community activities in the underutilized open space
LOCAL SHOPS
WORKSPACE Community interaction
INSTITUTION
Cooperate with local commercial stores/ shops to provide the OVERPASS easy-to-get-started jobs
E VI C
manpower shortage
TEAMWORK AREA
Solution III
INFRASTRUCTURE
- community activities CONSTRUCTION - refugees interact with local residentsSITE PUB
Statement MEETING PLACE
Local Residents CE
needs and challenges of the local communities/ refugees moving in
Solution II
Earn basic living expenses, learn skills through working and from colleagues, and start to live the way local residents
PAT AIR
- local residents - refugees
Refugees help along the traffi
manpower shortage community vitality
L RO
Existing Problems
Local
Resettlement ofResidents refugees
city citality
needs and challenges of the City
TIA EN D I ES
working oppotunities sense of belonging
INTERACTION
Introduce effective living environment in PARK Refugees help build up commercial street underutilized infrastructure space, provide RAIN along the traffic and infrastructureSHELTER zones FROM THE SPORTS COURT necessary work and skill learning while cooperating with the community business, and integrate into the community activities to accept refugees into the new system
RE FU G
TS OIN P L
a long-term plan to deal with refugee crisis
R
HOUSING T
EE SE T
LE
DO WN I
LEARN BY DOING
TRAIN
EA
BUS STOP
NT OW N
ER E / ELT UAG SH LANG
ING WITH LIVGETHER
INFRASTRUCTURE
TO
PUB
MEETING PLACE
INF
PARK
S RA
TR
UC
RE TU
TEAMWORK AREA
N SHELTER FROM THE RAIN GE RO E K SPORTS COURT
refugees living conditions working oppotunities
CONSTRUCTION SITE
INTERACTION CE SPA
minimize the conflict between local residents and refugees
LOCAL SHOPS
WORKSPACE
INSTITUTION OVERPASS
EL IAU HN TEC
improve the living conditions for refugees
ING RN
sense of belonging
local society London Councils
refuge
living conditions
community vitality
CHANGE/ ENTER NEW SYSTEM
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY BEIJING VC || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VII
needs and challenges Utilize the underutilized infrastructure of the local space and institution owned spaces to communities/ provide living units scattered over the city refugees moving in
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU WENTAO || INSTRUCTOR: ZIGENG WANG
- local residents - refugees
CIties
Site Interpretation
Cooperate with stores/ shops to easy-to-get-sta
sense of belonging
Existing Problems
improve city vitality friendly and welcoming society
The UN Refugee Agency
29
The
Housing opposed by the masses
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY BEIJING VC || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VII
- living units at underutilized infrastructure space
Purpose
Phase III
Phase II
Phase I
Purpose
Hammersmith (West London)
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU WENTAO || INSTRUCTOR: ZIGENG WANG
Hammersmith (West London)
Hammersmith (West London)
Purpose
Solve previous predicament - explore wasted urban space
Absorb feedbacks from voices and medias - form a constantly optimized form
Goal To blur refugees’ status, weaken the barrier between themselves and the new environment, and foster a new sense of belonging refugees leave their war-torn home country
refugees move into new place but isolated from the community
break the country and interact with other groups
break the boundary
break the boundary
30
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY BEIJING VC || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VII
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU WENTAO || INSTRUCTOR: ZIGENG WANG
iterative proposals
31
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY BEIJING VC || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VII
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU WENTAO || INSTRUCTOR: ZIGENG WANG
iterative proposals
32
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY BEIJING VC || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VII
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH LIU WENTAO || INSTRUCTOR: ZIGENG WANG
33
07 STRUCTURE: VIERENDEEL TRUSS Bath House | Fort Tilden, NY Syracuse University, Spring 2021 Rhino+ Grasshopper+ TwinMotion, Adobe Illustrator, Revit, Lumion Partner: Daria Agapitova Instructor: Hannibel Newsom By seamlessly integrating an abandoned battery site, the bath house project offers New Yorkers a sanctuary for both personal and communal meditation and relaxation. Such COLLECTIVE SPACE for individual meditation and self-reflection is proposed to coexist with others in a respectful environment, one should focus on within and find the inner self-consciousness, addressing both physical and mental help of the visitors through collective & inclusive gatherings. The continuous loop architecture, with the designated VIERENDEEL TRUSS STRUCTURE, facilitates an uninterrupted flow of experiences, connecting visitors to the past while providing a transformative space for present-day solace and rejuvenation.
34
renders
35
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VIII
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH DARIA AGAPITOVA || INSTRUCTOR: HANNIBAL NEWSOM
Vierendeel Truss | With the vertical W27 columns through the whole building, each vierendeel unit with the span of 20 ft connected by w-27 in cross sections are being stacked and continued through the sequential loop with w-30 and w-35 beams depending on their spans. The structure system follows the continuous logic while transferring horizontal loads to the vertical ones with the stacking action of the structure but continuous up. The additional beams and vertical column were added on moments of the cantilever to transfer the load back to the main vierendeel truss. structure axonometrix drawing
36
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH MUYI XU || INSTRUCTOR: MOHAMAD AL KHAYER
08 MODEL: SPACE FILLING Deployable Structure | Permanent Display, Meyerson Hall University of Pennsylvania, Spring 2023 Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, Laser Cut, 3d Printing Partner: Muyi Xu Instructor: Mohamad Al Khayer This DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURE project explores the inUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO
terplay of SPACE-FILLING geometry by linking truncated cuboctahedrons with varying scissor configurations—single, double, and triple. As the number of scissors doubles or triples, the corresponding angles expand to mimic the interior angles of the associated polyhedra. The challenge lies in harmonizing scissor lengths while preserving deployment angles, necessitating meticulous scaling and joint angle calculations from center to connection points. The project strives to achieve a harmonious balance between intricate geometry and structural feasibility.
b
a
b a
c c
37
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH MUYI XU || INSTRUCTOR: MOHAMAD AL KHAYER
38
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH QIANQIAN WU || INSTRUCTOR: ALI RAHIM
09 MODEL: DENSIFICATION 3D Print, Laser-cut Plexy Glass | New York City, NY University of Pennsylvania, Fall 2022 Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, KeyShot, 3d Print, Laser cut Partner: Qianqian Wu Instructor: Ali Rahim This project aims to blend LAYERS OF TRANSPARUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO
ENCY with essential server farms for cryptocurrency mining, repurposing a significant crypto mining facility into a fresh typology and establishing new urban infrastructure. Various levels of densification are manifested through distinct layers of channel grass, serving as both a self-structuring facade and an element occupying volumes on the roof and facade. These introduce distinct spatial qualities that facilitate human-scale circulation within well-organized mining facilities.
39
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA || SCHOOL OF DESIGN || ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO
ZHOU, XIAOJUN IN COLLABORATION WITH QIANQIAN WU || INSTRUCTOR: ALI RAHIM
Channel Glass | acting as self-structured facade and occupiable volumns, conducting human-scaled circulations through well-organized mining facilities
Waffle Structures | creating a sense of high-tech pixelated aesthetics that allow human spaces to flow through and bring massive crypto-mining facilities for residents and visitors to engage between each box unit and floor plates
zoom-in details on final model
40
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FLORENCE CENTER || SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE || ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN I
ZHOU, XIAOJUN || INSTRUCTOR: KAYLA HERNANDEZ
appendix: hand drawings
41