UCL Urban Design Portfolio

PORTFOLIO SELECTED WORK 2022-2024 XINRAN ZHANG Urban Design University College London PROJECTS 01 ECOFEAST FOODSCAPE NEXUS From Farm to City: A New Food Paradigm

02 TOMORROW’S TAPESTRY The Design of Future Elderly Living for Diverse Needs

03 VITAL VINES PRESCHOOL Roots of Learning, Branches of Discovery

04 SHIWEITANG JOINT CENTRE The four functions of marina, transportation, museum and residents center are integrated in one building.

05 PASTORAL MEDITATION Turning an abandoned farm into a meditation sanctuary.

06 OTHER WORK

—From Farm to City: A New Food Paradigm 2022.12 North

Site Plan :City of Baltimore

Spatial Density and Elevation Patterns

In-store shopping

The Market at Highlandtown

In-store shopping Delivery Available Curbside pickup

ALDI Foood Market

Opened:1885 In-store shopping

Northeast Market

In-store shopping Opened:1782 Delivery Available

Lexing Market

Opened:1836 In-store shopping

Research work

South

Site Visit: Market Collage Hollins Market

Opened:1915 In-store shopping Delivery Available

Food Depot

01 ECOFEAST FOODSCAPE NEXUS Site Environment

Challenge Assessment: Food Desert

Food Desertand Zoning

Site Analysis

Food Desert Typology

Food Desert Factors

Food Environment

Traffc Circulation

Drone Delivery

Bus Routes

Sun Exposure

Food Desert by District

Population Living in Food Desert by District

Programs and Strategies The programs provide fresh produce for car-owning and non-carowning city residents. The design features drone transport and drivethrough services to deliver fresh vegetables to Baltimore citizen.

Customers can conveniently order fresh produce through an app after providing delivery information.

The drone will then transport the produce straight to their doorstep, providing city residents with access to fresh and healthy food.

Zoning Analysis

UserJourneyMap STARTING POIT

Get Off Work

Pick Up Children

SHOPPING

ORDERING

Brows Fresh Food

Confirm Wait Time

Login To App

Add to the Basket

Confirm Order

Pay For The Order

WAITING

ARRIVING

COOKING Cook

Recieve Order Confirmation

Track Status

Notify of Arrival

Pick up Front

Prepare for Food

Eat and Enjoy

The site located at the intersection of Baltimore's two primary roadways,Inter- state 83 and US 40.The site, originally a parking lot,offers convenient access via public transportation with bus routes on both sides of the location.The strategic placement of the project aims to address the issue of food accessibility by providing easy access to fresh produce.

Open and Parking Spaces The farming sectorlocated on a terrace facing south for optimal sunlight,offers ide- al growing conditions.

Drone tower links the greenhouse and farming sector for efficient picking,storage,and transportation.The design offers an integrated approach to agriculture,transportationand sustainabil- ity, creating a unique and innovative food system that benefits the community.

Traffc & Programs

]

[3

[1]

[2]

Second Floor Plan

[4]

[5]

Third Floor Plan

Traffc and Structure Isometric View

[a]

East Elevation

[b]

[c]

[d]

[e]

Drone Tower Isometric Detail

[a] Bridge to Supermarket Storages The design offers convenient access to fresh food for car-com[b] Solar Panels muting city residents.It includes [c] Supermarket Offices an opening on the U.S. Route 40overpass that leads directly [d] Supermarket to a supermarket stocked with local- ly-grown produce from on[e] Future Landing Pads site farm- ing.Integrating farming and retail, it creates an unique and sustainable food system.

[1] Stair to the Restaurant Adjacent to the supermarket,a [2] Second Floor Parkings restaurant offers additional food options for city residents.This [3] Stair to the Supermarket design addresses the issue of [4] The Restaurant food accessibility in urban areas while promoting healthy eating [5] Third Floor Parkings habits and a sustainable lifestyle.

Drone & Programs Cargo elevator for farming good stransport

TerraceII: 280’x76’ open air terrace farming

Drone Tower:More than 202 drones are ready to deliver when the orders come in

Farming tool storage unit Mechanical space

Heating,ventilation,and air conditioning system

Irrigation system Rainwater storage tank

TerraceI:280’x76’ open air terrace farmin

Front Elevation

Greenhouse Farming

[2]

Drone Tower Office Spaces

[3]

Food Storages

[4]

Heavy Duty Machineryies

[5]

Truck Loading Zone

[6]

Supermarket Storage Spaces

[7]

Supermarket Office Spaces

[8]

Supermarket Shopping Zone

[9]

Drone Tower

[10]

Open Air Terrace Farming

] [8

[I]

] [7 ]

[6

[1]

[2]

[9]

[10]

Fourth Floor Plan

Fifth Floor Plan

Drone delivery is one of the strategies to address food deserts in Baltimore. The program is combined with urban farming to improve access to nutritious food for city residents.This innovative approach flips the traditional model of customers seeking out fresh produce on its head by bringing the produce directly to the customers.

The Ramp that connects the parking,the Restaurant,and the Greenhouse

The restaurant only uses Ingredients produced on site from cultivation in the greenhouse and on the terrace.

The 160'×70' urban greenhouse produces varies types of vegetable crops

The drone departure portal that opens up to allow vertical take-off andlanding

The cargo elevator can transport freshly produced food and also heavy equipment to the storage space.

The machine room space is where large machinery is locatedto serve the planting needs ofthe two-level terrace farming.

Adjustable windows for better ventilation

Drone tower management offcespace

The operational spacefor drone cargo transportation.

The central staircase connects the drone tower withtheplanting area and provides a vertical pathway.

The storage room houses vegetables grown in the green house and on the terrace,which are available for drone transportation at any time and can also be supplied to supermarkets and restaurants as needed.

The truck area handles transportation of other goods for the supermarket and can also deliver large quantities of fresh vegetables to surrounding supermarkets.

02 TOMORROW’S TAPESTRY Research work

—The Design of Future Elderly Living for Diverse Needs 2023.2

mortality rate

fertility rates

life expectancy

elderly living along

Global mortality rates have decreased by 60% over the past six decades.

Global fertility rates have declined by approximately 5 0 % o v e r th e p a s t 5 0 years.

Global life expectancy has increased by 23% over the past 58 years

Elderly living along has increased by approximately 16% over the past 20 years

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population)

Aging(Asia) 45

45 40

40

35

35

30

30

25

25

20

20

15

15

10

10

5

5 0

Background: Ageing

0 1,940

1,960

1,980

2,000

2,020

2,040

2,050 2,060

2,080

2,100 Year

Anlaysis: Population Groups

Speed of Aging

Number of years for share of population aged 65+ to increase from 7 percent (aging society) to 14 percent (aged society)

Japan

24 years

Rep of Korea

18 years

China

24 years

Thailand

20 years

Singapore

General Elderly

Elderly with Dementia

Visually impaired Elderly

Elderly with Depression

20 years

Philippines

29years

Vietnam

7 years

Malaysia

125 years

Indonesia

Cognitive function

Cognitive function

Cognitive function

Cognitive function

Cognitive function

Mental health

Mental health

Mental health

Mental health

Mental health

Social interaction

Social interaction

Social interaction

Social interaction

Social interaction

Physical Condition-Mobility

Physical Condition-Mobility

Physical Condition-Mobility

Physical Condition-Mobility

Physical Condition-Mobility

26 years

1970

1980

2015 24.28 Million

1990

2030 42.71 Million

2000

2010

2020

2030

2050 81.75 Million

China 2000

9.9:1

2040

2050

2015 86 Million

2060

2030 42.71 Million

2070

2050 81.75 Million

Projected Rise of Depression Cases in Aisa

AGE 65+

Projected Rise of Dementia Cases in Aisa

AGE 15-64

Wheelchair-bound

China 2050

2.3:1

In China, around the year 2000, there were approximately 10 adults of working age for every senior citizen. However, by the year 2050, this ratio is expected to decline significantly, with only 2 working-age adults for every senior. The following chart illustrates the evolving dynamics of this "support ratio" across various Asian countries.

Mental Physical

7 6

Mental Physical

6.7

Mental Physical

1

Mental

1 4

Physical

5.3

Mental Physical

1

2.7 6

User friendly determined by mental condition

User friendly determined by mental condition

User friendly determined by mental condition

User friendly determined by mental condition

User friendly determined by mental condition

Needs of light determined by mental condition

Needs of light determined by mental condition

Needs of light determined by mental condition

Needs of light determined by mental condition

Needs of light determined by mental condition

Flexibility determined by physical condition

Flexibility determined by physical condition

Flexibility determined by physical condition

Flexibility determined by physical condition

Flexibility determined by physical condition

Typologies Design

[1] [7] [2] [8]

General Elderly Housing

First Floor

Second Floor

Vistualy impaired Housing Plan

[3] [4]

[9] [10]

WheelChair-bound Housing Plan

First Floor

Second Floor

[5]

[6]

Elderly with Dementia Housing Plan

First Floor

Second Floor

Elderly with Depression Housing Plan [1]

Ground Door

[2]

Floor Riser

[3]

Retractable Privacy Screen

[4]

Portable Exterior Shade

[5]

Curtain Track System

[6]

Light Filter

[7]

Ground Transporter

[8]

Frosted Glass

[9]

Double-acting Glass Door

[10]

Sky Garden

These five apartment layouts, along with their exploded axonometric diagrams, illustrate the specialized design considerations for different elderly needs. Each plan is meticulously tailored, incorporating unique features to accommodate specific requirements. The designs include adaptations for those with mobility challenges, sensory impairments, dementia, depression, and general aging-related needs. The diagrams highlight innovative solutions in spatial arrangement, safety features, accessibility adaptations, and sensory-friendly environments, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to diverse eldercare needs in residential settings.

These layouts serve as practical blueprints for creating supportive, inclusive, and adaptable living spaces for the elderly.

Proposal: Architecture Serves People

Demand Evaluation Energetic and mentally sharp seniors, actively engaged in life, maintaining physical fitness and cognitive health through varied activities

Adaptability

Sunlight

Greenery

Organization

Privacy

Accessbility

Adaptability

Height Adjustment Sunlight

Privacy

Adaptability

Safety

Sign Less Furniture

Sunlight

Privacy

Sound

Touch

Organization

Privacy

Sunlight

Sunlight

Greenery

Colors

Open Space

Privacy

Wheelchair-bound seniors, resilient and mentally alert, actively participating in life,adapting to mobility challengeswith strength and positivity

Elderly with dementia, showing moments of clarity and joy , navigating life with support,retaining a sense of self and dignity

Conventional Nursing Home Analysis Visually impaired seniors, perceptive and mentally astute, navigating life with adaptability and keen sensory awareness.

Elderly with depression, displaying resilience and moments of hope, navigating life’s challenges with support, maintaining inner strengthdnity

Proposed Future Elderly Living

In this comprehensive project, we address the increasingly pressing issue of an aging global population by innovatively redesigning the concept of eldercare through future-focused, ageadaptive architecture. Our initiative diverges from the traditional eldercare facility model, shifting the emphasis from conventional human-centric caregiving to an environment where the architecture itself plays a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting its residents. This approach is particularly vital in addressing the nuanced and diverse needs of the elderly, encompassing those with mobility challenges, sensory impairments, dementia, depression, and other age-related conditions.

Our methodology involves an in-depth analysis of five distinct elderly demographics, enabling us to tailor our designs to meet their specific requirements effectively.

We are committed to creating spaces that are not just safe and comfortable but also empower autonomy and foster community engagement. Every element, from spatial layout to material choice, is meticulously considered to enhance residents’ quality of life. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop living spaces that are not only functional and accommodating but also evolve with the changing needs of its inhabitants, ensuring a dignified, enriching, and fulfilling living experience for the elderly.

This is more than just a building project; it’s a commitment to improving the lives of the elderly through thoughtful and responsive design .

Buidling Isomatric View

1. Connections

2. Elevators

3. Bridges

4. Social Spaces

5. Levels

6. Structures

Program Diagram This section delves into the building’s programmatic logic,featuring a façade and a diagram that stacks the five types of residential units. The general unit type is distributed throughout the building, interwoven with public spaces like a hospital, supermarket, and gym.

This integration forms acomplete, self-sustained community within the structure. The design strategically places these amenities to ensure easy accessibility for residents, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community atmosphere. The layout emphasizes convenience and connectivity, making it an ideal living environment for the elderly, who benefit from having essential services and recreational spaces within easy reach.

Front Elevatoin

West Elevatoin

The final page presents a section view dissecting the building’s internal layout and relationships, accompanied by renderings.This design is not sitespecific; it envisions an urban future where such structures can stand alone or be replicated. The concept showcases a versatile architectural solution adaptable to various urban settings, illustrating how these buildings can seamlessly integrate into the evolving cityscape, either as singular entities or as part of a larger network of similar structures.

Section Perspective

03 VITAL VINES PRESCHOOL

Ecosystem Analysis: Stafford, Virginia

Research work

Red Cedar

Tall Fescue

White poplar

—Roots of Learning, Branches of Discovery

Habitat

Release

Habitat

Spread

Habitat

Obsorb

Habitat

Spread

2023.4 Virginia Creeper Mushroom

Where ancient peaks meet, nature's whispers resound

Plants

Chrysanthemum spp

Eastern Tailed- Blue Honeybee

Oak

Wild Strawberry

Monarch Butterfly

Black-Eyed Susan

Carpenter Ant

Dermestidae

Foo

d

In this symbiotic haven,every life is cherished,laughter.

Young hearts grow in the embrace of the wild.

tat bi Ha ad re Sp

Green leaves and soft breezes blend with children's laughter.

Habitat

d

Foo

Habitat

Our structures, more than stone and wood, A hall of learning,dancing with the earth.

Let every young soul, finding life's harmonious song.

ad

re

Sp

Ladybug

Insects

Mourning Cloak White-tailed Deer

Ground Beetle White-tailed Deer

t

ita

ab

H

Earthworm

Hawks

Northern cardinal

Reflections on Reading the Dark Mountain Manifesto

d

Foo

Habitat

Food

Foo

d

Birds

Eastern Bluebird

White-tailed Deer

Northern Flicker Botcat

Sparrows

Common Raccoon

Eastern Fox Squirrel Red Fox

itat

Hab

Habitat Food

Fo

od

Food

Habitat

at

bit

Ha

od

Fo

Virginia Opossum

Hispid Cotton Rat

Eastern Cottontail

Mammals

Location Maps: Stafford, VA

This project is a visionary endeavor to transform an existing preschool into an ecologically interactive learning haven. Inspired by the profound principles outlined in the Black Mountain Manifesto, I have embarked on a self-initiated redesign journey. My journey commenced with a meticulous site analysis, documenting a rich tapestry of ecological species, encompassing both flora and fauna. My overarching goal is to create an immersive space where children can actively engage with nature, fostering a profound ecological awareness and understanding. By harmonizing the built environment with the natural world, this project aspires to instill in young minds a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of our ecosystem, encouraging a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Design Breakdown

3D Printed Bio Habitat Structure

Cultivation Film

3D Printed Structure

Algae Air Filtration Facade

Algae Air Filtration Exterior Walls Second Floor Auditorim Slide to the front yard Existing Structure to Remain Private Circulation Public Circulation

Cultivation Complete

Cultivating

Structure Footing Exploded Axonometric

Eco-Habitat

The primary focus was on the design of a biological air purification system, known as the “Algal Wall,” and the creation of habitat installations for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Algal Wall harnesses the power of water and photosynthesis to efficiently absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus serving as an innovative solution for air purification in both indoor and outdoor environments. The design of the installations aims to provide habitats for local wildlife, creating new living environments. The design have been thoughtfully integrated into the expanded architectural structure, fostering dynamic interactions that provide enriched learning opportunities.

Design Breakdown

Longitudinal Section

[1]

[7]

[6]

[8]

[9]

[11] property

[2] [3] [4] [5] First Floor Plan

[12] property

lines

[13]

[10] Second Floor Plan

lines

[1]

Reception Area

[2]

Principal's Office

[3]

Care Room

[4]

Utility and Storage Room

[5]

Kitchen

[6]

Class Room I

[7]

Class Room II

[8]

Biology Research Courtyard

[9]

Class Room III

[10]

Secondary Office

[11]

Biodiversity Interaction Terrace

[12]

Multipurpose Auditorium

[13]

Biodiversity Interaction Terrace IⅡ

Interaction Demonstration

Interaction I

Biodiversity Interaction Terrace II

Interaction II In the final section, the project comes to life, showcasing the seamless interaction between outdoor platformsand installations and the innovative integration of indoor spaces with the creations. This segment captures an unwavering commitment to crafting immersive learning environments that transcend traditional boundaries.

Augmented Reality (AR) technology enables students to engage in dynamic, interactive experiences, deepening their understanding of the natural world and fostering a lifelong passion for ecological stewardship.The installations provide a hands-on, visually engaging journey where students actively participate in the environment, forging a profound connection between humans and nature. These immersive encounters not only enrich learningbut empower the next generation to champion environmental sustainability. “Interaction Demonstration” embodies the dedication to shaping future leaders who appreciate, protect, and nurture our planet.

Multipurpose Auditorium

04 SHIWEITANG JOINT CENTRE

Development History of Surrounding Environment

Related policies of Liwan District

Tea sales market source and sales scope

Reseach work

—RENOVATION OF SHEK WAI TONG RAILWAY STATION AND SHEK WAI TONG PIER 2023.6 Site:Liwan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province,China Geographic Location

The site is located in Shiweitang Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. The famous sites here are Shiweitang Railway Station and Shiweitang Pier, which are also important areas for the renovation of this project.

This table shows the evolution of traffic around the 11 Tang area in the early 20th century, when the Shiweitang Railway station and pier were built, and in the 1960s, the Pearl River Bridge was completed. In the 1990s, the Pearl River Tunnel, Hedong Bridge and Metro Line 1 were built. At the beginning of the 21st century, Metro Line 5 such as Yifang Bridge and Zhuzhouzui Tunnel were built one after another, and the development of these traffic situations also led to the desolation of Shiweitang Pier and Shiweitang Railway Station.

The southern tea market is mainly sourced from China's Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province, Taiwan Province and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Where is it mainly sold? China and some Southeast Asian countries.

User Analysis & Design Strategy

Regional division

Hand drawing

Model details

Model

Problems in the Area

Wharf

Village life center

Tea museum

Traffic area

Section view

SITE PLAN

Step 1: Determine the general position of the block

Step 2: Lift a piece to form an outdoor platform

Step 3: Build the ramp of the facade according to the position of the internal staircase Step 4: Build the platform needed for the wharf and build the distribution center

Step 5: Connect all Spaces with outdoor platforms

Step 6: Build supporting columns and roofs, and plan green areas

05 PASTORAL MEDITATION Competition

—ITALIAN FARMHOUSE REMODELING Time:2023.8 Site:Lombardy Region, Italy I wanted this abandoned Italian farm to be a place of quiet meditation. During the design process, I noticed that the surrounding pastoral environment can provide meditators with a natural and peaceful meditation space, so I demolished the dilapidated walls of the original building and retained the heavy structure, hoping to create a space that is integrated with nature. It also breaks the old appearance of the past and adds many floor-to-ceiling windows so that people entering the space can still interact with nature. The meditation area is designed to be comfortable and warm, dominated by natural light, with soft tones and natural music, providing a peaceful and focused environment for meditators. The entire design is designed to promote physical and mental balance, allowing people to find inner peace in this transformed venue. The original buildings are arranged in a wraparound style and are 2-3 stories high. In order to provide meditators with a more open environment to view the natural scenery, I built a climbable platform in the center of the site for people to look into the distance and experience the Italian farmland.

The layout of the entire site encourages people to walk in nature and guides people to interact with nature through the design of the environment. This is not only a place for meditation, but also a place that can inspire deep inner peace and tranquility, helping meditators stay away from the hustle and bustle and find a place to rest their souls.

ITALY'S ORIGINS WITH MEDITATION

CURRENT STATUS OF MEDITATION "Discovering meditation feels like finding a peaceful oasis within. It brings calmness, selfdiscovery, and a new sense of balance to my life.

I'm excited about the positive impact it promises on my well-being."

I find solace and peace in my meditation practice. It's like an oasis of calm amidst the chaos of life. It's not just a routine; it's an inner journey where I explore the vast landscape of my thoughts and emotions. Meditation is my refuge, my daily ritual of peace and self-discovery.

Meditation is my sanctuary, where I find tranquility amidst the chaos. It's a daily ritual that empowers me, bringing calmness, clarity, and a deeper connection to myself.

"Discovering meditation has been a lifeline. It brought peace to my mind, soothing the storms within. Each session feels like a step towards light, easing the weight of depression.

THE FLOW OF MEDITATION Check in

79 AD.

1 AD.

A large number of Greek texts showing ancient Roman yoga asanas were discovered in the Villa of the Papyrus Scrolls, a library in the ruins of Herculaneum.

Stoicism is an ancient Greek school of philosophy that spread widely throughout the Roman Empire and emphasized inner peace and wisdom through meditation and self-awareness.

Go to the front desk and check in.

Go here

Go to the meditation site

You have two options, meditate on your own or follow a teacher in a group meditation.

Clean oneself

You can access this site by driving from the parking lot or by walking in through the front door.

Purification is an important step before proceeding to meditation.

Sharing insights with others You can exchange feelings and share insights with others.

Guided Tour

The staff will explain the distribution of buildings in the park and how each space is used.

1182—1226 Franciscan Order focus on contemplation, prayer, and meditation in their practice in pursuit of intimacy with God.

14C-16C Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael believed that inner truth and beauty could be discovered through these.

Pack

Place your carry-on luggage in your room or store it.

FUNCTIONAL CHANGES BEFORE

AFTER

Repository

Cattle pen

Front desk

Swimming

Single Meditation

Accommodation

Farming

Stock raising

Cafeteria

Snapshot

Multi-Person Meditation

CONCEPTUAL INTRODUCTION

Repository The original building was a farmhouse, abandoned because of mechanized development.

This building is mostly an enclosed environment with a dilapidated outer skin that separates man from nature. The surrounding plain is extensive and now overgrown with weeds.

5 OBSERVATION DECK

FRONT VIEW

3 GREEN PORCH

Cattle pen

Pigsty

The building's original dilapidated walls were removed to preserve the load-bearing structure. The entire first floor was opened up to create a good view and access routes. In the center of the complex, a high platform was built for people to look at the surrounding environment.

8 SINGLE YOGA ROOM

11 OUTOOR MEDITATION AREA

Scale 3 0

6(m)

2 SWIMMING POOL

8 SINGLE MEDITATION ROOM

7 DINING ROOM

06 OTHER WORK Academic work 2022.12

HAND-DRAWNING

HAND MODEL

RENDERINGS