Portfolio _ Yujie Xie

NARRATOR [ NARRATOR ]

“Go, go, go beyond, go thoroughly beyond, and establish yourself in enlightenment.”

The Heart Sūtra -

MetAgorae MetAgorae

Citizen Centric Cities _ AADRL 21/23

Citizen Centric Cities _ AADRL 21/23

STUDIO

Shajay Bhooshan

TUTOR

Ariadna Lopez, Leo Bieling

TEAM

Nivedita

Ramachandran, Yujie Xie, Sahar Gohari Moghadam, Swati Singh

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

In London’s highly centralized density, the New London Plan projects that 70 % of future commercial densification will be focused on East and Central London. However, due to gaps in participation and governance in decision-making, the proposed functions don’t align with the community needs. We see the solution to the imbalance in urban densification in decentralizing the projected density model.

That’s why our project – MetAgorae - suggests a series of regional hubs to distribute density and expand cyber-physical districts. These hubs can be spatially customized online, upgraded in real-time, and created in physical form.

Boroughs such as Stratford have the potential to become a major center of attraction, due to the growing population, large area, high capability for commerce and retail development. Therefore, we chose Stratford as our prototype site to test our platform in detail.

The relationship between the physical and the virtual environments rapidly evolved in the past decades, through the use of gamified platforms and most recently the metaverse. MetAgorae proposes an added cyber layer to physical, where users can reach multi-dimensional, multi-party consensus, boost economic activities and enhance productivity. This allows users to socialize, collaborate, and invest in spatial programming and creation in a participatory manner.

Our platform allows multi-party engagement, from citizens, developers, and authorities to determine a spatial programme unique to each borough. Regional centre growth can be simulated based on identity spaces and location on site, generating surrounding building grids in response. Developers can identify similar functions on-site and integrate their proposals nearby, generating large-scale social spaces. Multiple simulations are used to select the best urban aggregation by calculating revenues and user feedback. To satisfy various users’ requirements spatial customization is embedded within the system using digital fabrication systems for material and design efficiency, such as 3D printing and fabric formwork, to host flexible interior needs.

MetAgorae is a cyber-physical hub which aids densification and enables citizens to create their multiple centres.

PARTICIPATORY PLATFORM

Interior Customisation

Cryptocurrency Wallet

High-rise Tower Customisation

Selection

MULTIPLAYER CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Step 1: Choose Structure

Step 2: Choose Function

ARCHITECT REFINEMENT

The process is determined by the choices of users through negotiating between stakeholders to reach a consensus. Architects involved in the platform wil link the space chosen by users, refine it, and produce the result.

Step 3: Choose Location and Place Prefabs Architectural Refinement

CUSTOMISABLE TOWER REUSABLE MATERIAL

the blocks can be dismantled, and be reassembled again at a different location based on user’s selection.

If the construction is no longer needed, the materials can simply be separated and recycled.

Print time : 1:57:00

The tower is constructed by 3d printed concrete segments, combining techniques for mass production and flexsible customisation.

Fabric Formwork System

LOCATION

Hook Park, UK

TUTOR

Shajay Bhooshan, Ariadna Lopez, Leo Bieling

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

The fabric formwork system is one of the fabrication techniques used in the MetAgorae project (The first project completed in AA) to physicalise spaces. The proposal proposes a resultant structure of an aggregation of multiple hypar shells positioned based on the user’s decision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Cable-net Detail Modeling

- Physical Modelmaking

- Process Documentation

PROCEDURE

Step 4 : Concrete Casting

Step 3 : Textile stitch pattern (20 fabric strips)

Step 2 : Tensile Cable System with wires and metal anchors

Step 1 : Timber scaffolding

Academic Team Work

August 2022

CABLE-NET DETAILS

12mm long bolt

M3 metal washer

Rubber washer

M6 metal washer

Wire fastener

TEST

Size: L800*W1000*H300mm

The preparation includes wood components assembly, connections in and between systems, deviation control, and the ratio of ingredients for producing a successful cast.

The CNC-cut timber members have a cross-section of 20 x 20 mm. The joinery system between timber members includes tongue, groove, and screws, respectively.

The cable-net system consists of metal anchor loops screwed to timber structure, able to connect tension cable parts and 2mm thick piano wires. It can achieve relaxation with fabric and concrete due to tensile characteristics. And once the cable net system is installed, the fabric system will be added on top of it.

Cable-net details in the physical model.

Cable-net details in the simulated model.

Cast was removed successfully.

Dynamics Equilibrium Dynamics Equilibrium

- Self-organised System of Swarm Intelligence

GLOBAL BEHAVIOUR - Pattern Finding

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

The project aims to fully understand the boids algorithm and use the system to create extended behaviours. During the research, the particles become agents and are able to influence and interact with the environment by forming their own field. The system enables us to manipulate the behaviour of agents through the issuance of commands and alteration of force levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead DesignerAlgorithm SimulationProcess Documentation -

Neighbour Radius : 1.5

Separation Distance : 0

Separation Strength : 0

Alignment Strength : 0

Cohesion Strength : 5

ATTRACTION_REPULSION

Neighbour Radius : 10

Separation Distance : 10

Separation Strength : 0

Alignment Strength : 0.5

Cohesion Strength : 1

Neighbour Radius : 10

Separation Distance : 0

Separation Strength : 0

Alignment Strength : 0

Cohesion Strength : 0.5

Start Position : Cross

Start Vector : Outwards

Intervenor Position : Pattern

World Width : 64 * 64 * 64

Agent Count : 150

GRID

Control

Start Position : Grid

Start Vector : Outwards

World Width : 64 * 64 * 64

Agent Count : 324

ATTRACTION_REPULSION_GRID

Control Control

Start Position : Cross

Start Vector : Outwards

Intervenor Position : Pattern

World Width : 64 * 64 * 64

Agent Count : 324

LOCAL BEHAVIOUR

- Customised Behaviours I _ Neignbour Radius

When the number of agents within a designated neighbor radius exceeds 5, the color of the agent will change.

- Customised Behaviours I _ Separation Strengh + Separation Distance

When the number of neighbors is fewer than 5, the specified separation rules will activate, causing a change in the movement of agents.

Purge

- Tower of Desirability and Deception

“Once, the world was divided into two parts, the Rich and the Poor. The upper echelons of society have relocated to the top of mountains, where they reside in a technologically advanceqd society with ample resources, referred to as the “Garden of Eden.” In contrast, the rest of the population contended with the harsh conditions on the ground.

The inhabitants of the Poor began to flock to the good part of the divided world fighting for more resources. If this situation is allowed to continue, resource equalization will harm the interests of the rich. To prevent frequent outbreaks of social unrest, the Rich built a healing tower at the bottom of their residences to help the Poor repair their damage and indulge in fantasies. “

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead designer of design scheme

- Lead designer of architecture design

- Graphic design

Academic Team Work

December 2018

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE RENDERING

The bathhouse intensifies the sense of touch. It works to eliminate the negative feelings such as anger, nausea, and exhaustion for participants, encourages indulgence and facilitates fantasy in the immersive pavilions afterward.

Experience inside the Maze is customised. Tour routes are designed to introduce new forms of behaviour for participants. Moving walls creating a dynamic spatial experience invite participants to actively engage in private fantasies and the pursuit of desires.

Reveal hidden motivations, desires, and impulses for the system to identify and customize the experience. It aims to reclaim private experiences and public fantasies to customise the tour later.

The wealthy inhabits a utopian society characterized by advanced technology, education, and luxurious living conditions supported by ample resources.

The immersive pavilion is the wonderland of fantasy. Elaborate networks of ducts emit various mixtures of gasses to create aromatic and hallucinogenic experiences. Moods of exhilaration, serenity, and receptivity can be evoked invisibly in programmed rhythms and visuals. After the experience, participants’ depressed energy and negative desires will be channelled out, and they will experience an exhilarating new sensation of the unfolding spectacle.

GROUND LEVEL

The Poor contends with the harsh conditions on the ground without resources. Social unrest breaks out frequently.

Topology Optimization

Topology optimization has been used as a form-finding technique to generate optimised structural configurations on the basis of variable fitness criteria. Three-dimensional tessellation systems and geometrical unrolling procedures have been subsequently used to rationalise and translate complex three-dimensional geometric topologies into flat sheets. Material bending and curve folding capabilities have been analysed and strategized to assemble large-scale physical models.

The project is based on research into digital form-finding techniques for structural topology optimization and the physical prototyping of geometric topologies using flat sheet materials.

Pierandrea Anguis, Meysam Ehsanian Mofrad

Triangulation

Triangulation

Gradation based on height

Panelization

Gradation based on tension points

High Tension

HopeLand

- Refugee Transition Zone -

“With the ongoing conflict and the widespread deconstruction in Syria, millions of refugees are running away from their homeland. Of three routes smuggling into Europe, the route across the Mediterranean is the fastest and the most dangerous one. Over 40,000 refugees had died because of accidents, such as boat disintegration, unpredictable weather, resource shortage, and poor medical care. This Project - HopeLand - proposes to set up the sustainable refugee transition complex, that conforms to the characteristics and living habits of refugees, on Kos Island, Greece.”

SITE ANALYSIS

Refugee Transition Zone

Maritime Rescue Range (Marine rescue ship)

Air Rescue Range (Air medical helicopter)

Marine Guidance Area (Guiding refugee boats)

Central Port (Convergence of shipping routes)

Port Terminal

To address the refugee crisis, Turkey has increased its annual fiscal expenditure, issued a growing number of work permits, and taken steps to meet the basic needs of refugees.

Despite data showing no impact on local crime rates, a significant portion (62.3%) of Turkish residents remain concerned that the influx of Syrian refugees may disturb social morality and peace.

As of 2019, Turkey has taken in over 3.6 million registered refugees and has provided roughly 30 billion dollars in aid to support them. Turkey has been working to address the refugees’ needs by granting them legal status, providing basic necessities, promoting employment and education opportunities, and mitigating local impacts.

Emergency Route (From refugee transition camps to hospitals)

Emergency (Sites that provide medical services)

Urban Hospital

Central City

Architecture

Agricultural Area

TURKEY

Smuggling of Migrants by

Boat Disintegration

Unpredictable Weather

Resource Shortages

Since 2011, Syria has been experiencing a complex civil war involving various militant groups. These groups can be primarily divided into four factions: the government’s Syrian Armed Forces, Sunni rebel groups, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the widespread destruction of the country and displacement of its citizens, leading to a significant refugee crisis.

Poor Medical Conditions

Greece, serving as a gateway for refugees to Europe, is facing challenges in effectively addressing the immigration crisis due to limited funds. Many refugees face shortages of food, healthcare, and housing. Additionally, many lack proper documentation to enter Europe.

KOS ISLAND, GREECE

Sea

SYRIA

INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE ZONE

Library

Truck driver

Machine

Dissolving Boundary

- Urban Community Design

LOCATION

Beijing, China

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

RESPONSIBILITIES

Group discussion for thesis researchLead designer of architecture and landscapeDetail drawings -

As a historically and culturally rich neighbourhood with strong connections to both history and universities, Wudaokou is a fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, the proliferation of uncounted walls and boundaries has fragmented the interpersonal communication spaces in this region. It is urgent to break down these physical boundaries for incoming urban regeneration.

The project - Dissolving Boundary - proposes a flowing and open urban community that can accommodate the needs of multiparties, including students, residents, and entrepreneurs. It serves as a central park for the Wudaokou region and the starting point for further development. By breaking down physical boundaries and fostering more excellent connectivity, it aims to enhance the vitality of the urban centre and improve the quality of life for those who reside in Wudaokou.

MORPHOGENESIS

The design’s centrepiece is the walking experience, which is achieved by focusing on the central walkway that runs through the site and air corridors on different layers. By enhancing the connection between the squares and buildings, this design creates a cohesive and functional environment that satisfies both the site conditions and the needs of the crowd.

GENERATION PROCESS

1-1 SECTION _ COMMERCIAL AREA

2-2 SECTION _ RESIDENTIAL AREA

MAIN SQUARES ON SITE

The landscape design features four main gathering squares interconnected by a central walkway running through the site.

The squares provide adequate evacuation, gathering, and social spaces for users in commercial areas and residential areas respectively.

THEATER + MARKET

COMMERCIAL MALL

BICYCLE HALL

Entrance Square

Civic Square

MONUMENT

COMMERCIAL AREA DESIGN

COMMERCIAL MALL

The commercial mall integrates the existing commercial formats.

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

It is linked to the Wudaokou subway station, providing convenient access to the site.

BICYCLE HALL

Bicycles are the primary mode of transportation for college students and employees in the Wudaokou area. To accommodate this, the bicycle hall is designed as a central parking facility offering temporary storage, rental, and sales services.

The ground landscape is extended to the roof of the building, allowing people to freely explore different elevations and enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding urban landscape.

THEATER + MARKET

The theater is a historic landmark in Wudaokou, preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The original building structure is preserved, and the stage has been relocated from indoors to outdoors to enliven public space.

The monument is a history exhibition hall showcasing the evolution of Wudaokou, offering visitors an immersive experience of its development.

RESIDENTIAL AREA DESIGN

The residential area is arranged radially around the square, linked to one another via air corridors. This design offers a variety of room types to cater to the diverse needs of the residents, ensuring that their living experience is comfortable and convenient and fostering a sense of community.

FLOOR PLAN (ECONOMICAL RESIDENCE)

FLOOR PLAN (LOFT)

FLOOR PLAN (STANDARD RESIDENCE)

TYPICAL

Exhibition Hall

Cultural Relics Restoration LOCATION

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

In today’s cultural relics exhibitions, the public is often limited to a static process of viewing from fixed angles. The projects aim to revolutionize the exhibition experience by introducing a new way of interacting with ancient relics. Through multi-angle viewing and the restoration process, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to actively engage with the artefacts, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of their historical context.

Office Renovation

Selected Work Samples _ Beijing

The detailed design of the theater’s office space carefully considers the environmental characteristics of the surrounding area, including the acoustic, light, and thermal environment.

Through using appropriate construction materials and cost-effective construction methods, the design seeks to create a harmonious and comfortable office environment for theater staff.

Baoshan Middle School

- Selected Work Samples _ Beijing

While developing academic research, Yujie has put what she has learned into practice in 7 practical projects, actively involved in concept design to design development processes of leisure, cultural, residential and commercial projects.

These invaluable experiences helped her gain a comprehensive understanding of workflows in an architectural office, while significantly enhancing her skills in detailed design and interpersonal communication. It further solidified her dedication to delivering successful architectural outcomes.

CLASSROOM FLOOR PLAN 1:50

COMPREHENSIVE DEMONSTRATION LABORATORY FLOOR PLAN 1:50

1-1 SECTION 1:150

YUJIE XIE [ YUJIE XIE ]

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS