Aaron Wong | University of Waterloo Architecture Portfolio (Fall 2023)

AARON WONG VOL 4 / 2023

Phone: +1 (780) 680-7380

Email: a332wong@uwaterloo.ca

HI THERE, I’M AARON!

I am currently a fourth year undergraduate student attending the University of Waterloo’s Bachelor’s of Architecture Program.

Architecture is such a comprehensive profession that has the ability to touch the lives of many people in ways that most don’t notice. That is something that I realized early on as I began studying. The potential to impact the way people live and move in a positive manner is something that has kept me interested in pursuing this profession.

I believe in context-based design that grounds itself in relevant background studies and local engagement. This approach acknowledges the role that architecture has as a participant in shaping social and cultural relationships within society. This, in turn, works towards thoughtful and meaningful designs that spark new dialogue and challenge current ideas.

I am excited to continue to learn, discover, and work on creating more equity and diversity within the built environment in the future.

CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION

University of Waterloo - Cambridge, Canada — Bachelor of Architectural Studies

SEPTEMBER 2020 - PRESENT

Lund University - Lund, Sweden — Exchange Student, Master of Architectural Studies

AUGUST 2023 - JANUARY 2024

Old Scona Academic High School - Edmonton, Canada — Alberta Diploma

SEPTEMBER 2017 - JUNE 2020

WORK EXPERIENCE

WXY Architecture & Urban Design, New York - Architectural Intern

MAY 2023 - AUG 2023

Perkins & Will, Vancouver - Student Intern Designer

SEPT 2022 - DEC 2022

Wallman Architects, Toronto - Architectural Assistant

JAN 2022 - MAY 2022

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Speechdojo, Nonprofit Organization, Edmonton — Graphic Designer and Videographer

JULY 2020 - MAY 2022

RootUp Organization, Edmonton - Graphic Designer

SEPTEMBER 2020 - AUGUST 2021

AWANA Christian Youth Outreach Program, North Edmonton Alliance Church — Group Leader and Secretary

SEPTEMBER 2015 - MAY 2020

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

F_RMLab Design and Fabrication Group, Waterloo Architecture, Waterloo— Member

SEPT - DEC 2021

Old Scona Academic High School Graduation Council, Edmonton— Executive member

MAY 2019 - JUNE 2020

North Edmonton Alliance Church’s Youth Group Committee, Edmonton — Chairman

MAY 2016 - JUNE 2020

DIGITAL SKILLS

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Indesign

Adobe Premiere Pro

Rhinoceros 3D

Grasshopper

Enscape

Lumion

Revit

BIM360

Autocad

Microsoft Suite

Bluebeam Revu

ANALOG SKILLS

Hand Drafting

Model Making

Laser Cutting

CNC Milling

3D Printing

Woodworking

ACHIEVEMENTS

President’s ScholarshipUniversity of Waterloo

JUNE 2020

Academic Honours with Distinction Award - Old Scona Academic High School

JUNE 2018, 2019, 2020

Honourable Mention - Arch8 “The Callow” Competition

DECEMBER 2022

W X Y architecture + urban design

Tom O fford Senior Associate

WXY Architecture + Urban Design

New York, NY, 10007

September 20, 2023

To Whom It May Concern,

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Aaron Wong, who was a valued member of our team at WXY Architecture + Urban Design. During his internship with our firm, Aaron consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and a personable demeanor that made him an asset to the teams he worked on.

One of Aaron's strengths was his ability to assist in the development of Design Development and Construction Document stage drawings for various projects. His attention to detail, Revit proficiency, and thoughtful interpretation of feedback and direction improved the accuracy and quality of the d rawings he worked on. Aaron's proficiency with software tools such as Revit, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite was instrumental to his success here.

Aaron's independent model -making skills were also impressive. He demonstrated a knack for transforming abstract design concepts into well executed models. His craftsmanship and creative approach to model making not only aided in our design process but also served as effective communication tools when presenting our ideas to clients . Additionally, Aaron's collegial manner and teamwork were exceptional, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where ideas flowed freely .

Aaron Wong is a skilled and personable professional who exhibited great promise in his role at WXY. His technical proficiency, particularly in the use of design software, his ability to contribute effectively to project development, and his exceptional model -making skills set him apart. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his future endea vors and be an asset to any organization fortunate enough to have him on their team. He has our wholehearted recommendation.

Sincerely,

Tom Offord

WXY architecture + urban design

Date: 1.9.2023

Aaron Wong

Re: Letter of reference

To whom it may concern,

Aaron worked in our Vancouver studio for a duration of approximately 3 months. During his term he joined our team on the Brentwood project; a complicated 1.5 million sf development with office, civic, retail, and residential tenures.

Aaron has a strong work ethic, excellent rigor, and is a quick learner; as demonstrated with his project delivery through a platform that was new to him (REVIT). He has very good verbal and graphic-communications skills; and is an excellent team player. He is proactive, and inquisitive; asking questions when clarity is required. This is a critical character trait that is important for growth, and it will serve him well as he continues to develop in his career.

I would highly recommend him for future placement at work terms.

Sincerely,

Senior Design, Project manager Perkins&Will

June 1st, 2022

Re: Employment Reference Letter for Aaron Wong

June 1st, 2022

To Whom it May Concern,

Re: Employment Reference Letter for Aaron Wong

June 1st, 2022

To Whom it May Concern,

I would like to recommend Aaron Wong as a candidate for a position with your organization. In his position as Architectural Assistant, Aaron was employed at our firm from January 2022 – May 2022. During that time, he worked on a variety of mid, and high‐rise residential projects located in the City of Toronto; primarily, he was involved in design development and the preparation of Marketing drawings including unit plan design and marketing layouts, Rezoning and Site Plan Approval drawings.

Re: Employment Reference Letter for Aaron Wong

I would like to recommend Aaron Wong as a candidate for a position with your organization. In his position as Architectural Assistant, Aaron was employed at our firm from January 2022 – May 2022. During that time, he worked on a variety of mid, and high‐rise residential projects located in the City of Toronto; primarily, he was involved in design development and the preparation of Marketing drawings including unit plan design and marketing layouts, Rezoning and Site Plan Approval drawings.

Aaron has been more than capable and extremely conscientious in all his tasks. He is a great team member, always willing and wanting to learn and contributing positively to our work environment. He utilized his abilities, curiosity, and positive attitude to the benefit of the projects and project team he was involved in. He has a great design sense and quickly adapted to the challenges of the work. He would be an asset to any employer, and I recommend him for any endeavour he chooses to pursue. He moved on from our office to continue his undergraduate education and we wish him well in all his future efforts.

To Whom it May Concern,

I would like to recommend Aaron Wong as a candidate for a position with your organization.

Aaron has been more than capable and extremely conscientious in all his tasks. He is a great team member, always willing and wanting to learn and contributing positively to our work environment. He utilized his abilities, curiosity, and positive attitude to the benefit of the projects and project team he was involved in. He has a great design sense and quickly adapted to the challenges of the work. He would be an asset to any employer, and I recommend him for any endeavour he chooses to pursue. He moved on from our office to continue his undergraduate education and we wish him well in all his future efforts.

If you would care to contact me directly, I would be more than happy to provide a personal and more in‐depth recommendation.

Architectural Assistant, Aaron was employed at our firm from January 2022 – May 2022. During worked on a variety of mid, and high‐rise residential projects located in the City of Toronto; involved in design development and the preparation of Marketing drawings including unit marketing layouts, Rezoning and Site Plan Approval drawings.

Sincerely,

If you would care to contact me directly, I would be more than happy to provide a personal and more in‐depth recommendation.

Wallman Architects

Sincerely, Wallman Architects

Aaron has been more than capable and extremely conscientious in all his tasks. He is a great willing and wanting to learn and contributing positively to our work environment. He utilized and positive attitude to the benefit of the projects and project team he was involved in. He sense and quickly adapted to the challenges of the work. He would be an asset to any employer, him for any endeavour he chooses to pursue. He moved on from our office to continue his education and we wish him well in all his future efforts.

Michael Panacci

416‐340‐1870 ext 227

If you would care to contact me directly, I would be more than happy to provide a personal recommendation.

Sincerely,

117 Peter Street, Suite 208 Toronto, ON M5V 0M3

t: 416 340 1870

Wallman Architects

www.wallmanarchitects.com

SPECTRA

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

APRIL 2023

RHINO / ILLUSTRATOR / PHOTOSHOP / INDESIGN

SELECTED WORKS

The Fairway Station transit area is influenced by unique factors and challenges. The Vanier neighbourhood has relatively affordable housing, but half the community in unsuitable/unaffordable housing conditions, and suffers from pockets of unfriendly and unapproachable spaces. Spectra aims to tackle some of these issue present within the Fairway area by offering transitional, support, and social housing options for a wide spectrum of individuals who would benefit from services and spaces to transition back into independent and responsible living. Being steps away from the LRT station positions this housing in a highly activate and public space, which will help encourage growth not only between residents, but more importantly connect these people to the greater community.

The building itself is designed in a way to empower and provide agency to individuals, with units designed specifically to target users that fall within the spectrum of housing outlined earlier. Another spectrum of personal and communal agency varies as one goes up or down the building, all to support growth and foster a sense of community and belonging. Ultimately, the hope is that with support, these residents can eventually reintegrate back into society and give back to the community in a greater act of reciprocity.

4-5F UNIT TYPE SOCIAL HOUSING

INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS AND ARE PREPARING TO LIVE INDEPENDANTLY WITHOUT SUPERVISION OR ARE IN A LOW-INCOME SITUATION

3F UNIT TYPE SUPPORT HOUSING

INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WELL ALONG SUPPORT & TRAINING PROGRAMS AND ARE CAPABLE OF PARTICIPATING IN A CO-LIVING SITUATION

2F UNIT TYPE TRANSITONAL HOUSING

INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH SOME SUPPORT & REHABILITATION BUT REQUIRE SUPERVISION AND CHECKUPS IN A CO-LIVING SITUATION

TYPICAL SOCIAL UNIT 1:50

TYPICAL SUPPORT UNIT 1:50

TYPICAL TRANSITIONAL UNIT 1:50

SOCIAL

5th FLOOR PRIVATE EXTENDED SPACE

SOCIAL

4th FLOOR PRIVATE EXTENDED SPACE

SUPPORT

3rd FLOOR UNIT & FLOOR COMMON SPACE

TRANSITIONAL

2nd FLOOR UNIT & FLOOR COMMON SPACE

COMMUNITY SERVICES

GROUND FLOOR PUBLIC AMENITY

RESIDENTIAL CORRIDOR

OPEN ATRIUM

GUADALUPE RIVER REFUGE

JUSTICE & REHABILITATION

NOVEMBER 2022 / COMPETITION

RHINO / ENSCAPE / ILLUSTRATOR / PHOTOSHOP / INDESIGN

IN COLLABORATION WITH ANDREW MCDONALD

HONORABLE MENTION IN ARCH8 “THE CALLOW” COMPETITION

SELECTED WORKS

The Guadalupe River Refuge rethinks the American penitentiary system from one that is based in punishment to one that is based on wellbeing and education. This site is based North of San Antonio, Texas, by the Guadalupe River. This site was chosen because Texas’s juvenile system is currently nearing total collapse, with juveniles facing harsh living conditions.

Having the site organized like a campus allows for the juveniles to have a “commute” to their daily activies where the planned circulation will take them through native vegetation and natural breezeways coming from the dam. A humane approach is used in the design, focusing on the wellbeing and development of the juvenile. Spaces are more generous so not to trigger any anxiety or fear, and warm and neutral materials are used across all the buildings. Direct visual access to outdoors are available in all rooms and buildings and access to water on site exist to instill peace and a sense of respite for the juveniles.

MAJOR PROGRAMMING

LEARNING

CLASSROOMS

FINE ARTS SPACE

LIBRARY

COMPUTER LAB

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

COMMUNITY

CAFETERIA SPACE

KITCHEN

GAREN/ORCHARD

WATERFRONT SPACE

ACTIVITY

DANCE STUDIO

SPORTS FIELD

GYMNNASIUM PLAYGROUND

LIVING

JUVENILE RESIDENCES

STAFF RESIDENCES

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

COUNSELOR’S OFFICE

ADMINISTRATION

PARKING LOT

RECEPTION

OFFICES

CONFERENCE ROOM

SECURITY OFFICE

REST: PERSONAL QUARTERS

VIEW OF CAMPUS ACROSS THE LAKE

REACTIVATING FAIRWAY

URBAN MASTERPLANNING

FEBRUARY 2023

RHINO / ENSCAPE / ILLUSTRATOR / PHOTOSHOP / INDESIGN

IN COLLABORATION WITH BRIANNA KLEI, NATHAN CHOI, AND NAYA SANCHEZ

SELECTED WORKS

The Waterloo Region’s ION LRT system is a recently completed rapid transit system for the greater municipality. Regional authorities are looking to future planning and strategies to develop strong transit oriented design along this LRT corridor and its various stops. Fairway station is the terminus station along the track, currently servicing a large shopping mall and other plazes and strip malls. This neighbourhood development vision seeks to transform the neighbourhood and commercial area around the station into a vibrant multigeneration community. These design principles guide the project’s development:

1. Develop Fairway into a transportation and community hub

2. Create substantial connectivity between surrounding communities and the central hub for both pedestrians,cyclists, and motorists.

3. Construct safe, direct, and convenient pedestrian access to all amenities.

4. Establish a multi-generational diverse community where residents are encouraged to linger and socialize.

5. Provide ample support for the Indigenous community in the surrounding area.

SELECTED WORKS

IMPROVING CIRCULATION

DEFINING STREETS AS LIVING SPACES - A STAGE WHERE PEOPLE”S LIVES PLAY OUT

TRANSIT CORRIDOR

BUFFERING BETWEEN VEHICLE, CYCLIST, AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC

DESIGN STRATEGIES & STREET HIERARCHY

GREEN BOULEVARDS & WIDE SIDEWALKS

RAISED SPEED TABLES TO CONTROL VEHICLE SPEED

OPTIMIZED ACCESSIBILITY FOR WHEELCHAIRS & STROLLERS

ATERIAL ROAD

MAJOR COLLECTOR ROAD

[DYS] ORDER

MUSEUM & EXHIBITION

JUNE 2022 / COMPETITION

RHINO / LUMION / ILLUSTRATOR / PHOTOSHOP / INDESIGN

IN COLLABORATION WITH LYDIA XIA AND JENNY CHEN

SUBMITTED TO BEE BREEDERS MUSEUM OF EMOTIONS COMPETITION

SELECTED WORKS

A museum that hosts architectural experimentations and moments as the work of an exhibition. The two halls explore Chaos and Calm as architectural drivers. The design questions architectural organizations, geometries, and ideas of order and disorder through a socio-political lens.

What does a calm space afford us?

What does a chaotic space take from us?

Can architecture truly be driven by chaos or is that notion contradictory?

Is there an intersection of order and disorder, calm and chaos. Can one be found in the other?

The spaces play with factors that include light, circulation, viewpoints, planes of a wall, floor, and thresholds to manifest both emotions in tectonic experiences.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

WXY ARCHITECTURE + URBAN DESIGN

PROJECT: HITHER HILLS BATHHOUSE

EARLY SCHEMATIC MODEL ITERATIONS

SELECTED WORKS

Various modelmaking projects completed during my internship at WXY Studio. Models were used to aid with design development and presentation material. this work was done in parallel to drafting work done in Revit/Rhino to develop drawing sets.

TOOLS: RHINO / LASERCUTTING / HAND MODELLING

MODEL DIMENSIONS: 0.7m x 0.4m [1/128 scale]

PROJECT: JONES BEACH EAST BATHHOUSE SPRAY PARK

TOOLS: RHINO / LASERCUTTING /3D PRINTING / HAND MODELLING

MODEL DIMENSIONS: 1.2m x 0.5m [1/128 scale] IN COLLABORATION WITH VARIOUS WXY TEAM MEMBERS

PROJECT: ROCHESTER AQUEDUCT PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

IN COLLABORATION WITH VARIOUS WXY TEAM MEMBERS

TOOLS: RHINO / LASERCUTTING / 3D PRINTING/ HAND MODELLING

MODEL DIMENSIONS: 2.6m x 0.8m [1/64 scale]

WORKING MODEL HAD THE OPTION TO CONFIGURE BETWEEN EXISTING ROAD BED CONDITION AND PROPOSED DESIGNS

INVESTIGATION: CHINESE GARDEN

WINDOWS

RESEARCH & FABRICATION

AUGUST 2022

RHINO / GRASSHOPPER / LASERCUTTING

SELECTED WORKS

The Chinese Garden window is an architectural element that possesses functional purposes of providing light, ventilation, and framing views. However, it also has experiential and ideological purpose in composing a sequential unfolding narrative. These complex windows have cultural, historical, and artistic significance that has been lost in modern landscape architecture. Contemporary design seeks to return to an ideology grounded in the built environment’s connection with nature. To inherit the tradition of Chinese window design and to understand the principles behind that design are both integral parts of this return to the natural environment.

This exploration investigates the origins of these Chinese garden window designs with the intention to recreate, further elaborate, and reestablish them within contemporary contexts. After initial analysis, the project turns towards parametric models of pattern generation and digital fabrication methods to improve efficiency and add complexity.

PHASE 1: HISTORICAL INVESTIGATION

The first phase of the report outlines the background research conducted to understand and distill the broad history of Chinese garden windows. Relevant research was divided into 2 parts that hone in on design motivations and intentions behind this typology.

PART 1: STUDY OF CHINESE GARDEN DESIGN

1. Origins

2. Spiritual philosophies

3. Fengshui

4. Painting & Poetry

5. Composition & Design Strategies

PART 2: STUDY OF GARDEN WINDOW DESIGN

1. Influences

2. Styles

3. Materials & Techniques

The scope of the windows investigated in this exploration includes those in the private gardens from the Qing Dynasty, located in Southern Chinese cities. These cities located next to the Yangtse River (Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Yangzhou) embraced milder climates and lush vegetation which produced gardens with archetypal walls pierced with openings and screens that prioritized the views of landscapes.

SELECTED WORKS

PHASE 2: PARAMETRIC RECREATION

Three styles of garden window were chosen for deeper analysis. These styles represent some of the more commonly found window types and cover varied categories of type and form.

PHASE 3: FABRICATION

The final phase of the investigation was taking the digitally created designs and iterations of the three windows chosen and lasercutting the frames from several materials. Initial tests were done with millboard sheets, then basswood sheets, and finally MDF wood for the final fabricated windows. Various tests on sizing and thicknesses were conducted to find a suitable feel and look.

ICE CRACK STYLE FLOWER STYLE

DIGITAL ANALYSIS & ITERATION USING GRASSHOPPER

ANTIQUE LATTICE STYLE

AKIN

FURNITURE DESIGN

APRIL 2023 / COMPETITION

RHINO / LUMION / WOODWORKING MACHINERY

IN COLLABORATION WITH LYDIA XIA AND ANDREW MCDONALD

SUBMITTED TO THE “KENGO KUMA & HIGASHIKAWA” KAGU DESIGN COMPETITION

SELECTED WORKS

With the increased frequency of social isolation and physical confinement due to the COVID pandemic, technology has taken over our ability to create deep, intimate, and memorable moments with the outside. AKIN attempts to envision a lifestyle that reclaims our precious connections with others and with the natural environment. It creates an opportunity for people to slow down, take our time, and cultivate intimacy through open air activities. The unique form of AKIN allows for users to sit facing each other, without barriers, creating a space of connection in what was previously empty.

Designed for easy assembly, AKIN celebrates wood craft and joinery, becoming a versatile piece of furniture that can adapt to any situation. It is made with simple plywood to form six pieces that can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled. Two long pieces are joined with dovetail connections to create a surface that can slide in and out. Four identical support pieces provide flexible legs, backrests, and activity surfaces. AKIN acts as a chair, a bench, a table, and an intimate space.

KEYWORDS GUIDING DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:

OPEN AIR – CRAFT, CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - FLEXIBILITY - USABILITY - USER CONNECTION

INITIAL ITERATIONS

Because the competition design was developed only digitally, complex iterations were created more liberally and with less of an intent of physical fabrication past developing a digital model. When deciding to fabricate it, the difficulty of translating into a physical medium given the real-world constraints of materials, physics, and wood-working resources became apparent.

Test models needed to be created to begin understanding the real-world physics and mechanics of a bench, and after several iterations and consultations, a modified design was made while maintaining the original core design principles.

SECNARIOS OF USE + FINAL RENDERED SEATING