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Portfolio of Xu Zekai For the application to MArch Cinematic and Videogame Architecture, Bartlett, UCL
From 1/2000 to 1/20
Stadtumbau : Renovation of the Nanjing Library
Team work Date : 2024.3-2024.4
Tutor : Wei Chen, Xingyu Shao, Ruizhi Cheng, Southeast University,cw1212@seu.edu.cn
Team Member: Yi Jiang
Independently undertake all the design and drawings, cooperate to complete the model
The design site is located along Chengxian Street in Nanjing, a place with a rich history as the former location of the Ming Dynasty's Imperial Academy, imbued with profound historical heritage and cultural connotations. The site, formerly known as the Jiangnan Library, stands as the only historical building open to the public in the historic district of Chengxian Street, serving as a cultural link between the past and the present. Consequently, the designer has decided to transform it into a significant public open space, aiming to allow residents in the surrounding area to experience the continuation of the cultural lineage.
The site is flanked by two significant interfaces— the historic Chengxian Street and the picturesque Pearl River. Along Chengxian Street, high-rise buildings stand tall, showcasing the prosperity of the modern city; while the Pearl River banks offer a tranquil and beautiful setting, creating a harmonious "mountain-supported, water-adjacent" layout for the entire site. However, the connection between the street and the river is severed by the existing buildings. Thus, the designer opted to position the site with its back to the bustling Chengxian Street and facing the serene Pearl River, using the riverbank as the primary landscape interface and meticulously designing the site to reconnect Chengxian Street with the Pearl River both visually and physically. Based on thorough site research, a comprehensive assessment of the historical value, structural stability, and usage conditions of the buildings within the site was conducted. Illegally constructed parts within the site were demolished, and sections with strong structural adaptability and lower historical value were selected for renovation, while parts with a rich history and poor structural adaptability were preserved
The designers aim to enrich the site with two key architectural functions: a historical lecture hall and a cultural exhibition hall. To honor the preservation of the significant historical buildings on the south side, they have carefully managed the building density. By enclosing two library buildings on the north side with a central atrium, they have created a two-story lecture hall on the lower level and an arts exhibition space above, knitting the northern buildings into a cohesive unit. This strategy not only optimizes the use of space on the southern side, resulting in a new urban historical park, but also opens up the ground floor of the historical building as a café, inviting urban engagement. The four-story north building, connected to the atrium, has been tastefully renovated to leverage floor height variations, effectively merging indoor and outdoor public spaces and forming a harmonious entity within the site's public areas. This approach respects the historical context, enhances public space functionality, and seamlessly blends the old with the new in a dynamic and harmonious manner.
With an emphasis on axial alignment and spatial that faces the square has been designated as the project. This decision aligns with the overarching a seamless public space. Steel structural beams employed on this facade to construct arcades, which areas that were previously centralized within the building's periphery, namely the atrium and the corridors, thereby intact functional space.
To preserve the historic building, the additional platform be self-supporting. Vertically, the facade's rhythm the strategic setbacks of the arcades, while the two-story on the exterior correspond to and hint at the public building Horizontally, the original building's sequence ground floor is transformed into floor-to-ceiling glass space that is open and accessible to all, and the through changes in window openings that reflect the the building.
This approach not only respects the historical context the functionality and visual appeal of the public spaces, with the new in a harmonious and dynamic manner.
spatial hierarchy, the facade the main façade of the overarching concept of creating beams and columns are which reposition the traffic building's volume to the thereby restoring a more platform is designed to rhythm is redefined through two-story steel columns public spaces within the sequence is maintained; the glass to create a public first floor is articulated the public spaces inside context but also enhances spaces, integrating the old manner.
Individual work
Date : 2024.12-2025.1
Instructor : Lu
In the story of Oppenheimer, the destructive weapon is seen as a double-edged sword. Some regard it as a means of redemption from suffering, while others treat it as a bargaining chip in the pursuit of fame and fortune. For some, it is a trophy of victory in struggle. Amidst a world of deceit and self-interest, those with pure intentions are constantly entangled and manipulated.
There is no true protagonist in this story, yet everyone is a creator of the narrative. If we fail to seek common ground, to collaborate and embrace diversity, to care for the fate of humanity, and to confront the truth, then succumbing to self-destruction becomes the ultimate irony and perhaps the will of a higher power.
In this architectural design project, I have drawn inspiration from the significant moments and emotional trajectories in Oppenheimer's life depicted in the film. By extracting these elements into spatial concepts and transforming them into architectural forms, I aim to create a War Memorial Hall. It is my hope that through this memorial, people will be able to reflect on history, introspect about
PROMETHEUS STOLE FIRE FROM THE GODS AND GAVE IT TO MAN
FOR THIS HE WAS CHAINED TO A ROCK AND TORTURED FOR ETERNITY
In the gloom of rain, Oppenheimer grappled with depression and inner turmoil. It was a wise mentor who showed him the way. His dreams of his hometown steadied his heart. Amid the heights of science, he emerged transformed, bringing physics back to his roots.
After the success of the nuclear test, the principle of “when the birds are gone, the bow is put away” seemed to come true. The scientific experiment had become a tool of politics, and scientists had turned into the catalysts of history and war. Oppenheimer found himself in a moral quagmire.
Oppenheimer swiftly established himself as a towering figure in the world of physics. As his influence grew, he ventured into the realm of politics, savored the joys of love, and founded the nuclear testing center in his beloved hometown of Los Alamos.
Creator
It was the beginning: the encounter of two giants. Oppenheimer, carrying his insights, approached Einstein. He did not know that the door he was about to open might lead to a new star in science—or a star of doom.
Faced with the oppression of politics and power, he resisted with all his might. He did not care about becoming a so-called “martyr.” In his heart, there was only concern and remorse for the fate of humanity.
"Batter my heart, three-person'd god."
Creator
In this scene, inspired by the meeting between Oppenheimer and Einstein by the lakeside, the water-covered stepping stones symbolize Oppenheimer's arduous journey of exploration and learning in the gloomy rain. approaches the tall tower, he is about to open the door to the world of science creation.
Oppenheimer brought the spark physics back to his homeland. People gathered around him, basking in the warmth of the flame.
In the besieged town, research that would detonate the world was underway. Beneath the seemingly tranquil and selfsufficient facade of the town, undercurrents surged, and the dark clouds of politics and power loomed overhead.
The euphoria of the successful test was fleeting. Soon, Oppenheimer found himself ensnared by moral dilemmas and the oppressive weight of political power. Under the external pressure and selfreproach, he struggled to find a way to redeem everything.
Political persecution and belated honors have both faded into the past. In the end, Oppenheimer’s eyes were filled with concern for humanity’s fate, and his heart was left with only remorse for delivering the instruments of destruction into human hands.
between lakeside, symbolize exploration As he to push science and
In this segment, the spacious entrance signifies Oppenheimer's rising status and confidence. The well-lit, tranquil triangular prism represents his joy and peace in bringing science to his hometown. Another triangular space symbolizes Los Alamos, where regular columns, windows, and exterior railings imply the area's oppression and containment by politics and power.
Interlocking walls, dim and narrow doorways, heavy iron grids overhead, and shattered floors—after the brief light and joy of the successful experiment, Oppenheimer falls into a complex web of internal and external dilemmas.
The atrium, inspired by the high tower housing the atomic bomb, is divided into two parts. The upper section features a suspended eternal flame, symbolizing Prometheus' light. The lower section, with its stark contrasts, evokes a sense of oppression, confronting visitors with the pain of war and humanity's precarious future.
CHAPEL OF REPENTANCE
Beijing Sixth Ring High Line Park Design
Date:2024.8-2024.11
Promoted from Internship Program in Atelier Liu YuYang Architects
Team Member: Yuyang Liu, Miao Yu, Ziheng Wu
Participate in the designing,drawing and model production in the Stage Section ,partly participate in the drawing of the
The design site is located in Tongzhou, Beijing, and revolves around the existing abandoned Sixth Ring Road viaduct. Confronted with issues such as the fragmentation of the transportation system, the disintegration of the ecological foundation, and the scattered nature of the business types, our innovative design proposal aims to address these challenges. By transforming the abandoned viaduct into an elevated park, we have not only effectively mended the fragmented site but also designed four distinctive nodes that connect the urban and landscape spaces on both sides of the city through the elevated park. Furthermore, we have meticulously integrated large public buildings and small way stations, treating the site's issues with the precision of a surgical procedure, thereby enhancing and improving the area significantly.
The two service stations I participated in designing showcase the essence of modular architecture, with excellent adaptability to their respective sites. The folding and upturning of the roofs skillfully direct the gaze towards the distant mountains, enhancing the harmony between the buildings and the natural environment. The first service station, nestled in the woods, draws inspiration from the kite, with its overhanging beams and structural supports giving the building a sense of lightness and agility. The second service station, adjacent to the elevated park bridge, uses the variation in roof height to cleverly guide the flow of people from the bridge down to the ground, creating a public activity space full of interest and enjoyment.
30mm Gravel Concrete
30mm 1:3 Cement Mortar Bonding Layer
150mm C25 Concrete
100mm Crushed Stone Sub-Bas
Compacted Soil Subgrade (Compaction Factor Not Less Than 0.93)
25mm PRECAST Terrazzo Floor, Sparse Cement Grouting and Polished with Wax
30mm 1:3 Dry Hard Cement Mortar Bonding Layer, Surface Dusted with Cement Powder
50mm CL7.5 Light Aggregate Concrete Filling
1.5mm Polyurethane Coating Waterproof Layer
20mm 1:3 Cement Mortar Leveling
Cement Mortar Course (with Architectural Adhesive mixed in)
100mm C20 Concrete Sub-Base, Reinforced with D6@200 Steel Bars for Crack Resistance
150mm Crushed Stone Tampered into Soil Compacted Soil Subgrade (Compaction Factor Not Less Than 0.9)
PE Membrane
15mm Steel U-Profile Channel
Precast Terrazzo Skirting
150mm Timber wall
Waterproof Padding Layer
Waterproof and Vapor Permeable Membrane
Insect Proof Mesh (Finished Product)
8mm Ventilation and Noise Reduction Mesh White Paint Aluminum-Magnesium-Manganese Ro
2mm Self-Adhesive Polymer Modified Bitumen Waterproofing Membrane
2mm Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Plate for Leveling
12mm Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
40mm Insulating Rock Wool
Design of the Sky Corridor in Shanghai Hongqiao Business District
Date:2024.8-2024.11
Promoted from Internship Program in Atelier Liu YuYang Architects Team menber: Yuyang Liu, Ziheng Wu,Xiaochen Zhou research, information and data collection, conceptual design, and preliminary scheme design
The design site is located in the Hongqiao Business District of Shanghai, China, with Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station to the east, and the National Exhibition and Convention Center to the west. Following an in-depth site survey, it has been observed that the business district currently suffers from inactive business formats, enclosed spaces, and a lack of vitality, which prevents it from fulfilling its role as a prestigious reception hall for the world. Therefore, the focus of this urban design project is to enhance the connection between the crucial transportation hub of Hongqiao Airport and Railway Station and the significant venue of the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Our aim is to invigorate and enhance the vitality of the site by creating attractive public spaces, which will in turn stimulate the development of the surrounding areas and establish a new national landmark, showcasing the unique charm of Shanghai and China.
In the urban design of Shanghai's Hongqiao Business District, the design team has adopted a comprehensive and meticulous approach, proposing four key strategies: "Spatial Stitching," "Complex Commercial Format," "Boundary Integration," and "Event Activation." These strategies aim to perform precise urban planning "acupuncture" on the business district to address the current issues of inactive business formats, enclosed spaces, and lack of vitality. Through the implementation of these strategies, the design team is committed to transforming the Hongqiao Business District into a vibrant, businessrich, and open international business area, enhancing its image as a national landmark.
The central axis of the plan serves as a significant visual corridor and is the main subject of design for this project.
Spatial Stitching
Complex Commercial Format
Boundary Integration
Event Activation
Additional Corridor
Existing Corridor
In the existing historical documents, the name "Hongqiao" first appeared in the "Wanli Shanghai County Records Illustrations" and the "Shanghai County Continued Records" (compiled between 1913 and 1918). According to these records, the bridge was named Hongqiao due to a beautiful local legend: "The bridge spans the Puhui Pond, and after the summer rains clear up, one often sees rainbows stretching across the sky from the bridge, creating a spectacular sight, hence the bridge was named after the rainbow." To evoke this historical memory and to establish the international image of the Hongqiao Business District, we have drawn inspiration from the form of an arched bridge, using a continuous rainbow arch bridge as our design language to create a sky corridor that connects Hongqiao Airport with the National Exhibition and Convention Center, thereby reviving the glorious history of Hongqiao.
The design strategy for the central axis sky corridor is straightforward and efficient, divided into two core steps: "Connection" and "Penetration". "Connection" aims to establish an efficient transportation link between Hongqiao Airport, the railway station, and the National Exhibition and Convention Center, ensuring smooth movement of people and goods. "Penetration" involves the strategic extension of the sky corridor into the relatively isolated business areas surrounding it, breaking down spatial barriers. This step not only revitalizes the underutilized public spaces within the business district but also promotes openness in commercial activities, infusing the surrounding areas with transportation and commercial vitality, and extending its influence throughout the entire Hongqiao Business District, enhancing its overall dynamism and appeal.
