P O R T F O L I O
tzu-chen ariel lai | architecture 2006 - 2011
EDUCATION M. Arch. Architecture Université de Montréal, École d’architecture, Montreal, Quebec
Tzu-Chen Ariel LAI 514.963.7330 tzu-chen.lai@mail.mcgill.ca 1305 Jean XXIII Saint-Hubert. Quebec Canada. J4T 3J1
expected 2012
B.Sc. Architecture McGill University, School of Architecture, Montreal, Quebec
May 2009
B.Sc. Civil Engineering McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
2005-2006
DEC in Health Science Marianopolis College, Montreal, Quebec
2003-2005
Certificate “Drawing and Creative Expression 1” Dawson College, Montreal, Quebec
SUMMARY OF SKILLS LANGUAGES - Fluent in French, English and Mandarin (written & spoken) - Basic conversational Cantonese COMPUTER - Microsoft Office (Word, FrontPage, Excel & PowerPoint) - Autodesk – Autocad - Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator - 3D rendering programs –Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, VRay, Sketchup PROFESSIONAL - Ability to work both in team and independently - Goal-oriented
2004
WORK EXPERIENCE Summer Internship H&H Design, Taipei, Taiwan - Prepared specifications and working drawings - Drew 3D models - Made physical models Internship Designer HOY Architects & Associates, Taipei, Taiwan - Studied façade, plans & building forms - Made physical models - Prepared presentations - Drew 3D models & renderings Summer Internship LWM Architects + Shanghai Yue Jie, Taipei, Taiwan - Made models Customer Service Attendant La Ronde, Montreal, Quebec - Promoted excellent ticket sales - Delivered warm greeting to visitors Waitress Vegetarian Restaurant Yuan, Montreal, Quebec - Responded to customers’ needs - Guaranteed customers’ satisfaction Private Tutor Private houses, Montreal, Quebec - Taught French and instructed mathematics to high school students - Researched and organized assignments to promote students’ academic success
Summer 2011
2009-2010
Summer 2008
Summer 2005-2007
2004-2005
Fall 2004 & Winter 2005
EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Participated CCA Interuniversity Charrette 13th & 14th edition Mentions + Scholarship for Prix de la Fondation Habitat ’67, Inc. REFERENCES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
2007 & 2008 2008
freehand drawings & sketchings McGill 2006-2009
Université de Montréal | final project | fall 2011 program. site.
“Good airport design can help balance the demands of airlines (to get passengers on to their planes quickly and easily) with the needs of airports by focusing on this passenger journey .” -- ARUP Located in Dorval, the Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport is one the most important airports in Canada with direct flights from some 40 carriers to over 130 international destinations. In 2010, the airport received almost 13 million passengers. However, does Montreal’s main airport offer a quality surface transport? The answer is certainly not. Currently, the most convenient way in accessing the airport is by cars. The project proposed an intermodal transit that will integrate an express rail shuttle between the airport terminal to downtown Montreal, AMT commuter trains, VIA rail, STM bus station and taxi/limo area. The idea was to insert the interchange in between the terminal and the removed portion of the parking building in front of the airport.
transportation Montreal-Trudeau airport
.1 SITE
PLAN
The first step was devoted to the study of different movements exist on the site and their parameterization in grasshopper. Curves defining the overall shape were obtained in order to convey fluidity and movement: each volume was dedicated to a specific function.
movements departures ..1pedestrian
movement arrivals ..2pedestrian
path of trains ..3mouvement
DEPARTURES
DEPARTURES DEPARTURES
DEPARTURES
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BUILDING MASSING
.
CIRCULATION PARKING
DEPARTURES
ARRIVALS
ARRIVALS
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CIRCULATION TRAINS
ARRIVALS
.
CIRCULATION LIMO-TAXI-BUS
taxi-limo-bus ..4movement
north-south GH ..5movement
east-west GH ..6movement
combined GH ..7movement
..PROGRAMS MAIN CONCOURSE SERVICES + FACILITIES SHOPPING
DEPARTURES
TRAIN STATION (EXPRESS/VIA RAIL/AMT) BUS STATION (SHUTTLE/STM/COACH) TAXI-LIMO AREA
DEPARTURES ARRIVALS
. .
BRIDGE TO PARKING LOTS SERVICES & RETAILS
.
CAR RENTALS
.
CAR RENTALS PARKING
COMPOSITE BUILDING DIAGRAM
.2
CONCEPT
A 7
up from 2F
dn from 4F
37
1
up to 4F dn to 2F
1. main concourse 2. bus waiting area 3. taxi - limo waiting area 4. services / shopping 5. parking 6. temporary parking 7. car rentals 8. train station
6,5
2
4
B’
B
fourth floor plan
4F
3 up from B1 up to 2F
dn from 2F
dn to B1
5
3F
6
A’
up from 2F
dn from 4F
up to 4F dn to 2F
third floor plan
ground floor plan
4F
8
up from B2
up to GF
dn from GF
dn to B2
up from 2F up to 4F dn from 4F
.3
b1/b2 floor plan
PLANS
second floor plan
dn to 2F
3F
DEPARTURES
TERMINAL PUBLIC AREA
ARRIVALS
.SECTION AA’
DEPARTURES
TRANSBORDER AREA (U.S.A.)
.4 SECTIONS
.SECTION BB’
Erosion is the process of weathering and transport of solids (sediment, soil, rock and other particles) in the natural environment or their source and deposits them elsewhere. It usually occurs due to transport by wind, water, or ice; by down-slope creep of soil and other material under the force of gravity. The site is an urban void located at the intersection of different functions. The project intends to create an urban node that tides all the needs together but at the same time dissolves in the skyline. Erision creates circulation throughout the building that connects different areas as well as brings natural lights to the core of the structure.
eroded tower
residence view to the Canal primary on south
UniversitĂŠ de MontrĂŠal | winter 2011 residence
sky garden
vertical shared programs public green spaces
office view to downtown Montreal
office
program. mixed-use site. rue Saint-Jacques & rue Peel, montreal, CA
health center sky garden cultural recreation commercial parking proposed program proportion
public plaza
programmatic exploded axonometric
shared green spaces
wavilion
UniversitĂŠ de MontrĂŠal | winter 2011
structural elements_ 1 2 3 4
program. exhibition site. unknown Inspired by ocean wave, Wavillion is a parametric pavillion exhibiting marine ecosystem. As one walks through the pavillion, it gives the feeling of walking through a surfing wave.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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24 25 26 27 28
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x-axis ribs
55 56
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63 64
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61 62
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y-axis ribs
65 66 67 68 69 70
UniversitĂŠ de MontrĂŠal | fall 2010 program. mixed-use site. Ville-Marie Expressway, between Saint-Laurent Blvd and Sanguinet St., Montreal An initial analysis revealed some problems and solutions: the difficulty in crossing the site, lack of interest, the highway dividing the importance of Champ-de-Mars metro station... Therefore the task was to make this empty site habitable, safe and integrated with the urban areas in downtown Montreal while having its own identity. In the first phase, two solutions were found: the Zen approach and dynamic approach. Both propose an object to be dropped on this urban void. In the second phase, essential elements of the two approaches have been retained to develop the project: collisions, rigid strip, articulated strip, simplicity and megastructure. The dynamic approach was retained, but with integration of simplicity in the Zen approach. A rigid strip is being dropped on the site, off-axis to the highway, creating public spaces meeting each other. This strip is perforated by punctual and varied events, creating a dynamic opposition to this rigidity. Everything will be simple, monochrome, and without artifice. Volumes intersect by expressing opposing spaces. Each of them corresponds to a particular program and expresses different architectural and tectonic qualities. The rigid strip provides a regular pattern allowing for generic uses, while the strip contains series of articulated buildings that pierce the generic frame, thereby creating an in-between where the two worlds meet.
OFFICE SERVICES MÉCHANIQUES STAFF OFFICE
EXHIBITION HALL SERVICES MÉCHANIQUES OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOMS
MEDICAL LABS ENTROPOS
AQUA/SPA
generic
ADMINISTRATION SPA
OFFICES
OFFICE EXHIBITION AREA
RESEARCH LABS
POOL
events
TEACHING LABS CONFERENCE ROOMS PUBLIC SERVICES INTERIOR PUBLIC SPACES
RESTAURANTS/SHOPS
AMPHITHEATER CLASSES ESPACES COMMUNS
1. building programs
GYM RECEPTION/ENTRANCE
2. program proportions
3. generic / events programs
4. re-distribution of programs
5. placing on the site
6. public spaces
site plan
breathing skin McGill University | winter 2009
program. X-Shell. A culture pod. site. Berri-UQAM metro station, Montreal, Canada. Process: X-Shell explore the temporary and itinerant intervention of cultural nodes into the landscape of contemporary public space. The site chosen is the main volume of the station, which can be seen in the massive space above the green line platform, overlooked from the orange line landings. The “breathing skin� proposes a suspended exhibition space right above the metro. The pathway is divided into different levels and gradually descends down to green line level, creating an alternative route for passengers to go down to the yellow line while passing through an enjoyable space. Solution: Its inflated skin is a response to the wind pressure change occurred of an oncoming subway train. The structure is coated with translucent Ethylene tetrafluorethylene (ETFE), a thin plastic that is 1% of the weight of glass. It transmits more light and costs 24% to 70% less to install. It is also resilient (able to bear 400 times its own weight), self-cleaning (due to its non-stick surface) and recyclable. The structure itself is intended to be as light as possible while hollow steel section (HSS) constitutes the main structural bone. Each element of the hexagon is unique and joined by custom connection joints. The length varies from 1m to 1.6m therefore can easily be assembled on site. The structure is able to suspend on the ceiling on four points. However to prevent it from sagging, the pathway also serves as an element to stiffen the structure on the axial direction. On the other end, the route changes to a more conventional structural truss. This portion could maintain open to passengers after the exhibition space is closed after a day.
ETFE translucent membrane
Hollow Structural Steel
plastic transparent floor
steel sub-structure
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
PLAN
LONGITUDIAL SECTION
In Penland, handcraft is a tradition where skills and techniques are passing down from people to people and from generation to generation, creating a continuous movement. The idea is to convey inheritance of handcraft into an architecture that put emphasis on continuity. The building is shaped by one folded ribbon that starts and ends on itself, creating a never ending loop. The ribbon separates different functions of the building; with each change in direction, the ribbon alternately enfolds a space. It is sometimes a wall folding into floor, filding into roof, and finally slips back gradually to end the loop. The continuously folding tectonic ribbon encapsulated in fiberglass uses steel structure composed of I-beams. Internal angled columns extruded from the outer structure hold the ribbon where the span is larger. On the other side of the ribbon, the building is then fillled with windows and skylights to maximize daylight. They are operable in case where interior temperature rises. The main entrance is located on the north facade, facing the existing campus, whereas the second exit is situated on the south; two doors are opened during daytime to allow cross-ventilation.
the loop McGill University | winter 2009
program. A blacksmith’s studio for 12 students. site. Penland School of Crafts, North Carolina, U.S.
n response to the complex program requisite, we started diagramming programs that would generate the final design. I explored the idea of having the public space everywhere in the building rather than assigning a specific space to it. The generating diagram consists of rectangles within a enveloping rectangle, which was translated into a tectonic device that could be applied in plan and elevation. When projecting the 2d diamgram onto 3rd dimension, rectangles became series of boxes coated with colored metal sheets, each contains specific program. Boxes are stacked one on top of the other, creating public spaces and voids which allow interactions between visitors. The over all scheme is enveloped with a transparent glass box offset inwards from the property line. Program circulation and connections are arranged around buliding cores according to light and view.
ST-DOMINIQUE
GALLERY
HOTEL
ST-CATHERINE
boxes
PARKING OFFICE
McGill University | fall 2008
COMMERCIAL
OFFICE N
program. A multi-complex building with public space, retails, gallery, offices, hotel and parking. site. North-east corner of St-Laurent and Ste-Catherine street, Montreal.
ST-LAURENT
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
Fourth Floor Plan
Ground floor plan
program. Four houses in any configuration. site. A hypothetical Garden City grid of 36m by 36m. The project competition was in hommage to John Hejduk’s Nine Square Grid design problem. In the process, I saw the grid as limits, like boundary and demarcation, restricting free expansion for possibilities. To destroy the grid, circles were dropped randomly onto the grid. They erase the grid, forming a whole new space. Four houses were then distributed; two physically separated houses on the ground floor and two houses on the first floor are delineated by walls. The erased spaces allow creation of green areas.
Second floor plan
erasing the grid
McGill University | fall 2008 | four square house design competition
Grid limits, like boundary and demarcation, restricting free expansion. But circle expands, like freedom, destroying the grid by forming a whole new space.
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McGill University | winter 2008
Rue Mill
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Maximizing views Use of space below the highway
Many infrastructures are replaced by new ones as they get older. The Society of Cité du Havre de Montréal plans to demolish the Bonaventure Expressway, located in the heart of Montreal. By year 2025, it is envisioned to be transformed to an underwater tunnel that connects the downtown Montreal to the Champlain Bridge. This development is an ambitious project for the goverment that has limited financial resources.
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Quartier Porte-à-faux, specifically designed for this case, will avoid governmental expense in this new development. This project proposes to keep the existing expressway and to use it as a site for cantilevered houses. These houses not only maximize living space by using the space underneath the structure but also offer a greater view for the inhabitants. Moreover, such transformation will enhance the cityscape by creating green areas on the expressway. SITE PLAN
program. housing proposal site. Bonaventure Expressway, Montreal.
A
The Jjumelles accomodates a variety of programs: three bedrooms, kitchen, living room, play room and terrace.
A’
LOWER LEVEL PLAN
A
A’
GROUND LEVEL PLAN
SECTION AA’
The plane extended from the highway divides the public and private spaces into two floors. The private space cannot be seen from the ground level; however, it becomes evident as one moves towards inside the house. Although the house is enveloped by glass walls, one can still control privacy by moving vertical wood panels placed along the facades. The house serves as an optical device; it is designed so that one’s attention is brought towards the view.
A
maison double elbuod nosiam McGill University | fall 2007
program. An urban energy generating townhouse. site. A flat unfan infill lot, Montreal.
The exersice was to design one of the townhouse of the “Solar Housing Row� using sustainable strategies. I took the design concept from a personal experience approach; Montreal is a multi-culture city where immigrants, including myself, have to deal with our own culture and the montrealers’. I began to explore how this relationship of X culture + Canadian culture = Y and started to play with the shape of the house. In parallel to the relationship described above, I generated the shape of the house where the shape of ground floor is the result of the two upper stories added together. Ground floor serve as public areas such as living rooom, kitchen, dining room and green house. Spaces become more private as one moves up to the house. The sustainable strategies are used. Facade facing north had fewer openings whereas south facing facade is completely glazed to allow natural light and winter sun. Openings are designed to allow cross ventilation for summer cooling. Solar panels are installed on the roof to achieve a net zero energy use. The basic heating system for the house is a radiant hydronic floor system. Finally, hot water heating for the house is also treated by solar energy, as a collector also on the roof.
summer Overhang shading Cross ventilation winter Air preheat: solar wall Radiant hydronic floor
Roof plan
Ground floor plan
First floor plan
North elevation
South elevation
Day view
Second floor plan
Night view
mooDBox McGill University | fall 2006
program. A study moodbox. site. School of Design, University of Quebec, Montreal.
The shape of the scheme, composed by four pieces of plywood, creates a symbol of infinity and a continuous movement. As walking through, we observed that the building appears to undergo constant changes because of its unfinished elements such as exposed screws on the wall, steel bars and concrete as if one could adapt the design to the needs. The complexity and variety of textures, shapes and structures witnessed inside the building produce a feeling of busyness, which is expressed by the ipression generated by wodden sticks and steel rods in the scheme. Moreover, they were chosen to differ in their nature, the distribution of spaces in the building appears to be random but there exist a clear division between studios and offices, which are different in nature as well. It is also the reason for the scheme to have two distinct spaces. Perhaps, the architect intentionally shows the building process to students by leaving elements unfinished, which then becomes a style of his design. By leaving two movable polygons, we illustrated the process of placing wooden sticks and steel rods. And in order to reinforce the same idea, we left a number of balls without connection with others. Like his other designs, Dan Hanganu worked by subtraction, which is represented by openings that are folded inward in the scheme.
CCA charrettes interuniversity charrette
left:
13th edition (2007) RECRﾃ右R LA RUE COMME UN MONDE team: Simon Bastien, Victor Chamroeun, Ariel Lai, Marilou Richard
right:
14th edition (2008) HOUSING CRISIS IN THE NORTH team: Victor Chamroeun, Ariel Lai
3900 5 FL. FFL +16.20
4200
4200
5 FL. FFL +16.20
3900
21600
3900
3 FL. FFL +8.10
3900
3900
3 FL. FFL +8.10
2 FL. FFL +4.20
4200
4200
2 FL. FFL +4.20
WeiFengDongDi | China
300
The project consists of a large urban development in ChangChun City in China. My contributions in this project were updating plans and elevations of Building A and P, as well as landscape design, construction drawings and 3D model making of plaza of Building P.
1 FL. FFL +0.00
1 FL. FFL +0.00
RR FL. FFL +21.30 R1 FL. FFL +20.10
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R1 FL. FFL +20.10
5 FL. FFL +16.20
4200
4200
5 FL. FFL +16.20
3 FL. FFL +8.10
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2 FL. FFL +4.20
1 FL. FFL +0.00
1 FL. FFL +0.00
300
150
4200
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2 FL. FFL +4.20
21600
3900
4 FL. FFL +12.00
3900
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4 FL. FFL +12.00
building P
1200
RR FL. FFL +21.30
3900
1200
Front Elevation
21600
4 FL. FFL +12.00
4 FL. FFL +12.00
summer internship 2011 | Taipei, Taiwan
300
H&H Design
1200
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R1 FL. FFL +20.10
3900
1200
RR FL. FFL +21.30
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summer internship 2011 | Taipei, Taiwan
building A
East Elevation
South Elevation
North Elevation
HOY Architects & Associates www.hoy.com.tw | internship 2009-2010 | Taipei, Taiwan
Fubon Life Office Building | Taiwan The project was a 18-storey office building located in the downtown of Taipei City in Taiwan. My contributions were studying different patterns of the curtain wall, 3D model making and renderings of exterior and inteior spaces.
Exterior renderings
interior renderings: lobby & kitchen
curtain wall study: double skin
HOY Architects & Associates www.hoy.com.tw | internship 2009-2010 | Taipei, Taiwan
HuaShan Urban Renewal Project | Taiwan One of the urban renewal projects, the project is located at a strategic site next to a historic area in Taipei City called “HuaShan 1914 . Creative Park�. Converting it into high-rise residences, the office had to propose several options to the client. My contributions were research studies on sustainable & smart architecture, code research, preparation of plans, powerpoint presentations, attending to meetings with architects and client, and 3D model making.
proposal 1
proposal 2
HOY Architects & Associates www.hoy.com.tw | internship 2009-2010 | Taipei, Taiwan
Fubon Renai Residence | Urban Renewal Project | Taiwan One of the urban renewal projects, the project is a 22-storey residential condominium located in the downtown of Taipei City. My contribution was facade design.
LWM Architects + ShangHai Yue Jie www.lwma.com | summer internship 2008 | Taipei, Taiwan
As my first internship abroad, I helped the office primarily on model making of various projects.
MHK Limited Penha Hill, Macau : Condominium
XinGaoChuang, Taipei : Model House
tzu-chen.lai@mail.mcgill.ca