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ADAM KOR Portfolio
Email: adamkorshongjing@gmail.com Online Portfolio: adamkor.com
INTER·PUNCT
HOOP HOUSE
ECO-MORPH
INNOVATION HUB
ARMORY GARDENS
INTER·PUNCT Journal Rebranding Campaign January 2017 - Mark 2017 | Carnegie Mellon University In collaboration with Noah Johnson, Kelly Li, KelliLaurel Mijares and Kyle Wing
Critical Question: What is the process of reimagining the identity of a non-traditional architecture journal? Image: inter·view, an inter·punct journal publication that I co-edited, co-designed and helped launch.
Problem
Ideation
As the editor-in-chief for the architecture journal inter·punct, I led a rebranding campaign to address three pressing priorities:
Seeking input from our members, I asked them:
Increase our presence within the school.
Not a journal
Attract a wider array of readership.
Journal
Host a launch party for annual publication.
Free
Idea
Naivete
What words best describe inter·punct?
A dot that disrupts
Exploration
Fun! Agitators
Agile
Not architecture
Surprised by our aligned visions, our editorial team established two agenda items as we began the project:
1 Reposition ourselves as a platform for free exchange of ideas 2 Develop a new, dynamic and provocative brand to bolster presence I held on to these words in iterating through our logo design options:
Length too long
inter·punct Space Mono Italic
Good font choice! But a little too heavy
inter·punct Work Sans Bold - One Line
c t
i
p u
n
Cormorant Garamond Medium
er nt
Unifinished circle looks awkward
i·
i·
p
Cormorant Garamond Bold Italic
inter·punct
Word too small to read i
inter·punct
Font weight too thin
p
Original Logo:
Black feels too heavy
Broken circle doesn’t resemble an interpunct
inter·punct Space Mono Italic - with Circle
Work Sans Bold - Two Lines with Circle
New Logotype!
New Logomark! 3
Prototyping We chose those designs collectively to adapt to different platforms. Replacing our black and white identity with the CMYK color scheme, we made the brand more vibrant to convey our aspiration as a dynamic journal.
A journal about architecture.
A dot jostling for space.
Disrupts, agitates, demystiďŹ es.
Promotional Posters: Designed in collaboration with Noah Johnson.
Another challenge was to establish our digital presence. I worked collaboratively with other editors to translate our identity onto a responsive website.
Website Wireframe: Developed in collaboration with Kyle Wing. 4
Launch Our rebranding efforts culminated in the launch party for our latest publication. Through a new visual identity and various merchandise, we bolstered our presence in the school community and even attracted visitors from other departments!
Place icon logo off-centered to convey playfulness.
Overlay construction lines to achieve a sense of dynamism. We also screen printed merchandise for our launch party to raise funds for the next publication. Drawing (left): Developed in collaboration with KelliLaurel Mijares. 5
HOOP HOUSE Portable Greenhouse for a Local Elementary School Garden October 2015 | ARC 48200 at Carnegie Mellon University In collaboration with Zane Birenbaum, Timothy Khalifa, Matthew Radican, Somin Shim and Dingkun Wang
Critical Question: How can rapid prototyping guide the development of functional and engaging design? Image: The installed Hoop House was fully accessible after many rounds of prototyping and mockups.
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Problem
Ideation
We were asked to design and construct a portable greenhouse within 5 weeks by a local non-profit to extend the growing season of an elementary school garden planting bed.
Before diving into making rapid mockups, we met with the client to identify concrete design parameters: These conversations drove the ideation of prototypes developed in the early stages.
1 Create effective microclimates Pittsburgh, PA
Homewood
Our plants die every winter because of the snow
Retail cold frames we tried were not very effective
2 Ensure maximal accessibility We need to water the plants after the installation
The bigger the opening the better
3 Design simple assembly Need to disassemble the cold frame in the spring
Make the frames stackable for storage purposes
Image (top): Side view of greenhouse; (bottom): Design team in front of the constructed product. 7
Prototyping & Development After going through multiple iterations, we agreed on producing 4 modules with a swing door to allow for maximum accessibility. The final design (F) improves upon previous options in functionality and performance while refining our aesthetic agenda.
Too many distinct elements, will be hard to fabricate
Swing door allows for maximum access
Triangular shape decreases too much volume
A B
Sliding opening may wear out plastic
Aluminum conduits are hard to bend
C
M-shape maintains slender form + increases volume
D E
Feels too bulky
F Final Design!
Images: Prototype mockups to test the final design option (F). 8
Construction & Installation After finalizing the design, we began constructing the Hoop House. From experimenting with the material to optimizing the assembly methods, we modified the design by trial and error and eventually installed the final product on site.
We learned to adhere the plastic sheet to the frame by ironing the seams
We began to manually bend aluminum conduits
However, shrink wrapping the plastic caused the frame to deform
So we improvised and added support elements to counter the tension
Finished frames were stacked and transported on site
We assembled the greenhouse on site
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ECO-MORPH Reimagined Urban Life with Water August - December 2016 | ARC 48300 at Carnegie Mellon University In collaboration with Timothy Khalifa
Critical Question: How can systems thinking engender experimental design solutions for global problems? Image: View of proposed flood-responsive housing complex from the river.
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Problem
Methodology
Grappling with design’s role in environmental ethics, my partner and I envisioned a future settlement that works alongside two environmental challenges we face in cities today:
Employing systemic design thinking, we analyzed ecological processes like rainwater runoffs and sewage overflows on a post-industrial waterfront site in Strip District, Pittsburgh.
Urban flooding due to climate change. Human migration into cities. Site
Pittsburgh, PA
Strip District
Conceptualization Diagram: Map overlaying sewage overflows with topographical flow patterns.
FEEDBACK: HYGROPHYLIC PLANTS
EVAPORATION
ORGANIC IN
DU
SURFACE
RAINW A RUNO TER FF
w) na ica illo er r-w Am ate ia n w stic a Ju meric (A
Studying the two systems allowed us to consider the ground plane not as a static boundary but a membrane that can be physically manipulated to achieve responsive ecological performances. We made operative models to visualize this theoretical framework as a shifting landscape.
ST R
IA
SUBSOIL
LW AS T
E
POLLU
TION
SUBSTRATUM
UNTREATED SEWAGE
WA S RUN TED OFF
ATION INFILTR
CONDITION: FLOODPLAIN
BEDROCK (5’)
Operative Models: These prototypes served to guide the design process.
CAPTURE: WATER RECYCLE
Diagram: Ecological processes of water flow downstream. 11
Development At the same time, we jumped across scales to give form to the environmental feedback of various topographical operations. These matrices were instrumental in moving the project toward an employable architectural language in later phases.
Identify convergences of sewage & storm water overflows.
Amply landform for bioswales and construct foundation for housing. Diagram: Matrices categorizing different topographical operations.
These early studies pushed us to consider a solution to flooding and pollution that was not merely preventive but actively remediating. We identified convergences of stormwater and sewage overflows on flood prone areas of the site as opportunities for architectural interventions.
Plug in living spaces as the coil grows.
Diagram: Identifying convergences of stormwater and sewage overflows.
Connect individual coil towers to form a housing collective. 12
Synthesis Points of convergence were chosen as sites to construct bioswales that filter polluted water to support life. We utilized the coil as an operative form for aggregation and growth as demands for housing units increase. Construction would continue to the extent that gravity permits. Eventually, these individual coil towers could connect to form clusters of future housing collective.
Elevator cores are built when multiple coils are constructed. Units are plugged into the coil as needed. Excess water is transported back to the land to support agricultural activity. Recycled water is distributed to each unit through the central coil structure. Polluted water is filtered and purified by the manmade bioswale.
Diagram: Detail organization of a coil module. 13
INNOVATION HUB Makerspace Center for Kent State University July 2018 - May 2019 | Bohlin Cywinski Jackson In collaboration with Xueping Li and Mason Limke, under the direction of Peter Bohlin, William Loose, Mike Maiese, Robert Aumer and Josh Keller
Critical Question: How can interactive technologies help designers create more impactful experiences? Image: Finished building. The design and construction of the Design Innovation Hub at Kent State University were heavily influenced by VR technology. Photo credit: Š Ed Massery.
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Challenge
Context After college, I worked on the Design Innovation Hub at Kent State University in Ohio for 9 months. On top of developing the design with 5 other teammates, I was responsible for creating virtual reality walk-throughs using our office HTC VR headset.
We were asked to remodel and transform the existing abandoned structure on the site into brand new studios and makerspaces. However, the complex layout of the building was very difficult to solve using conventional architectural drawing techniques. So I began experimenting with VR to inform our design process.
Scan me to see 360° panorama!
Kent, OH
Kent State Univ.
1. Corridor
2. Dinning Hall
3. Studio
Diagrammatic Sketch: Created with design team to document the different types of spaces.
Dining Office
Makerspace
Storage Conceptual model: Created with design team to solve organization. 15
Iterations Virtual walk-throughs were important drivers for design conversations within the team. From the overall form of the building to specific material selection, I created these VR experiences to gain a user-centered perspective in evaluating each design move.
1A
2A
1B
2B
1C
2C
VR Stills from Walk-throughs: Created by me to Iterate through color options and material selection. 16
Presentation Showcasing our project in VR was not only critical to our design process, it also allowed our clients to experience the design in an immersive manner. We were able to curate human experiences with greater specificity and intentionality.
VR Post-processed Captures (top): View of the building from the outside; (bottom left): View of exterior facade module; (bottom right): Interior studio space. Created by me. 17
ARMORY GARDENS Competition Entry for the 2020 James R. Boyce Affordable Housing Competition January 2020 - May 2020 | ARCH 202 at UC Berkeley In collaboration with Anna Driscoll, Amanda Fukutome-Lopez, Dori Ganetsos and Lily Oyler
Critical Question: How can an empathic design approach help designers tackle social issues? Image: Whiteboarding for Armory Gardens design competition.
Interviewee: Leon
eed You definitely n ss in controlled acce for the entrances es. security purpos
It’ll be cha llenging to get reside nts to live in harmo ny. san Interviewee: Su
Jane
Bill
Problem
The Homeless Crisis At a Glance *:
Homelessness is a wicked problem. While designing more housing is important, we as designers must tackle the problem with empathy in order to make meaningful impact. My teammates and I held onto this belief as we entered the UC Berkeley competition to develop homeless housing for veterans in Woodlake, Sacramento.
Sacramento, CA
Woodlake
500,000+
30%
47%
people are homeless in
of homeless in the US are
increase in homelessness per
the US.
found in California.
year in Sacramento.
20% of homeless have
weak social ties increase
govt. housing regulations
severe mental illness.
chance of homelessness.
worsen the problem.
____________________________ * According to Homeless Policy Institute and Acton Institute.
Research To understand the people and community we are serving, we spent the a few weeks reaching out to stakeholders and residents.
Q1: What are some priorities for developing homeless housing for veterans?
Jeff, Affordable Housing Developer
Design big spaces. Many of our homeless vets have PTSD, and crammed shelters often trigger their disorders.
Jason, Homeless Housing Expert
Include conventional family units in the project. They will help prevent homelessness in the long run.
Q2: How can this development benefit the neighborhood? Include a community space! Like communal kitchen and makerspace! Andy, Development Advocate
Sherri, CA Housing Dept. Staff
You definitely need controlled access in the entrances for security purposes. Leon, Veteran Service Worker
Q3: What are some concerns you may have?
Prepare spaces for support pets dogs! Also open it to the community. Jess, Staff at NGO for Homeless
Have plenty of supportive services. Show them that they are here to stay.
It’ll be challenging to get residents to live in harmony.
We don’t want a lowincome project here. We are concerned about safety. Becky, Neighborhood Assoc. Organizer
Susan, Resident Service Manager 19
We identified 4 critical design drivers from our interview responses:
Target Mixed Demographic
Design for Comfort
Prioritize Safety
Create Community
Meet Veteranspecific Needs
Empathizing While interviews helped us to understand the needs of the stakeholders, we designed two personas to guide our design process: a formerly homeless veteran tenant and a member from the neighborhood association.
Bill
Meet Bill, 67 yo Formerly homeless veteran Bill is a Vietnam war veteran who was homeless for a year before receiving supportive housing at Armory Gardens through a local veteran housing non-profit organization. He struggles with PTSD and drug addiction, but is currently connected with services that help address his medical needs. He looks forward to making a new start in life at Armory Gardens.
Jane
Meet Jane, 42 yo Chair of the Woodlake Neighborhood Association Jane moved Woodlake with her husband from New England three decades ago and they own an English cottage adjacent to Armory Gardens. She enjoys the secluded suburban lifestyle in the neighborhood and fears that low-income development would impact the safety of her community. She is an active voice in the Neighborhood Association and would consider supporting the project if it provides dedicated community-serving amenities.
Priorities: Veteran supportive services Stable social ties Spacious living quarters
Priorities: Suspicious of development Worries about safety Wants community amenities
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Visualizing Borrowing the method of storyboarding in user research, I crafted various spatial vignettes as customized walkthroughs for the two personas developed earlier. We presented these visuals as stories to garner support and feedback from the stakeholders we interviewed in the beginning of the competition.
Scenario: Bill moving in to Armory Gardens
Today is Bill’s move-in day. Not having many belongings with him, he arrived at Armory Gardens by the light rail.
He enters the lobby and breathes a sigh of relief. Not only is the space welcoming, he also notices the conveniently located Wellness Center he would be visiting regularly.
Walking down the corridor, he arrives at his studio. He’s happy that the tall ceiling and wood interior makes it feel spacious and he finally has a place to call home!
Scenario: Jane visiting the community center
Jane walks over to Amory Gardens to check out the new community center. She’s been worried about the impact of the development on neighborhood safety.
She finds the center well utilized, and people were really enjoying the computers and amenities.
Exiting into the open courtyard, she finds many of her neighbors enjoying the picnic tables. She thought: “This would be a great place to spend her Sunday afternoons!”
Storyboard Graphics: Created in collaboration with Lily Oyler
Through these stakeholder presentations, we were able to receive feedback from housing and veteran experts while generating enthusiasm among residents for the potential development. 21
ADAM KOR Portfolio
Email: adamkorshongjing@gmail.com Online Portfolio: adamkor.com
