Architecture Portfolio
(Selected Works 2019-2021)
BEVERLY SU
STAY HUMBLE, HUSTLE HARD.
Wood Dock
Hydraulic Leg System
Close Up Level Detail
Acknowledgement: - Lim Wei Ling, Low Chiou Jiing, Jasmine Tan, Lee Weoi Min, John Guk, Michael Tan, Alvin Ho, Robert Teh, Jashirudeen A.R., Mark Chng, Anthony Szeto, Khoo Kee Chai Godfrey A special thank you to the tutors who have poured much effort, knowledge and heart into guiding me through each step of this learning journey; and without whom none of these works would ever have been materialized. -Dad, Mom, Kim, Foon, and Amos Words will never be able to express my gratitude for your united support and tireless encouragement. You are my village.
Contents: 1. Sympathetic Waste Rehabilation Centre: Genius in Nature 2. Model-Making in Structure and Construction 3. The All-Knowing Guardian of the Secret Treasure: Villagers and Their Dwelling Of Magic 4. URA CUBE: Challenge for the Built Environment 2019 5. Theatre of Life: Travels in Parallel Reality
Studio SA3 / Lim Wei Ling
SYMPATHETIC WASTE REHABILITATION C Genius in Nature
CENTRE
SYMPATHETIC WASTE REHABILITATION CENTRE
Genius in Nature / Studio SA3 / April - August 2020 Site: Semakau Landfill BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE This studio project endeavours to go beyond human creativity and ego, but instead rely on the enormous wisdom and genuity that nature has to offer in design. This radically shifts the focus of this architecture from an ego-centric perspective to an eco-centric one. Through the detailed exploration of the possibilities of creating spaces, structures and functions/programs are informed by the natural order and dynamics of the Asteroidea, or Starfish.
The starfish has an important and active role in maintaining coral reef biodiversity and driving ecological succession. They are probably the most important predators in the shallow ecosystem, eating basically anything that they can come across. Their feeding activities control the whole ecosystem. The starfish is a selflessly selfish creature, which consumes all the waste on the sea floor to fulfill its basic needs. But as a result of all the consumption, the starfish returns to its surroundings a clean, livable and pollution - free habitat.
The the and are
body form of the starfish is fundamentally same across all species - a central disk radiating arms, and symmetrical. There more than 1600 species of starfish.
The site is just south of Semakau Landfill, Singapore's first and only off-shore landfill. However, with the gradual increase of waste and rubbish, this Landfill is projected to be full by 2035. That is the problem the Starfish will attempt to tackle.
Out of Water
Movement and Behaviour of the Mouth
Tube feet kick in the first, using hydraulic pressure to crack open any shell
Most unusual weapon, its stomach, which moves out of its body to digest its prey alive
Coordination of the thousands of tiny tube feet. Movement and change of form is graceful and dance-like.
The elastic elongation of movement
Motion of Echinoderm Tube Leg
Unusual Way of Eating A starfish feeds by first extending its stomach out of its mouth and over the digestible parts of its prey, such as mussels and clams. The prey tissue is partially digested externally before the soup-like "chowder" produced is drawn back into its 10 digestive glands.
The under side of the sea star is a complex network
00:00:01
00:05:40
Clam is near the starfish, ready to be eaten
Starfish begins to protrude its stomach
Tubes, all connected to the middle
Water enters the individual tubes
In the middle is a singular hole
The water is stored in little muscular bulbs.
00:18:37
00:20:00
Whole body prepares to engulf
As stomach pushes out, the rest of the body caves
Clam being engulfed
Water floods the five radial canals which run down the length of the arms.
Hydraulic system in the arms
00:29:18
When the bulb contracts, it forces water into the elastic tube.
Stomach succesfully sucks clam
Water is drawn into the sieve plate.
Inflating stomach
00:15:43
00:22:31
Sieve plate
00:10:23
Extends to the end of the arm
The foot extends
The muscles in the foot swing it in the direction the sea star wants to move.
Swaying back and forth with the expansion and contraction.
Programme: Sympathetic Waste Rehabilitation Centre A waste sorting, recycling and distribution centre for Singapore. Turning man's trash back into treasure.
Whole body becomes a ball as the clam is claimed
System 1: Leg Formations
System 2: Feet Sucking and Grasping
Closer look at the basic form of the leg Top view in diagram:
synchronous movement to the right
gap segment synchronous movement to the left
feet I noticed that the movement of the starfish legs is not not just one giant flexible piece of matter, but rather many small segments joined in a row, with tiny gaps in between. So, I decided to do a study on the segment vs. gap ratio. Ratio of number of segments to number of gaps (x: x-1), and its effect on the starfish’s movements All the basic up and down motion is pitched at 45 degrees.
These horizontal tubes across the leg swing side to side to direct the legs of the starfish towards the center of its body, where its mouth is. This is how it brings the food to its mouth.
The variation of the basic forms of each leg is the number of gaps in between, times 10. (eg. 2 gaps X10)
3:2 Diagrammatic Plan
Diagrammatic section
Diagrammatic Elevation
20 basic variations
4:3
30 basic variations
5:4
40 basic variations
1.
Represents the joint that enables the transformation
2.
3.
4.
1 3 Systems Identified:
2
Joint Leg system
Foot system moving mouth ends
The brown strings are the membrane that holds the parts together and yet allow for expanding.
3 Mouth system The internal system of the starfish Basic system breakdown: 1. Tube Leg Joints and Joining 2. Grasping / Sucking Feet 3. Controlling Mouth
Model made from bamboo strips, straw joints, suction cups and foam boards a combination of a series individual study models. Central Command Centre
Land Resources
Sky Resources
Sea Resources
Interconnection
Underground Reach
N
b. flexible joints
a. central core structure
N
N
c. suction attachments
d. limb attachments
e. scalloped form layering
Solar Analysis: With no surrounding buildings to offer shade, the architecture is out in the open, with ample sunlight during the day. N
f. central suction form
g. surrounding connection structure N N
N
The Sympathetic Waste Rehabilitation Centre - for non-biodegradable materials
Production Level Pathways for Descending Products
Recycling Level Pathway for Ascending Products
Sorting Level
Loading/ Unloading Level
Section A-A 4m 1:10
The Sympathetic Waste Rehabilitation Centre - for biodegradable materials and habitation for workers
Sleeping Pod
Recreational Rooms
Natural Waste Farm
Viewing Deck Composting Bin
Paper Factory
Gathers Marine Waste
Level 3 - Production Product Transportation Level 2 - Recycling Product Transportation Level 1 - Sorting
Dock
Suction Footing
First LevelS
econd Level
Third Level
West Rest Area
Glass Room
Chemical Lab
Plastic Room
East Rest Area
Store Room
Metal Room
Scan for Walkthrough
2150
Columns Reinforcement Stirrups (Ties)
450 350
Reinforced concrete column Main reinforcement bars
Clay Roof Cladding
Slab
Reinforced concrete column bottom floor starters 1550
450
Deck
4000
Column
Water Surface
0
1
2
3
4
5
38374,3
SRFC Column to Floor Detail Scale 1:50 Variable ballast (seawater)
10
40286,82
147311,31
Louvre Window
Production riser buoyancy cans
8000
3500
61331,21
Rubbish tube
Durable non-slip decking suitable for 3KPo UDL
Edge trim 200 x 40 all round
Production riser
3500
205 L floats secured with 9 mm dia. galv. u-bolts carried up through bearers
Seawater fills centre well
Floating Deck Detail Scale 1:50 01
Wood Dock
2
34
5
100 x 40 Battiens in pairs, spaced approx. 300m apart, as locating stops for drums 800
10
Sea Star Legs Details
300
1:20 400mm
Steel Reinforced Concrete Columns
0
400mm
800mm
1200mm
1600mm
2000mm
8000
Double Glazed Windows
Spar Hull
The study of the starfish’s water-filled tube feet led me to the disco “Sea Star Leg” flotation device, typically used in oil rig construction
Hydraulic Leg System
In the starfish, water fills its fluid feet, enabling it to lift and paddle.
Close Up Level Detail SCALE BAR 1:50 0
1
2
3
4
5
10
In the architecture, the sea star legs for the side structure enables the shallow waters. It is a hollow core made from concrete. Concre made to float if it is shapped with a hollow. A hollow object will disp of water greater than the actual volume of solid material in the obje
2150
Columns Reinforcement Stirrups (Ties)
Reinforced concrete column Main reinforcement bars
Reinforced concrete column bottom floor starters
Slab 1550
Column
s2 - s2'
SRFC Column to Floor Detail 1:10 200mm
0
200mm
400mm
m
overy of this n.
.
it to float in ete can be place a volume ect.
2150
Columns Reinforcement Stirrups (Ties)
Reinforced concrete column Main reinforcement bars
Slab
Reinforced concrete column bottom floor starters 1550
Column
SRFC Column to Floor Detail Scale 1:50 0
1
2
3
4
5
10
600mm
800mm
1000mm
MODEL-MAKING
Construction and Structures
Building Structures & Construction/SA1-2 / Robert Teh
1:50 SCALE MODEL OF JEAN-TJIBAOU CULTURAL CENTRE Building Structures - Iconic Building / Year 1
From researched plans, sections and elevations of this building, I constructed a 1:50 scale model of the Cultural Centre, to learn more about the structural system of the building.
Two concentric rings creating a double layer make up the walls of the cases. The interior ring/ wall is made of vertical columns of laminate iroko wood, while the exterior ring/ wall is made of curved laminated wooden members. Horizontal and diagonal steel bracing and connections were used to connect the two rings and make them rigid.
1:100 SCALE MODEL OF SIX RAMSGATE BY WALLFLOWER A+D Building Construction - Iconic House / Year 1
This 1:100 Scale Model of the Residence at Six Ramsgate Road in Singapore was accordingly assembled based on plans, sections, elevations and real-life shots of the house. In the modelmaking process I gained a higher awareness of the meticulous care that goes into building construction.
SIA DESTINATION CABIN - MILAN 1:20 SCALE MODEL
Building Construction - Changi Beach Park Cabin / Year 1 Haiku written based on beach site environment, Milan Fashion Show Destination City, and an architectural quality of the arts that tie both inspiration and environment together into a seamless performance.
Operable doors and windows, hinges, with similar materials to actual cabin in real life. This project gave me the opportunity to discover construction strategies and methods.
Closed
Lifted
One special feature of the cabin was the extending roof. I devised the open and softclosing mechanism from and IKEA gadget for cupboard opening and closing.
Studio SA2 / Lee Weoi Min & Alvin Ho
THE ALL-KNOWING GUARDIAN OF THE
The Villagers and their Dwelling of Magic
E SECRET TREASURE
c
THE ALL-KNOWING GUARDIAN OF THE SECRET TREASURE
The Villagers and their Dwelling of Magic / Studio SA2 / Year 1 Site: Buffalo Road, Little India In this project, we were tasked to design a shophouse dwelling based on our observations of a villager in his site context. These studies led me to an architecture that empowered a cashier to have full control over the whole business operation at any given time, and yet remain obscure to guard the money. Through this project I learned how to create unique spaces that accommodate an individual's distinctive lifestyle or necessities.
In s
I chose a cashier lady villager at a restaurant to observe, being careful to note her actions throughout the day, over several days.
Diagrams 1:100 scale
nclusive Control: semi-circle of control
Radiates to Control: rotation of control
Loops of Exclusitivity
This entire studio project was not done digitally, with the exception of the 2D and 3D drawings at the end.
The All-Knowing Guardian with Radiating Visual Lines of Control and Exclusive Loops of Secret Treasure
Guardian Radial View
Modified Radial View
Guardian Extended View
Extended View Modified
Gradual Ascending
Maze of Walls
Looping Hand Pattern
Stacked-Up Level
Sleep Position
Design Competition / October 2019
URA CHALLENGE FOR THE BUILT ENV
Team Members: Alison, Geralyn, Martin, Franc, Lydia, J Maverick, Rajan, Qi Yang Lecturers/Mentors: Low Chiou Jiing, Michael Tan, Esthe
VIRONMENT
Jasmine,
er Tan
HOVERING METROPOLIS
CUBE Competition / Workshop - Paya Lebar Airbase and Airport
All competing teams were tasked to envis create plans to develop the former Paya L Airport into a community of the future.
Our with eleva skies age Leba an a base
"Mov withi ing skies state
We f resid ties, merc into
The team researched on 10 new technologies and possiblilities that could be made possible in 40 years' time. The aspect I researched on was maglev technology trains that could be made into vertical intermodal transportation.
sion and Lebar Airbase and
team came up the concept of ating life into the s, paying homto what the Paya ar site once was airport and aire.
ving as birds in the nest, bringlife back to the s" was our vision ement.
focused on moving dential, communi, and even comcial activities up the skies.
Section of connections within nodes.
Nodes of community "nests" connected to each other by drones and skywalk.
Studio SA4 / Low Chiou Jiing & Jasmine Tan
THEATRE OF LIFE
Travels in Parallel Reality
THEATRE OF LIFE
Travels in Parallel Reality / Studio SA4 / October 2020 - present Site: Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY IN ARCHITECTURE
This studio project attempts to superimpose two seemingly unrelated realities together, to displa your current environment by transporting you into the hyperreality of another space time as ano within your environment.
By shifting your point of view into the foreign, we see the familiarity of the everyday and our ment/culture with a fresh eye. This journey in essence attempts to shift our perspective, keeping us on track from the precon might have blinded us and the distractions which our whims might otherwise have chosen.
In this studio, I back in time into a parallel reality to discover the secrets, dreams or losses o ru. I travelled into Tiong Bahru through the eyes of my chosen persona, Fan Yew Kwang, my g father.
1923
Sister worked as a Samsui woman in construction
1934-1938 on Eng Hoon Street, started family.
Fan Yew Kwang (1903- - 1978)
He came to Singapore from Sanshui District in Guangdong, China and started Tai Shan Tobacco Company.
Singapore Improvement Trust started building public housing. 1930
1938
Topographical Changes throughout the years (1800s - 2000s)
1918
1846
1814
1913
1945
ace you from other persona own environ-
nceptions which
of Tiong Bahgreat-grand-
I created a travelogue to systematically document the parallel life in the past. The travelogue serves as a personalized data which can also be combined into a collective information to form an overall psychogeographic map of the area. This provided an alternative way to study spaces, the surroundings and the everyday, and allowed me to reapply my findings into a new program of my design. This project is currently ongoing.
1939
1945
1950s
He and his family hide in Air Raid Shelters behind
He helped his wife sell chee cheong fun on the streets.
1945
World War II begins to
Continued to try out buisness ventures, and raised his grandchildren.
He lost his business due to war.
1941
1953
1946
1975
1958
2000
Road changes throughout the years (1950s - 2000s) (Removal of Chinese Cemetery) 1954
1956
1969
1972
1981
1984
Praying, meeting friends, and buying supplies at the Gourd Temple (with Bird seller and Mamak Shop outside)
1988
1950s
2020
2020
Back from School
Early Arrival
Hang up bird cages
Haggling with the storeowner for little stationeries
Playing marbles with friends Sampling fruits
Meet with friends
Luggages transported up
2007
Buying school supplies from the stationery store
1950s
Morning Prayers
2000
Draw the curtains and sleep Foreigner sight seeing
Sweet Treats Cafe to have a dessert
Waiter running around serving orders
Choose a seat at the bar
Buying back fruits for hom
Pop open a bottle of wine
Sit
7
Buying Stationery from Store
2020
Worshipping at Temple
Going to King’s Theatre for a Movie
Hiding out in Air Raid Shelter Peddling Food
Residential Suites
Eating lunch at the coffee and fruit shop
Quiet Intersection
Community Centre Busy Food Peddler Street
KIng’s Theatre
2020
2020
t back, sip and enjoy, people watch
Boutique Hotel
Cafe
1960s
1950s
me
Bar
Going to King's Theatre with family for a movie
Air Raid Shelter
Walking to Theatre with family
Entering home after a long day
Choosing a show to watch
Watching shows on personal TV
Stationery Shop
Temple
Entering cinema to enjoy a show
Sleeping
Music
Meals in the day
Modes of transportation
Stationery Store to Cafe
Theatre to Residential Suite
Coffee and Fruit Shop to B
Beer Bar
Be “reeled” into the cafe of balancing acts and stacked shows. “Fly” into the bird training hotel where the regime of the birds is aimed for their eventual release.
Dive in and be “dispensed” into the
Enter through the “projected” backstage into theatre to enjoy the show. Enjoy the live lifely show in your own personal space.
Movie Suite of the Displace Dwellers
Theatre Suite Backstage of Community Dreams
Coffee Beer Swim Retreat
Cafe of Reels and Balances
Bird Hotel of Training and Release
NOTES, SKETCHES, AND COMMENTS
EMAIL beverlysuyn@gmail.com IG @beverlycreates
BEVERLY SU
be kind.