Architecture Portfolio - Bryan Lee

Architecture Portfolio ‘23 Bryan Lee

bryan.llh.lee@gmail.com 415.702.8898

cover and back: parametric lamp and render this page: section model, CNC model, gridshell model

Table of Contents

professional

Crane Cove School of the Arts

academic

Weed Housing Proposal

Pier 31 21st Century School

Carbonfiber Gridshell & Phase-Change Partition

Oishi Secondary School

The Best Way Out is Always Through @ Ball-Nogues Studio

Blackburn Avenue @ Square Three Architecture

Metro Circle @ Square Three Architecture

Crane Cove School of the Arts Dogpatch, San Francisco, California, 94107 ,United States

With the rise of start-ups and small family-owned businesses in San Francisco, the Maker Movement has steadily gained traction in an otherwise uncommon practice.

This project combines housing and school elements that tie into the growing Maker Movement as well as the need for housing in San Francisco. Studies have shown that the shop space, specifically, handson learning, increases students’ ability to develop academic, social, and life skills.

Paying homage to the industrial roots of the Dogpatch neighborhood, this mixeduse school and housing project uses the industrial arts as a platform for educating both children and adults.

The underlying theme within each space is a uniqueness of the material palette and how it is emphasized on the interior. A reinterpretation of the traditional school with a modern flair and consideration for local architecture.

Integration with the surrounding context was important as a means to draw a deeper connection with the community while playing off of the neighborhood’s defining historical roots.

top: render of proposed school from 3rd and 19th above right: aerial image of existing lot right: render of proposed school from corner of Illinois and 19th

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site

Crane Cove Park

Design development of the project arose from series of model making charettes to hone in on specific moments that were integral to the overall experience and execution of the project. The next developmental approach was to create experiential sections between programs which then translated into circulatory spaces within the school. Without creating an imposing structure, thin layers of facade material were to mitigate the building bulk on the corner of the street.

below: preliminary models throughout the process from massing conception to final design

3rd floor

4th floor

Programmatic massing of the school had to create a transition from public to private space within a long parcel. This drove the idea of creating large volumes for gathering and circulation spaces acting both as positive and negative space. The floor plans show the various interactions between figure and ground to emulate the same playful characteristics of a school.

5th floor

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The details were an aspect of the design that allowed for palpable responses to the neighborhood that stood true to the design ideologies for this project. The detail elevation and section work to highlight the array of programs offered within this project. At a glance, the oxidized copper facade creates a visual metaphor for the gradual educational development that occurs within the school. The transition from clean polished copper to a rugged green patina can be compared to the transition from post modern traditional pedagogical approach to a modernized version of industrial education whilst paying homage to the Dogpatch’s industrial roots.

The interior elements of the project highlight a straight-forward approach in organizing the spaces as they abut the public street. The visual interfacing that happens at the street can be carried through to the higher spaces such as the classrooms without compromising visual security and privacy. The industrial theme is also enhanced by the exposed structure and mechanical systems and works to use the building as a model for systems-based learning. The copper facade also acts as a visual that is meant to oxidize over time and its surface was meant to blend into the appearance of other older industrial buildings nearby.

above: detail section and elevation of storefront and curtain wall system

In these section drawings, the design focuses on the volumes created by floor slabs and walls that turn this rather mundane school design into a more dynamic learning environment. The design also builds off of existing typological conditions seen in San Francisco buildings, a positive rectangular space coupled with negative void space in the interior.

below: longitudinal section from street to Crane Cove Park

Longitudinal Section 0’

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shop space atrium lobby gallery library green roof study space auditorium family unit housing common space

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Classrooms and studio spaces are delineated with glass-framed walls. Despite the intimate spaces created, there is still ample room for modulated activities and lesson plans to accomodate studentss and teachers’ different learning and teaching types.

The atrium space holds the project together by reinforcing the highly collaborative nature of the Maker Movement.

Auditory cues from daily activities around the school feed into the space to give a feeling of a living building throughout the day.

The shop space serves as a vital connection to the streetscape. As a proof of concept, the shop visually highlights the different learning style approached by the Maker Movement. A gallery space on the opposite end of the shop works to create a transition from Crane Cove Park to transition from visual to physical engagement.

above: renders of proposed classroom, atrium, and shop space below: transverse section from neighboring building and street

With the subjective learning objectives created for this project, specific consideration for all inhabitants were prioritized. Spaces were designed in consideration to the needs that facilitate the specific program. A school of this magnitude in a dense urban environment requires sufficient space for learning to be facilitated without compromising the focused environment required for learning.

Transverse Section 0’

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shop space atrium drop off space computer lab classroom studio study space studio unit family unit play yard

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Housing Proposal in Weed Weed, California, 96094, United States Cal Poly IPD Studio 2017

Outside perspective

This project was a design proposal for prefabricated housing in Weed, CA that was struck by the Boles fire in 2014. The design focused on the Passive House Institute’s guidelines in an effort to create an energyefficient home that promoted family life and a long-term plan for a family living in the small town. This project also followed the integrated project delivery guidelines set by the AIA. The home was designed in collaboration with students in architecture, structural engineering, and construction management.

West elevation

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5’

with garage

with passive house strategies

Design iterations used daylight analysis from Honeybee and energy modeling from Sefaira to determine optimal building orientation, assembly materials, and window placement as well as appropriate lighting and heating equipment. With Passive House standards, energy consumption within the home went down significantly.

Several iterations of the house design with varying levels of clarity and detail were created to communicate with different people within the project.

Drawings consisting of section details, roof plans, and structural plans and detailing were created to provide clarity and proof of design concept to all stakeholders.

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original proposal

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South elevation

roofing

corrugated aluminum sheets

First Floor Plan 1’

5’

10’

roof structure

2x10 wood rafters

ceiling

wood shelf with simple frame

walls assemblies

panels at R-60 with 6 shear walls

subfloor

vinyl flooring over OSB and floor insulation

floor joists

2x8 wood joists

foundation

CMU stem wall with concrete footing and pads

Construction breakdown diagram

For this project, a home featuring high R-value walls is most suited for the cold climate of Weed. Walls, floors, and roofs reach more than an R-value of 60 with double stud wood frames. Following several Passive House guidelines, the wall, floor, and roof sections had to guarantee minimal thermal and air penetration while using prefabrication as part of the construction.

A major focus of the proposal was to detail many sections that helped to achieve absolute insulation. The garage presented a challenge to that detailing with its lack of use and need for an enclosure. Another aspect was the semi-prefabricated wall assemblies. Wall panels had to be assembled and shipped to the site which attributed to the panelization of the home.

• interior wall layers  and  are sealed together • guides  are nailed onto surface 

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• second layer  is attached to guides • furring strips and fiber cement facade  attached

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New Century School

Pier 31

Pier 31, San Francisco, California, 94133, United States

This is an adaptive-reuse project in San Francisco that converts the existing Pier 31 into a K-8 school. Adaptivereuse projects create positive impacts on the local community as well as potentially reduce the environmental impact from construction and building operations. With its proximity to heavy pedestrian traffic, lack of nearby schools, and access to public transportation, Pier 31 would be a beneficial addition to the community.

Areas of focus in this project include utilization of the existing pier through adherence to existing drawing sets and improving learning environments through effective programmatic and classroom layouts. The design also drew influence from charrettes conducted with elementary school students.

Utilizing the existing building’s unique appearance and warehouse aesthetic, the school will inherit the culture and influence of existing within the pier space along the waterfront. top to bottom: Aerial view of proposal in site

Render of shared space between classrooms Render of yard space at end of pier

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Second floor plan

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above: proposed classroom layouts from charette with New School in SF right: design charette in progress with Monarch Grove Elementary in Morro Bay below: iterative elevations of possible mesh screen configurations corresponding to respective class functions

48’

112’

Workshop Second Grade Classroom Third Grade Classroom Fourth Grade Classroom Fifth Grade Classroom Sixth Grade Classroom Seventh Grade Classroom Eighth Grade Classroom Gallery Storage

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Offices Library Restroom Outdoor Labs Collaborative Spaces School Play Yard (below) Teacher Conference Room Parking and Drop Off (first floor) Front Yard (first floor) Auditorium Cafeteria

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The strategies developed for this project partially originated from design charettes conducted amongst students in a similar age cohort at several schools in San Luis Obispo and San Francisco.

Takeaways from these charettes such as the significance of the physical aspect of learning and need for collaboration and interactivity with peers provided the basis for how this project developed.

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diagram of sample classroom This axonometric model of a classroom helped as a study to configure the learning experience in a place that occupies about half of a student's time during the day.

high classroom ceiling - high ceiling allows panel placement as well as a more relaxed environment. The truss can also fit into the classroom with the increased height

acoustic panels - sound absorbing panels to reduce the sound distribution of an open classroom layout regardless of furnishings.

outdoor patio - for lab activities or for a change in settings depending on the curriculum and planned activities.

fog catching mesh screen - fog water reuse helps students learn about the environment and enriches learning while also presenting a unique facade. existing wooden truss - by integrating the existing truss, the structure communicates its use and significance to students on a daily basis.

window placement - height for view of bay waters when standing but not while sitting so that it reduces distractions during learning.

classroom layout - furniture is easily movable and can be rearranged for various learning setups and various learning needs.

A large design driver was to incorporate elements from other successful school projects that implemented strategies to improve the learning conditions as well as create lifelong successes in education throughout a student's life. Furnishings and finishes played a more important role than other more commercialized projects. Conducive learning environments typically favor natural materials with a calmer color palette. Adequate sunlight and ventilation is required at all times and incorporating nature into the building was vital in using the site's unique location. above: axonometric diagram of classroom

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right: "mood board" created with key elements to incorporate into space as design drivers

environmental response transverse section sunlight reaches into the play yard at all times of the day fog catcher collects water and stores into large tanks/ cistern for use as gray water

window sill above line of sight for seated children to prevent distractions outside

wind is able to ventilate the play yard

skylighting in the hallway allows for natural light to reach the hall even when the classroom shades the space a dedicated outside air system is used to prevent the corrosive nature of the bay water from penetrating the interior

acoustic fins hang from the ceiling about 9 feet high to provide a sense of enclosure as well as to absorb sound without compromising focus of classroom environment the option for operable awning windows is still available for classrooms

hallways act as a barrier for noise coming from the yard

mesh screen mitigates wind and glare while providing a decorative facade

through a water heat exchange, the radiant heating also draws its energy and water source from the bay water

slightly shorter classroom space exists in the first half of the building for younger students

supply at bottom and outtake at top potentially hidden from view

the pier’s location above the water makes it a prime location for water heat exchange

The design focused on creating layers of open and focused spaces that allow for modulation of the schooling environment as well as complementing the pier’s elongated layout. The layers create alternating learning environments that contribute to the different styles of learning while retaining a modular concept for flexibility throughout the lifespan of the school.

To maximize the perception of space at all levels, the ground floor was left open for the several play yards on the pier. The facade was permeable to allow for sunlight, moisture, and wind to flow through the spaces.

The black mesh fog screen helps to reduce the distractions of the waterfront location. It also reduces the amount of direct and indirect radiation while harvesting moisture from the air. The open air envrionment of the pier produced intense levels of solar radiation that could be mitigated by the implementation of a facade. above: transverse section of school addressing the environmental site responses and unique systems left: illumination comparison analysis utilizing DIVA of radiation with and without mesh screens as well as a false color luminance analysis

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Carbonfiber Gridshell Cal Poly Campus, San Luis Obispo, California, 93405 Cal Poly Material Innovation Studio This experimental installation on Cal Poly’s campus is composed of four layers of carbonfiber lathe held together in place by a steel rod and 3D printed bolts. Iterations of the gridshell were created through digital modeling, curvature analysis, and model making. The installation uses two boundary rods that are connected by the lathes and allows people to go under the carbonfiber and circulate around the interior.

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this page: basswood concept model

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view of llathe pattern render of proposed shell workbench assembly holding up the grid paper model connection joint walking through grid pattern of lathe above base of curved steel

Construction drawings were not needed and assembly only required a few spreadsheets for coordination.

Other parts such as washers and attachment joints were made with laser-cut acrylic disks and carbonfiber 3-D prints. The structure was supported through welded steel rods that were linked together with the carbonfiber lathes attached to the rods.

The development of this project started with understanding the geometry of geodesic curves on a curved surface. Using Grasshopper, we were able to experiment with a variety of shapes to create an experiential model using geodesic curves. The shapes require two closed loops to provide that tension and compressive behavior in the structure similar to a tensegrity structure.

My interpretation involved using the exaggerated curvature of a modeled surface and the tendency to find the shortest length around objects to create an opening with the curves/lathe. This opening would be located in the middle of the circulation to provide an experiential buffer from the gridshell.

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The goal for this project was to develop conceptual office partitions using phasechange materials as a medium. There were multiple iterations with different levels of complexity.

Utilizing varying levels of parametric designs, each scheme focused on different goals for the overall design. Both tensegrity structures and simple slotted connections were used to develop ideas.

The phase-change materials relied heavily on heating and sunlight so daylighting analysis and simulations were used to determine the feasability and effectiveness of various models and designs.

Phase-Change Partitions Cal Poly Material Innovation Studio

The voronoi design featured a simple design that maximized surface area along a single plane. Panels would be linked by silicon connectors and contain paraggin wax as the phase-change material.

Multiple layers of plexiglass were required as the wax was not viscous as a liquid. The downside is that the area is limited by a single plane of the panels and lacks any unique apprearance.

voronoi concept design

silicone ending cap /2” glass tube

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/4” steel cable

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tensegrity unit 1

A type of receptacle for the phasechange material was a series of thin glass tubes. Designing with these tubes yielded ineffective partitions, as seen in the daylighting analysis, but created a more complex typology that worked better as a study. Layering could also be applied to these shapes to create more surface area for the phase change to occur. tensegrity concept 1 design

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tensegrity concept design 1 elevations and plan

#3 #1

unit assembly

#4

#2

different clover assemblies

This clover concept took from the voronoi panels and expanded the concept into a third dimension. The additional panels add more surface area to effectively increase the surface area to make use of the phase-change material.

The panels comprised of multiple pieces of plexiglass glued together would slot into each other allowing for added flexibility and modularity. clover panel concept design

clover panel concept design 2 elevations and plan

A key factor in determining the design's effectiveness was utilizing daylighting simulations to determine optimal location relative to the sun and level of exposure for each unit. Surface area and ability to change throughout the day were characteristics that were desired for each iteration.

two iterations with radiation analysis

/8th” steel cable

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/2” glass tube

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silicone plug silicone ending cap

tensegrity unit 2

tensegrity concept 2 design

This concept centered on tensegrity structures which were modeled using the Kangaroo plug-in to simulate the physical product. While not particularily effective at thermal and acoustic mitigation, it worked well as a found medium which did not require new materials. Paraffin wax as phase-change material was easier to contain within tubes than bonded acrylic panels. tensegrity concept design 2 elevations and plan

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Oishi Secondary School on Environmental Education Oishi Park, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan

View along lake promenade

Located in a suburban neighborhood in Yamanashi prefrecture, Oishi park is home to several attractions and events celebrating the local and regional contributions to the environment. Its nature center hosts gatherings to inform tourists of the significance of the surrounding land.

The local farms nearby host fruit pickings and farmers' markets to vitalize the neighborhood.

The site was complementary to the context for its close proximity to the nature center and primary school.

The site would be home to a secondary school which would work in tandem with the existing infrastructure while utilizing its high foot traffic to educate a diverse audience.

Aerial render of proposed school

Physical model

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Situated in the small tourist-heavy town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan, this thesis project aims to disseminate information and encourage sustainable practices among people of diverse backgrounds through the use of school architecture. This project also focuses on environmental stewardship by educating individuals through direct teaching or through curated travel experiences. This school tackles the global issue of climate change and offers an architectural solution that is heavily influenced by Japanese culture.

In understanding the complexity and plethora of elements at play in the school environment particularily in a Japanese classroom, excessive research was done into the basic structure of education from the physical environment to the more complex cultural elements that heavily influence student lifestyles and habits.

The religious element of Mount Fuji played an important role in the thesis as a basis for an educational enlightenment for both tourists and students alike. The goal was to form many core memories that would solidify the need and practice of environmental stewardship.This was accomplished through interactive circulatory elements and moments within the building that played on light, sound, movement.

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1. Physical model 2. Render @ pier with Mt. Fuji 3. Inspiration furniture - grass chair

Inverted monochrome sectional models

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roof

Exploded Axonometric Diagram

The upper floor imposes a simple heirarchy amongst students with those in the upper secondary school having seniority over their peers.

second floor library

Classroom View

10th grade 11th grade 12th grade patio music room

patio study area

first floor

pier

library

Various areas of the project’s spaces prominently feature views of the mountain range, lake, neighborhood, or Mount Fuji.

The application of‘borrowed landscapes’helps recreate Heianstyle gardens commonly seen in shrines and mansions as well as to denote this school as a place of significance as such.

In areas of circulation such as the gallery and atrium, those spaces are large and meandering but in areas of focus such as the classrooms and library, they are standardized and uniform; thus amalgamating traditional and modern styles into the school.

Similarily in the previous projects, adding several layers of open and closed spaces add to the depth of the learning experience that typically occurs in the physical schooling environment.

The first floor brings together all of the spaces with its atrium and acts as a hub for the school.

7th grade 8th grade 9th grade

bus drop-off p.e. room

Project axonometrics with structure

study area play yard genkan garden

pier

ground floor

viewing space

The ground floor features public program spaces and includes a areas of intermingling of tourists and students.

The circulation in these spaces is curated to create a one-time experience for visitors.

gallery community center auditorium park

gymnasium

study area

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art room

The critical aspect of this thesis is the application of detailing to the space to create experiences and to prompt growth and development. Through an understanding of Japanese construction, these spaces display architectural motifs in Japan throughout the country’s history. This detail section shows the complexity and variety that is created in each space.

Classroom view

Column detail

Gallery view

Detail Section #2

Detail Section #1

The critical aspect of this thesis is the application of detailing to the space to create experiences and to prompt growth and development. Through an understanding of Japanese construction, these spaces display architectural motifs in Japan throughout the country’s history. This detail section shows the complexity and variety that is created in each space.

There is a vertical transition of light and sound that is created with the materials and physical elements designed in the section. The dark underground is contrasted with the metaphorical awakening of light at the top of the structure.

Atrium View

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The Best Way Out is Always Through Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, San Diego, California, 92101 Intern/Fabricator @ Ball Nogues Studio

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This installation in the San Diego Airport parking lot is composed of microfiber rods held together by epoxy and shaped into catenary domes.

Interlocking smaller loops at the edges of each extension create visual cues for movement. Each alley has its own set of vaults and styles within the parking plaza.

Each angle of the installation gives different perception of the catenaries. Within each "wing" there are different domes of varying sizes and colors.

From below, the smaller loops create a visual representation of the vaulting of the domes.

From above, the domes’ curvature is accentuated and the colors accentuate the visual and physical movement.

above: view from below right: view from top level left: waffle formwork below: thousands of microfiber rods

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Blackburn Avenue Menlo Park, California 94025 Designer @ Square Three Architecture This custom single-family residence in Menlo Park combines traditional with modern styles from . This transitional style is reflected in its overall form and tectonics as well throughout the interior spaces. Minimal site limitations maximized the flexibility of the design to accommodate the owners’ tastes and indecisiveness.

The design revolves around the typology of the surrounding neighborhood and refrains from detracting from the overall character of the community in Menlo Park. The home is a simple two-story new construction that started off as a remodel but ultimately was more realistic to deconstruct and build new.

One of the minor inconveniences of this site is the very low base flood elevation that is unique to this neighborhood. With some small modifications to the FEMA flood maps, we were able to reduce the elevation to 1 foot above natural grade. This also meant that the foundation had to be a thick slab foundation as having a crawl space would mean maintaining a pump throughout the year.

top: Sketchup model of front above: proposed site plan without annotations below: building section without annotations

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As with other highend custom residential projects, many of the details had to be custom drawn and edited to fit the conditions of the home as well as the small nuances that the owners prefer. The use of a traditional craftsman-style home contrasted with a somewhat modernized interior created several different details from the office's standard drawings.

clockwise above: corner jamb detail, window head trim detail, garage foundation curb detail, exterior eave detail

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The floor plan for this home follows a standard common space programming on the ground floor and more private bedroom spaces on the second floor. The layout is centered around the main staircase and circulation switches from circulatory to dead ends on the first to second floor. Bays were added onto the second floor to add additional areas for windows for daylighting as well as to add volumes to the overall form of the building.

The clients had children that had stricter requirements for air quality. The large traditional gable roof provided extra space for storage as well as for mechanical equipment to facilitate the required air handling needs.

above: proposed second floor plan left: proposed first floor plan below: primary bathroom interior elevations

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above: proposed kitchen interior elevations below: continued proposed kitchen interior elevations bottom: Sketchup model from front

Currently under construction, the project is now going through interior finishing. The design of the interior spaces went through multiple iterations with the client to find the layout that worked best for their preference. Combining both modern and traditional layouts such as with tiling and cabinetry finishes resulted in a blend of styles that complemented the formal design of the home.

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Metro Circle Palo Alto, California 94303 Designer @ Square Three Architecture This custom single-family residence in Palo Alto had a variety of technical difficulties that challenged the design approach. Its location in a high flood zone forced an equally high design elevation along with less-than-ideal soil conditions. Collaborating with a variety of civil and geotechnical engineers, we worked to resolve several design challenges unique to the site.

exterior render of home

The pie-shaped parcel provided a unique site condition in programmatic massing. Coupled with a high flood design elevation, the building builk would ultimately become massive. It became imperative that the mass be broken into smaller sections to minimize its monolithic appearance.

The use of multiple finishes as well as the circular roof shading and stepped foundation provided moments of separation between programmatic elements. The monolithic concrete foundation is contrasted with the cedar panels and plaster coating to provide those breaks.

above: proposed render of home right: site plan of proposed home

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Having shifted the scope of work from a remodel/addition to new construction twice, the client soon became concerned about cost near the end of project delivery. As the project was wrapping up the construction documentation phase, it became important to reduce costs through finishes and detailing. In an effort to cut back on the budget, careful detailing of certain elements helped to reduce material costs such as parapet walls, weather proofing, and structural assemblies.

above: front elevation without annotations right: Sketchup perspectives bottom: north section without annotations

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clockwise from top: corner window jamb with plaster siding detail, roof parapet detail, high stem wall foundation detail, low roof trough gutter detail

Much like the Blackburn project, the Metro project saw a lot of custom details.

In this instance, these details were needed for the unique flood elevation that required the finish floor to be elevated more than five feet from final grade. The clerestory detail helped to add additional daylight.

The sweeping roof also helps to break down the monolithic stature of the home.

This roof added more water mitigation requirements which are reflected in the details.

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To avoid a lengthy review process, the planning permit phase was circumvented by limiting the structure to only a single story structure. To maximize the floor area, the programming had to be spread out along the uniquely shaped lot.

The clients were particularily tall and required more than 8'-6" of ceiling which was difficult to fit into the project due to the flood and height limitations. Fortunately the single-story structure also helped to maximize the amount of ceiling space available.

above: sample of construction document floor plan below: south elevation without annotations

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Architecture Portfolio ‘23 Bryan Lee

bryan.llh.lee@gmail.com 415.702.8898