HKR Architectural Design Competition I Discovery Bay, Hong Kong I 2022
Upstream took inspiration from the unique landscape of the valley and hills of Discovery Bay. The design emulates the flowing water from streams and run along the hillside, creating a dynamic form that blends in with the overall landscape.
The building consists of 4 zones suitable for different age groups with a wide range of activities. It sets up challenges for visitors with increasing difficulties in each zone. A hierarchy created as activities becoming more demanding as the ascend up the mountain. Activities progress from a static state to a more vigorous state.
Hiking Trail Connection t to its surrounding , • aches ou b and The bui_ld1ng re f the hiking trails near y connecting to le~ o uld ultimately connect t~ where these tra1 s co lso serves as a pre&pos MRC The centre a the · f people hike base camp or
Water Flow long the curved facade R water is harvested a The site locates a1n I estzone I from the highest to ow the major channe at the upstrea: t~: approach of_ wa~e~ distribution. Thu 1· es channel tension a both re 1ev hardvesting ds to the site . effectively respon
Site Plan 1:2000 Physical Model
The Main Building at the lowest zone of MRC acts as a welcoming point for visitors, housing the reception and offices and connects directly to the outdoor. It connects to the exhibition gallery suspended above the valley overlooking the gorgeous view
Om G/F
1. Recception
2. Administration Office
3. Exhibition Gallery 10 20 N SOm
Zone 1 suits young visitors and beginners for extreme outdoor sports. Families with young children can enjoy the playground and participate in the VR experience.
1/F
1. Resting Area
2. Walking Trail
3. Simulation Room
4. Communal Area
5. Small Exhibition
6. Washroom
7. Washroom
8. Gaming Room
9. Battle Room 10 20 N 50m
ZRone 2Cis the iTntermed 1 iatepzokne , wdh 1 erde visi 0 t~rs can enJo yktTheh -~ ope ourse , ram po 1ne ar , an n oor 1scovery p ar eGreenhouse farming center oversees the reservoir i { ~lsy located lo woe 2.
1. Trampoline Park
2. Indoor Discovery Park
3. Reception
4. Zip Lining
5. Rope Course
6. Preparation Area
7. Equipment Room
8. Storage
9. Washroom
10. Washroom
11. Greenhouse Farming Centre
12. Walking Trail
13. Observation Deck
Resting Area
Greenhouse Farming Centre
Pathway
Cafe
Rock Climbing
Equipment Room
Washroom
Washroom
E.M Room 10. Adventure Shop
Internal Screw Connec ti on Plate
Greenhouse Irrigation
As rainwater goes down a long the slope, each level of planting harvests runoff from the previous cell, forming unique clusters of micro-watersheds along the terrace to absorb and purify rainwater while growing food in the centre.
Gowanus Water House
Graduate Studio Project
Professor: Steven Fong I 503 Smith Street, Brooklyn, New York I 2023
The project is a multi-use urban spur of the Gowan us Canal, part workshop/warehouse, part community centre, and part pleasure park. It is the southernmost extension of recreational facilities centred along the Gowan us Canal. By proposing a building that is at once robust and tough facing toward canal, it becomes a primary hub for the district's pleasuring programs.
The adjacency to a waterway is a great opportunity to put forward a collaborative approach between the subject of flood impacts and the engagement of aquatic accommodation by inviting the canal to our site and offering a flexible ground-floor programme. Our project is on a polluted industrial brown field district, seeks to transform into a vibrant new generation neighbourhood through introducing new concept and material to the project.
The building explores its interdependent relationship with the canal.
Having waterfront side to be robust and rough foster the activeness and connection with the canal.
Extrusion tubes by the programme gives a sense of spontaneity and vibrancy.
Canal
Robust & Rough
Push & Pull
Water Engaging
Envisioning the building with accomodation of aquatic activity by allowing water in
Sun Oriented
The extrusion tends to setback on the south side so that sunlight can reach to the other side
Rationalising
Repetitive programme were placed at the back , gives a big contrast to both side
Ground Floo Arrange t
Ground floo can be completely o and floodable, blending i with the surrounding industri ndscape. The brick on t e ground floor creates an interactive and vibrant atmosph re, which is contrastingly different fr m the rest of the a rehouse-like building.
M&E
Kayak Center
Bicycle Parking
Therapy Room
4/F
1. Art Studio
2. Therapy Room
3. Artist Space
4. Working Area
5. Material Storage
3/F
1. Communal Kitchen
2. Visitor Workshop I
3. Visitor Workshop II
4. Repair Store
Polycarbonate Panel Facade
Due to the surrounding site's industrial and dirty nature, the building is designed to be enclosed. Polycarbonate panels will be predominantly used to wrap the structure, as they are opaque during the day while still allowing light to penetrate through, creating an expression of softness.
Why choosing the Material?
Low Embodied Energy
Structural a nd facade elements are low-carboned except the roof. Choo sing tiles as the roof material gives a different aesthetic and ta c tile quality
Timber Cladding Construction:
A Step Ahead of Online Shopping
Graduate Studio Project
Professor: Lawerence Holland I Golden Miles, Toronto I 2022
The project reimagines online shopping as an experience as accessible as walking through a lobby. Instead of fostering isolation, this innovative approach enhances social interaction by grouping purchases together.
The focus area, currently a heavily industrial zone, is proposed to be transformed into a car-free neighborhood. A new point-to-point system car, unlike traditional buses, will enable convenient commuting for both people and their purchases. This initiative aims to encourage residents to dedicate more time to community work, benefiting from the reduced need to spend time wandering through stores
A Starting Point for Development
Golden Mile has a different atmosphere on two sides with the boundary of Warden Avenue. While on the left side of Avenue is active, the other side is uninviting. It is either used for heavy industrial work or being abundant. However, there are some potentials, especially the logistic center, that corresponds to our theme. Therefore, our project choose it to be the starting point of the phase development.
- Commercial/ Giant Store
Neighbourhood highly rely on it as they provide entertainment and services
- Potential Programme
There are some exsiting blocks that corresponds to the design principle.
This area dont have much connection with neighbourhood. Most
Land Use Zoning
Golden Mile Plaza
Bestway Metal Recycling
- Industrial/Warehouse
Detention Centre
blocks were abundant.
Phase 1 Define New Path
The site is chosen as it set close to giant stores and logistic centre. More purchasing options are provided in the early stage for adapting the new way of living in 2025.
Data Collection: Every 60 min No. of Vehicles: 5-10 No. of Household: 300
Unpack and Reorganise parcels
Unbox items to simple wraps so they are both display-ready and immediately usable , also ensuring the packaging can be efficiently recycled and reused at a logistics center.
Integrating Convenience
Shopping has transformed into an experience as accessible as walking through a lobby With shopping becoming seamlessly integrated into daily routines, the need to commute for purchases has diminished.
People now spend less time wandering through stores and more time focusing on community work. As communities grow, this shift supports a greater need for individuals to devote their time and efforts locally , fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration.
The community benefits from efficient transportation and delivery via smart vans Unlike buses that stop at every stop, travelers can select preset locations for pickup The vans receive these signals and transport passengers directly from point to point. The same system works for purchases ; once the logistic center provides signals, deliveries are made promptly
Smart Displaying Locker
Purchased items are placed in transparent lockers ready for pick-up, effectively turning them into a 's hop ' that displays and labels each item The shelves are constantly refreshed with new products, as a smart van transports items once orders are received from the logistics center, simply reflecting real-time trends and popular items Residents never get bored browsing at the machines These lockers are located on the entrance floor of every building, with two main types: one for food and another for dried product.
Incorporating Affordable Housing Study Models
To maximize the feasibility of this scheme, I primarily referenced affordable housing models. Out of all considered options, I selected these two based on their scale and efficiency. Each building features a single outdoor stairway that serves six flats per floor. Regarding lighting, despite having walls on both sides, Nightingale Evergreen incorporates a lightwell, ensuring each room has its own window.
Nighting Evergreeen Isometric
Ground Floor Rearrangement
'Storage' become the main space on the entry level in the design scheme. It is now a communal space where conversation starts from, fostering human interaction through online shopping. Lockers are spread through the entire space happen in different forms. For instance, food are stored in a temprature-controlled room.
• L M~ ~t"ing Roof!') _
_ ,2:. <::a f.e : : • , · 3. W o rkshop : - Y ,
4 _ Food 0 -is.ptay s to ra9 e
s - Gene ~a_l. Dis Pl il.Y S~orasie :
6 Stora ge Roorn •
7.•i3ik e Sto.r age · · s. En t~ance Lo~ by -
Revitalization Strip
Winning Competition
ARCASIA I Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong I 2021
Upon the dependent relationship on footbridge in the district, it is questioned that they serve the only boring purpose of cum muting, yet no more. Users walk across then leave at another exit. Being a crucial role in the district as everyone's everyday commuting route, a questioned aroused:
Could a bridge serve more than its current purpose but an attraction that impact more on human living?
Design Concept
The footbridge is more than a footbridge for commute, it contains human-centred programme. By adapting 3 major theme of space interweaving between indoor and outdoor, gradually supplementing a person with comfort before returning home. Promoting connection and belonging to the district is essential particularly in the segregated city.
15-minute Living Experience on Footbridge
1) Relax
2) Recharge
The first region that tired off-hour workers enter is themed as a "Relax" area which contains spaces to help wind down from the pressurising work and bring a sense of relief and rest at the end of the day.
Design Strategies
Energizing weary citizens is equally crucial as they are the spirit and the backbone of the society. The second region provides beverages and stimulation of different kinds opting to bring a lively atmosphere to rejuvenate the off hour, dull mood before entering the district.
To leave a memorable experience and hence create a sense of belonging usually links with the people. Areas for exhibitions, gatherings are along the central path which provides people with a temporary distraction which slows down the bustling pace for a short chat with others in the community and a time to simply
Human Density
Residents heavily rely on footbridge as they connect to major destination point to point. While blue dots indicate the distribution of density, red dots are staircases that connect to the rest of the community.
b e tw ee n buildings
Building Type
Bridge two ends are mostly high-rise landmark building while old low-story wrap along the bridge.
Transportation & Road
Streets spawl through the district with a major "backbone" connect with neighbour district. There is always pedestrian footbridge on a main street.
Keep Going
Undergraduate Studio Project
Professor: Stan Lai I Ma Tau Wai, Hong Kong I 2021
The project focuses on creating a single continuous concrete piece throughout the entire building, offering a variety of climbing wall stiffness options. This design will result in a comprehensive climbing wall center where climbers of all levels can find their ideal challenge.
Tearing
The building imitates the gestue of tearing from a flexible piece , create visitors an experience of climbing an endless mountain
Wind Driving
Wind is driven downward to G/F , spreading to all part of site
Spatial Interaction
Without solid division partition, climbing wall become a performance stage People from different levels are interactively connected and be involved in the sports
R/F Cafe
3/F Advanced Climbing Wall from back entrance access
1/F Indoor Climbing
G/F Entrance access from Football Court
1/F Speed Climbing view from west wing
07
Mushroom Therapy Cancer Centre
Graduate Studio Project
Professor : Steven Fong I 503 Smith Street, Brooklyn, New York I 2023
This thesis project introduces the concept of establishing the first Maggie center in Toronto, which is a healthcare facility center designed to provide practical, emotional, and social support to those with cancer.
The continuous growth and unpredictable metabolic processes of mushroom foster a multisensory experience that captivates the individual. In the process of understanding mushroom, it endeavors to ignite inspiration among cancer patients from the mysterious relationship of mushroom with nature, spreading the liveliness and energy of nature to motivate them to fight against cancer. With the therapeutic capacities mushroom serve, the project responds with an architecture solution to support the mushroom interacting journey, from collecting wild mushroom, to cultivating their own mushroom.
Proximity
Despite its urban setting, it benefits from being positioned on a slope near trails and creeks. Our building is designed to connect w ith these natural elements, providing nature therapy opportunities for visitors, who might have chance to stumble upon these mushrooms during their visits.
Maggie's Toronto is situated on the Sunnybrook Hospital campus, right next to the cancer centre. It is easily accessible, allowing people to visit both before and after their hospital treatments.
Scurfy Funnel Cap Turkey Tail
Hospital and Maggie's Centre Relationship
Surgical treatment takes place in an inpatient ward
Radiation and systemic therapy are usually provided on an outpatient
Maggie's Centre Principle Domesticity
Mental Support
Proposed Routine for a cancer patient
With the presence of Maggie ' s Centre , cancer patients have a second home where they can find comfort and support. In this Maggie 's Centre, mu shroom s add an additional layer of meaning, fo stering unique interaction s and bonding among people through the s hared theme of engaging with mu shroom s.
Why cultivating mushroom?
Mushroom is the most enchanting creatures in nature, veiled in mystery. You could never expect when and why they appear but each possessing its own beauty. When we get close to them, they imparts profound lessons in life and hope. They grow in darkness. They humbly consume decomposing matter we often overlooked as waste.In the project, it is believed that mushrooms serve as a more fitting companion for cancer patients than conventional options like dogs and cats.
Visiting & understanding
Be in Nature
Individual Cultivating
Group Cultivating
The Process of Cultivation
The process of making mushrooms can be healing. Unlike traditional mushroom farms that target massive production, this approach allows each visitor to create their own mushroom pack "pet" with their choice of spore and substrate. Visitors can improve their mushroom cultivation skills with each cycle, which takes 6-8 weeks. During this time, there is no responsibility for the patients, as the mushrooms stay in the inoculation room until fruiting. However, visitors are welcome to check on their "pet" daily.
Colle ting Spore
Design Concept
It provides a unique sense of peace with the touch of rock, the spark of glowing light, and the temperature. It features a variety of light and dark spaces, gradually transitioning from one to another, symbolizing a journey from darkness to light.
Gradual Transition in Space
Redefining Theurapeutic Space
Light and dark spaces are equally important as each contribute uniquely to the healing process. They can offer a balanced healing environment by providing a change of atmosphere, and ensuring individuals do not become overwhelmed by one type of environment. In a dark space, which is often neglected, the absence of visual distractions in dark spaces allows individuals to focus inward and engage deeper self-understanding.
Imagined Surreal Light and Dark Space on a 24x30" Canvas
1. Bright warm
1. Dark caved
2. Energy and vitality
2. Relaxing like a calm wave
3. Social interaction
3. Silence and meditation
Floor Plan
The entrance, positioned adjacent to the Odette Cancer Center and accessible from the upper floor, opens into a space designed based on the Maggie's Architecture brief. The additional mushroom farm adds a unique touch. The proximity to the rock wall creates a sense of humility and intimacy, enhancing the healing atmosphere.
Stepping forward from the entrance, the atrium's breathtaking warmth invites you down to the main floor. The main staircase, winding along the rock where the mushroom farm is located, offers a tactile connection, leading you into the fascinating journey of mushrooms.
How to construct the rock?
Step 1: Remove top soil and obtain a retaining dike w ith earth material
Step 2: Materialised the centre part w ith hay bales
Step 3: Pour concrete into the space bet w een the earth and hay bales Entrance Area
Step 4: Removed the earth after some time and discover an amorphous mass
Step 5: empty the interior w ith quarry machinery and a call
