Chuyue Jiang
2019 - 2024
Part II Architectural Assistant
M.Arch | MSA 2022 - 2024
B.Arch | USYD 2019 - 2021
jiangchuyue1201@gmail.com
+44 7464810224 linkedin.com/in/chuyue-jiang-8759ab268
Metropolitan Prosthesis
Design Brief
By viewing the city through the lens of urban complexity and systems theory, I extrapolate a problematic future for East Manchester, where vehicles, transportation infrastructure, and dense urban fabric will reduce ground-level green spaces and limit pedestrian accessibility.
Integrating computational design with synergetic theory, I envisioned new urban configurations by developing adaptive building typologies and generative urban connections, promoting sustainable traffic accessibility and energy generation for a zero-carbon city.
Key Terms
Urban transformation
Sociotechnical systems
New ground
Multilevel mobility-oriented development
Performance assessment
Tool
We conducted an in-depth analysis of East Manchester's development, future transportation trends, and global urbanisation patterns, employing the theoretical frameworks of systems theory and urban complexity. Within the projections that are based on the research, we can build our future scenarios and identify key spatial challenges.
This exploration allows researchers and policymakers to gain insights into probable outcomes and characteristics of these systems. By investigating multiple scenarios, a deeper understanding of the range of possibilities is achieved, aiding in the formulation of informed decisions and policies that shape the future development of cities and regions.
A holistic framework for understanding the structural and functional patterns of systems in various fields such as technology and social sciences— by analyzing their component parts, interactions, and emergent properties.
Process Establishing Thesis Framework
"... computational process start with elemental properties and generative rules to end with information which derives form as a dynamic system."
Complexity theory in urban systems explores how simple rules and interactions among components lead to complex,
System components can reach stable states, typically resilient to slight disturbances. At critical points, stability can be lost, causing new configurations or behaviours to emerge.
Problem 1. Less Ground Communal & Green Space: the ground space is dominantly occupied by buildings, vehicles and transportation (infrastructures)
Problem 2. Limited Pedestrian Accessbility on the Ground: the dense of high-rise buildings limits the ground-level access and spatial connections, complicating daily commutes
Problem 3. Urban Heat Island Effect & Excessive Energy Consumption (Embodied Carbon, etc.) and Carbon Emissions: caused by the dense built environment; it also leads to unsustainable building performance
Problem 4. Inadequate Sunlight Reaching the Lower Level: shadow casting on lower space
East Manchester 2073 ( Video Available )
Design Guidance: Multilevel Mobility-Oriented Development
After defining our design direction, we drew inspiration from urban metabolism and synergetics theory. Through studying relevant books and case studies, we identified specific strategies, such as creating elevated green pathways and vertically layering transportation modes. By combining these resources, we determined our design approach to be Multilevel Mobility-Oriented Development (MMOD).
CORE - System Theory & Urban Complexity
Design Approach
• Redefine the Spatial Use
Research & Precedents
• Parallel Cities : The Multilevel Metropolis
continue the basic theoretical framework
• Synergetics Theory by Hermann Haken
• Urban as Complex Systems develop with detailed concepts
• Urban Metabolism book reference for urban-scale strategy
a sustainability-related subtheory
• Multi-level Pedestrian Accessibility
• Introduce New Building Typology, the Mobility Hub, as the Mobility Trasition Node & Spatial Connection Centre
• Renewable Energy Generation
• Towards Net-Zero Target & Precedents
• Precedent Studies renewable energy regeneration technologies & Ken Yeang's projects
As transport hubs and energy stations, mobility hubs adapt to existing plots, buildings, and highways at busy junctions. Using GH Python with relevant algorithms, the tower forms are generated to maximize the facade solar radiation while trimming the shape to optimize sunlight paths. While based on specific rules, 'bridges' are generated between mobility hubs and the highways aiming to provide chances for switching travel modes.
Rule-based Process Examples
Integrating with some algorithms, pathways are generated centred on mobility hubs to enhance accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Adjacent building blocks are retrofitted with elevated platforms. By distributing mobility hubs across various busy joints, we generate city-scale iterations that address spatial problems, evaluating and ranking each option.
We evaluated three design solutions—A3, C1, and B2—that stand out from twelve iterations across three rating categories. A3 is distinguished for creating the most green and activity spaces. C1 excels at generating pathways among mobility hubs and existing structures, enhancing connectivity. B2, strategically placing mobility hubs in dense residential areas, optimises and promotes walking and cycling routes.
I learned computational design and systems thinking to analyze and solve design problems from multiple dimensions. This non-linear approach allows testing and evaluating design outcomes iteratively, avoiding direct decisions. It enables the generation of more suitable solutions for various design goals and helps me understand the contradictions and balances in design choices.
Design Brief
The project provides affordable student accommodation with high-quality social spaces, guided by DfMA to achieve a zero-carbon goal. By analysing students' living preferences and anticipating future housing needs, I've introduced a temporal dimension to this project.
Using DfMA and a panelised system, the design features adjustable spaces with foldable walls to accommodate different living styles and functions. This approach enhances social connectivity and adapts to evolving housing needs over time.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly
Mass timber construction
Diverse living experience
Foldable walls
Social connection
Based on the client brief, it is evident that student apartments require various housing types and enhanced social connections. Additionally, preferences for living styles will evolve. Social and economic conditions also influence the demand for different functional spaces. Therefore, it is crucial to design apartments that can adapt to these changing needs.
Inspired by my research, I've recognised the complex factors shaping living requirements and their evolution over time. I'm considering foldable walls to seamlessly integrate green, social, and residential spaces, facilitating transitions between community interaction and privacy. This adaptability would allow each living unit to offer customisable options.
The scenarios of the ensuite apartment time-based co-living modes
Design Brief
This adaptive retrofit project expands MMU's Bell House into a new Career Space, exploring spatial strategies through iterative testing. Juxtaposing polycarbonate facades with the brick exterior, the design creates a striking contrast.
Within the constrained site, strategic use of void space based on computational iteration, and the interaction between different areas enhance functionality, meeting the client's needs for versatility and expanding possibilities in this dynamic campus building.
Key Terms
Adaptive Reuse
Juxtaposition
Ambiguous space
Spatial connectivity
The client specified the need for diverse functional spaces, each with unique characteristics. Through diagrammatic analysis of the client's brief, we identified key design focuses. Our approach centres on optimizing flow space, open-plan layouts, and natural light to enhance the fluidity and comfort of the environment. This design strategy aims to facilitate collaboration and communication among users.
Strategy Exploration: Spatial Collaboration Study
An abstract layout is arranged after we explore the relationship between programs. And I studied the possible interactions between different types of space to explore the emerging functions and the complementarity between programs.
Collaboration Experiment among Specific Programmes
Exploring Spatial Forms: Iterating Void Space Distributions and Proportions
Each cube represents a particular set of programmes, so this iteration process helps us to discover the possibilities of spatial arrangement in three dimensions. Moreover, the relationship between the void and solid is visualized and compared among different iterations.
Final Program Arrangement
My Master of Architecture course are divided into two categories: basic practice in residential design and retrofit, and an innovative thesis project. These projects enhanced my software skills, regulatory knowledge, and I became familiar with the trends and conditions of the British built environment.
The most valuable lesson was adopting a system thinking to design. This method departs from the traditional linear design process, instead utilising the mechanisms and rules based on targets. By employing computational design methods to iterate options and assess outcomes, I expanded my design capabilities and methods significantly.
Next are the undergraduate projects that emphasise the study of regional culture, the social and natural environment, architectural theory and history. The design process involves research and reflection to develop a narrative while exercising aesthetics and imagination. With fewer constraints, the focus is on innovative concepts and visual expression.
Throughout these processes, I developed skills in creating design concepts and gained an understanding of various contexts and design considerations. This experience broadened my architectural knowledge, fostered connections across different fields, and inspired me, further strengthening my passion for architectural design.
Sydney Harbour Drama House
Design Brief
Taking cues from Aldo Rossi’s Teatro del Mondo, the project involved designing a floating theatre that responds to Sydney’s coastal and drama culture. This undergraduate project aimed to deepen our understanding of architectural theory and classic case studies.
I aim to create a transformable, movable theatre that reflects the dynamic nature of action and time. Using a lattice structure and modular components, it offers diverse spaces and a rich experience, enhancing public engagement with the seashore and drama atmosphere.
Key Terms
Transformative design
Modular design
Lattice structure
Symbolism and poetics
Temporality and impermanence
The Spirit of Theatre -- Starting with "Place of Action" I began with the etymology of 'theatre,' which includes meanings like 'plays, writing, production, and stage,' extending to 'a place of action.' I intend to craft a theatre that stands as both iconic and poetic, designed to ignite visitor curiosity and encourage participation in diverse activities. The theatre features adaptable structures that support dynamic spatial performativity, enabling it to host a variety of events over time.
Sydney is a viable city which owns featured space spirit, and where people pay great attention to performing arts like music, dance, drama, and opera. These types of art provides people with historic interest and culture exchange. Therefore, many theatres were built in the urban areas that offer various choices for audience. Besides, theatres activate their districts and make up valuable and attractive spots for the community. It is feasible and worthy to build theatres.
The collage drawings shows my formal concpet and the relationship between the building and the place.It is like a symbolic and white pure lattice box floating over the sea. It looks like a monument or an alien spaceship, or Monolith in the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey. Such construction is like a prototype that has great potential to transform into any shapes. Furthermore, the pure white color and such geometrical form have strong contrast to any places of the city.
"We have no contemporary theatre. No agitators’ theatre, no tribunal, no force which does not merely comment on life, but shapes it."
– Frederick Kiesler, Endless eatre (Shelter Magazine, 1932)
Panels, Volumes and Units Dictionary
The images illustrate this building through the eyes of both an audience member and a performer. It depicts a vast lattice structure floating on the sea, resembling a sculpture animated with singing and dancing. This structure serves as a panoramic platform. With free entry and exit, it integrates the city and the sea into its stage, making the building itself a performer immersed in an ongoing drama.
Project
https://www.australiandesignreview.com/architecture/design-projects-university-of-sydneys-graduate-show/
This project, located in a village near Phnom Penh, Cambodia, aims to design affordable housing for locals. It began with extensive research into the area's climate, traditional housing and people's habit to ensure the designs are culturally and environmentally appropriate.
Bamboo, chosen for its sustainability and strength, is used in innovative umbrellashaped structures to enhance ventilation and provide rain shelter. The design also includes stilt house features for spatial flexbility and flood mitigation.
Bamboo structure
Rural housing
Vernacular architecture
Field research
Sustainable materiality
Design Principles Based On An Ethnographic Study
Climate - Shelters for heavy rains and sunlight exposure
Religion - Forms inspired by Buddhism architecture
Housing history -House on stilts
Living habits - Flexible plans and good ventilation
Environment and economy - Bamboo as main materials
Village culture - Community connection
After extensive research, observation, and sketching, I established core design principles to ensure reasonable design. I studied bamboo construction techniques, precisely calculated each joint, and built a 1:20 scale model from bamboo sticks to facilitate discussions with local residents.
The severe bushfires in Sydney in 2020 highlighted the impacts of climate change, prompting me to consider whether architecture could serve as a form of installation art to draw attention to this urgent issue.
When a small tree becomes a symbol of hope and memory, what was once common becomes rare and precious. My concept is to create a refuge for nature. Through diverse vertical space designs, human activity areas and plant containers are juxtaposed in a monumental tower.
Key Terms
Climate change
Architecture as a manifesto
Artificial nature
Environmental awareness
Culture of congestion
- Project Engagement: Hubei Science and Technology Museum (Program Area: 70,000m2)
- Experience: Conducted site modeling and research, performed precedent studies, and explored computational design methods for modeling the façade.
- Project Engagement: The kindergarten of OCT Binjiang 11th community ( 9 classes in total )
- Experience: Finished one interim design plan individually and presented it to the project director.
