Y1S2 Architecture Portfolio

ARTIST OF A FLOATING WORLD CORNELL UNIVERSITY | B. ARCH YEAR ONE | S2 DAVID NI

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TABLE OF CONTENT This is the portfolio of Cornell University B. Arch second semester student, David Ni.

Email: dn297@cornell.edu Phone: 917 826 9216

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A1: Material Research A2: Precedence Research A3: York Prize Cube

B: Cube Analysis C1: Program and Site Study C2: Circulation and Form Study

D: Artist of a Floating World

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Assignment A1

Assigned to the material “grass,� teams were formed to research the architectural potential of our particular typology. While lawn grass is often what first comes to mind, perennial grass is a ubiquitous family that includes agricultural grains, bamboo, as well as the typical lawn grass. Our research indicated that the following materials have become fundamental to modern and traditional construction techniques.

TALL GRASS | REED

BAMBOO

Often found in wetlands, dried versions of this grass deriative is

Popular in the Southern Asia, bamboo has a sturdy stem that is

often used as insulation or planar materials in construction. Due

often times exploited in scaffolding and as support. Its hollow

to its weather resistant properties, it is often used in roofing

body also provides bouyancy.

PALM HUSK

HEMP

Palm husk comes from stripping the bark of palm trees into

Hemp is seeing a revival as a form of innovative agri-material.

long wires. The fibers can then be woven into rope or other

Due to its fiberous qualities, it is being mixed into concrete as

forms of fastening agents.

well as vegan-leather.

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Assignment A2

pt.1

After investigating materials, I was assigned the term “pulling” as a second reference. Pulling is an inheriantly dynamic action that suggests two states: compressed and stretched--pulling is the intermediary condition to get from one state to the next. Thus, I investigated the works of Frei Otto’s pavillions, Iris Van Herpen’s folded fabric, and the knotting methods of Japanese packaging.

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ASSIGNMENT A2

pt.2

Based on the systems researched in my precedence, this design has an umbrella-esque mechanism that evokes the joinery of Japanese packing and the construction process of Frei Otto’s structures. The tripod-arms open when the rope is pulled.

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assignment a3: York Prize

The York Prize cube is builds on the mechanical properties designed in A2. This cube enlists the viewer as the actor that, by pulling or releasing the respective bamboo tabs, open and close the curtains.

To open the cube, the user must pull the tab with the white string which tightens the white strings that pivot off of the central shaft. The eight strings each attach onto the frame and opens them together.

To close the cube, the user must pull the tab with the husk rope. The husk rope is attached to the bamboo arms that can slot into the gaps of the central shaft. By pulling the tab, the string tigtens and retracts the arms that are attached to the frames of the curtain.

Clockwise: Cube closed; Cube opened.

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assignment B

Following the construction of the York Prize cube, drawings focused on the analysis of the cube’s different components were made. Specific focus were given to the transformative properties and the mechanical construction of the cube. The 24” x 36” collage, on the next page, displays the spatial qualities of the cube’s interior.

Furthermore, the 24”x36” illustration explores the potential of bamboo patterns used in the cube as a design for a bridge that brings spaces together.

Clockwise: Construction diagram; Knot diagram; Mechanism diagram; Section.

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Clockwise: Spatial collage; Bridge concept.

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assignment c1

For the project’s program, I focused on the process of bamboo paper making. From cutting to drying, the illustration shows the machines and its dimensions, the movement of the user, and the tools needed to make paper.

Based on the design of a given card, I interpretted the landscape as having the end of an estuary (the upper portion) flowing into a main channel (the lower portion). Different techniques of modelling were experimented with; however, a cardboard base covered by rice-paper mache yielded the most balanced resolution.

Clockwise: Landscape card; Site sketches; Process illustration; Sketches; Site model.

Cutting Bamboo

Gathering Water

Soaking

Mashing

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Papering

Squeezing

Drying

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assignment c2

During my research into bamboo paper making, two elements captivated me: the reliance of water and the ephemeral effects of paper in the wind.

The following are studies of potential designs as they pertain to the program.

As paper had to be hung, the roof condition became an area of attention.

Considerations of the sunlight, water condition, wind flow, and program’s space became critical factors in the design process.

Clockwise: Linear program sketch; Charettes; Program sketches; Roof sketches; Modulebased sketches.

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Artist in a floating world

The bamboo paper-maker works aboard four floating modules, each tailored to the needs of one step in the crafting process.

Wind pulls at the drapes, Soft bob of tranquil waters, Bamboo leaves rustling.

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Water is an element inseperable from the creation of paper. From the beginning to end, water is either being absorbed or expelled. Thus, proximity to water became paramount to my design. Furthermore, bamboo’s bouyant properties became a fascinating condition to include.

The word “pulling� evokes ideas of change through action. Building on the transforming properties of my cube, human intervention should have metamorphic properties on the architecture.

Thus, integrating the two key terms, I situated five mutually thethered modules on the bank and waters of an estuary--each containing the necessary equipment to perform one step of the paper making process. While the currents (water and air) gently moves the modules, the paper maker can pull the unique spaces together to get from one to the next.

Clockwise: Urban mobility video, Circulation diagram, Concept diagram.

STUDIO 01 | BERTA | NI DAVID | DN297

Together

Separating

Separated

Mashing to Pulping

Pulping to Squeezing

Squeezing to Drying

Drying to Dock

Coming Together

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Each module employs a similar typology: removable thatched roof, bamboo roof supports with paper curtains, rafts, and bamboo bundles for bouyancy.

The thatched roof must be situated at an angle to allow for the water run-off properties to function accordingly.

Paper curtains act as shading and should have some space between other structures to avoid entanglement.

Rafts change in density according to whether or not there will be a large discharge of water as in the squeezing and drying process.

The density of bamboo bundles augment based on the weight and design necessities of the module.

Clockwise: Pin conditions; Axonometric site; Exploded axonometric.

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4. DRYING

3. SQUEEZING

5. STORING

The paper created by the artisan is relatively large. As such, a tall roof needs to be made to hang the papers off of. An opening in the ceiling also assists in the improved circulation of the air.

The machine for squeezing has a relatively large swing radius. While it does not make contact with the curtains, the person’s movement may be restricted. As such, extra effort was given to the design of the roof to reduce the the columns.

The storing modu main anchor for a and thus has to a to the ground. Fur thatched wall enc the building to pro from accumulate the paper. The roo side porches to co as well.

ule acts as the all the modules also be connected rthermore, a closure surrounds otect the paper ed weathering to of extends to the over the exterior

STUDIO 01 | BERTA | NI DAVID | DN297

2. PAPERING

1. MASHING

The papering of pulp water requires an abundance of water to fill the tank. Thus, the body of the container is below water level to allow for simple filling. In addition, as the papering cradle needs to be attached to the roof, a lower roof allows for improved stability.

The curtain system is also only attached at the two ends to allow for adjustable draping.

The hammering of soaked bamboo requires a significantly higher roof to account for the arced movement of the swing. Paper curtains are also designed to be parallel to the swinging direction to avoid contact.

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Bamboo Soaking To start the process of paper making, bamboo needs to be soaked for up to three months.

While the bamboo bundles slowly start to lose their buoyancy over time, they become soft enough to be turned into pulp. In addition, each bundle is staggered as to not compromise the structural integriy of the roof systems.

Anchor Thether This mechanism thethers the most up stream module, the mashing module, to an anchor to increase the rigidity of the system.

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Raft Construction Many different knot techniques need to be utilized in the creation of a simple raft. Using palm husk rope, the artist is able to assemble rafts made completely out of grass derivatives.

Curtain & Thatching The primary means of attaching the curtains to the bamboo frames is a system similar to clothes pins. The bamboo is split and pried open to allow for the paper to be inserted.

Additional ropes are used to support the clamps.

A combination of bamboo clamps act as the frame for the window as well as the pin for the dried grass wall. The roof thatching is attached at the ends to allow for the roofs to be opened when the weather is suitable.

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