When I design, I aim to compose a unique visualphysical diary; a way of translating and making tangible my own experiences within the dense, urban landscapes I have immersed myself in whilst growing up in Malaysia and Vietnam. I am currently in my third year of studying BA Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture where I have been exploring the harmonisation of design and experiences through my architectural projects. Often before I start my projects, I ask myself a question: “How can my design for this brief enhance the experiences of people? How can it help the community?”. With this, this portfolio is my diary, a diary of the questions I’ve asked myself before projects, and the outcomes.
contents : the questions leading each project
01
how can we design a space that opens ambiguity and flexibility of function?
how can restaurant design enhance the experiences of people and aid the community?
02 03 04
how can we “weave” the community together?
to what extent can architecture merge function with public engagement for environmental impact?
“what if architecture never finished building itself?”
Manchester School of Architecture | Final Year 3 Thesis Project
In a world where buildings are often scripted into obsolescence, this project embraces a philosophy that aims to “enable the unscripted”. Every decision is informed by a commitment to responsiveness from architecture to environment, from structural logic to social engagement; it envisions a built fabric that adapts to community needs, yet is open to the unknown and unscripted.
Anchored by a focus on the University of Manchester’s educational programme and amplified by the historical presence of the Grade 2 listed Holloway Wall on site, this project is crafted with disassembly and reconfiguration in mind to support unscripted phases of occupants that evolve and adapt as needs arise.
Here, boundaries blur between architecture, people, and the making of the city, held always in a state of flux.
“Each citizen is enabled to join the creative process, feel free to use city space for any purpose, and develop his environment according to his will.”
— Marco Casagrande, on the 'Third Generation City' and urban acupuncture
construction sequence
1-4 site & foundations setup
5-9 primary structure & envelope installation
10-12 floor & roof assembly
13 fitting-out, finished & modular adaptation
“Natural materials bring nature back into the city. Every piece of timber is unique in tone an grain. That’s a humanising effect” - Kevin Flanangan, 2025
1:5 physical model exploring the joining experience of beams and columns
stop motion video of joints in action
Extended Play
how can restaurant design enhance the experiences of people and aid the community?
Harrison School of Design Competition | Awarded 2nd place!
My concept heavily represented my passion for keeping peoples’ experiences at the centre of my focus when designing. The concept was initially developed after finding out about the noise abatement notice that was handed to the Night & Day Cafe in Northern Quarter, Manchester. With this, I made “sound” and “experiences” the core focus of this project.
It inspired me to design a space that not only celebrates live music but also addresses the challenge of noise complaints with innovative sound-oriented insulation. This concept aims to extend the life of restaurants with a rich musical atmosphere, providing a platform for emerging local talent while offering a unique, immersive dining experience to music enthusiasts/ guests.
“EP” short for extended play, refers to a musical recording that is typically shorter than a full album. Our restaurant aims to attract both music and food enthusiasts by featuring local artists who showcase a brief yet captivating segment of their musical journey, much like an EP offers a taste of an artist’s work.
final floor plan scale 1:100 at a3 (scaled to fit page)
integrated wall seatings that accentuate curved space
rotational feature of stage maximises coverage
of food & beverages does not disrupt guest views
arrangement to improve patreon experience
Stockport Sieve
to what extent can architecture merge function with public engagement for environmental impact?
Manchester School of Architecture | Year 2 Semester 2
The concept focuses design incorporates trash collected Going beyond reusable sheets. and actively participate
Inspired by the design to create
focuses on CLEANING RIVER GOYT, and creating a “sieve” to stop trash that flows on the river. This sieve incorporates a versatile feature where the metal mesh sieve seamlessly slides into the facade of a building, where collected can be picked off it as well as enclosing open spaces when not in use.
mere cleanup, the concept incorporates on-site waste sorting, cleaning and transforming plastics into sheets. These reusable sheets will be used in the design workshop, empowering residents to craft new products participate in sustainable practices.
the arches of the bridges that enclose the site, I’d like to incorporate the use of geometric arches in my create a connection between my design and the infrastructure on site.
site analysis: study on the flow of the river
this study helped me better understand the possible direction of plastics that flow on the river.
Weaving the Community Together
how can we “weave” the community together?
Manchester School of Architecture | Year 2 Semester 1
Immersing myself in Stockport’s history, I embarked on a journey to intertwine architecture with the cherished art of crocheting. As a homage to Stockport’s profound connection with textiles, I sought to amplify the existing sense of community through the rhythmic activity of crocheting. Hence, “weaving the community together”. I engaged firsthand with the vibrant community (Bob from Bob’s Buttons at the Stockport Market Hall), allowing their stories and passion for crocheting to shape the very fabric of my architectural vision. I began to epxlore how the art of crocheting becomes not just a craft but a cornerstone in fostering a sense of togetherness within the architectural tapestry of Stockport.
programme: a co-living concept
The exposed brick facade that resembles crochet stitches brings a unique texture to the walls, and helps to represent the creative workspace that draws on Stockport’s entrepreneurial nature in the textile industry.
miscellaneous
other personal works, sketches & studies
an installation that portrays the human connections we experience, showcased through the interconnecting network of threads that emerge from a clay sculpted bust. “webbed connections in our mind”
Office Building in Ferrara by Mario Cucinella Architects
DESCRIPTION
THEORIES & VALUES
• Mario Cucinella’s work is ingrained in bioclimatic architecture, emphasising energy efficiency, climate responsiveness, and human well-being
• The building demonstrates that energy-efficient buildings can be realised without highly complex building services if suitably designed. The key to the climate concept of the new-build is its roof construction consisting of 112 light shafts, the southeast-facing, sloped surfaces of which are partly covered with fixed glazing that can be shaded with external roller blinds and partly with photovoltaic modules.
ANALYSIS
SPECIAL & EXEMPLARY DESIGN FEATURES
These innovative and sustainable design features earned the building recognition at the 2009 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards in the Sustainability category:
• Dynamic façade with adjustable louvres and shading fins that optimise energy performance by adapting to the sun’s path.
• 300m² photovoltaic system on the roof and façade produces renewable energy, covering 10% of the building's energy needs. After deducting this amount of electricity, the primary energy requirement is 119 kWh/m2a – which, according to the energy certificate, is around 55% less than an average new office building in Italy would normally consume.
MASSING & ARRANGEMENT (1:500)
Roof heights vary to not shade one another, thus maximising natural light through the shaft and into interiors. Building is positioned diagonally on the property to maximise sunlight intake for the winter and summer months.
Orientation of the building takes advantage of prevailing wind direction for natural cross ventilation as a passive cooling strategy.
Green inner courtyards create a microclimate, reducing harsh temperatures in the summer as well as shading interiors with trees.
Roof overhangs from the east, south and west facades to shade from the harsh summer sun and prevent overheating. Lower angled winter sun is still let in through gaps in the roof shaft.
CONSTRUCTION STRATEGY (1:500)
STEP 5 Prefabricated light shafts with timber stud and joist frames are installed atop the glulam structure, likely with galvanised metal screens to prevent corrosion. The deck’s interior contains a 200mm double fibreboard panel, braced by OSB panels on both sides for stability and ease of transport. OSB boards, being lightweight and available in large quantities, simplify installation and reduce on-site construction time.
STEP 4 Timber stud walls (the main support system) are constructed with a layer of insulation in between, with white plaster boards layered on top to allow light to reflect in interior spaces and to match the impregnated white dye in the light shaft interior.
STEP 3
The glass stick-type curtain wall system, made of pre-cut metal profiles, is assembled on-site to form the structural frame. It is lifted by crane and installed directly onto the facade. Steel elements are added to connect the wooden components to the reinforced concrete foundation, compensating for the lack of massive cores.
STEP 2 A 400mm x 400mm column and 6m x 6m glulam frame superstructure support the prefabricated timber light shafts. Steel brackets secure the structure to the ground, while cross-bracing between columns ensures stability and horizontal support, maintaining its lightweight design.
• The double skin façade enhances thermal insulation and reduces HVAC load, while 112 timber chimneys improve natural ventilation and light distribution. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
TYPICAL MODULE (1:50)
During which the earth-quake-proof tightened after the Emilia-Romagna the building had with glued laminated equilateral six-metre the light shafts made timber frame elements. tie rods between horizontal bracing, building cores.
EVALUATION
STEP 1
The ground is excavated, and reinforced concrete foundations with void formers are added to prevent damp infiltration. Given the area’s clay soil, foundations are set at 1.5m depth to mitigate ground movement. A 600mm crawl space with dome-shaped void formers ensures ventilation and further protection against rising damp.
The tower’s height and narrow cross-section optimise the Venturi effect, enabling effective natural ventilation by drawing hot air upwards and out, which reduces its reliance on mechanical cooling. Whilst the extensive glazing increases solar gain, if combined with dark finishes or black-painted surfaces (especially on the roof), it would have further enhanced passive heating during Winter. However, it may cause overheating in Summer, therefore needs further care. Overall, the building showcases energy-efficency through form and ventilation, whilst being a climate-responsive design.
The building provides spaces that have strong visual connection the outside through the inclusion of the green courtyards; blurring the boundary between the interior and exterior to create a closer connection and maximise natural light for optimum working comfort, health and wellbeing. The building’s form ensures air movement and temperature regulation, which aligns well with principles of indoor environmental quality.
In the Winter, shafts remain closed to allow warm air to move up the shaft and re-enter. Solar heat accumulates in the roof and gets pumped back inside the building. Thermal energy produced from multipurpose groundwater-based units.
In the Summer, solar chimney effect expels air in the upper part of the building, thus avoiding the building of heat inside the building. Cooling energy is produced from multipurpose groundwater-based units, and also naturally coming in from the central courtyards.
Natural light comes the outer glazing office rooms in the
The light shafts alter in height to fit the climatic context of the seasonal functions. The 4m double-glazed tempered glass provides around the Po Valley and increasing daylight in.
The material choices suggest medium-to-high emboided carbon, however, the building’s such as the integrated water drainage void that prevent flooding and allow for ventilation, long-term adaptability and protection. The design also prioritises maximum use of appropriate to the context, such as the PVC panels that supply 1/10 of the energy loads water through pipe water heating in the roof.
SUSTAINABLE WATER CYCLE
The building is made majority of wood with an on-site dry construction system, reducing There is also a separate rainwater harvesting system and condensate reuse system flushing and irrigation. Moreover, the drainage channels that border the exterior of risks given the climate, and the drainage voids exemplifies a proactive response to fabric-first manner that aligns with the Sustainable Outcomes Guide.
CONTEXT
The building is situated in a suburban area of Ferrara, along Via Bologna, a major thoroughfare connecting the city center to its outskirts. This area is characterised by a mix of commercial and residential developments, indicating a setting that is neither strictly urban nor rural. The design of the headquarters itself features distinctive chimney-shaped roofs, reflecting a contemporary architectural approach that harmonises with the local humid subtropical climate and surrounding environment.
TYPICAL STRUCTURAL BAY (1:20)
Italian regulations for
construction were the earthquake that hit in 2012, the structure of to prove its flexibility laminated timber columns in an six-metre grid, which support made of prefabricated elements. Diagonal steel the columns provide bracing, as there are no massive comes in to the building from and inner courtyard to all the building
VENTILATION & HEATING
• ventilation flap
• roof shaft for air extraction & stack effect
• ventilation system in ceiling duct & VAV system
• heating equipment, duct-work, pipework and air-conditioning system (HVAC)
CLADDINGS (EXTERNAL)
• 50/30 thermally treated fir battens
• 30/30 thermally treated fir counter battens
• diffusion-open membrane
• 22 mm OSB board
• 2× 100 mm mineral wool thermal insulation
• 22 mm OSB board with sealed joints
• 30/30 mm battens
SECONDARY STRUCTURE & ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
• steel supports, timber stud & joist frames
• aluminium stick-type facade system
CONTINUOUS INSULATION (continuous thermal line)
WATER/DRAINAGE SYSTEM
• skylight: double glazing (12 mm tempered glass + 16 mm cavity + 2× 6 mm compound safety glass in aluminium frame)
• adjusted with operable blinds
• 12mm OSB board • ceramic floor tiles LIGHTING
• 50–60 mm gravel plastic sealing membrane
• 250 mm EPS thermal
& DECORATION (INTERNAL)
STRUCTURE • 200/600mm glulam beam
400/400mm glulam column
LAYERS
200 mm lean concrete
DRAINAGE CHANNEL
VENTILATION FLAP
HEATING, COOLING & ENERGY
Prototyping
CRITERIA
FIRMNESS & STABILITY + DURABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION
Ensuring that the construction system ensures solid, long-lasting connections that withstand structural loads and repeated assembly.
SMOOTHNESS + EASE OF CONSTRUCTABILITY
Testing whether the system is quick, has tool-free assembly methods to improve on-site efficiency and reduce construction time, as well as understanding how intuitive it is.
REUSABILITY + VARIATION IN DESIGN
Testing whether the modular elements support panel swapping and future adaptability, enabling sustainable material use and flexible design updates.
MODELLING THE STUCTURAL FRAMEWORK
Layering the MDF, which aims to mimic the layers of glulam beams & columns. 2
Constructing the raised columns, where the ground floor beams slot into using sashimono joinery methods. 3
VERSION 1 – BOLTING METHOD
ERGONOMIC SCALE
Distributed into panels that are easily transportable and allows for ease of just 2-3 people needed per panel.
Columns are then tightly slotted into the lower half of the column with sashimono joinery.
MODELLING THE STANDARDISED FLOORING 1
Cutting into the beams where floor joists would be slotted into.
Carving into the beam with correct joist depth, using a chisel and a saw.
In order to keep the testing consistent, the layers of the wall envelope have been standardised, each consisting of: 1
Inserting insulaiton between joists & bolting the inner floor panel on top.
STANDARDISED LAYERS OF THE WALL ENVELOPE
TIMBER FINISH (INTERIOR)
RIGID INSULATION: WOOD FIBRE BOARD
STUD WORK TIMBER PANELS (EXTERIOR)
VERSION 2 – SLOTTING METHOD VERSION 3 – HOOKING METHOD
CONCLUSIONS & JUSTIFICATION
In terms of sequence, all methods require relatively the same effort, however, I believe the slotting method to be the most intuitive once the beams, columns and studworks were pre-cut. It also does not require any additional material, such as steel brackets or bolts. With that said, given the compact space of the building fragment, the bolting and slotting method both offer enough internal space
the hooking method leaves the recessed (taking up at least 400mm side of the room). No additional materials are needed for the slotting method keeping the sequence simpler. With build up, it allows the lifting to be the insulation takes up most of the and can be adjusted accordingly.
Additional
C-CHANNEL
Main difference in this attachment method is the addition of a c-channel where the insulation and stud works were slotted then bolted in tightly.
SEQUENCE FOR THIS ATTACHMENT METHOD:
1
CRITERIA
Needs to be light enough to lift.
SCALE panels that transportable and another.
for this method.
TONGUE & GROOVE SLOTS
The stud walls and columns have a groove cut into it to all the wall envelope to slot into.
Splitting & inaccuracy causes wastage.
REFLECTIONS
• Bolted joints with c-channel felt rigid and held the envelope securely in place. However, the misalignment of bolt holes caused instability.
• The wall envelope stayed aligned under pressure.
• Simple assembly process: it allowed components (e.g. insulation boards, external panels) to be stacked and fixed sequentially, making the build intuitive
• The additional c-channel adds another type of material needed and adds weight and bulk.
• Panels can be easily removed and replaced, supporting high reusability.
• Bolt holes are permanent on the beams & columns, and may result in a more industrial aesthetic.
• The c-channel system also accommodates different thicknesses and types of panels, allowing for varied façade finishes or insulation setups. However, a different system is needed for glazing.
SEQUENCE FOR THIS ATTACHMENT METHOD:
1
FRENCH CLEAT/Z-BRACKET HOOKS
Inspired by how cladding is attached, I designed the wall to be hooked onto the beams.
STABILITY
The bolting method was most secure, with the slotting method coming second, however, the dowel carved into the bottom of the stud work was weak and snapped off during the assembly of the physical model. To resolve this, having a separate dowel/peg method that is inserted instead of carved out, helps to strengthen the integrity of this slotting method.
CRITERIA
REFLECTIONS
• Held the envelope securely in place if the grooves were cut precisely to the tongue or dowel.
• Any slight misalignment can cause looseness or gaps, and repeated use may wear down the slots or lead to splitting in thin materials. The dowel was also a weak point of the structure.
• Fast and tool-free once the parts are prepared.
• No additional material needed, however mistakes during slotting can lead to significant material waste, as seen in testing when panels cracked due to tight tolerances.
• Walls have to be slotted from above (needs to be developed in order to be ensure it’s light enough).
• Modular and supports easy panel swapping.
• Same language between the envelope attachment and the structural framework joinings.
SEQUENCE FOR THIS ATTACHMENT METHOD:
1
CRITERIA
REFLECTIONS
• Stable under load and resists dislodgement
• The angled cut design uses gravity and friction to secure the panels in place without mechanical fasteners. It offers a solid and reliable hold.
• Easier to assemble compared to bolts.
• While it still requires precise angled cuts, there’s more tolerance in fitting. No tools are needed for assembly once prepared, and panels can be quickly mounted or removed.
• Reusable and adaptable. The panels can be hooked on and off without damaging the frame or envelope. However, needs to be precise in order for the wall to sit flush with the structural beam.
• The system supports future variation or experimentation with different envelope materials. Its modular logic fits well with sustainable design goals.
ADAPTABILITY
The hooking method allows for a unique way of adapting different variations, however, it was quite hard to position the hooks in order for it to sit flush with the beams, which led me to understand how difficult it’d be on a bigger scale. The slotting method, also unique and interesting, would allow for variation such as a glazing profile to be slotted in if needed, whereas the bolting method would need a different system instead of a c-channel.
OVERALL
Overall, the slotting method was deemed to be a balance of stability and adaptability, while being an intuitive construction method that also keeps the same language throughout the building fragment. With this, the weight needs to be developed to ensure it can be lifted on an ergonomic scale, as well as the rigidness of the dowel to ensure longevity.
thank you FOR CONSIDERING MY APPLICATION
EnQi Wong
(pronounced: en-chee)
PART 1 ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
education
2022 - PRESENT
manchester school of architecture , manchester , uk
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (Expected Graduation Date: July 2025)
2019
- 2021
international school ho chi minh city , hcmc , vi ETN am
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (40/45)
Higher Level Visual Arts, Design Technology & Maths AI (6,6,6) Honours: Balanced Learner Award
professional experience
DE c 2023 - Ja N 2024
konzepte asia sdn . bhd ., kuala lumpur , malaysia aRchiTEcTuRal iNTERN
• Demonstrated proficiency in 3D architectural modeling by utilising Rhino to create interior design models for typical toilet units.
• Led the adoption of AI midjourney applications and integration into the company’s architectural workflow.
• Converted static floor plan PDF files into dynamic and layered AutoCAD format, improving document usability, accuracy and interoperability.
a PR 2022 - J ul 2022
capitaland (vietnam ), ho chi minh city , vietnam DESigN maNagEmENT iNTERN
• Orchestrated the on-site conceptual interior design setup and precuration of staging elements for the advertising of a prestigious luxury condominium project.
• Pitched different types of wood as a construction and design material, with a focus on sustainability and their aesthetic potential.
• Delivered on-site event management support to the Sales and Marketing team, ensuring seamless execution while engaging with high-profile clients.
• Engaged actively in interdisciplinary meetings; fostering collaboration among architecture, interior design, and landscape teams to enhance project cohesion.
manchester student society of architecture , uk . chaiR/PRESiDENT
• Achieved over 10 new partnerships with professionals and external organisations to expand the network and improve student opportunities for over 1,200 students.
• Coordinating and mediating the diverse activities of 9 subgroups and weekly school-wide events to enhance student engagement.
NOv 2022 - J u N 2024
woah : without a home , manchester , uk . cO-lEaD Of uk NON-PROfiT ORgaNiSaTiON
• Partnered with Shelter England and The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain to host a university-wide photography competition, involving a panel of esteemed judges and culminating in an address and exhibition showcasing the 50+ submissions received internationally.
• Raised £500 in 2 months aided towards providing care packages for Manchester’s homeless community, through the organisation of fundraisers.
honours & awards
aug 2024
2nd place in harrison design competition , uk
For the “Extended Play” project; a conceptual design of a restaurant with a focus on branding, experiential dining
J u NE 2024
Awarded out of 100 students in the IB Programme, for academic excellence and extra-curricular involvement, embodying holistic growth.
balanced learner award additional
• Extra-curriculars: Deputy Head Prefect of Prefectorial Affairs, University Futsal Team, Football (Varsity Team), Dance.
• Volunteering: Rise Against Hunger event and led the event of providing care packages for Manchester’s homeless community.
