Architecture Portfolio_Erika Wei

2024

Architecture Portfolio

ERIKA WEI RIBA Part II Architectural Assistant

ERIKA WEI

MA MArch(Prof.) (1st Hons) Right to work - Graduate Visa

cyerika.wei@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/erika-wei

I am an architectural graduate who recently obtained an MA degree in Architecture and Historical Urban Environments from the Bartlett School of Architecture. Before moving to London in 2022, I achieved my MArch(Prof.) degree with First Class Honours at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. My MArch(Prof.) thesis delved into establishing a dialogue between arcahitecture, craft-making, and mental wellness.

Education

Experience

Achievements

2022 - 2023 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL MA Architecture and Historic Urban Environment

Sep. 2020 - Aug. 2021 Noiz Architects, Taipei / Tokyo Architectural Assistant

2022 / First Class Honours - Master of Architecture (Prof.)

2021 / Finalist - Non Architecture Remote Cabin Competition 2019 / 360 International Exchange Award 2017 / First in Course Award in ARCHDES 200, UoA 2016 / Highly commended top 5 student NZIA central innovation student design award 2016 / First in Course Award in ARCHDES 101, UoA

Public / Commercial / Competition projects Participated in delivering concept design, design development and CAD drawings under the guidance of directors and an architect. Contributed in stages 1-7 of Hermès window displays in close collaboration with the client and the construction team. Assisted in preparing bidding and budgeting reports for the government sector for a public installation, and organised a public participation event.

2019- 2022 The University of Auckland Master of Architecture (Prof.)

First Class Honours

2019- 2020 Technical University of Munich Master of Architecture- Exchange semester

Apr. 2020 - Jul. 2020 HII Architects, Taipei Full time Intern

2016-2018 The University of Auckland Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Competition / Residential projects Conducted material, spatial and facade research for design proposals in collaboration with an architect.

Created digital site models and concept design models using Rhinoceros.

My approach to architecture adopts a humane, playful, and interdisciplinary nature. This is evident in my academic works and experience at Noiz Architects, where I participated in a variety of projects in the field of architecture, high-end interior design and installation.

Mar 2019 - Jul 2019 John Stephens & Co Antique Furniture, Auckland Sales Assistance / Mandarin Translator

2

Skills Software Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe Indesign Adobe Premiere pro Rhinoceros AutoCad Revit SketchUp Enscape FARO® SCENE Physical model-making Illustration Archival research

Language English Mandarin Taiwanese Japanese

Professional Project

3

1 Waterscape and Playing Dome Public Installation, 2021

4

2 Hermes Windows 2021 Commercial storefront design, 2020/ 2021

8

3 Humble Boutique Hotel Taipei Commercial Interior renovation, 2020

11

4 NTMoFA Exhibition Exhibition design competition, 2021

12

Waterscape and Playing Dome, Public Installation

Professional Works

01 Waterscape and Playing Dome Public art installation

Year

2021- 2022

Project by

Noiz Architects

Status

Completed

Location

Tainan, Taiwan

Stages

Design Development, Spatial Coordination, Detail Design, CAD, Community participation event organisation. (RIBA Stage 0-5) Chosen in a public art competition in 2021 for the Longtian Educational Cultural Park in Tainan, Taiwan, this installation project consists of two elements, a stainless steel sculpture ‘the coral lake’ and an interactive inflatable structure ‘Fluffy Dome’. It celebrates the historical and cultural significance of the Wushantou Dam, which was built in the 1920s and stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s infrastructure modernisation. As one of Taiwan’s largest dams, it serves a crucial role in the region’s agricultural water supply.

My role in this project mainly involved assisting in the design development and construction documentation process. Works included producing concpet diagrams and CAD drawings for construction documentation under the supervision of the director and a local architect; assisting in creating bidding and budgeting reports to the government sector, and helping with the tendering process. I also took part in producing the publication booklet of the installation, and the planning of the community participation event, including a collage-making workshop and guided tours of the local history.

Aerial perspective of the stainless steel installation- a miniature version of the famous “Coral Tan” lake created by the nearby Wushantou Dam

4

CONCEPT The primary concept focuses on reinterpreting the geographical significance of Coral Tan lake into tangible, experiential installations. The distinctive shape of The Coral Lake mirrors the outline of this geographical landmark, precisely scaled at 1:300. The stainless steel surface is designed to represent the lake in a contemporary manner.

The Fluffy Dome is an inflatable trampoline, offering a playful expereince to observe the miniature Coral Lake from an vantage point. Its size corresponds to the volume of water stored in the Wushantou Dam, also scaled at 1:300

Fluffy

Site plan of the historical Longtien train station park.

THE CORAL LAKE: FORM REINTEPRETATION

Fluffy

Unique geographical outline of the Coral Tan lake

Extract and scale it in 1 : 300

The Coral Lake

FLUFFY DOME: VOLUME REINTEPRETATION

Annual water consumption of the Wushantou Dam is around 1 billion cubic meter

Volume scaled by 1 : 300 and transformed into the mass of Fluffy Dome

Site plan of two installations, the Fluffy Dome and the Coral Lake.

5

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

A

30x30x1.5 S.S. sq Tube Compact Backfill

20

1 A302

B

2mmTH Polish Surface S.S. Panel Cut off Partial L-Angle (Where S.S Open Joint ) LED Strip Lighting Fixture 50x50x4 S.S. L Angle

Irrigation Drip Pipe 30x30x1.5 S.S. Sq Tube Centipede Grass Backfill

1

500

C

D

E

2mm S.S. L-Angle w/ paint √ò 3/8"Concrete Self-tapping Screw

2

150x150x4.5 Wire Mesh Gravel Backfill

120

Existing ground

Non-Woven Fabric Drainage Panel 50 Rain Drainage @600 Gravel Compact Soil

100

Existing ground

F

3

G

S=1:5

1. Coral Lake and Backfill Detail S=1:5

A204

L-shape steel flashing plan S=1:60 收邊平面圖

PROJECT NAME

noiz / architecture, design & planning

設計案名

10664

Tainan Longtien Public Art 隆田文化資產教育園區公共藝術工程

台北市大安區和平東路二段181號6F

DRAWING NAME

圖名

製圖者

DATE

製圖日

SCALE

p. 02-2701-4876 f.02-2701-2396 email. info@noizarchitects.com

DRAWN BY

L-shape steel flashing plan 收邊平面圖

2021 年 04月 16日

CHECKED BY

確認人

DATE

設計者:noiz / architecture, design & planning JT

A-204

2021 年 04 月16 日

確認日

REVISION

1:60(A3)

比例

ML, UK, VH, EW

10664 Âè∞ÂåóÂ∏ÇFÂÆâÂçÄÂíåÂ�≥Êù±Ë∑؉∫åÊƵ181sc6F p. 02-2701-4876 f.02-2701-2396 email. info@noizarchitects.com

PROJECT NAME 設計案名

DRAWING NAME Coral lake sectional detail-1 Tainan Longtien Public Art 珊瑚潭剖面詳圖-1 圖名 隆田文化資產教育園區公共藝術工程 SCALE

比例

DRAWN BY 製圖者

ML, UK, VH, EW

CHECKED BY e認人

DATE 製圖日

2021 N 04

DATE e認日

16 Êó•

JT 2021 N 04

16 Êó•

REVISION 版本

1:5(A3)

A-301

版本

2mmTH Polish Surface S.S. Panel Structure Seal LED Strip Lighting Fixture 20x3MM S.S.plate@450 Lighting electrical conduit Stain Cement Sand Plastering Brick Wall 3/8" Concrete Self-tapping Screw

Structure Seal 30x30x1.5 S.S. Sq Tube 110x110x2mm S.S. Plate 2mmTH Polish Surface S.S. Panel 30x30x1.5 S.S. Sq Tube

500

1

設計者:

1 Coral lake detail drawing A301

Rough Stain Concrete PedestrianPaving Non-Woven Fabric Drainage Panel 50 Rain Drainage @600 150x150x4.5 Wire Mesh Gravel Compact Soil

S=1:5

1 Coral lakeWall retaining wall sectional 3.A306 Retaining Detail S=1:5 detail S=1:5

50 Rain Drainage @600 3/8" Concrete Self-tapping Screw 2mm S.S. L-Angle Compact Soil

1 Post 3 3 detail plan S=1:5 2.A303 Post Detail S=1:5

2 Post 3 detail plan A303

6 設計者:noiz / architecture, design & planning

10664 Âè∞ÂåóÂ∏ÇFÂÆâÂçÄÂíåÂ�≥Êù±Ë∑؉∫åÊƵ181sc6F p. 02-2701-4876 f.02-2701-2396 email. info@noizarchitects.com

PROJECT NAME 設計案名

DRAWING NAME Coral lake sectional detail-3 Tainan Longtien Public Art 珊瑚潭剖面詳圖-3 圖名 隆田文化資產教育園區公共藝術工程 SCALE

比例

1:5(A3)

DRAWN BY 製圖者

ML, UK, VH, EW

CHECKED BY e認人

DATE 製圖日

2021 N 04

DATE e認日

REVISION 版本

16 Êó•

JT 2021 N 04

16 Êó•

A-303

設計者:noiz / architecture, design & planning

10664 Âè∞ÂåóÂ∏ÇFÂÆâÂçÄÂíåÂ�≥Êù±Ë∑؉∫åÊƵ181sc6F p. 02-2701-4876 f.02-2701-2396 email. info@noizarchitects.com

PROJECT NAME 設計案名

100

2mmTH Polish Surface S.S. Panel 2mmTH S.S. Plate 30x30x1.5 S.S. Sq Tube 40x40x1.5 S.S. Sq Tube

120

1 308

DRAWING NAME Coral lake sectional detail-6 Tainan Longtien Public Art 珊瑚潭剖面詳圖-6 圖名 隆田文化資產教育園區公共藝術工程 SCALE

比例

1:5(A3)

DRAWN BY 製圖者

ML, UK, VH, EW

CHECKED BY e認人

DATE 製圖日

2021 N 04

DATE e認日

REVISION 版本

16 Êó•

JT 2021 N 04

16 Êó•

A-306

Upper: Community collage-making workshop Above: Guided tour of the history of the coral lake.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION The community participation event was held at the park over 2 days after the completion of the installation. Participants were mainly residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods. The collage-making workshop allowed them to reflect on their memories of the coral lake, and express them artistically in collages, written notes, or drawings, which then contributed to making a big coral lake collage that will be exhibited in the park permanently. The guided tour focused on introducing the history of the Wushantou Dam and its relevance to the local community.

Day-time and night-time views of the Coral Lake installation.

7

Professional Works

Hermes windows 2021

02 Hermés windows 2021 Commercial storefront design

Year

2021 Spring/Summer season

Project by

Noiz Architects

Status

Completed

Location

6 stores across Taiwan

Stage

Project Briefing, Concept Development, Design Development, Detail Design, Fabrication, Final Installation. (RIBA Stage 0-6) Noiz Architects was commissioned to design window displays for Hermés for Spring/ Summer season of 2021 in Taiwan. The concept was developed from the annual theme provided by the client- ‘The Human Oddysey’. We designed a total of 29 individual windows across six Hermés stores in Taiwan.

This project was mainly carried out by a team of three in Noiz Architects Taipei office, under the supervision of the director.

My role in this project involved producing concept proposal illustrations and design development packages for the client, assisting in drafting and finalising construction documentation for installation in coordination with the construction team.

Supervised in the fabrication process and final installation of three store in cooperation with the client.

8 2021 Spring/ Summer window display ‘The Human Oddysey’

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT ILLUSTRATIONS

400

Story telling through sequences of window spaces.

395

3400

395

4000

bracelets

395

400

TC-S1 395

TN-S2

1370

400

TN-S1

400

TC-S2

2000

2660

TC-W4

2400

3580

TN-W2

5475

TN-W1

Window 7 of Hermés Bellavita store

Concept development sketch

Proposal illustration produced for the client.

9

PRODUCTION AND FINAL INSTALLATION

Window display details

Installation supervision. Making sure elements are assembled and installed correctly, and details are executed correctly (joints are hidden, supports are invisible, and merchandises are placed without direct contact with the props.)

Window 1 of Hermés Fuxing store

10

Professional Works

Humble Boutique Hotel Taipei, Interior renovation

03 Humble Boutique Hotel Taipei

1

Interior renovation project

CAD. (RIBA Stage 2-4)

9

Calcium Silicate Board

3 9 41

Oak Veneer WD-05

My role in this project involved assisting in creating a furniture proposal and material board for the client, and producing CAD drawings for the construction documentation under the supervision of the director.

木門 面貼木皮 WD-05

35

128

150

5 41

矽酸鈣板 t=9 面貼木皮 WD-05

Wooden Door

Proposed floor plan

5

Existing floor plan 金屬拱門 1130

20

2

2

D2隱藏門詳細平面圖

18

D4隱藏門詳細平面圖

20

S : 1/5

S : 1/5

180 60 25

30 10 10

9

proposal, Detail Design,

Oak Veneer WD-05

Calcium Silicate Board

矽酸鈣板 t=9 PT-01

50

2

9

Furniture and material

1000

3

Stage

Taipei, Taiwan

1000

Oak Veneer WD-05

矽酸鈣板 t=9 PT-01

20

Location

On-going

5

80

Status

20

161

Noiz Architects

2 9 15

180

Project by

1150

Noiz Architects was commissioned to undertake the interior renovation of the restaurant located within the Humble Boutique Hotel. The renovation focuses on delivering a new interior theme, proposing a new ceiling and counter design, and changing interior planning for better spatial utility.

9

2020

1

Year

3000 F.C.L

1

2700 F.C.L

18

293

300

Oak Veneer WD-05

矽酸鈣板 t=9 PT-01 1

20

5

矽酸鈣板 t=9

12 18 3

1150 2 9 15

1000

面貼木皮 WD-05

1000

2700 F.C.L

50

Calcium Silicate Board

9

Calcium Silicate Board

Oak Veneer WD-02

Oak Veneer WD-05

2700

Calcium Silicate Board

Calcium Silicate Board

5

9

180

Oak Veneer WD-05

Oak Veneer WD-05

3

矽酸鈣板 t=9 PT-01

161

矽酸鈣板 t=9 PT-01

35

5 Oak Veneer WD-05

木門 面貼木皮 WD-05

2700

2400

35 41

矽酸鈣板 t=9 面貼木皮 WD-05

5

20

1

9

150

128

5

Wooden Door

木門 9

80

金屬拱門 1130

面貼木皮 WD-05

3

20

2

2

Wooden Door Oak Veneer WD-05

D2隱藏門詳細平面圖

18

2695

41

Oak Veneer WD-05

20

D4隱藏門詳細平面圖 S : 1/5

F.F.L

F.F.L 9

S : 1/5

1. Pocket Door 19 Detail S 1:5 D2隱藏門詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

180 60

21

30 10 10

9

25

3000 F.C.L

1

2700 F.C.L

設計者:

Oak Veneer WD-05

松江南京餐廳案

PROJECT NAME設計案名

noiz / architecture, design & planning 10664 300

293

DATE

1:5 (A3)

CHECKED BY

SL, VH, EW

確認人

2020 年 12月 03 日

製圖日

比例

JT

DATE

年

確認日

月

日

A-305

REVISION 版本

Oak Veneer WD-03

矽酸鈣板 t=9

Calcium Silicate Board

面貼木皮 WD-05

3100 F.C.L

5

18 12 18 3

製圖者

門 詳細圖

SCALE

p. 02-2701-4876 f.02-2701-2396 email. info@noizarchitects.com

1

DRAWN BY

DRAWING NAME 圖名

台北市大安區和平東路二段181號6F

矽酸鈣板 t=9 PT-01

D4隱藏門詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

Calcium Silicate Board

Calcium Silicate Board

2900 F.C.L

Oak Veneer WD-02

Oak Veneer WD-05

2700 F.C.L

2900 F.C.L

Calcium Silicate Board

Calcium Silicate Board

Calcium Silicate Board

Oak Veneer WD-03

Oak Veneer WD-03

95

2700

Oak Veneer WD-03

5

3000 F.C.L

35

5 Oak Veneer WD-05

2695

2700

2400

Calcium Silicate Board Oak Veneer WD-02

Oak Veneer WD-02

200

200

200

200

木門

95

95

95

Wooden Door

95

面貼木皮 WD-05

Oak Veneer WD-05

2800 F.C.L

2800 F.F.L F.C.L

F.F.L

21

Oak Veneer WD-04 Oak Veneer WD-02 Oak Veneer WD-05

10664

PROJECT NAME設計案名

台北市大安區和平東路二段181號6F

松江南京餐廳案

天花詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

DRAWN BY

DRAWING NAME SCALE 比例

門 詳細圖

製圖者

DATE 製圖日

1:5 (A3)

SL, VH, EW 2020 年 12月 03 日

CHECKED BY 確認人

DATE

Oak Veneer WD-04

Oak Veneer WD-02

10

JT

年

確認日

月

日

6

REVISION 版本

2. Ceiling Detail S 1:5

Exisiting condition of the resturant interior

Calcium Silicate Board

Oak Veneer WD-04

2700 F.C.L

圖名

5

p. 02-2701-4876 f.02-2701-2396 email. info@noizarchitects.com

Calcium Silicate Board

Oak Veneer WD-04

A-305

天花詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

7

天花詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

11 3100 F.C.L

5

noiz / architecture, design & planning

2800 F.C.L

Calcium Silicate Board

D4隱藏門詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

5

2700 F.C.L

設計者:

9

Calcium Silicate Board

矽酸鈣板 t = 9 面貼木皮 WD-03

95

19

10

D2隱藏門詳細剖圖 S : 1/5

Professional Works

NTMoFA Exhibition, Exhibition Design

04 NTMoFA Exhibition Exhibition design project Year

2021

Project by

Noiz Architects

Status

Competition Entry

Location

Taichung, Taiwan

Stage

Concept Design, Visualisation (RIBA Stage 1-2)

This is a competition project for the exhibition ‘ The Progressive Era - The art power of the Taiwan Cultural Association in the last century.’ at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. The design concept focuses on creating a notion of spatial fluidity, reflecting on the progressive historical layers of art development in Taiwan.

My role in this project involved proposing a preliminary design, including spatial planning, producing diagrams and 3D modelling.

My proposal was chosen at the end to be employed in the final competition proposal.

The floor plan aims to create a meandering circulation, seamlessly guiding visitors through each section. The design defines different zones of artworks using the juxtaposition of circular and horizontal partitions. The recurrent arched openings break up these partitions, introducing a more intricate spatial layout that adds an element of surprise to the visitor’s experience as they navigate through the exhibition.

Exhibition floor plan

12

Circulation

Academic Project

13

5 Making as therapy University of Auckland , 2022

14

6 Cafe Alter Nordfriedhof Technical University of Munich, 2020

18

7 Translating Surburbia University of Auckland , 2018

22

8 Disconnect to connect: Gaumont State Cinema, Kilburn Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, 2023

24

MArch Thesis Project, Making as Therapy

Academic Works

05 Making as therapy: Social prescription through craft making MArch(Prof.) Thesis project - First Class Honours

Year

2022

School

The University of Auckland

Location

Taipei, Taiwan.

Supervisor

Norman Wei This thesis explores the possibility of integrating the psychological benefits of ceramic making into a built environment, creating a linkage between mental wellness, ceramics and architecture. It focuses on the significance of tactile sensation and earth materials and integrates them with experiential spaces and architectural elements to create a sensorial spatial experience that aims at soothing the visitors.

To discover the correlation between ceramics and architecture, research is undertaken in three categories: the psychological impact of the act of making, clay architecture and spatial sensation. The three categories are then taken into account and complement the design process of the thesis.

Responding to the main theme of craft-making, this thesis adopts a design methodology of thinking through objectmaking. It starts with creating a series of ceramic objects in consideration of human tactile experiences encountered during ceramic making and develops them into a series of sensorial spatial qualities and architectural propositions. The final design is a community ceramics studio situated in Taipei.

It acts as a subtle approach to fostering a ‘social prescription’ for communities’ mental well-being, and demonstrates the potential of playful architecture in preventing mental health issues within the context of contemporary urban environments.

14 Staircases to the thrid floor and skylights

CERAMICS STUDIO: OBJECT ORIENTED SPACE MAKING

Ceramics for viewing

Ceramics for touching

Ceramics for accommondating

CERAMIC OBJECTS AS FRAGMENTS OF SPATIAL EXPERIENCES

Ceramics for experiencing

2

1

East elevation/ Entrance

3

6

4

5

7

1. Handshake handle 2. Delicate door 3. Wavy tiles

Site plan

15

4. Partition basin 5. Folded bench 6. Rewarding basin 7. Wiggly bench

Firing Room

Gas kiln Cafe

Library

Reception

Wiggly bench

Ground floor plan

Storage

Pottery Wheel Room

Cross section AA Glazing Room Handbuilding Area

Second floor plan

The final design is an architecture that accommodates ceramic-making’s therapeutic purposes, including healing episodes, senses, making and human connection. The playfulness of the interior is a contrast to the modest form which responds to the existing concrete block building typology in Taipei. Subtle changes in the spatiality of each room create a transitional experience as visitors move through the building, and emphasise different sensorial experiences of each stage of ceramic-making.

16

Making Room

Storage

Reception

Firing Room

Nap Zone

Workshop Room

Storage room. Also functions as the resting area after ceramic-making.

Partition basin

Wiggly Bench Pottery wheel room.

17

MArch Studio Project, Cafe Alter Nordfriedhof

Academic Works

07 Cafe Alter Nordfriedhof MArch Studio project

Year

2020

School

Technical University of Munich (Exchange semester)

Location

Munich, Germany.

Tutors

Prof. Nicolai Bo Andersen Katleen Nagel Sandra Panze A cafe situated within the Alter Nordfriedhof cemetery which encapsulates the essence of navigating the historical cemetery grounds, focusing on creating a harmonious integration between nature, architecture, and the human experience of wandering through the trees.

The core idea of this project is to integrate the existing atmospheric nuances observed and experienced in the cemetery through the initial phenomenology site study- the spatial ambiguity and directional uncertainty created by existing trees and the placement of the historical walls and openings. The phenomenon of wandering around the cemetery is then recreated in the design with three key elements: The notion of passage, verticality of architecture tectonic, and incorporation of the built heritage.

The final design of the cafe employs a meandering geometric form to emphasise the experience of walking through different passages and directional uncertainty. The glazed facade and the vertical wooden tectonics are integrated to translate the spatial experience of walking in between trees, walls, and lit and shadowed spaces within the cemetery. It aims to seamlessly blend with the natural and historical surroundings, allowing the architecture to respond and coexist with the context. The design fosters a connection between visitors and the historical site by extracting and reintegrating its unique spatiality.

Perspective view of walking through the corridors

18

FORM DEVELOPMENT

SITE PHENOMENOLOGY

STRATEGIES

Cut-outs according to exsiting trees’ position.

CIRCULATION

Floor plan outline derives from the site outline.

Varying width of space to create the spatial quality of corridors.

Varied viewpoints created by designed curve angles.

Main access points Flow of movements Loud/ busy zone

Quiet/ provate zone

Site plan in 1 : 50

The spatiality of the back entrance summarises the phenomena perceived from the site study walks- an inviting yet confusing ambiance. The proposed design is strategically positioned in juxtaposition to this area, to celebrate and reflect on the site’s unique spatial and directional ambiguity.

Main access points Flow of movements Loud/ busy zone

Quiet/ provate zone

Alter Nordfriedhof cemetery back entrance

19

Cross section in 1 : 50 +0.15

+0.15

+0.00

+0.05

South elevation in 1 : 50

The level of spatial opacity shifts continually as one walks through the cemetery. This spatial phenomenon is reinterpreted in the proposed design, which can be visually and spatially experienced by the passerby and visitors.

Floor plan in 1 : 50

20

Perspective view of the studying area

1. Steel gutter 2. Metal sheet roofing 3. Timber ventilation panels 4. Wooden battens 5 x 5cm 5. Breathable membrane 6. Insulation 7. Cot laminated timber 8. Cot spruce beams 9. Freestanding wooden framed facade 10. Cot timber pillars 20 x 20 x 350 mm 11. Glazing panel 12. Wooden planks waterproofing treated 100 x 100 cm 13. Green pigmented concrete floor 14. Subfloor 15. Insulation

Perspective view of the passage between the cafe and cemetery entrance

21

BAS Studio Project, Translating Surburbia

Academic Works

07 Translating Surburbia

BArch studio project - First in Course Award in ARCHDES 300

Year

2018

School

The University of Auckland

Location

Glen Innes, New Zealand

Tutors

Dr. Natalie Allen

This project explores how traditional suburban lifestyles in Auckland can influence a transition towards apartment living.

In Auckland, residing in an apartment is commonly viewed as a trade-off, requiring dwellers to compromise or adapt their established living patterns to accommodate an urban setting.

The design proposal aims to bridge the gap by creating an apartment that not only incorporates but also transforms the suburban living style of Aucklanders. The goal is to minimise the difference between domestic living on a suburban scale and in the broader urban context.

Glen Innes is characterised by its relatively young and diverse population. The primary housing challenge is the limited options stemming from affordability issues. Consequently, this project advocates for a shift in dwelling habits amongst young families in the area towards apartment living, which is a more affordable and flexible alternative. By integrating and redefining living habits valued and prioritised in Kiwi lifestyles when choosing a new residence, this project is proposing a housing alternative for Aucklanders concerning the housing crisis in Auckland.

Perspective view of walking through the corridors

22

Ground floor plan

Site plan

Five key surburban living idea are focused in the design: Natural light, Garden, Pet, Privacy and Connection to the exterior

Apartment floor plan

Rooftop plan

Cross section AA

23

MAHUE Design Practice Project, Disconnect to Connect: Gaumont State Cinema, Kilburn

Academic Works

08 Disconnect to connect: Gaumont State Cinema, Kilburn MAHUE Design Practice- Adaptable reuse project Year

2023

School

The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL

Location

Kilburn, London

Tutors

Barbara Campbell-Lange, Jane Wong, Maxwell Mutanda

This design research project aims to create an intangible and tangible bridge between Kilburn and the Gaumont State Cinema, a grade II* listed building that was once the biggest cinema in Europe and a local landmark in Kilburn. The research explores the social, cultural, and architectural significance of the cinema to the community of Kilburn, and examines the idea of adaptive reuse in its transition and preservation as a response to the changing social context in London. The research method incorporates archival materials, reports, documentaries, oral history, interviews with locals, and site visits to illustrate the significance of Gaumont State Cinema in the local community throughout history.

As a response to the research, a bridge-formed installation is created to reconnect the grand and dazzling interior of the cinema and its hidden history to the highstreet. Responding to Cinema’s role in the post-war era and the significance of art deco cinema architecture in the 1930s, this installation aims to momentarily disconnect people from the bustling high road, providing an alternative path to navigate through, retelling the history, and proposing an immersive engagement with the built heritage. The installation blends contemporary and historic elements to create a journey for the visitors to reconnect with their local pride.

Entry bridge connecting Kilburn High Road to Gaumont State Cinema.

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Grand foyer The foyer space is designed in a semi-circle to emphasise the heavily decorated and tall wall of the historic cinema, to reflect the Grandeur and luxury of the space.

Unravelling The Gaumont State’s role in people’s everyday life in the past and present through oral history and archival research

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Overview of the installation inside the auditorium