LIAO, HSIAO-CHEN
KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN / 2000.03.31
GRADUATED STUDENT IN BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF KAOHSIUNG
CONTACT INFORMATION
EMAIL: j89033125@gmail.com
PHONE: (+886)988190421
ADRESS: No. 80, Ln. 179, Zhongcheng St., Gangshan
Dist., Kaohsiung City 820117 , Taiwan (R.O.C.)
In the ritual of 放射馬 , four individuals engage in a chase, their paths intertwining as they ascend, symbolizing their quest for a transformative spiritual connection.
The Taoist funeral ritual space
Bachelor Project - 2020 (2023 Redo)- Individual Work
Location: Chengcing lake, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
In the 打城 ritual, Taoist priests perform a ceremony around a table, symbolising an assault on the city gates to rescue departed souls.
The repeated musical tones and murmured recitations of scriptures, known as 唸經聲 (recitation of scriptures) and 樂聲 (musical sounds), play a crucial role in Taoist funeral rituals. These elements contribute to the transformation of auditory space during the proceedings.
In the 燒化 ritual, the flickering of flames, intermittent brightness and dimness, and swirling of smoke in the air create a distinctive transformation of space.
These trajectories symbolise a spiritual connection between humanity and divine entities, circling and rising one after another in a plea for clemency. They present a pardon letter, embodying a desire for redemption for departed souls, illustrating a determination to seek eternal forgiveness.
Spatial transformation involves creating various winding pathways with different elevations and introducing pathways that penetrate enclosed space, mirroring the imagery of souls being rescued from the city during the ceremony.
To create this transformative soundscape, a multi-layered acoustic space is constructed using various elevated partitions and multiple openings. This design allows for continuous circulation and playback of musical sounds and scripture recitations within space, creating an immersive auditory experience.
To achieve this spatial transformation, various materials and layered elements are employed, allowing individuals in the space to experience the dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This design enables people to sense changing patterns of illumination and adds depth and atmosphere to the surroundings.
Four intertwined pathways: Using four distinct circular routes, participants can engage in various activities within the space to achieve an interactive experience. These pathways can vary in height and curve, guiding individuals to explore the diversity of the space.
Using varying elevations: The differing elevations can be used to shape a multi-layered and deep spatial sensation. People walk on platforms at different heights, allowing an overview or immersion in the surrounding looped landscapes.
Intersecting entrances and exits: Creating multiple intersecting entrances and exits can guide participants to different parts of the space, increasing exploration and discovery. This enhances openness and flow in the space.
RITUAL SPACE
Different feelings in different
Looped spaces and translucent materials: Designing looped spaces can introduce variations in light and shadow in different areas, while translucent materials enhance connection between the interior and exterior of the space, providing more natural light and views. This creates a
Surrounding the central pathway, each turn symbolises different emotional transitions. With the creation of a spatial atmosphere, every corner turned may bring about a different change in mood. After the ritual of burning gold paper concludes, one arrives at a pavilion for cleansing, washing away ashes clinging to the body and tears. Leaving sorrow behind in this corner, after turning another bend, you walk along an outdoor trail with a view of the lake. On the other side of the small island, there is a long table for rest and gatherings, the final scene in the traditional Taiwanese custom following the completion of the ritual ceremony. Funerals gather those who loved the departed, collectively conducting the ceremony and reminiscing about the lost loved one. A fulfilling meal after the ceremony symbolises bidding a proper farewell and moving forward to continue striving for a new life.
Ceremony held Office (Staff) Toilet Toilet Reception Desk Washbasin Picnic Chairs Pavilion Metal Basin for burning money for the dead Grass Shrub (White/Yellow) Shrub (White) Shrub (Yellow) Grass
LOVED AND LOST
Funerals are not held for the person who has died, but for those who loved and lost them.
Adaptive Reuse of Historical Buildings
- Integration of Long-term and Short-term Living Spaces for a Commercial and Cultural Center
Location: Kaohsiung port warehouse no.2, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Concept:
Overlap of time (history)
Overlap of space (territory)
Overlap of life (behaviour)
One side of the warehouse faces the sea, while the other faces the green park of a historical site, opening up the view towards the land and creating a flexible circulation, increasing the external area, strengthening its outward-facing nature, disrupting linear pathways, and naturally entering a historical indoor space. The existing building has been renovated to open up the originally enclosed warehouse. This design not only breaks through the existing confined space but also enhances the connection between the warehouse and the surrounding environment, seamlessly integrating it with the seascape and historical park.
an important region in Kaohsiung's development, owes much of its historical significance to the flourishing shipbreaking industry and atmospheric streets. The shipbreaking sector, a cornerstone of the district's past, created jobs and boosted the local economy, shaping Yancheng's maritime heritage.
In essence, Yancheng is testament to the shipbreaking industry and its deep-rooted local history, with streets preserving this legacy. Steeped in heritage, they deserve preservation to keep Yancheng's identity alive in Kaohsiung.
SITE:
Connect to green historical space beside the sea
Analysis:
Historical industrial streets, historical nodes, landmarks
Urban street texture, traffic analysis
Residential and commercial distribution
Urban green belts, blue belts
NATURAL LANDSCAPE
OLD SETTLEMENT
HISTORIC SITE (Train track ruins)
INDUSTRIAL SHOPPING AREA (TRADITIONAL CRAFT AND INDUSTRY)
Background:
Decline of industries in Hamasen and Yancheng areas, with young population moving out. Preservation and inheritance of culture and history in Hamasen, Yancheng, and Warehouse 2. Integration and development between old and new eras, bridging generational gaps. Creating a new entrepreneurial space, and new lifestyle, redefining current positioning of Hamasen and Yanchengpu through community-based co-living, and revitalising industries in these areas.
SITE
This project emphasises urban openness, industrial revival, and pedestrian city connections. Through streets,
Family-style apartments where residents live together, creating connection between people and places through interaction. Eating, working, playing, and sharing life together. Exchange of experiences and sharing among travellers, building communication. Preserving and inheriting local culture is crucial for meaningful travel.
NATURAL LIGHT
Transparent roof (glass)
COMPOSITE SYSTEM
Overlap of time
Employing contemporary construction methods to underscore the contrast between the present and the past
STEEL
HISTORIC SITE (Train track ruins)
LIGHTING AND VISIBILITY
TRANSPARENT ROOF
Overlap of life
Difference type units and shared area
ARCHITECTURE
Overlap of space
Preservation and Innovation
Transforming old buildings
Creating new mixed-use spaces in existing areas for both long- and short-term stays, bringing life to commercial spaces. The first floor is commercial and cultural exhibition space, hosting artisans in cultural display areas while providing living spaces for young people to return and live in a communal setting in this historical area. Small shops along old streets revive, and vacant green spaces are transformed into public open spaces, forming different nodes in the city network. The design of this site is a landmark connecting cultural settlement and natural landscape, initiating the entire design project.
DEMONSTRATE AND KEEP
THE EXISTING STEEL TRUSSES
ACCESSIBILITY AND OPENNESS
OPEN SPACE: BALCONY/VERANDA (WOOD CONSTRUCTURE)
LIVING
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
LONG-TERM RESIDENCE
PRESERVING THE ORIGINAL APPEARENCE
EXISTING BUILGING
LOBBY/RESTAURANT/CAFE/CRAFT STUDIOS/SHOPS
The current warehouse represents the history of the Yencheng district and Hamasen area. It is situated at the end of a historic railway trail, establishing a connection and opening access to the building. Through renovation of the surface, it responds to its surroundings, stimulating a noticeable distinction from other warehouses. This shows how new and old materials can be combined in a building with a long history that has undergone multiple changes. Contemporary design addresses current issues with a creative and novel strategy, illustrating evolution over the years.
Cultural Memorial Hall
Bachelor Project - 2022 - Individual Work
Location: Donggang Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan
Cultural space, shaping a sense of ceremony and sacredness through space. The Donggang Welcoming Wangye Festival is one of the grandest celebrations in Taiwan, attracting people from around the world. It takes place every three years and involves thirteen preparation tasks. The main ceremony of the boat worship takes place at the seaside in Donggang. Imagining the process of welcoming the Wangye, from entering the water to identifying which is the main deity for the year, this process is fascinating, involving multiple entries into the water and inquiries, as there are seven gods, and the correct deity may only be confirmed on the last attempt.
Donggang
Beside the site is the biggest river in Pingtung, flow inginto the beach which has held the ceremony.
CAFE
STAIRCASE
OFFICE
GALLERY
MULTIPURPOSE ROOM (LIGHT WELL)
SERVICE ENTRY
RESTAURANT
SERVICE ENTRY
STAIRCASE
2F
GALLERY
AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM
DARKROOM
3F
BELVEDERE/ LOOKOUT WORKSHOP 2m 0 10m N
SQUARESpatial Concept:
Open Displays on Upper or Lower
Levels:
Breaking uniformity of floor spaces and forms by creating voids.
Dark and Bright
Rooms:
Creating spaces with varying levels based on exhibition format, introducing a hierarchy of spatial transformations.
Undulating Spaces:
Walking on a gentle slope, unconsciously ascending to upper levels, rather than connecting distinct floors with stairs. There is no deliberate definition of floors, creating an organic space akin to nature.
The seven skylight roofs represent seven deities, while undulating floors symbolise ocean waves, transforming the museum into an immersive ritual experience theatre. Reflecting the ritual of welcoming the king, individuals, in the process of understanding the culture, also personally experience the once-in-three-year festival. Entering through the entrance symbolises the underwater ritual, one can only see light penetrating the hall and interactive classrooms from the sole skylight. From entering the water to floating above the sea, visitors feel as if they are walking on the waves until reaching the highest floor closest to the royal boat, where they finally see the seven deities. This space is the core of the entire building.
BELVEDERE WORKSHOP
AUDIOVISUAL ROOM OFFICE
Transparent visual design, a clear cultural space, conveying the imagery of water. The facade is composed of light-transmitting materials with varying degrees of mistiness, such as frosted and LOW E glass. The double-layer configuration helps moderate intense sunlight and radiant heat. EXPLODED VIEW
LIGHT WELL BOAT
MULTIPURPOSE ROOM (LIGHT WELL)
DARKROOM
LOBBY
Choosing four pillars as the main structural support of the building, a suspended structure lifts the floor to create undulating effects. The higher floors offer views of the sea and cityscape, with outdoor surfaces connecting floors to attract foot traffic. The space concept includes undulating spaces, dark and bright rooms, open or closed displays on different levels, and the transparency and sculpting effects of glass.
GALLERYBachelor Final Project - 2023 - Individual Work Beishanwei Wetland, Annan District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contemplating the essence and necessity of architecture, I embarked on an exploration from primitive industrial landscapes and the inception of architecture, addressing basic human needs. Architecture, as a presence embodying both defensive capabilities against nature and intimate connections, necessitates a thoughtful stance.
Focusing on habitat patterns in natural wetlands, this study explores economic, residential, production, and perceptual dimensions as developmental directions, considering these from a human perspective and addressing basic capacity needs.
This conceptual exploration draws inspiration from cave dwelling behaviour to picture an organic spatial entity. By abstaining from rigid space definitions, the primary consideration lies in experiencing space, allowing users the freedom to use it at their discretion. The architecture maintains porosity through material interstices, external openings, and large-scale voids that shape spatial experience. Emphasis is placed on creating airflow, visual permeability, and human interaction and communication within the built environment.
This study explores the hierarchy of spatial openness, ranging from open areas to enclosed spaces. Six types of walls are strategically employed to sculpt varying degrees of openness, creating levels of external connectivity and privacy.
Initiating the discussion on dwelling patterns from a broad perspective, the study proposes two approaches. The first imagines nature as a vast environment, dispersing functional spaces directly into the natural surroundings, connecting them through open or semi-open pathways.
The intent is to create a symbiotic relationship between architecture and artificial landscapes, blurring boundaries between the constructed and naturally occurring. This innovative design concept seeks to redefine spatial experiences, promoting a harmonious coexistence between the built environment and human-made topographies.
Earth mound: Reusing the excavated soil from the pathway, creating an outdoor recreational space.
Residential space Residential space Restaurant Scenic overlook
Recreational space: (including a study, gathering area, lounge, basic kitchen, and fishing platform) and workspace for aquaculture activities.
This conceptual exploration proposes an architectural paradigm inspired and shaped by artificial landscapes. Departing from traditional design approaches, the focus is placed on integrating man-made terrains as a foundational element of the built environment.
Flexible Spaces: "House for All" suggests adaptability to accommodate various lifestyles and purposes. It can be easily reconfigured or repurposed to meet changing needs, such as multi-functional rooms or modular furniture arrangements.
Sustainability: Focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly design principles, reflecting a commitment to creating a healthier and more resilient living environment for all inhabitants.
The second involves integrating natural spaces into architectural structures, akin to a spongelike body eroded by exploitation, creating spaces for habitation. The designs segregate spaces for dining, work, and leisure based on habitual living patterns, with rooms featuring simple functionalities. The spaces maintain purity, facilitating the transformation of behaviour while concurrently altering temporal and spatial dimensions through outdoor corridors, transforming living contexts.
Structure and Materials
(using local materials)
Using local industrial resources, oyster shell powder is mixed into the cement, achieving enhancement of concrete properties.
The spaces maintain purity, facilitating the transformation of behavior while concurrently altering the temporal and spatial dimensions through outdoor corridors, thereby transitioning living contexts. By manipulating wall thickness, window-like openings resembling platforms are generated. Staggered heights of floors result in intersecting sightlines, ensuring privacy. The most secluded unit, housing bathroom facilities, is centrally located within the structure. The second level comprises sleeping quarters, striking a balance between ventilation, external views, and heightened privacy.
Public open spaces, including gathering areas, reading spaces, and open natural environments, exhibit external connectivity through pathways. Movement and spatial transitions in these areas provide a perceptible connection to external natural surroundings.
Observing this area, where history has shaped diverse lifestyles, it retains its circular form amidst layers of history. The city reflects contemporary lifestyles through its overwritten architecture. However, this community is one that I consider to have great potential as an urban pedestrian zone. Residential units range from individual houses to clusters of buildings, forming neighborhoods, and extending the discussion to the specific blocks delineated by traffic circles, all the way up to the service area of nearby transportation nodes. Starting from household tasks like hairdressing, sewing, and cooking, the community expands into dynamic activity areas such as parks, markets, and sports centers. There are community activity centers, places of worship, and other area-specific gathering spots. Additionally, there are broader public service areas such as libraries and cultural historical sites. By deepening its local identity and sustainability, this site could serve as a demonstrative model for development.
The Old City of Fengshan County, also known as the Old City of Zuoying, is located in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
The Old City of Zuoying was a familiar living space during my childhood, as my grandparent's house was located near the Guomao community. The community had a high degree of enclosure, resembling an old city, creating a sense of being inside and outside the city. This area was a thriving community in past two decades, with residents leading unique lifestyles. It featured markets, activity centers, open parks, places of worship, and political venues, among other aspects.
Railway track:
N 20m 100m
In terms of geography, the railway divides New Zuoying and Old Zuoying. New Zuoying, benefits from diverse public transportation options and has developed into the central business district of northern Kaohsiung. On the west side of the railway is an area that was formerly close to the seaport and city center. Although its development is now more constrained, it has preserved rich historical and cultural heritage. Renowned for its diverse natural landscapes, includes mountains and pond.
[2023-2024]
Architectural Design Competition
Heritage Sites, Cultural Architecture, and Landscape Planning: Model Making and Plan Visualization Techniques
[2023-2024]
Job responsibilities include:
Conducting research on the Jiufen environment to understand its characteristics, cultural significance, and architectural context.
Collaborating with my boss to generate creative ideas for architectural designs that suit the Jiufen area.
The mountainous terrain and mining landscapes of Jiufen.
The rainy climate and rich acidic soil nurture unique vegetation.