Justin Wan Portfolio 2024

Portfolio

JUSTIN WAN

Columbia University, G.SAPP M.S.AAD | 2023

USC, School of Architecture B.ARCH | 2022

Selected Works 2020 - 2024

MAY 2022JUN 2023

AUG 2017MAY 2022

My sense of responsibility to the natural environment has driven a passion for optimizing buildings through technology & ecologically sensitive designs, which have encouraged my pursuit of green building design accreditations. Having lived in 4 countries, my multicultural background has allowed the recognition of adversities and differences as opportunities for growth, shaping an ability to design through a critical lens.

EDUCATION

+ Columbia University | G.SAPP

Masters of Science, Advanced Architectural Design

+ University of Southern California | USC SOA

Bachelor of Architecture

ACCREDITATION

DEC 2020

JAN 2020

Spring 2024

Summer 2021

Summer 2019

+ WELL AP

+ LEED AP BD+C

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

+ University of Southern California | BSA+IT Guest Lecturer

Invitied by the Associate director of Undergraduate Architecture programs, Lee Olvera, to give lecture on biodesigns Shared design processes for the “Luffa Stoolita” to 1st year students - design featured on Designboom

+ Ronald Lu & Partners Hong Kong | Architectural Intern

Participation in mixed-use(SD), carbon net-zero commercial(DD), institutional(SD) & residential (DD)

SEP 2019DEC 2020

APR 2024

MAY 2022

APR 2022

APR 2021

OCT 2021

Design

Media Fabrication

Language

3-D Digital Designing (Shopping Mall Portal), Realistic rendering (Interior), Physical Modelling (Residential)

Conducted market & site research & participated in weekly client meetings to discuss progress & changes Curated material palette & conducted material feasibility studies with engineers Participated project phases: Concept, Schematic Design(SD), Design Development(DD)

+ University of Southern California | Architecture Teaching Assistant Class assistant for 5 core course: (Studio Courses: 102a & 105, Arch History: 214a & 214b, Structures: 313)

Mentored 3 cohorts of students (250+ students) for 3 consecutive semesters

Provided 1st year students with weekly 1:1 sessions on design concepts, software usage & graphic designs Assisted architectural historian Professor James Steele with research publication in progress

PUBLICATIONS

Research, Design & Publication of Designboom Article: “From Chow to Chair”

APR 2024 (click to read) (click to read)

Research & Publication of Article: “Nature Inspired Principles of Beauty in Japanese Culture”

ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS

+ USC Global Scholar Distinction (Awarded to 7 students collegewide at commencement)

+ 2 Time USC SOA Annual Research Symposium award winner

+ Jon Adams Jerde Travelling Fellow

SKILLS

+ Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Revit, AutoCAD

+ Adobe Suite, Enscape, Twinmotion, VRay, Figma (UI/ UX web application design)

+ Creality 3D Printers, Hand modelling, Pepakura, Laser-cutting, Slicer for Fusion 360, CNC

+ English (Native), Mandarin Chinese (Native), Cantonese Chinese (Native)

Content

01 Haze Cartography

Experimental design to rethink ecological role of invasive plants

GSAPP Advanced Architecture Design Studio

02 Crystal Falls

Experimental theater in flood-prone zone

GSAPP Advanced Architecture Design Studio V

03 Twist & Turn

Proposal for sustainable community & sports center

B.ARCH Comprehensive Studios

04 Veiled Rays

Design aimed to create a biophilic neighborhood

3rd Prize ; USC Research Symposium 2021 Jon Adams Jerde Travel Fellowship 2021

B.ARCH Design Topic Studio

05 Convergence In Time

Memorial designed in support of nuclear disarmament

Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial by BeeBreeders

06 Luffa Stoolita

Experimental furniture design made with natural materials

GSAPP Natural Materials Lab: Making with Earth

Designboom Publication: "From Chow to Chair"

01 Haze Cartography

Experimental design on the materialization of haze

Columbia GSAPP M.S.AAD

Project Type: Experimental Pavilion Design

Site: New York City Central Park, New York, U.S.A

Team: Mars Zhang, ChengXi Liu

Role: Concept Design, Scientific Research, Render, Post-Production

Year: Aug 2022

Haze Cartography is an experimental design aimed at exploring the potential benefits of invasive species in enhancing their ecosystems through carefully designed interventions. The study focuses on two plant species, the Norway Maple and English Ivy, which demonstrate biological and chemical responses to air pollutants. English Ivy possesses air-purifying properties, efficiently absorbing VOCs and greenhouse gases. Conversely, anthocyanin, the red pigment found in the leaves of Norway maple trees, serves as a pH indicator that reacts to changes in soil and atmospheric conditions.The proposal aspires to combine the unique properties of both plants to address air pollutants within New York's Central Park, often considered the city's lungs. By introducing a mesh dyed with anthocyanin over the maple trees, the mesh changes colors through acid-base reactions with pollutants, signaling the presence of airborne pollutants with distinct colors. This dynamic project continually evolves in response to varying pollutant levels and types influenced by climatic and environmental conditions.

Precipitation

Urban Air Pollution and Health Effects

New York City is one of the most polluted cities in the United States. The elevated pollution levels can be attributed to the consumption of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and buildings. These pollutants contribute to adverse health effects among its residents annually.

Ingestion

Inhalation

Buildings give off up to 55 tons of pollutants in NYC daily

Powerplants give off up to 8 tons of pollutants in NYC daily

Vehicles give off up to 21 tons of pollutants in NYC daily

Site Context and Urban Environment

The project begins at the Driprock Arch of Central Park, where two invasive plant species, Norway Maple and English Ivy, were identified. These two species are deemed invasive because of their tendency to deprive other plants of essential nutrients. Consequently, the New York Park Conservancy enforces stringent regulations on where these plants are permitted to grow within the park.

Norway

tree is situated adjacent to the Driprock Arch, with an ivy plant clinging to its bark. The arch serves as a stone bridge designed to redirect vehicular and pedestrian traffic, connecting various park features with the surrounding landscapes. The vehicular activity above generates numerous pollutants that are harmful to both the human body and the natural environment.

1-1.

The

Maple

Due to the Norway Maple's renowned hardiness and resistance to urban pollution, they are predominantly clustered along the main roads traversing the park. While they are also present in the city, they are primarily concentrated within Central Park to mitigate the air pollution introduced by vehicular traffic and preserve the green space.

The two plant species are inherently resistant to urban air pollution, with the Norway Maple, in particular, exhibiting notable resilience. They are commonly found along the main roads within Central Park.

The studied Norway Maple tree is located near the southern entry of the park where traffic is the heaviest within Central Park.

Reducing & Revealing the haze

The Norway Maple and the English Ivy possess properties that enable them to thrive in air-polluted environments and effectively remove harmful particulate matter from the air. The design intervention aims to leverage these unique traits of the invasive species to diminish and make visible the otherwise unseen harmful clouds present in the air that New Yorkers breathe every day.

present in Autumn Maple leaves

The English Ivy absorbs harmful pollutants such as greenhouse gases, VOCs, and ozone. The stomata on its leaves open to absorb moisture and particulate matter to photosynthesize. In indoor environments, its leaves can remove up to 89.8% of Benzene and other VOCs.

The Norway Maple leaves contain Anthocyanin, a chemical component that gives the leaves its distinctive red color during Autumn. The pH-sensitive compound undergoes color change aross a spectrum from red to purple to green, transitioning from acidic to basic conditions.

experiments,

From

silk fabric dyed with the anthocyanin extract demonstrates an ability to change colors with the presence of various airborne chemical substances

Anthocyanin

Anthocyanin

The net forms a surface for the ivy to climb on, reducing the damages on the tree by the ivy vines

Homogenization

Maple leaves collected are homogenized in distilled water

Dyeing

Squares of natural silk are sewn and dyed with the anthocyanin extract

Extraction

Homogenized mixture is boiled and filtered to yield an anthocyanin solution

Preparation

Nets are tied to the trunk to give ivy a surface to climb on and minimize damage on tree

Installation

The dyed mesh is laid over tree canopies

Assembly

The net is fastened to the overhead mesh and the system is completed

Year 1

Project begins with attaching the ivy net to the pigmented mesh. Pollutant levels are lowest in the Summer, and are mostly alkaline from farming.

Year 5

Year

The English Ivy begins populating the net. Pollutant levels begin to rise in Autumn, and air acidity increases, giving a slightly red hue.

The English Ivy continues on both the net and mesh. highest in the Winter, giving

Year 15

Year 20

The weight of the ivy pulls down on the net and mesh. The densely ivy grown environment purifies the air, giving the mesh a purple hue (pH neutral)

The mesh sustains damages from the overgrown net. The sagged net forms new habitats for small mammals and birds to inhabit.

02 Crystal Falls

Experimental theater in flood-prone zone

Columbia GSAPP M.S.AAD

Project Type: Experimental Performance and Theatrical House

Site: San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, Italy

Thesis Advisor: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Mark Rakatansky

Year: Dec 2022

Cascata Cristallo, or Crystal Falls, is a proposal that seeks to redefine the performative experiences at San Giorgio Maggiore’s outdoor Green Theater, especially considering the existential threat of acqua alta and a local shortage of potable water. Cascata Cristallo concentrates on the filtration, circulation, and manipulation of rainwater collected on-site to enhance the usability and theatrical experience of the existing theater. Inspired by the traditional Venetian well, the building's roof connects to glass funnels strategically placed throughout the structure, serving as filtration tubes to collect and purify rainwater for drinking and other purposes. Cascata Cristallo carefully considers the local site context, enabling theatrical performances to proceed undisturbed under any climatic conditions. The collected rainwater is ingeniously transformed into water vapors, used for holographic and digital media projections when outdoor performances and viewing become impractical.

Venezia

& Acqua Alta

Venice contends with increasingly severe effects of acqua alta each year, attributed to climate change. Although surrounded by water, Venice has a finite supply of potable water available for use

SANPOLO

CASTELLO

SANMARCO

LAGUNA DI VENEZIA

DORSODURO

SANGIORGIOMAGG I ORE

TEATRO VERDE

Site Enviorment & Conditions

Teatro Verde is an outdoor amphitheater situated on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, facing increasingly severe impacts from the annual acqua alta floods, rendering the theater unsuitable for events and performances.

The functions of the existing amphitheater is supplemented by the addition of an adjacent structure that seeks to manipulate the collected rainwater on site to provide a potable source of water for its users.

1. Lobby

Storage Space

Outdoor seating

Water Library

Bistro Storage

Bistro Kitchen

Bistro Dining Area

Mechanical Room

Bar Storage

Bar

Indoor Theater

Control Room

Water Tanks + Steam

1. Viewing Platform

2. Control + Light Room 3. Theatron

Control Tower

Proscenium

Props Storage

Outdoor Bar

The traditional venetian well is a rainwater filtration contraption that uses sedimentary rocks for filtration purposes. Rainwater is flown into the cisterns, filtered, and collected in the well shafts for drinking and usage.

Venetian Wells of Old & New

The water filtration system of the design is inspired by the traditional venetian well. Rainwater is collected and filtered through the glass columns connecting the roof and ground and stored for usage.

Venetian Wells of Old & New

The project is shaped in the form of a curvilinear procession, where visitors ascend the steps to be transported to a space of nature-architecture

Water is scarce and the processes of collection, filtration, and storage of water is framed in view to be witnessed by visitors

A. Entrance

B. Water Library

C. Bistro

The water collected is source for consumption and local bistro, serving

& Diner

used to supply a safe and usage at the project's

D. Bar

The water collected is likewise used at the bar to make visitors drinks during intermission of theatrical performances next door

E. Theaters

The water collected is used to enhance the dramatic effects theatrical performances where

03 Twist & Turn

City sustainable landmark to revitalize neighborhood

University of Southern California SOA

Project Type: Sustainable Community Sports Center

Site: Leimert Park, Los Angeles, U.S.A

Advisor: Eric Nulman, Jeff Guh

Year: May 2020

response elements.

Twist & Turn rounding Leimert Park the center. the center different

Turn serves as a comprehensive and performative community center designed to enhance and promote the local culture of Leimert Park. The surneighborhood features rows of bricked and stuccoed buildings, conveying a sense of defensiveness that hampers the cultural vibrancy for which Park is renowned. In this context, Twist & Turn assumes the role of a performer, while the surroundings act as spectators to all activities within center. The performative nature of the design is expressed through its transparency and visual connections with the surroundings. Programmatically, center houses four basketball courts and provides various amenities for the neighborhood. The transparency facilitates visual connections between programs, allowing performances to be observed. Spatially, it connects the interior and exterior spaces, activating the entire site. Additionally, in response to the lack of green spaces in the neighborhood, a vegetated area has been incorporated on the second floor to expose occupants to the outdoor elements.

1. Site boundary set

3. Main program positioned to establish connection with streets

5. Established exoskeletal structure for roof and building

7. Enclose building with glazing & natural masonry

2. Project volume set

4. Base geometry distorted for program + sunlight

6. Added green walkway + voids for mental wellness & natural ventilation

8. Shading fins added along East & West elevations

MEZZANINE

BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL

DANCE STUDIO

ENTRANCE LOBBY OFFICE

GALLERY

LOCKER ROOM

City gateway designed as an entrance into a biophilic community 04 Veiled Rays

University of Southern California SOA

Project Type: Communal & residential

Site: Crenshaw, Los Angeles, U.S.A

Thesis Advisor: J. Yolande Daniels

Year: Dec 2020

Veiled Rays functions as a city gateway, marking the entrance into the Crenshaw neighborhood and establishing a link between two lots on the site that are otherwise separated by traffic. The urban corridor serves as a screen, filtering scenes and ambient noise from the bustling traffic around the site, creating a pedestrian-friendly oasis in the heart of Downtown LA. The residential buildings situated at the back of the sites are designed with the intention of providing affordable housing for the local community, aiming to counteract the effects of gentrification. Co-living lounges have been incorporated into each of the three wings, offering spaces for cooking and communal dining, while interior green spaces at the corners act as wellness zones for residents.

1-1.

62.4% - Opaque material

37.6% - Transparent material

57.3% - Opaque material 42.7% - Transparent material 69.1% - Opaque material

- Transparent material

- Opaque material

- Transparent material

1. Simple bar

3. Subtract volume for traffic access

5. Extract shell for pedestrian access

7. Volume of apartment building established

2. Curved outward to engage with community

4. Distort volume to engage with site

6. Parameterize geometry for canopy

8. Green cores added on each floor

Recycled

Reclaimed

Reclaimed

Section A-A @ 1/8” = 1’ - 0”

05 Convergence in Time

Memorial designed to commemorate the end of a nuclear weapon dominant era

Project Type: Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial by BeeBreeders

Site: Trinity Site, New Mexico, U.S.A

Team: Steven Lin, Byron Wong, Darwin Hu, Selwyn Ting (advisor)

Role: Concept & Form Design, Research + Render & Post-Production

Year: May 2021

Standing in support of the ratification of the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 'Convergence in Time' is a memorial designed to signify the end of the nuclear arms race. Located at the Trinity Site, 'Convergence In Time' is positioned where the first bomb was detonated on earth, serving as a reminder to all test sites globally about the dangers of nuclear weapons. The memorial features a single circular path that encircles twice: once above, offering a view of the horizon, and the second below, within the dark underground memorial. This path symbolizes the Nuclear Race itself, where the creation of powerful technology initially brought a gleam of hope, yet, following the path of our past may lead us into a vicious cycle of building security based on mutual assured destruction.

WW II Era

Jul1945 AlamogordoHiroshimaNagasaki Semipalatinsk Semipalatinsk SemipalatinskMaldenIslandsKirimatiIsland RegganeNovayaZemlya LopNor LopNorFangataufaAtoll TrimouilleIslandEnewetakAtollEnewetakAtoll BikiniAtoll

Aug1945Aug1945 Aug1949 Oct1952Nov1952Nov1952 Nov1955May1957Nov1958 Feb1960Oct1961 Oct1964 Jun1967Aug1968 May1974 Aug1953Mar1954

Kirimati

Reggane

Malden Islands

Fangataufa Atoll

Alamogordo

Cold War Era

Trimouille Island

Enewetak Atoll Bikini Atoll

1. End at the Beginning

Trinity Monument

3. Time as a linear path

5. Path extends underground (into the darkness)

2. Monument placed in bomb crater

4. Time as an endless loop

6. Monument concealed by nuclear coffin on top

original drawing by Steven Lin modified by Justin Wan

06 Luffa Stoolita

Experimental furniture design made with natural materials

Columbia GSAPP M.S.AAD

Project Type: Natural material research & design ; Exhibition Curation

Site: 1014 - Space for Ideas, New York, U.S.A

Team Members: Tim Ting-Hao Chen, Paul Edward Liu, Lola Ben-Alon (Advisor)

Role: Concept Design, Research, Fabrication, Exhibition Curation

Year: May 2023

The Loofah Squattah explores the potential application of plant-based by-products, specifically their subsequent food wastes, as alternative materials for design and construction. The investigation primarily focuses on gaining an improved understanding of both the physical properties of the loofah fruit and how it can enhance the structural strength and durability of earthen designs. The Loofah Squattah challenges the possibilities of applying the fruit to load-bearing purposes at the human scale, specifically as furniture, to test its strength and constructibility. In conceiving the concept for the furniture piece, the design considers all components of the fruit, utilizing it as formwork, fibers for construction, and cushioning for comfort and support.