Architectural Portfolio 2020_Kim Doan

P OR TFO LI O 20 20

ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO

2017 -2020

Graduate of Architecture (M.arch) m : (+61) 431 775 589 e : thienkim.doan@gmail.com

about me I am an enthusiastic Graduate of Architecture with two years of experience in Architectural design. I am efficient in designing as well as generating drawings and modeling with Revit, Sketchup and AutoCAD. I am also highly skilled in sketching and drawing in a range of mediums.

experience

additional experience

Dec 2015- SYMBIOTIC HOUSE DESIGN & Jan 2018 CONSTRUCTION (HCMC, VIETNAM) Building Designer (Full Time)

Jun 2018present

CROWN PERTH Pearl Room Bar Steward (Casual)

Jan 2015- MN12CS JSC (HCMC, VIETNAM) Feb 2016 Comic Assistant (Part-time)

work vulunteer: 20152016

HCMC COMMUNITY DESIGN PROJECT Student design workshop

education Feb 2018- CURTIN UNIVERSITY (WA) Feb 2020 Masters of Architecture Sep 2010- VAN LANG UNIVERSITY (HCMC, Jun 2025 VIETNAM) Bachelor of Architecture

technical skills Revit Architecture ArchiCAD Sketch Up AutoCAD Rhino Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator

other key skills Model making

Painting

Sketching

Taking Photograph

An old jetty on a walking trail nearby my home.

(Sketch by drawing pens - 2018)

contents i. STUDENT PROJECTS 01. Final Thesis Project 02. “Regenerating” Naples 03. Burns Beach F&B Facility 04. An Initial Study on “Weak Architecture”

ii. WORKS 01. Residential Housing project - Hai Au House, Hochiminh City, Vietnam (2018) 02. “Treehouse” - Binh Duong City, Vietnam (2018)

ii. OTHER ACTIVITIES 01. Sketches 02. Paintings

01

FINAL THESIS PROJECT - Curtin University 2019

THE STUDY ON “WEAK ARCHITECTURE” TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS

“Scenario 1” - This picture above shows one of the two scenarios i created for my final thesis project, at Curtin University.

My research thesis (contains 70% written, 30% design) seeks to find a way to reconnect the relationship among humans, built environment and natural environment by apply “weak architecture” theory (of architect) to the design of a new development of a heritage site. Also, the design outcome is expected to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation while still retaining the significance of historic buildings.

The chosen site is the Western Australia (WA) Museum, located in the center of Perth Cultural precinct. The site has gone through a lot of changes since the 19th century, and the construction of the museum extension has been processed during the time I was doing this thesis. The decision of choosing a site that has been changed was such a challenge. However, this research would be a chance for me to explore the potential of my proposal.

My research thesis consists of 4 parts: Current Problems (regards to changes in historical buildings with the intervention of modern architecture, built and natural environment issues and material issues); Weak Architecture (all the characteristics of “weak architecture”, including precedent studies from other selected architects); the Relevance of Theory and Historical Context; and Conceptual Design of WA Museum.

I read about “Weak Architecture” theory of Kengo Kuma a few years ago. However back then the theory was still vague for me. Working on this thesis gives me a chance to study more about it as long as applying it into a whole project.

In short explanation, “Weak architecture” refers to buildings which are (1) flexible and adaptive, (2) capable of connecting human to the building itself, and (3) capable of connecting humans to the natural environment.

The diagram shows 3 aspects of Weak Architecture and case studies follow each aspect. It is important to note that a building could have one or all three aspects.

(Diagram - 2019)

Flexibility and adaptibility: Apart from natural factors that cause changes, any building, historical or otherwise, keep changing as a result of the development of technology, money and fashion. Therefore, construct a rigid building is somehow a waste of materials and energy.

On the other hand, a flexible building, where humans can modify their place easily without damaging any existing parts, could be a better choice.

Diagram A: Traditionl building life cycle - represents the design-for-demolition practice.

Diagram B: “Infinity”building life cycle - represents the design-for-reuse practice.

The concept of designing flexible and adaptive buildings comes from the growing environmentalism. Steward Brand – author of the book “How Buildings Learn” - suggested that it is necessary to change the current design-for-demolition practice to design-for-reuse (or design for disassembly), since there is a burden of too much waste. Moreover, a flexible structure can be disassembled and the site is “reversed” back to its original conditions.

After a structure is disassembled, its parts can be reused in other new building constructions. This method of reusing old building materials makes building life become infinity.

Connecting to human: As a result, the activity of making alterations and modifications to a building creates the connection between that building and its inhabitants. A good architect can design details that can make a building technically works right, However, it is the inhabitants who can make a building become “their place”: only the people who live in the house know exactly what they need.

“Architecture not as artificial object in a natural setting, but as an integral element of that setting” – Kengo Kuma

Connecting humans to the natural environment During the research, I discovered more about the reciprocal connection between humans and the environment.

For example: human wellbeing is affected by the built environment through its physical structure, form, function and its environment assets: these determine how livable the place is. In return, humans keep modifying their living space to meet their demands. Through that, the built environment is changed into a better (or worse) condition.

Rendered image (Modelled and rendered with Revit Architecture) - A part of the temporary exhibition area.

My design stratetry is creating a new part of the museum acts like a “secondary space”. Secondary space acts as a supporter, like a blank canvas that is ready to be painted. I want to introduce “weak architecture” to the museum development through that way. In fact, the museum is the most suitable way to apply this idea. People usually go museum to see the artefacts. They barely go to a museum just to see the museum building. From that point, “weak architecture” can act as a basic framework for the museum exhibition space.

In my design, “weak architecture” acts as the basic structural wooden and steel frame with floors, columns and roof, I call it “the Skeleton”. The external walls are variable. They can be changed through seasons, as long as it adapts people’s need.

Moreover, this skeleton allows adding temporary structures to extend exhibition area, these temporary structures can be dismantled after the exhibition ends.

THE “SKELETON”

Perspective and exploded isometry of the Skeleton.

Scenario 1: Celebrating Australian Native Plants - The round corner has a facade with timber louvers with woven tree branches acting as sunshades. In some parts, there are double-layer facades, consist of trees sandwiched between 2 layers of screens. This facade design gives a gentle touch to the new building without making the historic parts obsolescent or submissive.

Credit: “Shield Carvings” - artwork by Yondee Shane Hansen Credit: “After the Rain” - artwork by Yondee Shane Hansen

Scenario 2: Celebrating Aboriginal Culture - This time, the façades now change to big Nyungar artworks printed on perforated metal sheets. One temporary structure is added to extend the installation art space.

A view from inside an exhibition area.

There are some drawbacks from the weak architecture that might be considered. In reality, the proposed design for the new Museum has enlarged the museum’s floor area, provides several new spaces for the museum’s facilities that meet the requirements of a state museum. In contrast, the weak architecture proposal might limit the required area and not be able to adapt a large number of visitors at one time. However, since the design is flexible, new space can be added up onto “the Skeleton” whenever it needs.

Based on what I have studied and my understanding about weak architecture, I believe there is a place to develop this theory into more practical projects, especially to heritage buildings. The world is rapidly changing every day, architecture should be flexible enough to adapt to this change, but also should not be a factor that cause the imbalance between humans and the environment.

02

“REGENERATING� NAPLES

Apart from its terrestrial architectural aspects (such as museums, galleries, piazzas, or churches), Naples is also famous for its complex system of underground tunnels and cisterns.

The purpose of this Design Studio was to investigate and analyze the City of Naples - Italy, mostly focusing on the subterranean parts, in order to propose a conceptual idea of how the city could be regenerated.

The collage shows how multi-layered the city is, with the complex network of tunnels underground.

(Hand sketches with collage with Photoshop (2018)

Piazza del Plebiscito

The Grotto of Mithra

Bourbon tunnel

Vitoria tunnel

A part of Naples’ subterranean map (reproduced from http://www.naplesldm.com/)

Physical model 1 (retouched with Photoshop)- The model shows a conceptual idea of leveraging an underground space and turning it into a hidden car park. The proposed site is located under the Grotto of Mithra (dotted circle on the map). As exposed parking lots can cause heat island effect, increase energy consumption, greenhouse emissions and other air pollutants, this proposal could reduce this problem as well as save more space for this dense city.

Physical model 2 (using foam boards, white cardboards for representing buildings, and clear straw for representing staircase)- The model shows a conceptual idea of how people can connect their basements with existing underground spaces. This is one of my very first ideas for the project. The method of making the model by using around-your-house materials was highly appreciated.

Piazza del Plebiscito

Bourbon tunnel

Vitoria tunnel

CUT LINE

VIALE CALASCIONE ROAD

UNDERGROUND PASSAGE SECTION Physical model 3a (using laser cut cardboards)- This part of the model shows a section of one of many underground passages around Naples city, which is called The Grotto of Mithra. Making model was a part of my research about Naples’ topography and subterranean parts.

The collage presents the density of Naples.

Culture of Congestion theory - Rem Koolhaas : the theory suggests a new multi-layered society in one building, through the action of elevators. Each level “is treated as a virgin site as if the others did not exist”(1) . This is to ensure the privacy and variations of lifestyles for each inhabitant. Despite the fact that they together add up one building, lives inside the building are correspondingly fractured: “on level 82 a donkey shrinks back from the void, on 81 a cosmopolitan couple hails an airplane”(2).

(1)(2)

Koolhaas, Rem. Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan . The Monacelli Press. Kindle Edition.

Regenerating Naples scenario: Imagine the accumulations of the underground and aboveground layers of the city of Naples are levels of a building. Naples city is already congested with high density of buildings and narrow streets.

Developing the city downwards could be a way to reduce the phenomenon of congestion, also turn non funtional tunnels into funtional spaces. Lifestyles of people in Naples will be kept the same. Different parts of the subterranean area could be “everything”, from supermarkets, to churches, galeries or even residential houses.

ABOVEGROUND PART

REGENERATING PARTS

DEPARTMENT STORE RESTAURANT CHURCH

SMALL SHOP

AMPHITHEATER SMALL SHOP

YELLOW: REGENERATING PARTS BLACK: EXISTING PARTS UNDERGROUND PASSAGES (about 40 meters beneath the City of Naples)

Physical model 3b: conceptual model (retouched in Photoshop)

03

INTEGRATED BUILDINGS RESEARCH STUDIO - Curtin University 2019

BURN BEACH FOOD AND BEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT

This design studio gave students a chance to enhance their design process to a higher level: detailed design. The studio aimed to provide the advancement food industry while manifesting respects: respect for the environment and the site context in particular, respect for the local culture and economy, respect for human health through food processing. There are 3 important strategies in my design: - Zero-waste kitchen: providing organic food from local suppliers, composting biowaste and turning it into soil, then returning to local producers.

- Erasing architecture: hiding the facility under the sand dunes, extending the existing playground, the greenery and paranomal view to the ocean.

- Passive ventilation: arranging the long side of the restaurant to the south-west. Providing sets of moveable louvered windows and doors to either allow wind flow and sunlight get into the building or block them when needed.

WAY TO THE BEACH

Site plan

Site physical model

sand dunes

This sketch shows different types of forms for a building.

A rough sketch of pergola idea.

An idea for Alfresco area, using an acute angle for emphasizing the area, while the rest of the building is being hidden under the sand dunes.

The first study of building form, based on the site context

A ceiling design idea from WA Gallery.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SOUTH ELEVATION

CEILING AND LIGHTING PLAN

DRAINAGE DETAIL

PATIO DETAIL

04

ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH APPLICATION - Curtin University 2018 AN INITIAL STUDY ON “WEAK ARCHITECTURE”

Prior to my thesis, I had had a study on Weak Architecture in a unit of Master’s degree. This unit focused on researching the application of digital, technological or environmental architectural systems through a nominated research project/theory. In this unit, I studied several projects of Kengo Kuma and a variety of materials he had used in his projects. unsturdy not a shelter unsecured short lifetime PEOPLE THINK

FUKUZAKI HANGING GARDEN flexible

gentle with humans’ bodies

gentle with environmentally humans’ friendly sensations

KENGO KUMA THINKS TAKAYANAGI COMMUNITY CENTER

wooden beam

wall/ wall/ partition partition wall/ partition

door

door

thatch roof

washi paper (traditional material) Hand sketch - 2018

THE GARDEN

The Garden

Healing Space

OPTION 1: - 1.2m high wooden frame with wooven tree branches.

- Reusing local materials such as recycled timber and native dried tree branches.

OPTION 2: - A narrow terrace with one side covered by carbon fiber (artificial material).

- Use natural light to create an atmosphere of "a magic place".

The nominated project was Dumbartung Gallery, inside Contarf Aboriginal College campus. I proposed a “Healing Space� in the garden area, using lightweight, natural or artificial but environmentally friendly materials as the space is supposed to be a connection between humans and the e n v i r o n m e n t .

OPTION 3: - A lantern-like round space covered by dried native branches membrane.

The experiment shows the study of light and shadow through a dried tree branches partition during daytime.

Tomb of Tu-Duc Emperor, Hue City, Vietnam. I went back to Vietnam during school holiday in 2018 and decided to visit this place. The tomb, which was designed by the Emperor himself, has a modest yet luxurious architecture that no other royal tomb in Hue could be compared.

(Sketch by drawing pens - 2018)

01

RESIDENTIAL HOUSING PROJECT - Symbiotic House Design & Construction, 2017

HAI AU TOWNHOUSE

I had worked on this project before I came to Australia for my study. Even though the reality looks slightly different from the rendered image, it was exciting to see the project I was working on for several weeks became a real building.

The house locates in a narrow valley in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Townhouse is the most common typology of homes in Vietnam as HCMC has a really densely packed urban grid. My client wanted to build it for his extended family, and one room on the top floor for student renting. For that reason, the staircase is placed outside the small backyard, at the very end of the house, to ensure the privacy of each occupant.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

STAIRCASE PLAN

3RD FLOOR PLAN (FOR RENT)

Please visit this link for more detailed drawings of this project : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FQyj8TzoelwtdyLrrrsNkKIVazQYBrL6/view?usp=sharing This project was done in Vietnam so all the drawings are in Vietnamese

02

RESIDENTIAL HOUSING PROJECT - Symbiotic House Design & Construction, 2016

“not so”... TREEHOUSE

The reason why I call this “not so... Treehouse” is because the reality is so much different from my design idea.

In this project, I participated only in the concept design stage in 2016, and of course its original name was “The Treehouse”.

The project was postponed for such a long time until 2018 when I already left the company for studying in Australia. The real photo was later sent by my co-worker. The Treehouse was supposed to be my client’s son’s bedroom, with the idea of a treehouse. During the construction time, my client decided to build another room for the space underneath the bedroom for storing purpose, thus completely ruining my whole idea.

This project in fact was not a successful one. My original idea was using the big tree in front of the room as a sunshade, hence glass walls were used around the room. In contrast to my idea, the weather in Vietnam is way too hot that a sunshade was not enough and it is always “cooked” inside the room. Through this project, I have learned that human well-being is so important that cannot be ignored during the design process. Also, choosing the right materials for a building is not only for its appearance.

Conceptual interior design for the Treehouse.

(Rendered with 3DsMax)

“A Peaceful Day� - I was sitting in my messy bedroom full of cardboards for model making, probably sometime back in 2016. Then I thought of that peaceful place, with a wide window looking at a forest, and cats and flowers. I could not be bothered with anything else.

(Watercolor painting, 2016)

Queen’s Garden, East Perth. I went there on a sunny day during school holiday, in my first year in Perth.

It was a spontaneous visit as i was wandering around a city and finding a place to rest.

(Sketch by drawing pens - 2018)

Sketches from my #100daychallengesketch

Check out my page for more artworks at https://www.instagram.com/kimmiejoey/

Thanks for reading!!