Portfolio_ PhD Application

PHAM-VU HOANG LINH 26.10.1990 Vietnamese

2017-2018 MA in Interior Architecture and Design Heriot- Watt University, the United Kingdom 2008- 2013 BA in Interior Design Ho Chi Minh University of Architecture, Vietnam I am not a good writer as describing myself. It is a real challenge for me to capture and transform my personalities into letters. Such things, however, seem to be easier with illustrations. The pursuing Interior Architecture/ Design has given me the opportunity to acknowledge myself in a deeper dimension. My great interest in design is the phenomenology in architecture and design, the emotional engagement between the users and space itself by memory in the sociocultural frame. This portfolio is depicting the journey in which I am exploring myself and the world around me through the lens of architecture, time and memory.

“The world hangs by a thin thread, and that thread is the psyche of man” - Carl Jung-

pre-colonial time

NON-RELIGIOUS SPIRITIAL SPACE

the hegemony of collectivism

Given the complexity of Vietnamese society which is analysed in the report, the outcome of the interviews with the Vietnamese from two generations reflected an opposite in their perception about each other. Each generation is holding their own collective memories, only shared by their 1975- 1986 1986- now counterparts. Even though it is undeniable that the gap in generations’ conception is the compression in the the penetration into the polarization of a natural progression of development, a collective values individualism collective values reconciliation in the context of Vietnam is essential for social cohesion. It is not an attempt to resolve the contradictions but to The transition in the pattern of collective memory in Vietnamese society understand and respect the distinctions of each generation. colonial time

reunion time

RESEARCH

FOR SOCIAL COHESION IN VIETNAM Master final project- Postgraduate

The Master final project consists of two parts: the report and the design 1. The report gives an overall view of the collective memory in Vietnamese society through historical periods, focusing on the transition of its pattern under the pressure of political and social changes since the end of 19th century.

While analyzing the nature of collectivism in the social structure from the very beginning and its conflict with the contemporary context, I noticed that the ignorance of individuals in its story has caused a confusion and contradiction between generations and inside themselves. The more the Vietnamese try to be “opened” or “modern”, the more they become vague about their own identity on a personal and communal level. Under the political influences and manipulation, the interpretation of history and culture has been far from a bridge for the social gap but a stimulus to the disconnection in the collective memory. Given the use of qualitative primary data including in-depth interviews and case studies, my proposal is to utilize the power of architecture as a social medium in order to create a spiritual space for the non-religious but cultural purpose to enhance the social cohesion 2.The key concept of the design is based on my assumption that the journey in reactivating or regenerating shared values within a community is a circulation of collective memories with the focal point is the “informal” image of the village (lang), a primitive value of Vietnamese society in regardless of time.

This journey should be, however, a personal experience placed in the social and cultural setting in which individuals are given a space for self-reflection and creating their own collective memories by the social interactions.

A Dream of Fragmented Memories The inspiration of the design comes from the concept about the individuals and the society. It is interesting to discover the role of childhood memories in recalling a sense of a place in its deepest essence.

Childhood recollections are a sort of the interpretation of the dreaming in the regards of “purity”. In other words, what keeps these memories vivid in regardless of time is the spiritual belief in authentic feelings. It is often said that a dream is simply a multiplicity of hallucinations or a distorted reality from unconsciousness. I, however, believe that only when dreaming, the individual has a chance to be confronted with his himself, a journey into the interior of his own world.

context

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is located in the centre of district 1 as one of the main streets in Ho Chi Minh city. This broad street connects the City Hall to the Saigon River. Along with this axis, the development process in the architecture of the city can be observed visually by the dramatic change in the appearance of buildings:

the pattern of collective memories in Vietnamese society

French colonial architecture Post-socialist condominium housing

problem

disconnection in collective memories

fragmented memories solution

DESIGN CONCEPT

Modern skyscrapers

childhood memories

“pure experience” dreaming

concept

• 2018 • Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

This is a busy area serving for both commercial and cultural purpose: office buildings, restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, museums. Therefore, the target users are diversity from ages, careers and purpose of use. Due to the hot climate of Ho Chi Minh city, this empty space becomes unbearable under the glare of sunlight.

Ground floor +0.000

immediate greeny space for a short break flexible platform for street/ art performance

Keep the existing function as an open space for group gathering and street performances

Level 2 -4.500

peaceful and quiet space for a strolling or contemplation

Level 3 -6.000

Underground park

cultural exploration

An underground park lies at the centre of the city, giving the visitors different levels of privacy: outdoor and semi outdoor spaces.

Cultural centre

Level 1 -3.000

meeting point for group gatherings

Cultural centre consists of three areas: exhibition area for flexible uses, installation area for interaction and spiritual space for socializing.

Level 3 -6.000 Level 4 -5.400

Saigon River

City Hall

cultural area (new design)

park (new design)

pedestrian area (keep the existing area)

THE UNDERGROUND PARK

Ground floor +0.000

186842

end point

village

00 R8

- spiritual space -

home

childhood memory private space (pre-colonial time)

R5200

0

starting point

the well and banyan tree

personal and collective memory public space (modern time)

DETAIL A

- entrance 45711

61830

33300

107542

46000 79300

Spiritual space

Exhibition area

Entrance

laneway

collective memory semi/informal public space (post-colonial time)

- exhibition area -

THE CULTURAL CENTRE A NEW APPROACH TO FORGOTTEN SOCIAL PLACES In the second case study, I examined the position of “informal” social spaces in Vietnamese culture and society.

The memories they carried could be both shared by a community (a neighbourhood or a village) and experienced as a personal memory as the individuals could easily find themselves projected onto it. They were no longer a space but a place with the memories embedded in it. In the time of globalization, the existence of these places has been, however, fading away and becoming a nostalgia in the memory of the old generation.

Therefore, the theme of this cultural area is about the forgotten places. I decide to approach it at the individual level, starting with the symbol of childhood memory- a traditional house. Inside the cultural space, there are two separated areas: a large room, designed as a recollection of a typical residential area after the Doi Moi, serves for temporary exhibitions and an indoor water pool is functioned as a spiritual space Laneway- a narrow space between 2 buildings is an informal social space in which the socializing can be observed in various levels and forms.

7100

The whole exhibition area is divided into smaller spaces but all connected to each other through courtyards. If the laneway connects members within a community, the communal courtyard is a gate opening to the outside world. The visitors can immerse themselves into the digital visualization of the moving images of Vietnam through time, created by projectors. The whole space becomes an installation itself. Combining and utilizing the local/traditional materials as well as some distinct architectural details from different times to evoke a sense of familiarity/ déjà vu but not exactly mimic the traditional architecture.

Lying within the tropical monsoon belt, Ho Chi Minh city has two major seasons: dry and rainy season. The holes on the ceiling allow the sunlight and rainwater getting through, creating different visual phenomena so that the underground space can alter itself according to the weather change.

Fragmented memories The visitors can watch documentaries about the daily life of the Vietnamese years ago on the digital screen which is linked to a physical installation. This installation is constructed by mirror slabs, pieces of memory, which are organized and layouted as a maze in which the participants can see their own reflections in the relationship with the others. Self-reflection is crucial to understand the position of each individual in their community and to realize that people are always a social being from the deepest essence. Attacking, dismissing or simply ignoring the past will only encourage the forgetting and losing identity.

the digital screen- images from the past mirror slab- self-reflection in the relationship with the surroundings

Detail A- Oasis The totemic image of the well and banyan tree are combined into an oasis in the centre of the spiritual space as a symbol of social cohesion. The end of the journey is a come back of a cultural value from the very beginning of the Viet- village but in a new existence.

549

8

67

2425

28

50

27

95

23

4222

4300

1191 2206

263 1

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R8000

R73

00

70

R7

R6

00

0

2513

0 R520 00 R55 0 80 R5 00 1 6 R 400 R6

27 49

13

25

479

1

2749

16000 2100

10400 400

700 120

The informal social space encouraged the social interaction and communication between independent individuals beyond the state control or suppression within the social frame. Hence, the structure of collective memory built up from such spaces is bottom-up, reflect both individual and communal quality within a social setting. It also explains the main drive of collective memory in Vietnamese society stemmed from the personal desire to be inclusive in their own community (village or neighbourhood) and this string gives them a strong sense of belonging.

300 300 300 350650 300 300 300

Fleshmarket Close could be considered as a reflection of the city itself with two shared distinctive characters: the linkage between the past and the present and the hilly landscape with steps. Therefore, the concept is to convert this site into a transition point, in which visitors or users can enjoy the city as a complex image through the prism of time. The design is a series of small spaces functioned as balconies installed in different levels, utilizing the unused intermediate space in vertical and horizon. From these balconies, users can experience the unique views of the city landscape through the system of screens.

In other words, the view of the city will appear not as a 2D single image but an overlap of multilayers, in which each layer will be a picture of the past overlapped to each other and to the present picture of the city too. By this means, the city landscape will be harnessed as a major material for the whole design.

fleshmarket close Renovation project- Postgraduate • 2018 • Market Street, Edinburgh • Brief 4 “Space Consuming” Edinburgh- the capital of Scotland, is a significant magnet to visitors across the world thanks to its unique character. Edinburgh has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historical areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city a sense of continuous succession in its history.

One of the most outstanding appeal of this city is the hilly urban landscape. Visitors can be constantly surprised by vertically everchanging perspectives in different geographical levels. Moreover, the Old Town is also characterized by the little-altered medieval “fishbone” street pattern of deep and narrow lanes or “closes” between tall buildings.

commercial shops (bars, restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops, etc) City Art Center/ Fishmarket (exhibits the architecture of Edinburgh through the works of architect William Henry Playfair) Fruitmarket Gallery/ Fruitmarket (exhbits contemporary work of arts)

CONCEPT

Edinburgh Waverly Train Station (the main station in the city)

Scotsman Building/ Fleshmarket (a complex building with bars,hotels, restaurants inside)

the harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historical areas

hilly landscape

Fleshmarket Close function the historic remains of the Fleshmarket

structure the main shortcut from the train station to city centre

the complex image of the city itself the combination of the past and the present

The Fleshmarket was originally one of the major markets in Edinburgh back to the 17th century. Fleshmarket had two parts: the market and the side lane. In 1908, the market was turned into the Scotsman Building while the side lane still survives intact and became the Fleshmarket Close today.

This close is a narrow and steep lane with a large number of steps which lead to the dramatical spatial change in geographical levels between two points. Since the construction of train tracks, the Fleshmarket Close has become one of the most-used shortcuts from the lower Market Street (Waverly Train Station) to High Street (the central square).

long and steep with a large number of steps

spatial experiences in vertical and horizon

AA- View to the close

Installation space (Balcony): space is divided by a hanging system of multilayers of the screens. These screens are layout to overlap to each other from a certain distance to give a sense of 3-dimension image as well as work as a filter for a visual effect like observing the site through the prism of time.

HANGING PARTITION (ECORESIN PANEL WITH 3 LAYERS)

4328 2997

750

1332

3111 1417

A'

750

3190

1681

DOWN

759

A

2361

THE SCREEN (GLASS WALL WITH 3 LAYERS)

2714 4131

Balcony- Floor plan

interactive space with the users’ movements In the limitation of the width (around 3 meters), each balcony acts as an intangible partition dividing the whole space into smaller areas thanks to the change in natural light and shadows. With every step in this close, the user can enjoy the various spatial experiences developed in both vertical and horizon. The major function of this close is still respected. Therefore, the new design separates the whole space into 2 levels: Ground level served for the normal circulation of the users (as a shortcut to quickly approach the train station) while the upper level is welcomed the ones who would love to discover the city from different perspectives. In this regards, their journey will start with a narrow entrance in which they have to get through a series of installation spaces, giving them a sense of nostalgia. At the end of the journey, the adventurer will be rewarded with a gorgeous vista of the city landscape.

2

BB, BC- View to the city 1. Entrance from the Cockburn Street (the central square) 2. Overall view from Cockburn Street 3. Overall view from Market Street 4. Entrance from the Waverly Station (Market Street)

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a vast gap in the society

On the other hand, due to its significantly fast-paced economy, it has led to many social problems in Dubai society, especially in terms of social cohesion. There are 3 classes in Dubai society:

• 2018 • Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai • Brief 2 “Place and Identity” Dubai- the largest and most populous city in United Arab Emirati is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. Lying directly in Arabian desert, much of Dubai’s landscape is highlighted by sandy desert pattern and it has no natural river bodies or oasis, but natural inlet. Due to the hot desert climate, most of the days are sunny throughout the year.

In terms of economy, Dubai is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with magic transformation: since the Great Depression 1930 in the world, Dubai released a new innovatively economic strategy with the emphasis on tourism and luxury building hotels and developing real estate. Therefore, in a very short time, there was a giant leap in Dubai’s appearance, which is referred to a fabulous city that rose from the desert sands. Nowadays, Dubai is the top business gateway for the Middle East and Africa.

too fast

Foreign expatriates who work in long hours (45.6 hours/week) and are highly encouraged to spend on shopping and parties in the night life: - 40% of expat are very likely to return home -16% are not living with their children - 60% have little or no local language skills - “shopping capital of Middle East” with more than 70 shopping malls.

paradox The four-iwan mosque is a typical plan in Islamic architecture with a forest of columns and four iwans in four sides arranged around a large sahn.

unstable lack of identity

Foreign underclass: who live and work in collective labour accommodation- “less than humane” conditions, not identified by ethnicity or nationality.

CONCEPT

too much “light”

social gap

cultural center

Ghaf trees- the national tree of UAE: an evergreen tree native to the desert.

This tree can be found in the extremely arid conditions, with rainfall extremely low but is indicative of the presence of deep water table. Therefore it is a symbol of a high tolerance in alkaline and saline environment. For the UAE, an accelerating decline in Ghaf trees and woodlands implies a loss in cultural and biological heritage.

sand

solution

Remodelling project- Postgraduate

Emiratis who only counted for 15% of population but receive full of social benefits while 85% national income is come from foreign expatriates.

shadow concept

TIME SQUARE CENTER

SOCIAL CONTEXT

My primary concern in this project is about the social life in Dubai: beside the flashy life of the riches, there are still many dark corners in this society which is being intentionally ignored by the people there. Consequently, the city which is growing too big and too quickly like a giant construction site with a fast-paced lifestyle could be considered as a reason for the growing gap in society.

problem

E1

1

the consequence of abrupt transitions from traditional city to a global business hub

ground water

harsh environment

hopefulness

water

- Sheikh Zayed Road or E11 is the longest highway in the Emirates, linking two largest cities Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

- The Sheikh Zayed Road is home to most of Dubai’s skyscrapers, including the Emirates Towers.

- Divided residential and commercial areas

identity high tolerance in extreme condition

shadow

transitional preparation

contemplation ( personal experience)

light

connection (interactive space)

transitional preparation

shadow

reflection ( exhibition area)

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1

HUB RM

A

FROM BASEMENT

DOWN

TO BASEMENT

UP

B

STAIR-4

C

TOI G.TOI

D

RAMP

E

F

ENT. STEPS

EXIT

UP

02

A3-01

02

VOID

A3-01

ENTRANCE MAIN ENTRANCE

G

H

6M WIDE DRIVEWAY

J

K

1

L

M

FROM BASEMENT 6M Wide Driveway

BABY RM

STORE

TO BASEMENT

MALE TOI

FEMALE TOI

HUB RM

N

1.8M HIGH PARAPET WALL

ELEC. CBD

B

A2-01

Ground floor plan 20

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A RAMP

RAMP RAMP

RAMP

B SERVICES

STAIR-4

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LOBBY

STORE

E

F

STORE

02

A3-01

G STAIR-5

STORE ROOM

H J

WATER TANK

K

2

3

PUMP ROOM

L

STAIR-1

M RAMP STAIR-7 RAMP

ISLAND

N

Basement floor plan

cultural exchange

ground floor

interactive space event planning areas exhibition areas educational acivities

personal experience contemplation area

first floor

workshop library

1. View from the main entrance 2. Water walkway from the ground floor to the basement 3. Inside th interactive space: the space can be approached by the 3 entrances from the ground floor and opened a gateway to the basement. There is an infinitive pool with vertical water fountain which is divided the space into 2 different levels. The space is covered by digital screens to project visual effects, videos, images with the theme about the diversity of cultures. with vertical water fountain effect.

4. Exhibition area in the basement

The circulation inside this cultural center is designed as a journey to discover the identity of Dubai: high tolerance in an extreme condition as the image of ghaf tree.

The focal point of the space will be a centre sphere- a symbol of equality and equilibrium. The ground floor is for actively activities in which can take advantage of natural light from the roof while the basement is for passively activities in which covered by shadows for contemplation and self- reflection.

4 Semi- transparent glass floor Entrance to interactive space Functional area Interactive space

Section

Exhibition area Contemplation area

The core “Piazza”- a green space in the centre of the space where people can approach from many directions. The circulation can give a sense of diversity in spatial experiences in horizontally and vertically as well. Minimizing the changes in its interior. Instead of installing a new enclosed structure into the existing space, this place is designed as an indoor landscape with steps and natural elements such as water, foliage and natural light.

(Stone, S., Re- reading: The design princiles of remodelling existing buildings)

LE

SHRUBHILL TRAM DEPOT

CONCEPT

INTERVENTION is a procedure that activates the potentials or pressed meaning of a specific place... The architect will regard the building as a narrative, a story to be discovered and retold and through a process of unrecovering, clarification and interpretation will reveal and reactive the place.

Creating a small- scaled world inside the abandoned historic site which is located right in the heart of an intercultural centre. This design can serve as a feasible solution to provoke the memory of this site as well as connect people together.

H IT K

AL W

Remodelling project- Postgraduate the spirit of the site

• 2017 • Leith Walk, Edinburgh • Brief 1 “Analysis and Intervention” Shrubhill Tramway Workshops and Power Station, Dryden Street is located a residential area in Leith, near Leith Walk- one of the longest streets in Edinburgh, which connects to the centre of Edinburgh. The tramways began the first cable tram services in January 1888. In 1966, the site was annotated as a Transport Depot and has undergone extension along the north-western site boundary, with the resulting demolition of Shrub Hill House. No tram lines are indicated along Leith Walk or enter the site. The cavernous facility, which later accommodated buses and even a small tramway museum(closed in 1980). The site is having ceased operational use by Lothian Regional Transport (Lothian Buses Former name) in 2000. The north-western site boundary has been demolished between 2005 - 2008, resulting in the overall site layout as observed during the present day. Especially, there is a brick- lines tunnel beneath the station connecting the station and its chimney, carrying the moving and cables toward Leith Walk.

According to the interview we conducted as a part of site analysis, the informants- the residents of this area do not know the history of the station.

Most of the residents are families and students renting apartments. Asking about the needs of the residents, almost all responded that they would like to see a place for communication and social interactions.

Function

residential area

commercial area

• quiet • lack of public spaces for social activities

• very busy and active • has a cultural diversity • surrounded by commercial buildings such as restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, etc.

Shrubhill Tram Station • connect people from different areas • a historic symbol for the city’s transportation history

SITE ANALYSIS 1

2

3

4

From left to right.

1. Shrubhill workshop (before) 2. Bus station inside the building (before) 3,4. Interior of the station (now)

traversers and tram rail (tram way power station)

Architecture

a reminder of the city’s transportation

Interior space

to reactive

tunnel system

to preserve urban oasis exhibition area

piazza including indoor garden and book-cafe for relaxing and socialized activities

giving information about the site as well as a space for exhibiting the building itself

Utilizing the existing tunnel as an underground museum to help visitors understand more about the history of the site and city transportation. Meanwhile, it also plays as a link between the building and its chimney.

1

Ground Floor plan

STAIR TO FIRST FLOOR

MEDIA ART READING AREA

2 Section

3

Physical model

Mezzanine floor Giving overall views of the station with 2 different levels

4 Ground floor The piazza for socializing and relaxing activities Basement Underground exhibition areas Media art room

Utilizing the tunnel to create a connection between inside the building and its outside chimney, creating a water landscape with water fountain, giving a sense of natural sound in a hustle and bustle of the urban life.

1. View from the main entrance 2.View from the first floor to the piazza 3. Stair from basement to the first floor 4. Way to the media art room 5. Inside the media art room: a multipurpose room which can be used for temporary exhibitons

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