M.Arch Application Portfolio

Maggie Zhang Portfolio

Application for Master of Architecture, Option I. Fall 2014 Rice School of Architecture, Rice University

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26

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Skin/Body/Surface

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Linking

CONTENTS

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Object Recomposing

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Urban Void

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Other Works

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18

34

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01

Object Recomposing Understanding the Unfamiliar Summer 2013, INArch Program, Personal Work Instructor: David Orkand

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This first project of INArch studio at UC Berkeley required me to graphically describe a found 9x9x9 object. I chose a scissor.

Assumming complete unfamiliarity with the scissor, I analyzed, described and dissected it. With that information, I then illustrated the construction logic of the object through an unfolded drawing.

I intended to capture the ephemeral beauty of the scissor.

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orthographic drawing

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articulation of the link

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unfolding drawing

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dissecting logic

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Skin/Body/Surface

Reconstructing spatial armature Summer 2013, INArch Program, Personal Work Instructor: David Orkand

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ACCOMMODATE

Skin/Body/Surface Using the information from Project 1 that I learned about the scissor, I intended to reconstruct body armor.

By surveying the skin of a selected body part – a nine-inch length from my left wrist to forearm, I developed a notion of site, scale and body topography.

After deciding on a 3x3 square inch moment as a modular unit, I used that module to accommodate the logic of the selected body part. The selected body part was interpreted as a skin-deep depth, and so acted as an organic surface. I explored various arrangements in order to reconstruct the spatial information in the selected body part using only the module.

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AUGMENT RESTRICT TRANSPARENCY INTIMACY

controlling circles: The circumferences of these circles became guides to creating armature for my selected body part.

isometric drawing of forearm

orthographic drawing of forearm, motion+sections

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Exploring: the Module: Via the articulation of modular form, the lacelike and fabric properties were revealed and the tensile resistance was maintained.

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study models

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Connecting Modules to Body

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scaling

connecting

unfolding

forming the ring

connecting layers

wearing

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Urban Void

A Responsive Faรงade Summer 2013, INArch Program, Personal Work Instructor: David Orkand

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Urban Void This was the final project for the INArch Program. The final proposal was an occupiable urban faรงade that functioned as a gallery. The sequence is the product of my site analysis and the development of propositions that considered spatial and material aspects.

While investigating the site, a front yard in San Francisco, I examined its peculiarity. I noticed that in contrast with the solid city skyscrapers, this space was more soft and organic. Moreover, it had ambiguous qualities that felt conducive to communication and human connection. Therefore, instead of creating walls in my final project, I sought a solution that preserved and augmented these properties.

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initial sketches about site understanding

XL San Francisco

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Tenderloin

606 Ellis

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Space Exploration

- Surface Logic - Curved Surface

open | private inside | outside within | without - Folded Surface

- Connection Logic - Similar Surfaces

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- Dissimilar Surfaces

- Plan Logic final model: front view

final model: top view

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Scenarios

“Meet you at the corner”

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“Entering a myth”

“Staring at a painting”

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A

PLAN 0

4’

8’

16’

SOUTH ELEVATION 0

4’

8’

16’

SECTION A 0

4’

8’

16’

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Linking

FUTURE Competition: City Regeneration Fall 2013, Teamwork (only personal work demonstrated) Partner: Simon Li

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Linking: City Regeneration The idea of this proposal began with the scenario of one sailing yacht across the waving sea.

The site locates in Vigo, Spain, a seaside urban area with two complex parts - the sprouting new city and the developed old city. We dedicated to introduce an organic link between the two parts: a semi-open space that is fluid yet well-organized, that is both relaxing and energetic.

I continued experimenting with the possibilities of space and present a continuous space with a ramp running from the first floor to the roof.

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Ria de Vigo

North site I City Hall Plaza North site II Main site

foliage roof

Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay)

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section A

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interior render

East Access

Reposing Garden Serene

Reposing Garden Serene Transitional Area - Fluid

Access from 2F to roof

slide

Transitional Area - Fluid

Hanging-out Area (Roof Floor) - Active

Passage to City Hall Plaza

Transitional Area - Fluid slide

Recreational and Marketing Area Energetic

Passages to Building & Housing

1F PLAN

West Access

2F PLAN

vacant

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A

Landscape dense

Buildings Surrounding the Path various use

dense

ROOF PLAN

NORTH SITE PLAN

vacant

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silos and bridge ten-floor housing

siesta time path to city hall plaza

sea view

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10x10m gardens

west elevation

east elevation

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Other Works

Design works + drawings Personal Work

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I envision designing and drawing as ways to communicate with myself.

ink on paper

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Marilyn Composition Course Work 36

Random Composition Course Work, ink on paper 37

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Nu Wa, the Chinese Goddess Sculpture, Plaster

Old House Freehand drawing, ink on paper

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