Nicole Chen Spring 2018 Portfolio (OUTDATED)

architecture + design NICOLE CHEN selected works 2018 |

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Hi! My name is Nicole Chen and I am an undergraduate student at the Waterloo School of Architecture. Prior, I studied for two years at the Waterloo School of Planning and I have had one cumulative year of work experience in a variety of fields, including planning, design, marketing, and project management.

To me, thoughtful design is an essential and necessary component of healthy societies. My passion lies in how we can use thoughtful design in the built environment to benefit the lives of its users, its onlookers, and its urban context. I am always looking to gain new experiences to become a better designer, and I would love to continue growing at your firm while contributing to its success.

table of contents

WORK EXPERIENCE / RECOMMENDATIONS | 2

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REGINA DOWNTOWN WAYFINDING SIGNAGE | 6

PASSAGEWAY HOUSE | 12

BRIDGEPORT DEVELOPMENT | 18

ALBERT’S WAY | 22

PERSONAL PROJECTS | 26

November 10, 2017 Re: Nicole Chen To Whom it May Concern: Nicole was employed as a Planning Assistant/Program Coordinator with the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District from September 2016 through August 2017. During her time with us, she took on multiple roles and proved to be a highly capable, motivated individual with a flexible skillset. Her main task was the creation of the Regina Downtown Wayfinding System. Nicole handled this project with great enthusiasm and eagerness, developing a system of district maps, signage typography conventions, and design renderings using AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. She also selected key sign install locations within the downtown district and met with sign fabricators and other stakeholders to handle the successful realization of the project.

In addition, Nicole provided assistance to several other RDBID initiatives. She created a multitude of graphics to present research and information to the general public; oversaw summer event programming and permit submission; handled annual pedestrian count data, maps, and reports; maintained spreadsheets and databases for analytical research purposes; and cheerfully built partnerships with downtown stakeholders, sponsors, volunteers, and fellow staff members in the production of various RDBID events and initiatives.

Nicole consistently demonstrated a readiness to learn and to take on major projects. She completed her tasks to a high level of quality and maintained a great dedication to detail, her work often going above and beyond what was assigned. I have no hesitation in recommending her to any future employer.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 306.359.7541.

Sincerely,

Judith Veresuk Executive Director

nc

NICOLE CHEN

306.351.2685

nicolewchen.com

n39chen@edu.uwaterloo.ca

4006 Lepine Rd, Regina, SK

EDUCATION

UNIVERISTY OF WATERLOO SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 09/2017 - Present Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours, Co-op Excellent Academic Standing 1A

UNIVERISTY OF WATERLOO SCHOOL OF PLANNING 09/2014 - 08/2016 Honours Urban Planning, 1st and 2nd year Dean’s List 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B

WORK EXPERIENCE 05/2017 - 08/2017 Regina, SK

REGINA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Program Coordinator Developed and implemented winter and summer programming plans for for Regina’s City Square by connecting with various community organizations to provide free events for the public. Designed promotional material, updated website, and ran social media accounts.

01/2017 - 04/2017 Regina, SK

REGINA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Planning Assistant Tasked with the creation of a comprehensive wayfinding signage system for Downtown Regina.

Primary designer of the system’s visual identity, using AutoCAD and Adobe Suite. Produced a series of maps and graphics and coordinated the installation of phase 1 signs.

09/2016 - 12/2016 Regina, SK

REGINA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Administrative Assistant Fulfilled receptionist duties including data entry, scheduling, filing, mail distribution, documentation, sending and receiving correspondence, etc.

05/2016 - 08/2016 Calgary, AB

CIR REALTY Marketing Assistant & Designer Worked with a team of real estate agents to design a range of marketing materials, including client packages, online advertisements, social media graphics, and other print materials.

Maintained website by writing a series of informational articles and copywriting listings.

LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT 05/2015 - Present 09/2017 - Present 09/2017 - Present 01/2016 - 04/2016 09/2015 - 04/2016 09/2015 - 12/2015

Artist and Co-founder of WCTN Art Collective Published BRIDGE Author Waterloo Architecture Student Association - Events Coordinator World Wildlife Fund University of Waterloo Chapter - Communications Director University of Waterloo Chinese Student Association - Marketing Executive Environment Student Society Coffeeshop - Volunteer

SKILLS Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Wordpress GIS

Sketchup AutoCAD Revit Rhinoceros 5 Maxwell

Photography Graphic Design Marketing Writing

Social Media Mgmt Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Fluent Cantonese

PANEL B1

PANEL A1

district identifier

01 | urban design

street name

major landmark directionals walking distance in minutes

PANEL A2

PANEL B2

downtown event promotion space

vicinity map

vicinity map business listing

PANEL B3

PANEL A3

district map

downtown identity photo

major district landmark listing

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side A

side B

1.

Regina Downtown Wayfinding Signage Design Employer: Regina Downtown Business Improvement District Date: Nov 2016 - August 2017 Location: Regina, SK Programs used: AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign

| urban design

Working as a Planning Assistant with the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, I was assigned the task of designing Regina Downtown’s first-ever wayfinding system. After conducting a series of studies on the district, its movement patterns, and its landmarks; I designed a system of maps and graphics aimed not only toward quick and easy pedestrian navigation, but also

toward highlighting the district’s most important landmarks.

The resulting design uses a distinctive colour palette, a highly legible typography scheme, and clear maps and directions for users. After overseeing the installation process with sign fabricators and the City of Regina, the first series of signs have already been installed as a crucial part of Regina Downtown’s Strategic Plan for Growth.

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8

S

9 T H AV E N U E

Casino Regina

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T H AV ENUE

Delta Regina Hotel

1 0T H AV EN U E

Wingate by Wyndham Regina

N IL N RA

WAY

ST

Cornwall Centre

Empire Hotel Regina Transit Information Centre

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50

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Saskatchewan Transport Company 65

36

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96

91

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89

94

1 1 T H AV E

1 1 T H AV E 19 49 24

57 71

87

30

46

68

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76

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90

86

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40 80

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63

74

60

Creative City Centre

21 1 42

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77

17 27

52 26

1 2 T H AV E 93

92

Victoria Park

S C A RT H S T

City Hall

20 78 72 62

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66

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Tourism Regina

43 33 79 73 38 32 61

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29

84

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31 83 44

64

Double Tree

By Hilton

Ramada Plaza 95

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V I CTO R I A AV E N U E

V I CTO R I A AV E N U E

Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan

CULTURAL 1.

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1 3 T H AV E

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Quality Hotel

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EATERIES 55.

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FINANCIAL 86.

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ACCOMMODATIONS 94.

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SERVICES 96.

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OSLER ST

BROAD STREET

H A M I LT O N S T

S C A RT H S T

CORNWALL ST

LO RN E S T

SMITH ST

MACINTYRE ST

A L B E RT S TR E E T

ANGUS ST

RAE ST

R E TA L L AC K S T

ROBINSON ST

CAMERON ST

1 5 T H AV E

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Regina Public Library

1 4 T H AV E

69 34 23

88

45

City Square Plaza

1 2 T H AV E

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67

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OSLER ST

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Neutral 82 Ground 3 Gallery 15

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Holiday Inn Express

BROAD STREET

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10

13

ROSE ST

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Globe Theatre

H A M I LT O N S T

35 Regina Downtown BID

22 2

F.W.Hill Mall

CORNWALL ST

LO RN E S T

SMITH ST

MACINTYRE ST

A L B E RT S TR E E T

ANGUS ST

RAE ST

ROBINSON ST

CAMERON ST

R E TA L L AC K S T

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Royal Canadian Legion

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53 41

The podiums feature two distinctive maps: a districtwide map (left) and a focus map (above), intended to give context to the pedestrian’s location relative to the rest of the district. It relays the pedestrian’s immediate surroundings within a 5-minute walking radius, listing landmarks in the immediate vicinity. The District Map highlights main public landmarks in the downtown using a clear graphic scheme and colours.

Mata Gallery

C O L L E G E AV E N U E

Aligning with the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District’s Strategic Plan for Growth, the wayfinding signage project will fulfill a number of goals, including: • Creating a consistent visual identity of the Regina Downtown District.

• Encouraging pedestrian activity and the use of Regina Transit.

• Promoting Regina Downtown initiatives and values.

• Directing traffic to downtown landmarks, local businesses, and events.

• Extending visitor and resident stays in the downtown.

• Fostering growth and vitality in the downtown by making it a viable, accessible place to live, work, and play.

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phase 1 installed sign phase 1 proposed sign phase 2 proposed sign future location

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The two exterior faces of the podium are divided into three distinct sections: The topmost panel (Panel 1) is reserved for directional cues, relaying information such as street names, directions to adjacent landmarks, and predicted walking times to each one. It uses the Ciutadella font, well-known for its legibility and versatility for use in identity system applications.

The middle panel (Panel 2) serves as a promotional space for downtown events on side A. The graphics are printed on a removable vinyl to allow for quick removal and re-application. The focus map is housed on side B in 11x17� format.

The final and lowermost panel (Panel 3) is the largest, allowing for images 15 x 32� in size. On side A, it displays a series of high-resolution images of the downtown throughout various stages of its development, relaying a timeline of its growth. Side B is reserved for displaying the district map.

Since the initial research and development process began in November 2016, three of the podiums have been successfully installed with graphics in the highestpedestrian traffic areas in Regina’s Downtown. The remaining phase 1 signs are awaiting city approval and permitting.

Right: First podium installed in May 2017

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02 | residential design

DOUBLE GLAZED SKYLIGHT

STANDING SEAM GALVANIZED STEEL ROOF

SPRUCE TIMBER FRAME

TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS

CONCRETE PIER FOUNDATIONS SPRUCEWOOD SIDING

PASSAGEWAY HOUSE

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EXPLODED STRUCTURAL AXONOMETRIC 1:100 SCALE

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GROUP F 2

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2.

Passageway House Project: 1B Architecture Studio Date: Winter 2018 Location: Cambridge, ON Programs used: Rhinoceros 5, Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign, Maxwell Render

A pair of homes connected by a sunny book-lined path, the Passageway House promotes connection and learning between four unalike people who have lost their homes. As they strive to find better lives for themeselves, the House provides the tools necessary to build themselves up: knowledge through books, and companionship through beautiful common spaces. Derived from the long, narrow

site, the parti of the house is a linear path that connects both houses. On the interior, the path is lined by a ceiling-to floor, wall-length bookshelf, and is illuminated by a long skylight on the sloped end of the roof. As the rooms of the house open out to this space, the focus of the house turns to community and education.

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WALNUT ST

WELLINGTON S

VETERANS WAY

WALNUT ST DGE

E RI MAPL

RD

site context

IE

SL

AIN ST S

1. NARROW SITE WITH EAST AND WEST STREET ACCESS

2. ONE UNIT PER STREET ACCESS

3. SLOPE ROOF & ADD SKYLIGHT

4. SPACE UNDER SKYLIGHTS BECOME COMMON SPACE

5. SPACES CONNECT INTO CONTINUOUS PATH

SCALE: 1:1000

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parti diagram

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PASSAGEWAY HOUSE

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:100 SCALE

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GROUP F 1

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16/02/18

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900.0000

0000.009

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2. BATHROOM 6. BEDROOM

PASSAGEWAY HOUSE GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:100 SCALE

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GROUP F 1

16/02/18

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2. BATHROOM 6. BEDROOM

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WELLINGTON

AINSLIE

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WELLINGTON

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AINSLIE

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PASSAGEWAY HOUSE GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:100 SCALE

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4. LIVING 5. MECHANICAL

1. KITCHEN 2. BATHROOM 3. DINING

plans PASSAGEWAY HOUSE GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:100 SCALE

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GROUP F 1

1. KITCHEN 2. BATHROOM 3. DINING

cross section

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4. LIVING 5. MECHANICAL

PASSAGEWAY HOUSE

east elevation GROUP F

EAST ELEVATION 1:100 SCALE

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PASSAGEW SOUTH ELEVATION 1:100 SCALE

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south elevation

WAY HOUSE GROUP F

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north longitudinal section

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03 | mixed use design

3.

Bridgeport Development Project: 1B Planning Studio Date: Winter 2015 Location: Waterloo, ON Programs used: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Artlantis Render

Located in Uptown Waterloo, Ontario, the Bridgeport Development takes a derelict corner lot and proposes a mixeduse development, incorporating retail on the ground level and residential units on the upper floors. Using warm wooden tones, ample street-level lighting, and heavily glazed facades, the building encourages a positive pedestrian experience from the street level and maintains a strong level of connection to the city at large within the building’s private interior spaces.

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< residential level floor plan young st e

bridgeport rd e

regina st n

king st n

dorset st

princess st w

site context Its corner location on the site gives the building great influence over pedestrian activity and movement. The corner condition is inset to allow pedestrian flow to continue undisrupted, and provides a highly visible entrance to the space.

The residential floor plan is repeated across the second and thrid floors of the building. Each unit seeks to maximize sunlight access and space.

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03 | public space design

4.

Albertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way Parkette Project: 2A Planning Studio Date: Fall 2015 Location: Waterloo, ON Programs used: Sketchup, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign,, Adobe Photoshop

Undergoing rapid development, the Northdale student housing neighbourhood in Waterloo, Ontario faces a lack of connection and public spaces for its inhabitants. To combat this problem, Albertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way is a parkette designed to relink an otherwise disconnected site while serving as a public space for meeting, connecting, and relaxation. Making best use of existing site characteristics including topography and tree cover, the parkette provides ample seating, lounge areas, and multipurpose pavilions showcasing community art.

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The central feature of the parkette is a path that connects two adjacent blocks, allowing for a shortcut access to the main university campus. Various features line the path, creating a more positive pedestrian experience using landscaping elements, seating, and lighting.

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+ | personal projects

digital art Traffic Control Box Artwork Selected Artist | Regina, SK | http://regina

Photography BRIDGE Architecture Article | http://waterlooarchitecture.com/bridge/b

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traditional media http://www.nicolewchen.com/personal-projects

adowntown.ca/trafficboxart/

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Personal Projects

Outside of architecture, I enjoy exploring ideas through a variety of mediums, including photography, writing, graphic design, sculpture, and drawing. Links are provided for more information about each project.

blog/2018/01/20/photo-essay-guangzhou/

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n39chen@edu.uwaterloo.ca 306.351.2685 nicolewchen.com

thank you

nicole chen