Nicole Chen | Winter 2020 Architecture + Design Portfolio [OUTDATED]

university of waterloo

Nicole Chen Architecture & Design

volume 004

winter 2020

04

Hi! I’m Nicole.

I am a third-year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. To me, thoughtful design is an essential and necessary component of healthy societies. My passion lies in how we can use design in the built environment to benefit the lives of its users, inspire its onlookers, and improve its urban context; through an environmentally sensitive lens. 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.

Contents

04

For Fun

Work

Academic

Curriculum Vitae

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18

30

Cedar Library

Sherbourne Masterplan

Laminae Theatre

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54

44 RDBID Wayfinding

HCMA Architects

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62

(g)listening Installation

64 Reference Letters

Public Artworks

Henning Larsen

Curriculum Vitae n39chen@edu.uwaterloo.ca (306) 351-2685 nicolewchen.com

Education 2017 - Present

University Of Waterloo School Of Architecture Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours, Co-op

09/2014 - 08/2016

University Of Waterloo School Of Planning Honours Urban Planning, 1st and 2nd year

Leadership + Awards 09.2019 05.2019 - Present 04.2019 - Present 09.2018 09.2017 - Present 09.2017 - Present 09.2017 - 04.2018 01.2016 - 04.2016 09.2015 - 04.2016 09.2015 - 12.2015 05.2015 - Present 09.2014 - 04.2016 09.2014

International Experience Award Commissioned Artist for Regina Downtown BID UWSA Sustainability Collective Waterloo Architecture Orientation - Media Coordinator Published Author and Member of BRIDGE Centre of Architecture & Design Excellent Academic Standing 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B 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 Artist and Co-founder of WCTN Art Collective Honours Uban Planning - Dean’s List 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B President’s Scholarship for entrance average of 90+

Skills Software AutoCAD Grasshopper Enscape VRay Photoshop Sketchup

Rhinoceros 5 Bluebeam Illustrator InDesign Revit Microsoft Office

Fabrication

Other

Model Making CNC Milling 3D Printing Laser Cutting 3D Scanning Hand Drafting Foam Cutting

Fluent Cantonese Photography Graphic Design Sketching Writing

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Work Experience Sept - Dec 2019 Copenhagen, Denmark

Henning Larsen Architects Architect Intern

Worked intensively on concept design for several projects of varying scales and typologies, including masterplans, landscape design, and mixed-use buildings. Produced competition submission materials, physical models, renderings, diagrams, rhino models, and drawings for both external and internal use.

Jan - April 2019 Vancouver, Canada

HCMA Architects Student Architect

Created physical models and diagrammatic studies for the schematic design phase of a large-scale community & aquatics centre in New West, BC. Developed plans and illustrative visualizations for the expansion of the Holland Aquatics Centre in MI.

May - Aug 2018 Regina, Canada

P3architecture Partnership Student Architect

Produced visualizations, presentation drawings, construction sets, and site documentation for various projects, including the renewal of the historic University of Regina campus. Re-designed proposal graphics.

Sept 2016 - April 2017 Regina, Canada

Regina Downtown Business Improvement District Urban 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.

May - Aug 2017 Regina, Canada

Regina Downtown Business Improvement District Program Coordinator

Developed and implemented winter and summer public 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.

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Academic Works

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6

Laminae Theatre

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Cedar Library 1B Architecture Studio April 2018 Location: Toronto, ON Supervised by: Donald McKay

Constructed from the warm and tranparent materials

Nestled between a bustling intersection and a quiet

of wood and glass, the Cedar Library provides a

residential neighbouhood, the transparent public face

highly public domain with flexible spaces for all users.

of the library invites onlookers inside, where more

It proposes the use of mass timber as a beautiful

private coves can be found deeper within the building.

and sustainable building material in the Junction

From the street, its interior programs are visible to

neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario; serving to educate

passerbys, forming an open dialogue with the exterior.

the public about sustainable building while prioritizing

A glass reading room juts out of the library’s back

the needs of future generations.

facade, which opens out into a green space. Within, spaces and furniture are flexible and non-prescriptive.

Users can pour into the excavated theatre/lounge seating area to enjoy a performance, or to recline and read a book. Moveable furniture encourages social interaction and adpative uses of the library’s varied spaces. Users have the freedom to use the library in whichever way they deem fit.

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Academic Works

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Cedar Library

site: the junction in toronto, ontario The Junction is located in West Toronto at the intersection of four railway lines. In the late 19th century, it was a manufacturing community and the centre of Ontario’s meat packing industry. Since then, the area, with its abundance of vacant warehouses, has been redeveloped with new housing, retail, and industrial uses.

Front Elevation

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Residential

Site

Industrial

Parks

Commercial

Rail

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02 03 04 05 06 07

1. Establish primary circulation + extrude

2. Pull out volumes to engage with site

3. Public towards street, private towards residential

4. Roof canopy shades & welcomes users

Longitudinal Section

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Academic Works

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Cedar Library

Basement Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

Upper Floor Plan

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01

02

03 04 05 06

Sun Reading 11 Room

Academic Works

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Cedar Library

Cross S

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01

02 03 04 05 06 07

Section

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Academic Works

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Cedar Library

Second Floor Reading Lounge

Conference rooms & Staff Lounge

Basement access to theatre

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Moveable seating

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02 03 04 05 06 07

Social Stair / Performance Space

Performance/lounge space

Balcony seating

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Sun room/ outdoor space

Academic Works

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Cedar Library

View from Secon

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01

02 03 04 05 06 07

nd Floor Interior

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

Sherbourne Masterplan

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3A Architecture Studio : Urbanism February 2020 Location: Sherbourne Corridor, Toronto, ON Supervised by: Adrian Blackwell In collaboration with: Melody Chen, Riling Chen, Danielle Grabke, Maria Munir

Historically a space for infill development and affordable housing in the midst of Toronto’s current-day polarizing approach to high rise commodified living, the Sherbourne corridor is home to a range of services, demographics, and architectural typologies. Slated to increase in population by 53% in the next 6 years, Downtown Toronto is severely lacking in affordable housing, particularly for vulnerable residents ready to move on from transitional housing to permanent housing. In response, we propose a series of demographic-specific housing developments, catered to the range of specific needs of the

vulnerable population. The Sherbourne corridor is home to several integral services for the homeless and low-income population. Our network of housing responds to this, placing specific demographics of residents closest to the services that benefit them the most. Within each housing complex, several architectural features facilitate social interaction and community integration.

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Academic Works

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Sherbourne Masterplan

Massing Strategy

Strategy Diagrams

2. Create porosity

3. Break up mass

1. Demographic specific living

2. Public towards the street Private towards the lane

3. Integrated common spaces

Sustainability Strategy

Social Strategy

1. Maintain street face

1. Circular water retention system

2. Evaporative cooling

Figure-Ground Site Plan 20

3. Park Bioswales retain water

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02 03 04 05 06 07

Figure Ground Layers

Density

Pedestrian Circulation

Stormwater

Vegetation 21

Sherbourne Masterplan

Shuter St.

Dundas St.

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Queen St.

Academic Works

East street section along Sherbourne, from St. James to Queen 22

Carlton St.

Wellesley St.

West street section along Sherbourne, from St. James to Queen

Shuter St.

Dundas St.

Gerrard St.

Wellesley St.

Carlton St.

Gerrard St.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

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Academic Academic Works Works |

| Sherbourne Laminae Masterplan Theatre

Proposal for 294 Sherbourne Street Site 3 of Masterplan, Looking Northwest Individual Work

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Winter Garden Elevation View of South Facade, Looking North

Constructed in mass timber and designed for occupant control and customization, the residential units of 294 Sherbourne use layered facades for passive heating, cooling, and ventilation; lowering operation costs. In cross section, the single-loaded units use a series of operable fenestrations.

In summer, the layers can be opened, allowing for passive cooling. Air intake through the north facade is cycled through the units as the heated solar chimney continuously draws fresh air. On excessivley hot days, radiant floor cooling is

25

used to supplement the passive cooling system. In winter, the layers are sealed to retain heat within the building envelope. Though sunlight permeates deep into the unit and is absorbed by the thermal mass of the flooring, active radiant floor heating is primarily used during this season due to Toronto’s cold climate. The solar chimney is sealed to retain maximum heat within the winter gardens.

Academic Works

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Sherbourne Masterplan

Summer Cooling & Ventilation Passive Strategies 1. Natural Ventilation

Corridor window open, screen door

exposed, balcony sliding door open 2. Continuous air draw through solar chimney

Solar chimney louvres open

Heating, Cooling & Ventilation Strategies Looking Westward

Active Strategies 3. Radiant Floor Cooling

Supplements cooling effects of

natural ventilation 4. Heat Recovery Ventilator

Ventilation through floor plenum

9 2

1

1 1

3 4

10

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01

02 03 04 05 06 07

Winter Heating & Ventilation

Public Programs

Passive Strategies 5. Sealed Envelope - Heat Retention

All door and window layers closed 6. Winter Garden Solar Gain

Solar chimney sealed

Thermal mass retains heat

9. Roof Garden 10. Gymnasium 11. Program Rooms 12. Daycare 13. Studio / Workshop 14. Dance Studio/Fitness Centre 15. Underground Parking

Corridor

Residential Unit

Balcony

Solar Chimney

Active Strategies 7. Radiant Floor Heating 8. Heat Recovery Ventilator

Ventilation through floor plenum

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6

5

5 5

6 7

Prevailing Northwest Winds

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9 11

13

12

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15

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Academic Works

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Sherbourne Masterplan

1:50 Cross Section Through Residential Units Layers of operable fenestrations allow for occupant-controlled passive ventilation

A: Exterior Wall

B: Unit Entrance

•

•

• • • • •

Rain Screen Facade (noncombustible) 22 mm horizontal metal lathing (600 mm C/C) 60 mm Rigid Insulation 175 mm 5-ply CLT Structural Panel Metal lathing (400 mm C/C) 16 mm Type X Gypsum x2

D: Balcony Assembly • •

105 mm 3-ply CLT Structural Panel with 40 mm concrete topping Separated from main floor slab by metal anchors for thermal break

•

Outermost screen door allows for passive ventilation • in summer Innermost solid wood door to • be closed in winter to retain heat

E: Solar Chimney Airspace • •

C: Sliding Screen Door to Winter Garden Balcony

500 mm continuous airspace, controlled by louvres Glass facade attached to balcony slab with point connection anchors

F: Floor Assembly • • • • •

G: Mechanical Ventilation • •

Used primarily in winter Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) system

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To be left open for passive ventilation Sliding shading screen allows for natural lighting control

30 mm radiant floor heating panels Raised underfoor air distribution with spaces at 1500 mm OC 40 mm concrete topping 105 mm 3-ply CLT Structural Panel 16 mm Type X Gypsum x2

02 03 04 05 06 07

01

C

E

B

A

D

F

G

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Academic Works

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30

Laminae Theatre

Laminae Theatre

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2A Architecture Studio : The Affect of Cinema December 2018 Supervised by: Dereck Revington, David Correa

This studio explored the atmospheric affects of cinema and how they could be translated into architecture through light, material, volume, and progression through space. The study of various films - particularly In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-Wai - led me to an interest in the use of transluscent materials, expansion of space, and view framing to create the experience of anticipation as users ascend into a performance space.

Composed of three enfolding, doublecurved walls, The Laminae Theatre is a ballet performance space. A soft, warm light emits from within its walls to cast a soft glow against the cityscape and invites spectators from afar to witness the spectacle of dance against the backdrop of the night sky. Its double curved walls, or “petals�, are formed by a timber structure, encased in a translucent screen skin. These petals are nestled into one another, creating layers of interior passageways and staircases.

As spectators and performers wind upward

into the grand performance space, glimpses of shadow and movement become apparent behind the semi-translucent screens. The grand entrance is gestured by a large, winding curve of the outermost petal. Spectators walk up a grand staircase into a lobby, dimly lit by lights behind the semi translucent screen walls. To the rear of the building, an alternate entrance for performers can be accessed via the alleyway, which leads into the basement performance space. Performers then enter the stage of the on the topmost floor through a back stairwell. Having reached their destinations, spectators and performers alike witness an expansion of space and light: a large dance floor opens up, the night sky extends through the glass and timber ceiling, and the warm lights cast against the gently curving wall intensify. After the performance, visitors and performers can mingle out on the balconies and rooftop, gazing out into the city.

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

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02

Study Material

Analysis

Wong Kar Wai’s film, In the Mood for Love, where a love affair between two protagonists is artfully filmed in glimpses: through screens, frames, and windows. The two withold their desires under the restraint of 1930’s Hong Kong societal norms, emphasized in the film by fleeting moments of intimacy before they eventually separate.

Translating key elements of the film’s atmosphere into architectural space. How does the film show progression through time?

How is the mood affected by lighting? Colour?

How does Kar-Wai’s use of framing affect the viewer’s experience? What types of spaces do the characters inhabit?

Viewing through screens

Framed views /ambient light

Winding hallways/stairs

Expansion of space

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01

02

03 04 05 06 07

03 Test Models

Studying material, light, volume, spatial progression, and form using a variety of modelling techniques and materials. I experimented with laser-cut forms and trace to create screens; plaster casts to create organic, enfolding spaces; lights shining through different materials; and a variety of lighting types. Then, taking elements of these physical tests, I began to work digitally through rhino.

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

a

1

b

4

2

5

3

a

Dancer Circulation

Spectator Circulation

1. Enter practice studio through back stairway

3.

Enter through grand staircase

2. Enter stage through long, curved stairway, gather thoughts before performance.

Glimpses of spectators through screen wall.

4. Mingle in lobby space, become aware of movement of dancers on other side of transluscent screen wall 5. Wind through central staircase to reach performance space

North

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b

01

02

03 04 05 06 07

Frosted Glass / Timber Roof

Back Exterior Petal

Interior Petal

Exterior Petal

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

4.

3.

7.

2.

6.

Section aa 1. Visitor Entrance 2. Lobby 3. Main Stair

4. Performance Space 5. Balcony

6. Practice Studio 7. Performer Stairway 36

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02

03 04 05 06 07

visitor entrance

performer entrance

5.

second floor lobby

1.

performance space

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

7.

6.

4.

5.

3.

1.

2.

Section bb 1. Performer Entrance 4. Performer Stairway 2. Practice Studio 5. Stage Entrance 3. Lobby

6. Performance Space 7. Roof Balcony

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01

02

03 04 05 06 07

1:100 Sectional Model Laser-cut basswood, trace paper. Once the building was modelled in Rhino, slices were cut through each petal, creating “ribs� that followed the double curvature of each surface. The ribs were then laser-cut and assembled to form the structural skeleton of the model.

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

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02

03 04 05 06 07

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

Regina Downtown Wayfinding

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Employer: Regina Downtown Business Improvement District Location: Regina, SK Sept 2016 - April 2017

Working as a Planning Assistant with the Regina

users. After overseeing the installation process with

Downtown Business Improvement District, I was

sign fabricators and the City of Regina, the first series

assigned the task of designing Regina Downtown’s

of signs have already been installed as a crucial part of

first-ever wayfinding system. After conducting a series

Regina Downtown’s Strategic Plan for Growth.

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

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Work Experience

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RDBID Wayfinding

PANEL B1

PANEL A1

district identifier street name

major landmark directionals walking distance in minutes

PANEL A2

PANEL B2

downtown event promotion space

vicinity map

PANEL A3

PANEL B3

vicinity map business listing

district map

downtown identity photo

major district landmark listing

side B

side A

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02 03 04 05 06 07

installed phase 2 proposed sign future location

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Work Experience

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RDBID Wayfinding IL S RA

WAY

ST

Casino Regina

N Delta Regina Hotel

Wingate by Wyndham Regina

N Cornwall Centre

Empire Hotel Regina Transit Information Centre

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36

11 50

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Saskatchewan Transportation Company 65

96

91

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6

T H AV E

1 1 T H AV E 19 49 24

57 71

87

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Neutral 82 Ground 3 Gallery 15

80

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76

48 68

63

59 74

60 21 1 42

Creative City Centre

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77

17 55

27

52 26

1 2 T H AV E 93

92

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Regina Public Library

Victoria Park

S C A RT H S T

City Hall

33 79 73 38

78 62

Tourism Regina

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20 72

9

66

8

32

7

29

61

84

14

31 83 44

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Double Tree

By Hilton

Ramada Plaza 95

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V I CTO R I A AV E N U E

TO R I A AV E N U E

Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan

CULTURAL 1.

2.

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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

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SERVICES 96.

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H ALIFAX ST

AV E

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

AV E

69 34 23

88

45 16

City Square Plaza

T H AV E

70 5

40 46

13

67

25

90

86

Globe Theatre

H ALIFAX ST

81

58

OSLER ST

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22 2

Holiday Inn Express

BROAD STREET

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94

10

ROSE ST

Regina Downtown BID

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H A M I LT O N S T

35

F.W.Hill Mall

Royal Canadian Legion

CORNWALL ST

LO RN E S T

SMITH ST

MACINTYRE ST

4

85 12

53 41

14

1

46 Mata Gallery

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features

The podiums feature two distinctive maps: a district-wide map (following page) and a focus map (left), 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.

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, ten of the podiums have been successfully installed with graphics in the highest-pedestrian 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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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

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02 03 04 05 06

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Academic Works

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50

Laminae Theatre

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HCMA Architects Jan - April 2019 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Specializing in aquatic, community, cultural, and educational centres, HCMA is an awardwinning Canadian firm based in Vancouver, BC. Each of their projects - whether it be a through a building or through collaborations with artists and innovators - works toward catalyzing healthier, more creative, and engaged communities.

During my four months here, I had the opportunity to work through the schematic design phase of a new aquatics and community centre in New Westminster, BC, engaging in iterative physical model-making, design meetings, precedent research, diagramming, and programmatic studies. For my last month, I was tasked with creating a large scale presentation model of the building for public engagement meetings, using both digital and analog modelling methods. I also created illustrative visualizations and plans for an expansion and renovation of the Holland Community Aquatics Centre in MI.

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Work Experience

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HCMA Architecture

Illustrative perspective of Holland Community Aquatics Centre expansion.

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01

02 03 04 05 06 07

Basswood model on CNC’d topographic base. Removable roof reveals sawtooth truss structure and interior pools / layout.

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Work Experience

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HCMA Architecture

Henning Larsen Architects

06

Sept - Dec 2019 Copenhagen, Denmark

Known internationally for their continuation of the Scandinavian Modernist tradition, Henning Larsen Architects is an award-winning Danish firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Paying careful attention to the human scale, the firm uses a strong social approach to design, rooted in sustainability, livability, and social responsibility.

I worked closely on several projects during my time here, including a competition submission for a masterplan in Wolfsburg, Germany, where I produced renderings, 3D models, and key diagrams; a children’s museum in MiSK, Saudi Arabia, where I helped design a series of integrated rooftops and themed gardens; a concept design for a renovation of the historic Palads Teatret in Copenhagen (pictured); a screening system for a masterplan in Vancouver, Canada; and a competition design concept for a mixed use building in Gothenburg, Sweden. Each of these projects helped me gain valuable insight into designing for specific climates, cultures, and users; all through a humanistic, emphathetic, and environmentally-driven lens.

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Work Experience

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Henning Larsen

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02 03 04 05 06 07

Roof massing iterations for palads teatret refurbishment

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Academic Works

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Laminae Theatre

07

(g)listening Nuit Blanche 2018 Project #56 September 2018 Cloud Gardens, Toronto, ON In collaboration with CITYLightsToronto and artist David Rokeby

Under the direction of Canadian artist David Rokeby,

rippling, and caroming around and among these

I worked with fellow architecture students, lighting

elements. Several microphones stationed around the

designers, and electrical engineers to design and set

park allowed the visiting public to trigger and channel

up an interactive lighting installation for Nuit Blanche

this play of visual energy across the canvas of the park

2018. Located in Cloud Gardens Park in downtown

using their voices.

Toronto, the unique space, containing architectural, water, and natural features, presents a dialogue between nature and the city. This project expanded on this conversation using interactive lighting to transform the park into a dynamic play of energy ricocheting,

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Installations

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(g)listening

Lighting Plan

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01

02 03 04 05 06

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07

Public Art

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Door + Box

Public Art

Alley Door

In an initiative to discourage graffiti and promote the use of urban alleyways, the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District selected local artists to create artwork for alleyway doors. The artwork, printed on a stick-on vinyl material, covers the full length of several specially selected doors in alleyways downtown. When asked to partake in the project, I wanted to draw on the richly coloured patterns found on traditional Chinese silk - I believed its bright, illustrative quality would work to liven up the typically dark space. The resulting design was a unique pattern using a more contemporary style. The illustration was installed at the end of 2018.

“Silk�

August 2018 Regina Downtown Alley Door Design Project Regina SK Selected Artist

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01

Traffic Box

02 03 04 05 06

07

To beautify unsightly traffic boxes, Regina Downtown selected artists to create artwork using the theme “community”. I wanted to create a piece that would recognize the contributions of early Chinese immigrants to the development of Canada, particularly through their work on the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The piece is composed of a series of peonies, the national flower of China, and western red lilies, the floral emblem of Saskatchewan. The piece was created in a style reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings, in hopes of introducing more eastern art styles to the local art community. The flowers are arranged over a prarie scene, through which a train track meanders through.

“我会记得” August 2017 Regina Downtown Traffic Control Box Art Wrap Regina SK Selected Artist

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May 30, 2019

RE: Letter of Reference: Nicole Chen I am pleased to write this letter of reference for Nicole Chen, who was employed as an Architecture Student at HCMA from January 2019 to April 2019. During her time here, she worked with me on the following projects: New Westminster Aquatic and Community Centre, BC Nicole aided our team in schematic design through the rigorous creation of physical models, used in both internal design and client meetings, which were useful in decisions regarding massing, proportion, and scale. She spent her last month creating a large presentation site model for public engagement meetings as the project moved into DD, requiring the use of 3D and physical modelling techniques. The detailed model proved to be very informative in sharing our concept with the public. In addition to modelling, Nicole carried out a series of diagrammatic and sectional studies on the design and potential programming of the project’s community centre, which includes a gymnasium and a public plaza.

Holland Community Aquatic Centre, MI Nicole worked closely with me through concept development of an expansion and renovation of the Holland Community Aquatic Centre in Michigan under a tight timeline and client constraints. At HCMA, a crucial aspect of aquatic centre design is the visitor’s experiential and logistical progression through space – the lobby, the changeroom, and finally, the pool natatorium. Nicole was able to develop these plans, while also creating illustrative concept perspectives to communicate with the client group. The images were used to communicate to the public in advance of general voting on a $26.3 M bond for the project, which I am pleased to say was approved.

Nicole adapted quickly to her given tasks, producing work of a high standard. Her eagerness to learn and grow has made her a pleasure to work with. I have expressed to her that she is welcome to return for future work terms.

Sincerely, HCMA Architecture + Design

604.732.6620 hcma.ca

400 – 675 West Hastings Street Vancouver BC V6B 1N2 Canada

HCMA Architecture + Design

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

MELISSA HIGGS

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

MICHAEL HENDERSON

Architect AIBC, MRAIC

PAUL FAST

Architect AIBC, SAA, OAA, MRAIC, Dipl-Ing, LEED AP

CARL-JAN RUPP

Architect AIBC, SAA, OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP

STUART ROTHNIE

Architect AIBC, AAA, SAA, OAA, FRAIC, LEED AP

KAREN MARLER

Architect AIBC, AAA, SAA, OAA, FRAIC, LEED AP

DARRYL CONDON

Principals

A CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

Alexandra Kenyon ARCHITECT AIBC Associate

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Architecture.

Interior Design.

Planning.

P3Architecture Partnership 2292 Dewdney Avenue Regina, SK S4R 1H3 t. 306.757.1669 f. 306.352.0004 James Youck Architect SAA, MAA, MRAIC, AIA Patrick Kelly Architect SAA, MAA, MRAIC, AIA Chris Roszell Architect SAA, MRAIC Luigi Mazzotti Senior Technologist Dip. Arch. Tech.

Wyatt Eckert Senior Technologist Dip. Arch. Tech.

September 30, 2018 Nicole Chen Designer | Architecture Student University of Waterloo, School of Architecture Cambridge, ON, Canada 306.351.2685 Sent via email: n39chen@edu.uwaterloo.ca

RE: Letter of Reference To whom it may concern, Nicole joined our firm in a summer term position starting May 2018 and worked with us until the end of August 2018 in the role of designer. Nicole was provided a broad range of opportunities which included work in design, preparation of presentation materials, working drawings, contract administration assistance and field work.

Nicole is a strong architectural designer with excellent graphic skills. Her attention to detail, confidence, clarity of communication and ability to work independently with little direction allowed her to participate in multiple teams on multiple projects with ease. She enhanced her team participation with cooperation and diligence, adapting easily to an open studio environment.

Nicole will be a talented asset to any design firm and we would have no hesitation in welcoming her back to join the P3A team.

Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Wyatt Eckert Principal

www.p3arch.com

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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

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Thank You.

Let’s talk soon!

Email n39chen@edu.uwaterloo.ca Phone 306.351.2685 Website nicolewchen.com