Portfolio - Paul Zheng

p o r t f o l i o P A U L

Z H E N G

c o n t e n t s TIME

FRAMES.................... 1

VOID

WINDOWS.................. 2

MODULAR LEAF

67..................... 3

CANOPY.................... 4

MONUMENT....................... 5 COIL

HOUSE...................... 6

APPARATUS....................... 7 UNIVERCITY...................... 8

f r a m e s t i m e

D E S

3 0 2

-

D E S I G N

S T U D I O

I V

-

V A N C O U V E R

The grand fir at Totem Ravine, UBC, stands as the third tallest grand fir in B.C., reaching a height of 64.5 meters. This project explores an interactive journey from the campus edge to the tree, narrating the impact of campus construction on the surrounding forest. The path, framed by concrete and wood structures, symbolizes the constraints imposed on trees by campus development. As you the descend into the forest, the materials and form of the frames become less constricting and more organic, reflecting a return to nature. The project was create in collaboration with Sam Tso and Hedy Wei. Drawings shown are my contributions to deliverables.

w i n d o w v o i d

D E S

4 2 1

-

D E S I G N

T H E O R Y

The project is an investigation on the view relationships between the windows of the Moriyama House. Through digital modeling, each window frame was projected through another window nearby, generating rectangular view cones that extend as far as possible into the interior spaces. Mapping the view cones in plan reveals which surface areas on each of the 3 floors (color coded) are visible through the view of a surrounding window. The project was developed in collaboration with Luca Oliver-Green and Andrei Charlier.

6 7 m o d u l a r

D E S

3 0 1

-

D E S I G N

S T U D I O

I I I

-

B U I L D I N G

S C A L E

S Y N T H E S I S

The project is an interpretive study of the typologies and building configurations of Habitat 67. The research focused on analyzing floor plans of various unit types, including single units, adjacent paired units on the same floor, and vertically connected units spanning multiple levels. I created a massing model of the entire housing complex, examining the distribution of green spaces and their relationship to privacy. The project was developed in collaboration with Andrei Charlier and Kaylee Charland. Work shown are my contributions to deliverables.

c a n o p y l e a f

D E S

4 3 0

-

E N V I R O N M E N T ,

U R B A N

F O R M ,

A N D

I N F R A S T R U C T U R E

Cardero Park’s open greenspace remains underutilized, particularly during rainy seasons when wet, decomposing leaves cover the ground. While leaf litter is often seen as unwanted waste, the design explores the use of leaves as a material for placemaking. To activate the space, permeable gravel pathing provide access to a glass covered pavilion. From beneath the glass, one can view a colorful scene of fallen leaves overhead. During long periods of rainfall, water will carry unwanted decomposing leaves off the slanted roof into a garden bed below, creating rich mulch. My work was featured in larger collection of design interventions for leaf litter with Lizzy Ou and Marco He.

m o n u m e n t

D E S

3 0 2

-

D E S I G N

S T U D I O

I V

-

V A N C O U V E R

Maple Tree Square is often regarded by tourists as the birthplace of Vancouver, where European settlers began development in the 1860s. While its iconic brick streets appear as historical artifacts, they were laid only half a century ago. In recognizing the erasure of indigenous presence on the site, the project aims to decolonize the space through an actionable, counter monumental performance. Bricks would be gradually removed, allowing native planting to emerge. Excess bricks would be repurposed into seating mounds oriented toward three central performance spaces to foster Indigenous styles of learning. The project was developed in collaboration with Christy Lu. Drawings shown are my contributions to deliverables.

h o u s e c o i l

D E S

4 5 0 H :

B U I L D I N G / I N F O R M A T I O N :

A R C H I T E C T U R A L

P R O D U C T I O N

A model recreation of the Coil House in Tokyo, Japan by Akahisa Hirata. Modeling and graphic standards were performed exclusively in Revit through referencing existing floor plans, elevations, and photographs. Special care was made to insure correct elevations of platforms and stair treads.

a p p a r a t u s

D E S

2 0 2

-

D E S I G N

S T U D I O

I I

-

F O R M

A model handcrafted with wooden sticks, string, and paper. Fabrication iterations explore how mats of bound sticks create sweeping forms when twisted. In the final iteration, strips of paper are tucked into the mats, imitating skin over a skeleton.

u n i v e r c i t y

D E S

4 0 1

-

D E S I G N

S T U D I O

V

-

U R B A N

S Y S T E M S

S C A L E

S Y N T H E S I S

Waiting for transit is often perceived as an isolated, unpleasurable experience. The project introduces a "third space" hub that is neither home nor work where UBC students can engage in various activities within typical wait times. The porous spatial design enhances convenience while enabling program hybridization. With open and permeable boundaries, program spaces naturally cluster and interconnect, creating dynamic, hybridized environments.