2023 Undergraduate Architecture Portfolio / Ricky Xiong

portfolio by ricky xiong

verb. to embark on a journey of envisioning and conceptualizing, weaving together innovative narratives that form the foundation of our future.

2

01

IN-FLOW VILLAGE

02

B3 BIKE SHOP AND REPAIR

low-rise, high-density housing / spring 2023

bicycle inspired performance / fall 2023

03

MY TURNING POINT

04

LIFE OF DEATH

05

building performance analysis / fall 2022

a labyrinth of celebration / fall 2022

INVENTIVE INTERLUDES

3

Spring 2023

/

University of Pittsburgh

/

Instructors: Christopher Guignon, Tian Li

01 IN-FLOW VILLAGE This proposal aims to integrate sustainable living with efficient transportation networks. Amidst our evolving urban landscape lies the opportunity to test new housing typologies. This convergence fosters a community that supports accessibility and connectivity, while proposing a new role: the neighborhood as a generator.

collaborative project with Charles Simpson (all works presented are my own)

4

/

ARC 1203

5

OAKLAND, PITTSBURGH, PA 236 ATWOOD STREET

KEY

0-5 MINUTES

5-10 MINUTE BUS STOP

BIKE SHARE

6

CLIMATE IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

82

60

73

54 59

53

38

23

ye ar: 20 19 -

A M J J F M a e a p a u uJ A u S n b r r y n

83

64

l g e O p c N t vo

78

59 40 36

O N D

: s, sw

t

hi - temp l o - tem 60 p ave avg tem rag ea p 4 2 nnu al s now fall: 5 1 199 1-2 020 0.

4 2.

4 7.

7 13 .3

O

o

c

e

D

v

b

A M J J F M a e a p a u J A n b r r y n u u S l g e O p c N t o

A a M p F a r y e r M

.

11

7

6 7.

0

3.9 3

D

4.2

0.0

4.4

1.

3. 5

e J a n

3. 3

4 4 .1 year 022 year: 2

2.8

per total

ge era av 2.8 .8 39 3. 0

c N

c

on itati cip pre l a nu an

v

inds iling w preva 22 r: 20 yea

69

r

w

49

e

61

b

41

c

F a

w

31

J

a

A S c o e v c J J u e M u u g p t A a n l M pr y

w

22 .3

ity

n, nw

22.3

ns

w s

22.3

e

n

51

nte di

sw

D

35

21

34

22

an

,

sw

w

win ter sols tice

ath

w

17.

8

2 2 .3

np

n

.1

autumn equino x

su w w

15 . 6

15 .6

.3

.1

ce summer solsti

al

20

.3

x uino g eq sprin

nu

an

17 .8

22

22

20

20 22

MOBILITY IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

. 2 3. 2 2 . 5 3. 0

S

ES

Climate analysis is pivotal as it informs the design process, ensuring buildings are aligned with environmental conditions, enhancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

E

7

INTRODUCE DUAL COURTYARDS FOR SPATIAL REJUVENATION

EV CHARGING

ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS

FACILITATE CIRCULATION AND BREEZEWAY DYNAMICS

OPTIMIZE SOUTH-FACING FACADES FOR ENHACED DAYLIGHT HARVESTING

COMMUNITY DINING

HARMONIZE WITH URBAN CONTEXT

8

METAL SHEET ROOFING

RED CEDAR SIDING

TERRACE FOR INCREASED SOLAR GAIN

SLOT STRUCTURE FOR VERTICAL AND WIND CIRCULATION

WIND TREE

ANGLE ROOF TO INCREASE DAYLIGHTING

PIEZOELECTRIC WALKWAYS

INTEGRATE DEDICATED PRIVATE PARKING

9

10

In-Flow Village's onsite power generation:

see the wind trees in action:

Wind trees are placed by prominent roads to convert breezes into energy, roofs face the sun and are equipped with photovoltaic panels, and piezoelectric technology is embedded into the circulation paths, harnessing the mechanical energy of movement. By incorporating these technologies, we can create passive structures that are also active contributors to offsetting the carbon in our atmosphere.

11

in-flow village / early diag

12

gramming and modeling

13

Fall 2023

/

University of Pittsburgh

/

Instructor: Christopher Guignon

02 B3 BIKE SHOP The bicycle is an inobsolete piece of technology. It influences, elevates, and defends the individual's agency in our built environment.

This realization inspired me to rethink organization, where the principles and aesthetics of bicycle design would be integrated into the layout and functionality of spaces. After looking into the relationships between the seemingly mundane bicycle components, I was able to strike a balance between bike and building, performance and experience.

14

/

ARC 1204

fall 2023

15

ARCHICYCLE: courtyard

administration

reception

workshop

1

2

3

1. The derailleur allows the rider to change gears, tuning performance to match terrain and capability. By selecting the appropriate gear, a steady cadence is achievable. courtyard

administration courtyard

Optimizes sunlight and air flow, enhancing building performance while increasing the overall aesthetic and functional value of the project.

16

2. The chain is essential operation, transmitting the rider to the wheels conjunction with all ot nents to ensure effective administration reception

Serves as the back bone ing, allowing other progr to shine and function as

for the bike's power from s. Working in ther compoe motion.

nistration reception

e of the buildram elements intended.

3. The pedals are the key point of contact between user and machine. It is through this interaction that allows for movement. The jagged edges are designed for traction. reception workshop

workshop retail

retail

The drivers for circulation within the building, that set the rhythm for the flow of space.

The final orientation and massing of the building is supported by CAD integrated simulation studies to maximize thermal and visual comfort. Shown above are the daylighting results.

17

5

detail floor plan

18

4

3

2

D

5

4

PROJEC

E

C

6

A

D

B

SHEE

6

5

4

3

2

A-5

E

C

integral gutter detail

6

5

4

3

2

D

B

S4A

A

C

PRO

wall to foundation detail

standard wall section

B

6

5

4

SH

19

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT, YOU HAVE U

UNTIL THE HORIZON TO GET THERE.

Fall 2022

/

Carnegie Mellon

/

Instructors: Vivian Loftness

/

Environment 1

03 MY TURNING POINT This course taught by Professor Vivian Loftness introduced the principles of passive systems within architecture.

The semester-long project was an existing building design analysis paired with energy conservation retrofits and redesign proposals for a client. Calculating heat loss, energy use calculations, and understanding different ratings systems, such as R-values and SHGC opened my mind to the science and research that pushes us towards a greener future.

22

Prior to completing this course, I felt a slight disconnect between architecture and purpose, but...

Delving into the realms of passive building strategies, technological efficiency, and retrofitting has made me proud to have chosen this field.

This section may not fully reflect the breadth of the coursework for privacy reasons, but it is an ode to the profound impact that it has left on me.

23

$ cost/mmbtu Total Heating Cost Jan 54,240 x1066 = 57.820 /0.966 59.855 x1.599 = 95.708 Feb 54,240 x846 = 45.887 /0.966 47.502 x1.584 = 75.243 Mar 54,240 x757 = 41.060 /0.966 42.505 x1.585 = 67.370 Apr 54,240 x431 = 23.377 /0.966 24.200 x1.588 = 38.430 May 54,240 x190 = 10.306 /0.966 10.669 x1.588 = 16.942 June 54,240 x0 = 0 /0.966 0 x1.591 = 0 July 54,240 x0 = 0 /0.966 0 x1.607 = 0 Aug 54,240 x0 = 0 /0.966 0 x1.607 = 0 Sept 54,240 x0 = 0 /0.966 0 x1.607 = 0 Oct 54,240 x0 = 0 /0.966 0 x1.633 = 0 Nov 54,240 x728 = 39.487 /0.966 40.877 x1.659 = 67.815 Dec 54,240 x925 = 50.172 /0.966 51.938 x1.662 = 86.321 5263

Total HDD

268.109

(mmbtu)

Heating Load 277.546

(mmbtu)

System Demand 447.829

July 4.69 27.336 Aug 6.733 27.47 Sept 6.733 28.312 Oct 6.733 28.312 Dec 7.035 29.579

32.026 34.203 35.045 35.045

Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov

Nov 7.035 29.579 36.614 36.614

36.614 Dec 29.579 Total

The Recipe for a Pa Climate

Heating Cost $

painted sheetrock

zip sheating

10. onthly Lighting Load KWh 11. ectricity cost $/kwh Monthly Lighting Cost n 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 eb 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 ar 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 pr 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 ay 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 ne 0 x0.067 = 0 ly 70 x0.067 = 4.69 ug 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 ept 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 ct 100.494 x0.067 = 6.733 ov 100.494 x0.070 = 7.035 ec 100.494 x0.070 = 7.035

tal ghting Load

1,074.94 $72.624 Total Lighting Cost

n 95.708 1.212 96.920 Feb 75.243 1.201 76.434 ar 67.370 1.201 68.571 Apr 38.430 1.204 39.634 ay 16.942 1.204 18.146 ne 0 0 0 July 0 0.964 0.964 ug 0 1.218 1.218 ept 0 1.218 1.218 Oct 0 1.238 1.238 ov 67.815 1.258 69.73 ec86.321 1.260 87.581 tal AS $ Heating $ Domestic Hot Water* $ Appliance* timated Total $ Gas

24

2x4@24" OC w/ rockwool batt

11 7/8" dense pack

In this study, I explored the relationship between wall construction and building performance, with a particular focus on achieving the right R-value. This endeavor, while challenging, was instrumental in shaping my approach to building design. It underpins my belief that the core of architectural innovation lies not just in aesthetic appeal, but in the performance and resilience of a building's fundamental elements.

Activity Gallons per use # of times per month TOTAL Clothes Washing 32 x4 = 128 Showering 20 x8 (showers away from home) = 160 Bathing 20 x0 = 0

Monthly Lighting Load KWh Electricity cost $/kwh Jan 100.494 x0.067 = Feb 100.494 x0.067 = Mar 100.494 x0.067 = Apr 100.494 x0.067 = May 100.494 x0.067 = June 0 x0.067 = July 70 x0.067 = Aug 100.494 x0.067 = Sept 100.494 x0.067 =

Monthl

35.71 34.92 23.36 21.06 20.9 24.33 34.29 30.52 28.65

(wh/mo) Refrigerator/Freezer 2 x680 x300 = 408,000 Dryer 1 x3,000 x0 = 0 Washer 1 x900 x5 = 4,500 Oven/Stove 1 x1,500 x6.66 = 9,990 Computers1 x12 x6 = 72 Copier/Printers 0 x_________ x_________ = _________ Entertainment Center 0 x_________ x_________ = _________ Other (large eqmt, list) 0 x_________ x_________ = _________ Other (small eqmt, list) 0 x_________ x_________ =

Hours On per Month (h/mo)

Incandescent lamps 21 x42.38 x90 = Compact Fluorescent (CFL) la

Fluorescent Tubes 6 x34 x

total = 422,562 wh/mo = 422.562 kwh/mo

assive House Wall: e Zone 5

LED lamps x x = Halogen Lamps x x = Other: x x =

5. (gallons x .001 or .2 multiplier) DHW Lo in BTU x 106 or Kwh $/mmbtu

or $/kwh

WRB

Total Domestic Hot Water Cost Jan 0.758 x 1.599 1.212 Feb 0.758 x 1.584 1.201 Mar 0.758 x 1.585 1.201 Apr 0.758 x 1.588 1.204 May 0.758 x 1.588 1.204 June 0 x 1.591 0 July 0.6 x 1.607 0.964 Aug 0.758 x 1.607 1.218 Sept 0.758 x 1.607 1.218 Oct 0.758 x 1.633 1.238 Nov 0.758 x 1.659 1.258 Dec 0.758 x 1.662 1.260

exterior cladding

Total?

DHW load DHW cost

TJI w/ k cellulose

3/4" furring

12.

Monthly Appliance Load (KWh 13 Electricity cost $/kwh Monthly Appli ance Cost Jan 422.562 x0.067 =

28.312

Feb 422.562 x0.067 = Mar 422.562 x0.067 =

The data found in the background of this spread relates to my existing building performance analysis. For privacy reasons, I have not included detailed depictions of the owner's home.

10.

ly Lighting Cost 6.733 6.733 6.733 6.733 6.733 0 4.69 6.733 6.733

quantity in house

11.

average wattage in use**** average hours on/mo Total (wh/mo) Refrigerator/Freezer 2 x680 x300 = 408,000 Dryer 1 x3,000 x0 = 0 Washer 1 x900 x5 = 4,500 Oven/Stove 1 x1,500 x6.66 = 9,990 Computers1 x12 x6 = 72 Copier/Printers 0 x_________ x_________ = _________ Entertainment Center 0 x _________ x _________ = _________ Other (large eqmt, list) 0 x_________ x_________ = _________ Other (small eqmt, list) 0 x_________ x_________ = _________

28.312 28.312

Apr 422.562 x0.067 = May 422.562 x0.067 =

28.312 28.312

June 422.562 x0.067 = July 408 x0.067 =

28.312 27.336

Aug 410 x0.067 = Sept 422.562 x0.067 = Oct 422.562 x0.067 = Nov 422.562 x0.070 = Dec 422.562 x0.070 = Total Appliance Load

27.47 28.312 28.312 29.579 29.579 5,043.62 340.46

Total Appliance Cost

25

CAULK + WEATHERSTRIP

RETROF

Why: The second highest component of heat loss in this home is through infiltration. By sealing these spaces and cracks, the infiltration losses can drop up to 20%.

Product: Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal, 100% Silicone Sealant, 10 oz Cartridge, White Cost per unit: $9.84 Installation cost: n/a, self installation Material: Silicone Use: to seal unmovable openings on building facades such as the border of certain windows and cracks around mechanical appliances which lead into the home.

Installation: 1. begin by removing remaining debris around elements which need caulking 2. clean perimeter to prepare for application of caulk 3. using a caulk gun ($10), apply silicone around perimeter and smooth around edges of openings 4. allow 30 minutes of drying time 5. repeat coats if necessary Product: Frost King 3/4 in. x 7/15 in. x 10 ft. White High-Density Rubber Foam Weatherstrip Tape Cost per unit: $4.93 Installation cost: n/a, self installation Material: Rubber Foam Use: to seal movable openings on building facades such as the borders of windows and doors.

Installation: 1. measure distance where movable surface meets unmovable surface 2. cut a piece of tape at measured length 3. apply tape by pressing into surface of movable object 26

RED: caulk here!

BLUE: weatherstrip here!

Annual Payback: Total cost: $9.84 (3) + $4.93 (2) + $10 = $49.38 Estimated Infiltration Reduction (20%): 159.84 Btu/hr°F New Infiltration UA: 639.36 Btu/hr°F Annual Energy Saved:12.68 mmBtu Annual Dollars Saved: $20.414 Payback Time: 2.4 years

FITTING: Why: While the addition of insulation for the exterior walls would greatly reduce heat loss, they will provide nothing for heat loss from windows. By incorporating cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades), the windows can be insulated against heat and cold. Further benefits of these blinds would include light filtering and diffusion.

NIGHT INSULATION FOR WINDOWS Product: Blackout Cellular Shades, 24 x 36 in.

Cost per unit: $56.24 Installation cost: $25 / window Material: Fabric

Installation: 1. use a steel measuring tape to measure the dimensions of windows 2. contact blind retailer about specific model for your windows 3. ask for quote on purchase and installation of blinds Annual Payback: Total cost: $56.24 (16) + $25 (16) = $1,299.84 Window R-Value Difference: from 2 to 4 Estimated Heat Loss Reduction (50%): 88.5 Btu/hr°F New Window Heat Loss UA: 88.5 Btu/hr°F Annual Energy Saved: 16.91 mmBtu Annual Dollars Saved: $27.223 Payback Time: 47.7 years

27

Fall 2022

/

University of Pittsburgh

/

Instructor: Jozef Petrak

04 LIFE OF DEATH When presented with the project brief of designing a mausoleum, I decided to study the dichotomy between life and death not just as a matter of design and functionality, but a reflection of cultural, philosophical, and natural beliefs. This interplay between architecture and existential concepts reveals much about the human condition and our ways of understanding and coping with existence.

28

/

ARC 1202

System Based Design We were tasked with utilizing lines, planes, and volumes to create 'components' which would be deconstructed and organized to visualize a chosen verb. 'expose' to deprive one of protection, to reveal a raw, vulnerable nature To maximize the potential, I focused on privacy and transparency to create a range of meditative and welcoming social environments.

30

31

floor 1

program: art cafe

where our story begins, connections and expression

The adversity that Sisyphus faces is a direct connection to the human condition, where we find ourselves pushing forwards, making and losing progress, finding success and failure. Sisyphus represents the will to persevere.

This space is designed to be experienced through the story of a life.

floor 2

hi

room of the past

ighlighting defining moments of one's life

floor 3

open casket room

the celebration of death + life

05 INVENTIVE INTERLUDES There is always time in our days to be creative, to express ideas and interests through action. To "ideate" is to be active in pushing boundaries and to dream of what could be.

Trying something new, conversing with friends, and letting your mind wander, these different scenarios are all opportunities for development.

Inventive Interludes is about the pursuit of technique, knowledge, and experience. The following images are a glimpse into how I see the world around me:

34

It's interesting how different airports have approached gate seating. Do they stress comfort, capacity, or commercial proximity? Regardless, the Pittsburgh Int'l Airport has some pretty good ones.

35

BEVERLY RD

some physics done for a structures course

36

< cranes folded out of gum wrappers, dime for scale

LOBBY

©

The owner of this apartment building was cited by the city due to its inaccessible existing stair. Since according to code it was the main point of egress, there was a lot to consider when I redesigned it.

37

cardboard capybara sculpture: great for holding ping pong balls

38

pages out of my sketchbook for the "Life of Death" project

39

thank you