portfolio2024

PORTFOLIO SPICA LIU

Selected Works 2022-2025

TABLE OF CONTENT

02 Beyond Oasis

Figuration, Decoration, Growth Instructor: Stuart Romm Group Project: Design 50% Drawing 100%

Representative of Islamic culture, tessellations display the connection between beauty and geometry and are considered as an expression of the fundamental truths of Tawhid and Miza.The tiled nature of tessellation allows for three dimensionalities on a flat mosaic where the tiles overlap. Because of this depth, patterns formed from outlining ribbons are easy to follow and demand viewers to decide where the shapes they surround are the positive space or the voids in the pattern.

This project first tested different ways to repersent islmaic tessliations, twisting the main elements and thickening the subject matter from 2D to 3D.Then apply the custom pattern as a deep decoration(Screens) though out the building.

Due to the Covid pandemic, individual focus more on the interior space.In order to provide green space inside the building so that during quarantine, people can also enjoy the nature.The building tries to break the boundary between interior and exterior which individuals can be present in a zone that not necessarily can be considered physically inside the building or ourside the buidling.

By creating different types of green spaces in the building to provide an experience that people can engage with geenery and function servies at the same time. The Islamic tessellation, though our study, applied though twisting and extruding, provided dimension and depth for the lights to come through.

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Lost And Found

Collective Horizons Homes

Hospitality

Beyond Oasis

Nomas Detroit

Light, Filter, Shadow

Public Common, Residential

Gentrification, Settlement,Deconstruction

Library+Theather| New York

Modular Housing| NewJeresy

Legal Services, Hospitality Design | Pennsylvania

Figuration, Decoration, Growth Islamic Tessellation, Mix-use Building| Chicago

Participate, Generate, Lightness

Mix-use Complex, Headquarters| Detroit

01 LOST AND FOUND Library, Theater, Public Space Studio 602 Team member: Song Zhang

Inside-out

Outside-in

Solid & Void

The objective of the project is to design a library incorporating a public theater, several rooms, and a peaceful reading space. Positioned adjacent to the corner, the reading area features a long display table, serving as a central focus for readers to peruse the shelves and immerse themselves in their selected materials. Utilizing primarily brick, the construction bathes the area in soft, diffused light. Conversely, the bookshelves are fashioned from wood, enhancing the project’s overall ambiance with a touch of natural warmth.

Overall, the design of the library embodies a thoughtful balance between functionality and ambiance, creating a welcoming and inspiring space where the love of literature can flourish and community connections can thrive. Whether visiting to attend a public theater performance, explore the diverse collection of books, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet reflection, patrons are sure to find solace and inspiration within its walls.

SECOND FLOOR PLAN @1/8

Library, Archive & Theater

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Sectional Chunk Longitudinal Section Longitudinal Section 01 Children Reading Area 02 Public Reading Area 03 Private Study Room 04 Research Lab 05 Library Entrance & Garden

The ramp system connects to three major spaces in the library: Private Reading Rooms, The Internet Archive, and The Library Archive. These spaces are located in the tower area, providing a place for patrons to look up and meditate.

SECTION @1/4

06 Multipurpose Room 07 Fabrication Lab 08 Theater Entrance 09 Theater 10 Library Archive

01 Library: Ways for Seeking 02 Archive: Points of Arrival 03 Commons: Hub of Gathering

Project 1:Lost and Found

Library, Archive & Theater

The Facade The facade showcases a gradient of brick, designed to bathe the interior in soft, diffused light, while wooden bookshelves introduce a touch of natural warmth. This juxtaposition creates a harmonious balance of engagement and tranquility. Curved openings invite light to pour in, highlighting the thoughtfully designed interior space.

Project 1:Lost and Found

Library, Archive & Theater

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PARAPET& ROOF DRAINAGE@1-1/2

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FLOOR AND BRICK FACADE@1-1/2

Street Level View: Entrace to Theater (Right) 01 Library: Ways for Seeking 02 Archive: Points of Arrival 03 Commons: Hub of Gathering

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GREEN ROOF AND BRICK FACADE@1-1/2

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DETAIL SECTION@1/2

01 Parapet & Roof Drainage 02 Brick Facade 03 Green Roof & Facade 04 Concrete Footing

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CONCRETE FOOTING@1-1/2

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Project 1:Lost and Found

Library, Archive & Theater

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Views From Library Archive The library consists of a series of ramps that frame the reading area and shelving units. Visitors have the option to stand or sit with shelving screens, which allows people to fully experience the dynamic space shaped by ramps and shelves.

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SECOND FLOOR PLAN @1/8

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Third Floor Plan, Site Condition 01 Public Reading Area 02 Indoor Atrium 03 Library Archive 04 Archive Staircase 05 Digital Lab

06 Meeting Room 07 Second Floor Balcony 08 Theater 09 Theater Entrance 10 Outdoor Garden

Project 1:Lost and Found

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3D Print & Laser Cut Model 01 Library Archive 02 Public Study Room 03 Horizontal Section Model

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02 COLLECTIVE HORIZONS HOMES Modular housing, Public Common, Residential Units Studio 601 Individual Project

The project started by conceptualizing room taxonomy and modular system, where a self-repeated pattern was projected into unit development and form floor aggregation. The resulting repeated pattern modules seamlessly developed a curvy bar shape, allowing rotation and combination between individual units.The overlap of two curvy bar shapes provide courtyard condition,create opportunities for views and openings, and also separate the entrance between resident and pedestrian who wants to enter the library. To enhance the project’s integration with the site and establish a connection with the library, the design occupied the roof of the library, creating an elevated space from the ground level. The roof can be used as a public gathering, connected with multipose room in the back of the library. Two modular curvy bars, characterized by their repetitive design, generate multiple openings, allowing sunlight to illuminate the interior spaces. The spaces between the shift of patterns(single loaded modular units) are designed as hallways that not only facilitate circulation but also offer captivating views. These hallways connect to roof balconies, generating public spaces that serve as communal areas for the residents.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

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Modular Units 01/ Units 02/2B1B Assemble 03/2B2B Assemble 04/Stacking 2B1B Modular Units The design began with the development of five distinct room types to address the needs of a living room with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and balcony. Through a series of assemblies, these rooms were combined to create shared living apartments using modular units, including studio apartments, 1B1B, 2B1B, and 4B1B configurations. With modular units, they can be assembled and connected in various ways, forming a continuous residential complex with a shared central hallway.

Floor Plans: Modular Unit and Hallway Top/ First Floor Plan Buttom/Thrid Floor Plan Each modular unit is configured in variations of 2B1B, 4B2B, and 1B1B layouts. Leveraging the geometric characteristics of hexagons and squares, some units feature shared balconies, creating communal spaces where residents can connect and interact. Additionally, the hallways include shared amenities such as storage areas, study rooms, and meeting spaces for residents on the same floor. The expansive green spaces provide areas for relaxation and recreation, offering a vibrant environment for the community to enjoy.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

Programs For the Public Common Analysis of Programs

Shipping For Modular Units There are several methods for transporting modular units to the site. A standard truck can accommodate a micro-unit or a studio space without requiring assembly. Thanks to the flexibility of the modular design, smaller components, such as single-bedroom modules, are packed onto trucks and assembled on-site. Once assembled, additional construction features, like the concrete arch façade, are added to complete the exterior.

Green Space

Program Puzzies

The design elements respond to the program distribution, which are made up by three parts: public facility for farmers/visitors, Semi public facility for farmers/residents and private housing for residents. Each programs fit into the form just like puzzies, creating visiual and physical connection to the audience. The pedestrians are welcome to visit any places on the program map and see the showcase of nature.

The Concept

Based on the increasing population in the Mechanics Ville and the lack of groceries store/markets in the area, the project tries to provide a

Playground

Classroom

Housing

Farm

Urban Garden

Urban Farm

Farmer’s Market

Form Development

By spreated the old facade into two parts, creating a new opening that contain the same size/feature of the orginal opening to break the symmetry of the old facade. With the openings, creating three different entrances, one for residential only, reaching to the other site though the structure and farmers market. The program diagram illustrate how the main massing was being spreated into market area and residential unit.

The void space in the residential area was been curved out whereas the market area on the right are maining void that wrap up with transparent material that will glow as a unit at night, creating a sense of space for the market.

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Adding a 20* 20 ft grids to the massing, using the void space in the residential area to frame balcony.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

01/Double-Height Balcony

Design a double-height space to accommodate a horizontal balcony, providing an elevated platform for a unique and expansive outdoor experience.

02/Private Arch Balcony Arrange identical units in a stacked configuration, utilizing arches to occupy the balcony areas and creating a layered effect with elongated arch windows.

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Children’s Reading Area

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03/Shared Arch Balcony 2

Library Entrance

Introduce staggered placement to the residential units, stacking them with pattern.

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

Residential Housing

Exterior/Interior Arch The modular unit construction commenced by connecting Superior Wall components with a pre-fabricated connector. Subsequently, a clip-on concrete facade was added, featuring a series of arches that introduced dynamic structural elements. The installation concluded with placing a Concrete Arched Roof Panel. The open arch columns facilitate setbacks and balconies for residential units. A comparable approach is also evident in the public common areas, where larger span columns support the foundational structure.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

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Site Plan on Ground Level 01 Residential Entrance 02 Public Greenery 03 Urgent Care 04 Clinics 05 Staff Dinning Space

06 Pharmacy 07 Public Reading Area 08 Meeting Room 09 Library Entrance 10 Theater

11 Children’s Reading Zone 12 Sand Box 13 Outdoor Theater

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

View From the Street Level Looking Toward Library

Longitudinal Section 01 Children Reading Area 02 Public Reading Area 03 Private Study Room 04 Research Lab 05 Library Entrance & Garden

Eco-Community and neighborhood The open arch columns create opportunities for setbacks and balconies in the residential units. These shared, double-height or single-height spaces incorporate trees and eco-friendly elements, fostering sustainable community. The design promotes greenery and interaction, blending architectural functionality with environmental responsibility.

06 Multipurpose Room 07 Fabrication Lab 08 Theater Entrance 09 Theater 10 Residential Area

03 Hospitality: Looking into the Future Gentrification, Playful, Deconstruction Studio 502 Individual Project

An elderly Chinese immigrant who had recently arrived in the United States expressed, “I am new to this country and cannot understand English. I require Chinatown to buy essentials, seek medical attention, and translate English mail.” As a first-generation immigrant, They need a place to call home, where they feel a sense of belonging. The hardships of homelessness, poverty, and displacement that immigrants often face can have a significant impact on their mental health, and they frequently lack a support system to turn to for even the simplest things.

To address these challenges, there is a critical need for public education workshops that support the well-being of multigenerational and multicultural communities. These workshops can focus on strategies for cultural adaptation, healthy parenting, and stress management to provide resources and support to those who need it most. To create an environment conducive to these goals, a three-zone self-generated island design can be implemented, specifically designed to address and resolve the issues faced by new immigrants. Furthermore, the railway can be transformed into a green belt that connects each segment of the island. The central focus of this design is the establishment of a main local health center and legal services on a consolidated island. This island can be accessed through a series of ramps and walkways, providing people with a pleasant and serene environment for relaxation and meditation. Each level of the island can incorporate gardens or playgrounds, ensuring that the elderly can enjoy a fulfilling life without having to leave the railway area. The ramps and meditation spaces will also serve as connections between people and the programs that support their health and well-being.

Health Center, Immigration Services

Project 3: Hospitality: Looking into the Future

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ASSEMBLED ISLAND ll (EDUCATION+LEGAL SERVIES)

ASSEMBLED ISLAND lll (HEALTH+LEGAL SERVIES)

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Chinatown Railway Analysis 01/ Site 02/Creat Greenery 03/Major Massing 04/Connection To the Railway The design began by utilizing the abandoned railroad in Philadelphia’s Chinatown as an opportunity to create a series of platforms and assembly islands interconnected through the railway. The railroad was transformed into a green belt, providing a walkable space for the community and serving as a transitional corridor for residents moving between different healthcare facilities.

RAILWAY GARDEN

ECOLOGICAL PLAZA

(PUBLIC MARKET AND EVENTS)

(MEDITATION AND EXERCISES)

ECOlOGICAL MOUNTAIN (EXERCISES AND WELLNESS)

EDUCATIONAL CENTER

(ROOF FARMING AND LANGUAGE TRAINING

ASSEMBLED ISLAND I (HEALTH+LEGAL SERVIES)

The Courtyard of Health Center In Assembled Island I

Ramp Entering the Legal Services In Assembled Island II

Garden Gathering Space In Assembled Island I

Site Plan Render 01/ Healthcare Facility 02/Greenroof 03/Residential 04/Playground 05/Infrastructure The site plan rendering illustrates the relationship between three distinct assembly islands within the local context. Each island is designed with unique features and characteristics, such as educational facilities, healthcare services, and legal support. Residents of each island are encouraged to explore and access the other facilities connected by the green railway, fostering interaction and engagement throughout the community.

Narrative Diagram: Gentrification and Settlement of Philadelphia Chinatown

Health Center, Immigration Services

Project 3: Hospitality: Looking into the Future

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Assembly Island I: Health Center & Inpatient Depatment

Ground Floor Plan@1/32 The Health Center is seamlessly connected to the railway, providing convenient access for commuters. Its innovative design incorporates a garden on the roof, offering a tranquil and green space for patients and visitors to enjoy amidst the urban environment.

01 Assemble Island I 02 Legal Services 03 Health Center 04 Garden 05 Residential Area

06 Office 07 Market Space 08 Playground 09 Roof Farming 10 Playground

11 Entrance to the complex 12 Pavillion 13 Playground 14 Assemble Island III 15 Residential Area /01

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Health Center, Immigration Services

Project 3: Hospitality: Looking into the Future

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Meditation Pavilion: Railway Park

Assembly Island II: Health Center and Inpatient Department

Railway Renovation The Meditation Spot has been carefully designed to create a serene and contemplative area for visitors, fostering a peaceful environment. The incorporation of a ramp provides easy access, inviting visitors to approach and engage with the meditative space seamlessly. This thoughtful combination of accessibility and tranquility ensures that all visitors can experience the meditative atmosphere of the spot.

01/ Residential Walkway 02/ Entrance to Facility

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05 Beyond Oasis

Figuration, Decoration, Growth Instructor: Stuart Romm Group Project: Design 50% Drawing 100%

Representative of Islamic culture, tessellations display the connection between beauty and geometry and are considered as an expression of the fundamental truths of Tawhid and Miza.The tiled nature of tessellation allows for three dimensionalities on a flat mosaic where the tiles overlap. Because of this depth, patterns formed from outlining ribbons are easy to follow and demand viewers to decide where the shapes they surround are the positive space or the voids in the pattern.

This project first tested different ways to repersent islmaic tessliations, twisting the main elements and thickening the subject matter from 2D to 3D.Then apply the custom pattern as a deep decoration(Screens) though out the building.

Due to the Covid pandemic, individual focus more on the interior space.In order to provide green space inside the building so that during quarantine, people can also enjoy the nature.The building tries to break the boundary between interior and exterior which individuals can be present in a zone that not necessarily can be considered physically inside the building or ourside the buidling.

By creating different types of green spaces in the building to provide an experience that people can engage with geenery and function servies at the same time. The Islamic tessellation, though our study, applied though twisting and extruding, provided dimension and depth for the lights to come through.

Project 4:Beyond Oasis

Commerial, Public Facility

Commerial, Public Facility

Project 4:Beyond Oasis

Green Space and Exhibition

The Site

Garden Scene

During the COVID quarantine, individuals’ needs can’t be easily satisfied by the interior spaces they occupy. To provide more spaces for personal needs and create more diverse interior spaces, the design focuses on programs and natural elements to help residents maintain their mental and physical health.

Three different types of garden been curved out from the buidling: Public Garden that can be accessed from the street level, Semi Public Garden that can be engaged from both inside and outside the building and a Private Garden for the residence. Then we lay out our program based on the fact that the garden space was a zone between private and public. So what belows the extrusion garden will be Public Space, what intersects it will be Semi Public Space and what above it will be Private Space. All the other program are around or connect by the garden scene either visually or physically so that individual can have a sense of relief from stressful reality.

Commerial, Public Facility

Project 4:Beyond Oasis

The Garden Area

The Corridor

The Reading Room

Design Elements Axonometric Drawing with Garden Spaces

The twisting garden also contained several balconies that allow visitors to interact at a safe social distance. The purpose of having balconies on different height levels is to provide more dimension to the building and visual connections. The significant balcony space connects to the reading area and working space to give the best views.

Commerial, Public Facility

Project 4:Beyond Oasis

Material Selection The primary support system: tessellation screens and interior walls are made of concrete to bring lightness to the space. At the same time, the facade was covered with glass and columns to support the outer structure. The graze reflects the garden’s color, which creates a fresh atmosphere that drives visitors to an urban oasis.

The Garden Terrace

East Section

North Section

05 06 05 Nomas NomasDetroit Detroit Particiate, Particiate,Generate, Generate,Lightness Lightness Instructor: Instructor:Herman HermanHoward Howard Team TeamProject Project

Nomas D

Particiate, Generate, L Instructor: Herman H Team Project

Located Locatedjust justoutside outsideofofdowntown downtownDetroit, Detroit,the theformer formersite siteofofthe the Brewster-Douglas Brewster-DouglasHomes Homesseems seemsdestined destinedtotofail. fail.Physically Physicallydisdisconnected connectedfrom fromthe thesurrounding surroundingenvironment environmentand andits itsresources resources through the construction of the adjacent highways, a through the construction of the adjacent highways, asite siterich richinin culture culturewas wasabandoned. abandoned.

Located just outside of downtown D Previously, Previously,known knownasasthe the“Motor “MotorCity,” City,”Detroit Detroitisisreceiving receivingrecrecognition its ognitionasasthe the“Bike “BikeCity” City”due duetotoBrewster-Douglas itsimplementation implementationofof GreGre-Homes seems des enways--corridors of land intended to facilitate connections beenways--corridors of land intendedconnected to facilitate connections be- surrounding en fromLoop the tween tweenplaces placesand andpeople. people.Logistically, Logistically,the theexisting existingMidtown MidtownLoop through the construction of the adja and for andDequindre DequindreCut Cutwould wouldserve serveasaspoints pointsofofconnection connection forvarvarious bikes, scooters, people, iousmodes modesofof transportation transportationincluding including bikes, scooters, people, culture was abandoned. animals, animals,and andnatural naturalresources. resources.

Previously, known Ultimately, Ultimately,the thearchitectural architecturaldesign designproposal proposalaims aimstotoweave weaveitself itself as the “Motor Ci into the future of Detroit inin intothe thecity’s city’sinfrastructural infrastructuralplans plansfor for the future of Detroit ognition as theLegacy “Bike City” due to order ordertotocreate createaafixed fixedconnection connectionbetween betweenthe theNOMA NOMA Legacy Headquarters enways--corridors of land intended Headquartersand andeverything everythingititrepresents. represents.

tween places and people. Logistically and Dequindre Cut would serve as p ious modes of transportation includ animals, and natural resources.

Ultimately, the architectural design p into the city’s infrastructural plans f order to create a fixed connection b Headquarters and everything it repre

Residential, Headquarter,Research Labs

Project 5: Nomas Detroit

Form Development

Program Distribution

Form Development

The site contain a great history of Detroit. Due to the lack of green spaces in the urban area, our team try to produce a complex that access both for bikers and pedestrians.The major programs include education center and the residential area located on norst and east side that circulated through a truss system. In the middle of the circulation loop, the nomas headquarters present itself with a unique beauty.

diagram 1a plant tube system

diagram 1b water collection system

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Work Sample: Gensler

Jingqiao Jingding Tiandi

Software utilized: Rhino, Revit, Enscape Participated in the Schematic Design (SD) phase and developed designs for sunken plaza.

Work Sample: Gensler

Revit Drawing Set

Work Sample: AK Architecture, Health Center 6

Software utilized: AutoCAD, Revit Participated in the Construction Document (CD) phase produced drawing for plan and interior elevation.

Work Sample: AK Architecture, Health Center 3