Sara Tin-U Portfolio 2023

SARA TIN-U

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE + BACHELOR OF ARTS, PLAN II

SRTINU@GMAIL.COM

CONTENTS

A Second Home: Reimagining Chinatown

Bachelor Design Study | 2022 - 2023

Holistic Healing Center Advanced Design | Spring 2022

ATX Grove

Comprehensive | Fall 2021

CAAA Otzi Research Facility Design V | Fall 2020

Wooldridge Estates + Plaza Design VI | Spring 2021

Work Experience

MHOA, DC+A | 2021 - 2022

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

10901 N LAMAR BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78753

Bachelor Design Study + Undergraduate Honors Thesis | 2022 - 2023

Advisors: Charlton Lewis + Todd Brown + Stephanie Choi + Arnold Jin + Yung-Ju Kim

Extension + Renovation of the Austin Chinatown Center

2023 Texas Society of Architects Studio Award Winner

Chinatowns have long held various meanings for the Chinese diaspora, from connecting with heritage to finding a safe space. Initially, Chinatowns formed in response to anti-Asian policies and discrimination that left many with little resources and support. With increasing anti-Asian sentiment attributed to SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) and a fast growing Asian population, Austin’s lack of an enclave has become more apparent. Thus, a Second Home aims to investigate the meaning of Chinatowns for the Chinese diaspora as well as expand the typology and idea of a Chinatown by exploring the spectrum of Chinese architecture and hybridizing traditional and modern aspects in the context of Austin, Texas.

This investigation includes an in-depth historical, cultural, and psychosocial research in which walking interviews were conducted in the Crescent and the Chinatown Center. As a result of this, the Chinatown Center was selected as the site for extension and renovation in order to give Austin the Chinatown it deserves and needs. With critical race theory and empirical psychosocial data as the framework for design strategies, this urban and architectural design intervention delves into cultural landscapes with a focus on how to preserve and reinforce the cultural identity of the Chinese diaspora in order to foster positive placemaking.

Located in Austin at the intersection of North Lamar and West Braker Lane and established in 2006, the Chinatown Center is a 180,000 square foot retail center with over 20 Asian-owned businesses and organizations, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean spaces.

This extension and renovation of the Chinatown Center acts to uplift the underserved, specifically the elderly demographic, as well as enable immigrants and new arrivals. By prioritizing the elderly demographic, immigrants, and new arrivals, other users in the space are accommodated for as well, with multilingual signage, walkability, accessibility, and easy wayfinding. It is important to note that this is a truly intergenerational space, with much to offer to those of all ages — parents, kids, grandparents, and so on. Architecturally, this project imports traditional Chinese architectural typologies and forms into the Austin fabric with respect to its historical and social context.

Though this thesis is ultimately speculative in nature, it is my hope that Austin will one day have a Chinatown that both embodies the spirit and embraces the diversity of the Chinese diaspora, serving as a space for all to connect, organize and flourish as a collective community. Welcome to Austin’s new Chinatown!

During the course of this walk, I would like you to document with your own phone—via photographs—any specific spaces, areas, buildings, or objects that stand out to you. I would also like you to identify these places verbally and explain what it is about them that aresignificanttoyouaswellasnegative/positiveaspectswithina cultural context. Additionally, as we walk through different areas, can you identify specific buildings, spaces, items, objects, smells or sounds that you feel are representative of that area?

How can the architectural typology of an Austin Chinatown be reimagined and what are the implications in relation to positive placemaking and cultural identity within the Chinese diaspora?

VEHICULAR ACCESS + PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RESIDENT PEDESTRIAN ACCESS + CIRCULATION

VISITING PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

“I think food’s important in Chinese culture. Whether it’s in Mandarin or Cantonese or Hokkien [...] the word fried - I think there’s 8 or 9 words to it, like fried rice, fried chicken are not the same [...] it reflects a culture that’s really diverse or very attentive to its culinary traditions [...] I think it’s true for any culture that food ties it to it.”

“If I’m walking down somewhere looking for a place to eat, I’ll be looking at the pictures [...] how many people are lining up at the door [...] in the Houston Chinatown, anytime you want to eat, you just have so many options - you can [...] just follow your nose and eyes.”

“Visiting Chinatowns during or around the time of [Lunar] New Year really elevates the cultural and ethnic identity I have of being someone of Chinese descent in a foreign country.”

“I would like to see [...] affordable senior housing [...] and see more [...] cross-pollination of [...] different types of industries, educational backgrounds, and class levels.”

“[What makes me feel most at home in Chinatown] is the familiar food [...] the fact that it’s usually the only place where I can find a certain type of food [...] and especially New Yorkers in Chinatown - there was a very social aspect to it [...] there were people selling fresh produce and fish and people interacted with you in a very [...] vocal and friendly way.”

“We have so many night markets in Taipei [...] I wish we had more of that here [...] a safe space where people can eat and be out later at night, but they don’t have to worry about getting pick pocketed or robbed or things like that.”

TRELLIS

GARDEN

MINI GOLF

NIGHT MARKET SENIOR HOUSING COURTYARD RETAIL + FOOD & DRINK

“Ithink[Chinatowns]dohaveaspecialresponsibilitynotonlytothose of the Chinese community, but really to the Pan-Asian community and tothecommunityofthecityasawhole[...]theydoplayaspecialrolein negotiating identity, in providing education, and also opening people’s eyes up to different types of cultures and ideas.”

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER

217 W 1ST STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Advanced Design | Spring 2022

Instructor: Stephanie Choi

Collaborator: Damini Sayeed

In LA County, opioids are the second most abused category of drugs, almost 64% of deaths in 2021 were caused by fentanyl, and nearly 1,500 people (believed to be homeless) died on the streets of LA during the pandemic with 40% of deaths attributed to drug or alcohol overdose.

In a speculative future, physicians, nurses, pharmaceutical scientists, and others in the industry began to rethink and reconstruct the perception of pain. With the Opioid Crisis at the forefront, the Holistic Healing Center was established to address different types of pain patients feel through education and outreach, inpatient care, and post rehabilitation strategies.

With its central location and partnership with local NGOS targeted towards homelessness, the Holistic Healing Center provides access to the Downtown LA homeless population to help those with opioid addiction find a space of temporary residence and healing.

The facility rethinks traditional western perspectives and approaches to pain management: the facility offers personalized care that combines western pharmaceuticals with practices from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Curandurismo.

The overall design scheme focuses on establishing zones of detox, rehabilitation, wellness, and education. Patients reside in the center for about 1-2 months and following their stay, are able to attend weekly group sessions and workshops. The large interior courtyards, garden spaces, and water features provide patients with outdoor access for physical activity and social interactions. The curving form establishes boundaries, and detailed screens over the windows give patients privacy while still allowing for access to natural light. The design serves as a response to the Opioid Crisis and offers alternative methods for pain management and treatment in the US.

Located in Downtown LA, the Holistic Healing Center is a rehabilitation facility for opioid use disorder with a focus on creating a balance between the mind, body, and environment. The Opioid Crisis is an ongoing epidemic in which there is an increasing number of deaths and hospitalizations attributed to opioid misuse and addiction.

Traditional

Traditional

Curanderismo

Naturopathy

Physical Mental Physical + Mental Eradication

Relief

Prevention

taichi + qigong

Inpatient Spaces

Patient Community

Public Spaces

Physical Wellness

Staff Community

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER ZONES

CARVING FOR COURTYARDS

CUTTING + CARVING

SPLITTING FLOOR

PUSH + PULL TO CREATE SOCIAL SPACES

INSERTING LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES

CONNECTING SPACES THROUGH PATHS

ACCESS

ATX GROVE

300 BAYLOR STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78703

Advanced Design Comprehensive | Fall 2021

Instructor: Michael Garrison

Collaborator: Clara Truax

Welcome to ATX Grove! In a post-pandemic world, groceries are just a click of a button away. How do we encourage young adults to reinvest themselves in shopping as an experience?

ATX Grove is an integrated vertical farm and market place catered towards a Gen Z demographic that encourages transparency of the farm-to-table process and celebrates Austin’s social culture.

The design creates a space where people can gather and transforms grocery shopping into a social experience for young Austinites. The free-flowing market space builds off of the programmatic spaces, especially the three types of greenhouses: aeroponics, aquaponics, and hydroponics.

Throughout the space, exposed timber structure and transparent materials are utilized to highlight each step of the growing process- from the cistern-colonnade entry and visible mechanical systems in walkways to the transparent greenhouses and hybrid market-warehouses, customers are able to fully immerse themselves. Additionally, the mechanical systems allow for a sustainable off-grid building, and the detailed composite column structure serves as a design motif as well as a rigid structural system.

Regarding circulation, two main pedestrian axes cater to both public and private transportation. Within the space, greenhouses extend into the ground level so as people enjoy their sip-and-shop, they can learn about growing food in an urban environment and about sustainability.

ATX Grove is designed as a space looking towards the future in terms of architecture’s relationship to the environment as well as our relationship to food.

1 Base 2 Open for Pedestrian Circulation

3 Open for Vertical Circulation

4 Split for Programmatic Spaces

5 Horizontal Extension of Spaces for Interconnected Levels

6 Vertical Extension of Spaces for Interconnected Experience

7 Free Flowing Market Space with Negative Spaces

Wall to Floor Connection

Wall to Roof Connection

Window Wall System

Composite Column System

Shear Connection + Solar Shading

CAAA

OTZI RESEARCH

FACILITY

THE OTZAL ALPS (AUSTRIA & ITALY)

Design V Integrative | Fall 2020

Instructor: Smilja Milovanovic-Bertram

UTSOA Design Excellence Nominee

In the Anthropocene, extreme temperatures, sloping site conditions, and energyefficiency are the driving forces of the design process. The form is derived from a grid system in which modules of different sizes went through a series of operations with the intention of establishing prospect and refuge. The decisions of these movements were driven by consideration of the sun path, wind direction, snow loads, human comfort, connection to the site, and the relationship between public and private. These factors gave rise to the layout of the programs within and between each module, in addition to the location of fenestrations.

The levels shift as they “unfold” from the core, creating a dynamic between public and private. The exterior is reflective of the interior in terms of spatial quality and materiality, establishing a sense of familiarity and home in this temporary residence.

As one moves throughout the space, they are physically and metaphorically navigating through the past, the present, and the future. Throughout the circulation core, one can visually occupy spaces they will later be in or previously were in. The apertures in every space look out towards Otzi or other beautiful sights of the Alps, providing inspiration to the researchers. The experience of this space promotes reflection, enabling the researchers to study both the past and the present in order to better the future, thus fulfilling the purpose of this research facility.

Located in the Otzal Alps uphill from Otzi, the Center for Analogue Architecture in the Anthropocene (CAAA) Otzi Research Facility acts as not only a research center, but also as a temporary residence. This design embraces the navigation between the past, the present, and the future.

3x3 Grid Extrusion of Grid Shifting and Removal of Modules Stereotomic Operations

Compression and Expansion of Modules

Scaling Up of Selected Set Extension and Removal of Planes Tectonic Operations

Diagonal Cut of Set and Extension of Planes Expansion of Spaces for Human Occupancy Expansion and Shifting of Spaces for Programs

WOOLDRIDGE ESTATES + PLAZA

900 GUADALUPE STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701

Design VI Environmental | Spring 2021

Instructors: Suhash Patel + Kevin Sullivan

Collaborators: Anisha Kamat + Clara Truax

Located across from Wooldridge Plaza, Wooldridge Estates is a low rise high density residential complex that is targeted towards single commuters in the early phase of transitioning into the workforce.

Sited in Wooldridge Square, a historically inaccessible site, Wooldridge Plaza reactivates the site with its three programs: an amphitheater, playground, and train station. These three points of activity create an inwards facing environment that highlights the activity of Guadalupe corridor within itself, enabling Wooldridge Plaza to be a gathering space for commuters, families, and businesspeople.

The units of Wooldridge Estates aggregate together to form shared patios and pathways, establishing multiple micro-work climates in which residents have the opportunity to learn or hone a trade, thus making it easier to transition into the workforce. The intent of this overall intervention is to have resources both provided and made within the space. As a result of the staggering operation and consideration towards lighting, voids are created from which two spaces arise: a mixed-use space that acts as a parkserving program and an inner courtyard that acts as a work and social space for the residential community.

As residents acclimate to Austin, they are also given the opportunity to work within retail spaces in the mixed-use program oriented to the public. This mini market hub is directly connected to Wooldridge through pathways, establishing an architectural and metaphorical bridge between the public and the private. This environment enables residents to adapt to the work environment, explore different skill sets, and network with the Downtown Austin community.

Through interconnected circulation among the patios and pathways, establishment of micro-work climates, and connection to the public, this intervention fosters the growth of the community, providing residents with a support system and smooth transition into the workforce.

Peel up portions of the landscape to create more walkable surfaces and establish distinctive areas for program

Cut portions of the landscape to accommodate for environmental factors, programmatic space (underground train station), and seating

3

operational diagram

Connect the various peeled portions of the landscape through fast and slow movement paths that weave throughout the park and connect to the central plaza

Connect 1 2 1 2 3 4

Create an inward facing triangle of distinct program connected by a central flexible plaza space

Patios Pathways

1 bedroom + private studio

2 bedroom + shared studio

3 bedroom + shared studio

WORK EXPERIENCE

MICHAEL HSU OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURE (MHOA)

Houston, TX | Summer 2021

DICK CLARK + ASSOCIATES (DC+A)

Austin, TX | Summer - Fall 2022

I have an accumulated 9 months full-time work experience at 2 different firms. I worked as a Project Designer at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, an architecture and interior design practice with a range of project types including, but not limited to hospitality design, mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse, single-family residential, retail, and restaurants. Much of my internship experience focused on the renovation of a commercial mixed-use strip in West University in which I completed site research in the field, as well as modeled various iterations to present to the client.

I also worked as an Intern through UT Austin’s Professional Residency Program at Dick Clark + Associates, an architecture and interior design firm that focuses on residential and commercial work. I was placed on numerous projects, including a multi-family residential unit, a wine shop, a commercial mixed-use development, and single-family residential. I attended client meetings, participated in site visits, modeled iterations, created renders, and more. I played a significant role on the marketing team, planning social media, creating diagrams for the AIA Homes Tour Webinar, and assisting with a photo shoot for a completed project.

Through both these experiences, I have gained exposure to all design phases, especially schematic design and construction administration, all while utilizing various BIM, modeling, and visualization programs. These diverse experiences have been crucial to my understanding of architecture in the real world and have allowed me to explore not only architectural work, but also interior design and marketing.

Softwares Used: SketchUp, Enscape, ArchiCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Illustrator, Photoshop

existing model by others on DC+A team, photography by Leonid Furmansky - diagrams for webinar + onsite photo shoot assistance

SARA TIN - U

SRTINU@GMAIL.COM

(832) 691-2230

REFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

EDUCATION

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor of Architecture | 2018 - 2023

Five Year Professional Degree Program

Bachelor of Arts, Plan II | 2018 - 2023

Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Honors Program

SKILLS

SketchUp

Rhino 3D

ArchiCAD

Revit

EXPERIENCE

Dick Clark + Associates

Intern | Jun 2022 - Dec 2022 | Austin, TX

Assisted architecture and interior design teams with schematic design, design development, construction administration, social media, marketing, communication, and design documentation for residential and commercial projects.

Tasks included iterations in SketchUp, renderings in Enscape, schematic and construction drawings in ArchiCAD, onsite photo shoots, social media management, contacting building vendors, finish schedules, internal meetings, client meetings, and site visits.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Project Designer | May 2021 - Aug 2021 | Houston, TX

LEADERSHIP

Redefined Dance Company

Choreographer + Dancer | Sep 2018 + 2021 - May 2023

Choreographed an exhibition piece for a universitywide dance competition and led open workshops to foster learning in the dance community

Trained in foundational and open dance styles for competitions, performances, and concept videos.

APX National Architecture Fraternity

President | Aug 2020 - Apr 2021

Photoshop Illustrator

InDesign

Enscape

RECOGNITIONS

Lumion

AutoCAD

3D Printing Model Making

Texas Society of Architects Studio Award

Award Winner | Summer 2023

Plan II Distinguished Graduate

Distinguished Graduate | Spring 2023

Plan II Model Thesis

Nominee | Spring 2023

UTSOA Design Excellence Awards

Nominee | Fall 2020

Miss Chinatown USA Pageant

Second Princess + Miss Talent | Spring 2019

World of Dance Houston

3rd Place Team Division | Spring 2022

College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Honor List

Cum Laude | Spring 2022

Summa cum Laude | Spring 2020

Ampla cum Laude | Spring 2019 + Fall 2019

Collaborated with Austin and Houston design teams for concept design, schematic design, design development, and construction/design documentation for various public realm and restaurant projects.

Tasks included program studies for a multi-use development, project research, digital modeling in SketchUp for a commercial mixed-use project, Enscape renderings, assembly of client presentations, drafting construction documents in Revit, and site research in the field.

INDEPENDENT PROJECTS

Bachelor Design Study | A Second Home

Honors Thesis | May 2022 - May 2023 | Austin, TX Researched historical, cultural, and social backgrounds of Chinatowns to develop diagrams in relation to how ChineseAmerican spaces are perceived, experienced, and imagined.

Conducted a series of walking interviews to collect and analyze empirical psychosocial data on the intersection between race and space in the built environment.

Hybridized traditional and modern Chinese architectural elements in an Austin Chinatown.

Spark Magazine + Freelance Creative Shoots

Hair & Makeup Artist | Jan 2020 - Present | Austin, TX Developed visuals for compelling narratives with creative teams of writers, photographers, stylists, hair & makeup artists, models, and layout designers in an editorial production of four print issues; currently pursue freelance shoots.

Acted as the liaison between the UT Austin Dinocrates Chapter and nationals, organized and presided over biweekly chapter meetings, supervised the officer team, and oversaw monthly professional, philanthropy, and social events.

Pledge Instructor + Prof. Chair | Aug 2021 - Apr 2022

Secretary | Aug 2019 - Apr 2020

Texas Wushu

Co-Captain | Aug 2019 - Aug 2020

Made executive policy decisions, created practice schemes, led weekly practices, performed administrative duties with UT RecSports and Dean of Students, and oversaw the officer team.

INVOLVEMENT

Myanmar Diaspora Project Outreach

Research Assistant | Summer 2023

PlanTutoring

Tutor | Fall 2020 - Spring 2021

UTSOA Mentor Program

Mentor | Fall 2019 - Spring 2023

Miss Chinatown Houston Pageant

Mentor | Summer 2020 - Present

Dance Outreach

Founder + VP of PR | Spring 2017 - Summer 2021

USA Wushu Kung Fu Federation

Senior Wushu C Team | Summer 2015