Architectural Portfolio_Wei Jit Long

Taikoo

Correios

Salvage

Kinetic

Timber

Structural

Feature

A Growing House:

Soft Metabolism by User Appropriation

should be considered in the design process through careful consideration of the potential development of a residential project. Anticipating future growth requires architects to study demographic shifts, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and cultural changes that may influence architectural requirements.

The context of Hong Kong housing presents challenges of density and price, in order to find a solution grounded in the reality, understanding the construction limitation and available resources for designers to manipulate to reach the intended result through rigorous testing of different typologies.

Initial 25m2 of Private Space purchased by the user with basic amenities

Common Space

Semi-private space co-owned by the neighboring units with

Expansion Area

formula describes understand how user affordability affects the available resources in the design process.

The current mode of expansion is to move from one flat to another, causing the loss of connections and contexts built around the household.

The new typology allows users to grow the unit according to their need, becoming more committed to bettering their environment.

Typology 1: Single-Sized Cluster

This typology is created through clustering of four 25m2 units to create an enclosed semi-private common space shared among the units. Each unit is connected to two common space, providing each unit with two directions of growth, allowing for a more flexible growth path.

Cluster Scenario Study:

By anticipating and illustrating potential growth of the units, the subtle dynamics of household interactions can be understood. Further iteration of the typology can take these into account to better control the distance and adjacency of the units.

Typology 2: Multi-Sized Cluster

This typology groups units of sizes ranging from 25m2 to 60m2 together to create a cluster with pocket shared space shared by 1-2 units. The grouping considers a 2:1 proportion of unit of smaller size (25m2, 40m2) to larger units (55m2, 70m2).

This grouping allows for units of smaller sizes to expand in multiple directions, 25m2 having 3 pocket shared spaces shared with 2 other units. The access to individual units are at an internal stairwell, with private access unconnected to the shared spaces.

25m2 40m2 55m2

70m2

Private Circulation

The staircase leads directly to the units, allowing for unit’s expansion path to be unobstructed as much as possible.

Pocket Expansion Space

In this cluster plan, 2-3 units share a pocket space for user appropriation. Each pocket’s size range from 15m2 – 40m2 to ensure flexibility for future expansion of one or both units. Prior to any privatization, the space can be used freely by the shared units.

User-Driven Community

In anticipation for future growth through user appropriation by preserving open space, users can develop a sense of belonging through the longevity and involvement in shaping the context they inhabit. As this process continues, the users create a self-organized society and a tightly knitted network with neighbouring units and clusters.

Internal Courtyard

Internal Courtyard connects with the pockets spaces among different clusters, creating a sense of centrality and communal belonging.

The pocket space also acts as a semi-private buffer to the public corridors.

Vertical Village Cluster

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Tai

O Fishing Village

Case Study in Shared Space

2016/17 Academic Study: Year 2 Studio

Lantau Island, Hong Kong

In Tai O’s vernacular households, we investigated the interplay between private and public spaces, focusing on a shared patio for three households. Our goal was to understand and enhance the interactions in this communal area, allowing each household limited access and customization. We analyzed three aspects: visual, auditory, and physical connections.

After thorough mapping and documentation, we were tasked with redesigning an element using insights from our research. We created a household on the patio, employing tailored approaches for each aspect, balancing privacy with public openness.

To foster visual connectivity, we integrated architectural elements and spatial arrangements that provided glimpses and connections between households, creating a sense of community while preserving privacy.

For auditory interactions, we used acoustic design principles to balance privacy and shared experiences. Materials and spatial configurations minimized sound transmission, allowing for selective acoustic engagement.

Blurred Boundaries

To facilitate physical connections, we designed pathways and transitional spaces that encouraged movement and encounters. These pathways integrated with the layout to balance accessibility and privacy, promoting a harmonious flow within the shared patio. Through this exploration, we aimed to preserve and revitalize Tai O’s vernacular architecture while enriching residents’ experiences.

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Ubuntu Housing Shelter:

Modular Self-Organized Community

2023 Personal Project: YAC Competition

North-East Nigeria

The project brief is to design a low-cost, incremental and modular housign solution for populations disruped by voilence in rural areas of North-East Nigeria.

This scheme aims to balance what we provide for the users with the possibility and choice of user-driven appropriation.

First, we must provide a suitable context to inform the use of space and sense of direction. Each unit has a front-facing facade connected to the public circulation, and a back of house connected to a communal space shared among the modules, creating a shared space that naturalistically promotes gathering, cooking, storage.

Secondly, to control the scale within a unit. All rooms originate from a living space that does not promote expansion, instead acting as rainwater collection for future usage. Two room types are developed based on the user’s needs: the master bedroom has a larger footprint, facing outward; the children’s room is built in half, with the possibility of housing 4-8 children after expansion. Corners of the unit are left empty for the future needs of the users, including a new room when the family expands.

Master Bedroom Module

The bedroom is allocated to the parents of the family, with possibilities to further split down to accommodate a second wife, were separate rooms are required.

Child Room Module

Communal Area

Child room has the biggest capacity to expand, effectively providing half of the module which can house a maximum of 4 children, to double the footprint for increased quantity or need. To introduce a centralized facing area to cultivate community, the open area act as a gathering space for future self-initiated appropriation.

Module

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Module

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Household Typologies

Family Scenario & Growth of household type C

YEAR 0

14 persons

(22) (32) (26)

3 Master Bedroom: Husband and two wives; kids sleep with their mother; 2 Adolescents’ Room

YEAR 10

12 persons

EXPANSION of adolescents’ room: all kids turn into adolescents PARTIAL CONVERSION from wives’ rooms

Designed for Appropriation

Considering the future growth and changing needs of Nigerian communities, our design approach emphasizes user future expansion. We understand that families evolve, new residents join, and requirements shift over time. Therefore, our design allows for incremental development and expansion, enabling housing units to be added or modified as needed.

This flexibility ensures that the housing shelters can adapt and evolve with the communities they serve, providing sustainable and long-lasting solutions.

Modular construction techniques offer numerous advantages, including reduced construction time, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced sustainability. Our modular units are designed for easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration, allowing for efficient transportation and flexibility in different contexts.

YEAR 20

16 persons

(42) (52) (46)

Female Legends

Adult

Adolescent

Kid Elderly

Male

(32)

(28) (25) (25) (29) (36) (27) (27) (24) married married married married

The sons are already at suitable age for marriage, thus ADDITION & EXPANSION would be needed for extra, separated room of the sons’ family

Wing Shan Artisan House:

Adaptive Reuse

2017/18 Academic Project: Year 3 Studio (Group Work - Leader, Diagramming)

Yau Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Wing Shan Artisan House is set at the eastern harbor of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Taking the existing site of a factory building, the project is a practice of craving out voids and volume from the hyper sense structure, creating a walkable and breathable space by removing excess.

To enhance the breathability of the space, greenery was thoughtfully integrated. Lush plants, vertical gardens, and green spaces were incorporated, providing visual relief and improving air quality. The presence of vegetation creates a refreshing and calming environment for users to enjoy, giving birth to a walkable and breathable space. Wing Shan Artisan House showcases how existing structures can be reimagined and transformed into vibrant and functional spaces with a new lease on life.

the studio

sky lounge

the hotel arcade

podium eatery

wellness centre

urban garden

the stage

When entering the building, an urban garden greets the visitors by leading them up to the atrium that penertrates the building volume. At the podium, the arcade showcases the an assortment of curated F&B, retail, and service experience connected to the studio and the hotel. The edge of the podium brings guests to the harborfront for an unobstructed panoramic view of the Yau Tong Bay.

Walkable, Breathable Giant

This carving out of space not only transformed the physical layout of the building but also created opportunities for unique architectural features. The voids and volumes allow for the integration of different functions, such as walkways, gathering areas, or artistic installations. The resulting spaces offer a sense of discovery and intrigue as users navigate through the transformed environment.

Natural Ventilation and daylight are introduced to the 14-storey building through the carved out voids for an improve IAQ

Careful consideration was given to the spatial layout to ensure a walkable and user-friendly environment. Clear sightlines, intuitive wayfinding, and well-defined circulation paths were implemented to guide users through the space seamlessly.

URBAN COLOUR DESIGN GUILDLINE

西安市城市色彩管控规划

Taikoo Li Xian

为与古城的整体自然环境色彩相协调，同时又突出鲜明的地域文化特色，将西 安城市建筑主色调定为以灰色、土黄色、赭石色为主的色彩体系，并以这三种 主色调作为西安的城市主色调。

Open Street Retail on Heritage Site

2022/23 Professional Work

coordinate with the overall natural environment color of the ancient city, and at highlight the distinctive regional cultural characteristics, the main color of architecture is set to a color system mainly composed of Gray, Earthy Yellow

Small Wild Goose Pagoda Cultural Zone, Xian, China

The TLX project, nestled within the profound heritage conservation site of the Small Goose Pagoda, revered for its historical importance and archaeological discoveries, places a significant emphasis on promoting the site’s rich historical narrative. This project is deeply committed to preserving the historical presence and cultural distinctiveness that constitute the heritage quality of this location.

As part of this commitment, the project extends the heritage park, introducing a culturally-inspired retail mixed programme to enrich visitor experiences. Through these endeavours, the Pagoda Project contributes meaningfully to the diversification of Xian City’s cultural tourism, ensuring that the echoes of the past continue to resonate within the city’s vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry.

Sustainability is a key design principle guiding the Pagoda Project, aiming to reduce environmental impact and contribute to green environments. To achieve this, sustainability studies are conducted across allphases, covering energy consumption, renewable energy strategies, and passive design considerations.

XIAN URBAN COLOUR DESIGN GUILDLINE

西安市城市色彩管控规划

为与古城的整体自然环境色彩相协调，同时又突出鲜明的地域文化特色，将西 安城市建筑主色调定为以灰色、土黄色、赭石色为主的色彩体系，并以这三种 主色调作为西安的城市主色调。

In order to coordinate with the overall natural environment color of the ancient city, and at the same time highlight the distinctive regional cultural characteristics, the main color of the Xian city architecture is set to a color system mainly composed of Gray, Earthy Yellow and Ochre.

Historical Presence

Informed by ‘An Ren Fang’s aesthetic, the architecture embodies traditional building proportions and roofscape relationships. It also reflects the city’s historical colour codes found in historical artefacts and natural elements. These elements have been subtly incorporated into the modern architectural context, ensuring a harmonious connection between the past and present.

the Oval partnership

Facade Development

The Pagoda Project prioritises experience-driven design, focusing on the development of diverse open spaces to facilitate various social interactions. It delves into an intricate study of architectural elements, including the massing of buildings, the scale of open spaces, and the deployment of different sheltering measures. Incorporating a broad spectrum of environmental and operational factors, the project aims to enrich user experience and promote well-being, thereby reinforcing the narrative of a vibrant social ecosystem.

Humane Streetscape

The Pagoda Project focuses on experience-driven design. It conducts a thorough analysis of environmental factors to understand their impact on pedestrian comfort. This information guides the planning of open spaces, influencing decisions on street layering and plantation layouts. The goal is to prioritise user comfort and enjoyment in these spaces.

Pagoda

Correios de Macau

UNESCO Cultural Adaptive Quater

2021/22 Professional Work

Largo do Senado, Macau, China

Situated right next to one of the bustling plazas of Macau and surrounded by UNESCO-graded architecture, Correios de Macau positions itself as the next retail-cultural landmark of Macau. The former dormitory for postal workers, strategically located at the intersection between tourists and locals, presents a unique opportunity to embrace the concept of permeability. By considering the needs of both local commuters and enhancing retail value, the building can become a vibrant hub that attracts increased traffic and footfall.

The design approach focuses on harmonizing the building’s facade with the existing streetscape, ensuring it seamlessly blends into the surrounding urban fabric. By maintaining a rhythm that aligns with the neighboring structures, the building becomes an unassuming yet integral part of the street, preserving the local character and aesthetic. By considering the needs of local commuters, enhancing retail value, and blending harmoniously with the streetscape, the building becomes a dynamic and inclusive space that benefits both residents and visitors alike.

This is the client’s first design project, being China’s biggest developer, they poured hours and resources into the project. 1:1 Mock up for the facade terrazzo modules were produced multiple times until the seam lines align and look right. The arduous process witnessed countless design options and changes, and has led me to understand the grit it takes to be stubborn and insist on the design, especially facing forces that are on the opposite end.

Postal

West

West

Edifício Sede da DSC R. da Sé, Macao

Facade Elevation

Terrazzo Facade Modules

Facade Mockup

Salvage Wood Counter

Crafted Sustainable Furniture

2023/24 Professional Work

Central, Hong Kong

In an office setting, a reception counter made from salvaged wood materials can serve as a visually stunning and environmentally responsible focal point. By repurposing reclaimed wood, we can breathe new life into discarded materials while reducing the demand for virgin resources. Carefully select salvaged wood with desirable characteristics, such as rich textures adds a touch of rustic charm but also tells a story of sustainability and conscious design.

To enhance sustainability further, I prioritize using responsibly sourced and certified wood materials. By selecting wood from sustainable forests or reclaimed sources, I reduce the ecological impact and support the preservation of natural resources.

The incorperation of digital tools ensured a perfect fit and minimizing material waste. By optimizing the design, I can make the most of the available wood resources, reducing the environmental impact associated with excess material consumption.

SPLIT UNROLL CARVE

Cloud Point Mapping on Tree Trunk

Kinetic Fruit Stall

Expandable Structure Study

2016/17 Academic Study: Year 2 Studio

Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Taking the Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market as a site, we are tasked with understanding its history and propose setting up a store within the market. Transportation of fruits at the market is done before dawn, leaving most afternoons vacant in many of the inner corridors.

The idea is to design deployable and retractable fruit stalls, hanging from the steel structure of the market, revitalizing the market during off-hours while not affecting their work. The stalls provide visitors fruit options to make juice. There are three types of stalls: picking fruits, making juice, and sitting area.

By implementing these deployable and retractable fruit stalls, the market can revitalize its inner corridors during off-hours without disrupting the primary operations of the fruit transportation process. This concept adds a new dimension to the market, attracting both locals and tourists alike, and encouraging them to engage with the vibrant fruit culture of the region.

SITE: ALLEY WAY

The Site for the juice stalls is oon the alleyway of the market, where most of the transportation take place at night but is left empty in the afternoon. The raises an interesting dynamic for the program between the di erent users, and also provides the task of renewing the site while it is not in use. This project aims to reventilize the image of the fruit market and gaining traction for a younger genera-

1. Fruit Tube

2. Lighting Tube

3. Cable System

4. Canvas

5. Aluminum Structure

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Timber Pavilion

Structural Joinery & Interfacing Details Study 2022/23 Technical Study: Xian, China

Spiral Feature Staircase