2020-2025
uyendt.ng@gmail.com | (909)-267-8344 | linkedin.com/in/uyen-nguyen/ | @udtarch
Originally from Vietnam, I am currently a fifth-year architecture student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. My decision to pursue architecture stems from its captivating blend of art and science. Driven by a deep passion for design, I am dedicated to creating and understanding unique interior and exterior spaces.
Year: 2024
Site Location: Los Angeles, CA
The main concept of this project revolves around visual boundaries. From certain positions or perspectives, people can see what happens behind the openings. This creates two distinct conditions: it can either obscure the view or highlight specific parts of the scene behind.
To explore this concept, plastic is chosen as the primary material. Like glass, plastic allows visibility through its transparent planes. However, burning plastic limits the view and manipulates the visual perception. Five different types of plastic are tested with various heat applications to observe changes in texture and color. The three best textures are achieved through ironing, melting on the stove, and using a candle, each providing different levels of opacity suitable for public, private, and semiprivate spaces.
The spatial arrangement is designed horizontally, enabling sightlines through multiple areas. Spaces are organized based on user groups and strategically placed pauses, allowing people to stop and take in optimal views from one program area to another. Each pause features openings of varying scales and shapes, offering diverse experiences and visual connections as people move through the space.
The experience photo express the idea of the test material on how visual allows people to experience throughy spaces.
The layers of different burned mark material with the different shape, size of openings response to the main concept of how vision is exposed and how it is hidden.
PROGRAM
PAUSED MOVEMENT PROGRAM
PAUSED MOVEMENT PROGRAM
PAUSED MOVEMENT
PROGRAM
Density Arrangment
Pause Movemt is divided the program based on the group of users from public to private
Using the rotation to affect the visual path of visitor from spaces to spaces
Due to the study of visual angle, each focal point create the 30 degree angle wide.
Subtraction
Subtracting from the visual net, to create the unique openings
It is the result of the concept process that allow the visitor to see through multiple spaces depend on their angles and position that they see through the openings.
The main idea of the building is expresses the variation of spaces by using the rotation of limiting vision. It allows the change in quality of space in both horizontal and vertical, and the Paused Movement is where people stop and look through all of the visual boundaries from that type of the program.
Year: 2023
Site Location: Citrus College, Glendora, CA
No matter how much time passes, the librar y will be the collection of paper knowledge. Something that will stay untouched for hundreds of years from now. Books are going to be loved as much as new tech devices. There is something different about reading from paper-bound books versus digitized ones.
The concept became clear, we wanted to prior itize the books but also to consider the effect of the digital age that is upon us. Therefore we started with 6 different orthogonal shapes.
Black Square - CoreVolume that serves as stacks of books
Circulation Volumes- Two Volumes; one that serves the ramp and gives access to the book stack and a second that serves the stairs and creates social spaces within that circulation.
Programmatic Volumes - Three Volumes- that houses all the classrooms, private study spaces, zoom rooms, labs, and all the rest of the essential spaces.
Defining these volumes, we started rotating them to create separation between spaces. We separated Old Knowledge from New Knowledge. And as volumes started intersecting each other it allowed us to create open below spaces. The rotation also allowed us to take advantage of the views and consider ground circulation.
The book stack is the heart of the library. The main idea is to preserve and develop physical books no matter how developed the technology is. The books are still important
BOOK STACKS AS A HEARTOTHER PROGRAM AROUND
BOOK STACKS AS A HEARTOTHER PROGRAM AROUND
INITAL CONCEPT IDEA DIAGRAM
In the library, beside the book stacks, there are many opened, and closed study spaces, classrooms, and other services. Three other program volumes are around the book stack center
ADDING THE RAMP CIRCULATION AROUND THE BOOK STACKS TO CREATE THE FULLY ACCESS
ADDING THE RAMP CIRCULATION AROUND THE BOOK STACKS TO CREATE THE FULLY ACCESS
Adding the layer in between the book stacks and other programs as a connection to create the ramp circulation throughout the library
ADDING ANOTHER LAYER OF SOCIAL SPACES AROUND THE CIRUCLATION TO HAVE MORE GATHER SPACES AROUND
ADDING ANOTHER LAYER OF SOCIAL SPACES AROUND THE CIRUCLATION TO HAVE MORE GATHER SPACES AROUND
Adding another layer outside of the circulation and interact with other volumes with the main function is to create the public space
EACH LAYER ROTATE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO DEFINE EACH VOLUME PROGRAM AND CREATE OPEN TO BELOW THROUGH THE INTERSECTION
EACH LAYER ROTATE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO DEFINE EACH VOLUME PROGRAM AND CREATE OPEN TO BELOW THROUGH THE INTERSECTION
Each in-between layers rotate in different directions with different angles to create the intersection between the volumes. The meaning of that intersection is to create better interaction spaces like open-to-below, or stairs.
Derived from the concept, the floor plan embodies the notion that each program volume accommodates a single program.
This floor level encompasses carrels, offices, private study areas, and an additional open study space adjacent to the ramp.
Notably, the plan incorporates open-tobelow spaces, providing visual access to the area below and promoting interaction between individuals across different floors.
Year: 2023
Site Location: Orange County, CA
Facing the Santa Ana Transportation hub, the multi-housing structure adopts a stepped configuration to enhance views of the station and neighboring residential areas. The primary concept revolves around establishing symmetrical circulation and fostering interaction with the adjacent residences.
Utilizing a subtractive approach to carve out outdoor spaces, the design prioritizes abundant natural lighting within the interiors. The main mass is bifurcated into two segments, each stepping in opposite directions to afford occupants views of both the transportation center and the residential backdrop.
The modularity principle guides the design of each unit, with individual programs treated as modules and stacked to compose the building’s units. Material-wise, the structure features a stucco exterior, while subtractive curves are fashioned from flexible concrete sheets, providing curvature to the walls and accentuating the white stucco aesthetic.
Dimension Unit
Each program is designed in one module which is a square 10 feet by 10 feet.
Modular
Given the modular nature of one program equating to one module, each unit adheres to this arrangement by replicating multiple modules. Circulation
Adding the main circulation in the middle to divide the program. This main circulation serves as a pathway leading to each room within the unit.
Subtraction Outdoor
Using the subtraction, the unit creates the outdoor space around another program to provide more daylight into the house.
Curved Corner
Implementing gentle curves in the intermediate corners to establish a seamless and continuous ambiance within the house. This design approach not only contributes to the affordability of the house but also imparts an expanded perception.
Window Placement
Windows strategically positioned at both ends of the circulation contribute to a visual extension, seamlessly blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The program layout is organized around the central circulation axis, ensuring a distinct separation between circulation and program elements. Subtraction
Through the subtraction process applied to each unit, connectivity is established via outdoor spaces, fostering increased interaction between neighboring units.
The structure is segmented into two primary stepped masses, providing individuals with expansive views on both sides—toward the transportation station and the neighboring residential areas.
The foundation of the multi-housing project is rooted in the concept of individual houses, each guided by a curvilinear approach to circulation. By eliminating sharp corners, this design fosters a continuous and expansive atmosphere within each space.
Two-beds unit:
- The residence comprises two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a symmetrical layout centered around the main entrance. Serving as the divide between public and private spaces, the entrance guides individuals to each room through curved pathways. Employing a subtractive approach, the design introduces openings in the building and balconies to seamlessly blend the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor areas.
One-bed unit:
- The dwelling features a single bedroom and bathroom. The absence of conventional doors is compensated by the curvature of the corners. The house, devoid of explicit doors, utilizes the guided curves to offer discreet vistas, ensuring the privacy of each room.
Level 1:
- Based on the concept and form of each unit, the arrangement of the multi-housing is orchestrated through interconnected balconies, fostering interaction among residents.
Year: 2021
Site Location: CLA Building, Cal Poly Pomona, CA
The fundamental concept underpinning the design of the Architectural School revolves around the interplay between two geometric elements – the curve and the diagonal. In this architectural language, the curve symbolizes the programmatic elements derived from the neighboring landscape, manifested in the circular radius that defines the building’s form. On the other hand, the diagonal signifies the circulation paths, weaving through both the plinth and the tower structure.
The convergence of the curve and diagonal gives r ise to a distinctive concave shape, forming a spatial gathering point just before entering the building. Extending this conceptual logic to the tower, the curve elegantly enfolds the triangular structure, creating a harmonious architectural language.
Continuing from the plinth, the diagonal extends seamlessly and intersects with the curve, resulting in concave balconies on each floor of the tower. Taking inspiration from the Aqua Tower by Studio Gang, the balconies are intentionally shifted slightly on each floor, fostering a sense of connection. This deliberate misalignment encourages interaction between occupants on different levels, facilitating communication and shared experiences, both externally on the balconies and internally within the building.
The plinth’s program takes form through the intentional development of an organic, randomized curve.
Incorporating an additional diagonal layer for circulation to establish accessibility to each program.
The synergy between the curve and diagonal is designed to form a welcoming concave space, serving as a gathering area just before entering the building.
plinth is akin to a small campus area preceding entry into the building tower. It is crafted through a thoughtful combination of curved compositions and intersecting diagonals, resulting in visually compelling shapes.
The tower’s curvature is derived from the surrounding geometries of neighboring structures.
Cruving the Triangle
The curvature envelops the structure, mitigating sharp corners and optimizing the efficiency of the corner space.
Diagonal Meet the Curve
A diagonal incision intersects the curved tower, resulting in the formation of balconies encircling the structure.
Year: 2024
Site Location: Underground Las Vegas
Urban fabric rarely ever accomplishes being able to accommodate the needs of every one in a city. Specifically, Housing the homeless can present itself as an impossible problem with not enough to be done to solve it. Resultantly, urbanism can become a hierarchical struggle between the haves and the have nots with society preying on the addiction of people. One particularly dark juxtaposition of this can be observed with the tunnels of Las Vegas. The city presented to us sells us this glamorous allusion of wealth and prosperity with lights that illuminates the night. Though this facade is rather thin, few are able to grasp the true dichotomy of this allusion being dissolved in the tunnels below that the militantly criminalized vagrants of Las Vegas rely on for shelter, shelter in which no light can penetrate on even the brightest days.
This dystopian situation is what “Woven Tunnels” seeks to provide commentary on. Opposed to trying to fix the circumstances these vagrants find themselves in, Instead we look to the resilience of this community and the adversities they are forced to overcome to make life happen as a potential model for future solutions to homelessness. It is important that our invention does not impose an order to life in these tunnels but instead accentuates the already occurring phenomenon of life in the tunnel. Therefore the language of the intervention simply provides room for discovery of space and population of underutilized urban infrastructure, directly contrasting the city of Vegas above it.
Noting what is already occuring within the tunnels, the unrelenting striation of the tunnels imposing rigir to the space within, constrasted with nodes of activity scattered arbitrarily where people find themselves setting. These nodes create a field that the composition of which is exploited to generate form
Ballooning of nodes creates vestibules of activity made to be a metaphotical pitching a tent in the space to fight and resist the striated nature of the tunnels. Conceptually, resisting the original use of the tunnel and adapting the use to a new scale and providing commentary of functionality and experience. What is dissolves and what becomes as a result us a conversation between the static function of the tunnels of life growing and happening within them.
Stretching tangents through these spaces, the language of a tent is adapted into plan. The lines of the circles both act to pull these spaces together and create separation and privacy. This language works to combat the extreme length of the tunnel making, pulling and creating a connection of distant parts. Devoid of reference and vanity, the project instead self-indexes constrasting the philosophy of the forms it finds itself underneath.
Year: 2020-2025
Beyond architecture, art has been a constant source of inspiration, allowing me to explore creativity in diverse forms. From sketching and drawing during my high school years to photography and collage, each medium has shaped my artistic journey. Sketching in pencil and watercolor sparked my love for visual expression, while photography became a way to capture meaningful moments. Collage, blending reality with imagination, bridges the gap between the two and fuels creativity.
My portfolio showcases a variet y of works, including sketches, drawings, photographs, collages, and diagrams, highlighting the importance of concept, idea, and form in both art and architecture.
uyendt.ng@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/uyen-nguyen/