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jyipw4@gmail.com
@wlj.yip
Hong Kong
The project investigates the development of a vernacular bamboo tectonic rooted in the structural principles of bamboo bundling and traditional Chinese timber construction, in designing a Martial Arts Arena for different scales of fighting in Hong Kong. Bamboo, long relegated to a supporting role through its use in scaffolding, is gradually being replaced by metal as part of the city’s modernization of construction standards. In response to this shift, The Worship of Fighting Arenas aim to preserve the intangible heritage of bamboo scaffolding by embedding the material within the city’s cultural and architectural fabric.
The Overall structural system is developed from Chinese timber principles of stacking and interlocking brackets combined with bundling and interlocking bamboo to give the material a tectonic mass that anchors the building onto the site. By fusing traditional tectonics with Hong Kong’s rich martial arts legacy and aligning it
with the city’s rapidly expanding technology sector, the project reimagines bamboo as both a cultural and futuristic material. The Worship of Fighting Arenas aspire to create a world-class platform for martial arts entertainment featuring a range of combat from human martial artists to large robotic fighting positioning Hong Kong at the intersection of heritage preservation and technological innovation.
Globally, bamboo is widely utilized in Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of South America, with each region establishing its own well-defined vernacular construction principles, reflecting local traditions, climates, and cultural practice s.
China
Japan
Korea
India
Thailand
Hong Kong’s bamboo tectonics are unique, as it is the only place in the world where bamboo scaffolding is widely and systematically used in modern construction. The city’s dense urban environment has fostered the development of an impressive and intricate system of bamboo scaffolding, showcasing a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative application.
Bamboo is an exceptional material due to its unique combination of strength, flexibility, and sustainability. It boasts a high tensile strength comparable to steel and is lightweight, making it ideal for a variety of structural applications.
The diameter of a bamboo node can range from 25 mm to grow as thick as 150 mm
Other Bamboo Applications in Hong Kong
Due to its exceptional combination of strength, flexibility, affordability, and sustainability, bamboo is widely utilized in Bamboo Scaffolding It allows for the construction of simple yet durable frames that are both cost-effective and efficient.
These frames are crafted by bundling multiple bamboo nodes together using specific tying techniques, often with nylon strips. This method ensures a secure and stable structure,
Double Layered Bamboo Scaffolds (DLBS)
Double Layered Bamboo Scaffolds (DLBS) are for forming working platforms for heavy duty work. It provides safe working platforms for complicated operations to be carried out at heights up to 30m +.
lashing
Strong, long-lasting lashing cord is commonly used for tying bamboo (Not a permanent joining method)
Flat nylon is easy to tie and has a wax coating that grips onto the surface of bamboo
Strut Ledger
Horiztonal elements Material:
Kao Bamboo (Bambusa Pervariabilis)
Post
Vertical Elements Material: Mao Bamboo (Phyllostachys Pubescens)
Growth Rate of Bamboo
2.54 cm - 10.5 cm per
(Average 6.52 cm) 91 cm - 122 cm per month (Average 106.5 cm )
6 - 12.7 m per year (Average 9m)
growing clumps
Material Redunancies of Bamboo
Node and Culm Diameter Variations
As a naturally grown material, bamboo is subject to dimensional variability due to natural differences in node spacing and culm diameter. To address this, a strict grading system will be implemented to ensure consistency and structural reliability.
Connection challenges
Conventional timber joining methods like nailing can cause instability within the fibers of the bamboo resulting in splitting.
As bamboo is used as the main structural material, the immense loads may cause the bamboo to split, compromising the structural integrity of the material.
External Damage to material
Insect damage to bamboo node
Fungal Damage
Surface Fissure on bamboo Culm
Internal Fissure on bamboo Culm
Holes in the bamboo from insect damage
Bugs crawling around bamboo culmn
External Taper Bamboo Bow
Maximum perpendicular distance from the centre of the culm section to the chord
Nodes Inter- nodes
Directional force to hold bend
Adhesive Applied to cuts
Pins placed at opposing angles to create internal
Adhesive added inbetween splits
Bamboo splits are stacked
End Node Connections to connect end nodes to other elements
Bending Bamboo and interlocking using friction joining connections to bundle bamboo poles
Bending Bamboo and interlocking using friction joining connections to bundle bamboo poles
Overview
Drawing from the construction principles of bamboo basket weaving and traditional scaffolding frameworks, this conceptual column explores the creation of a bundled bamboo structural system. The design weaves steam-bent bamboo elements together and utilizes culm-friction joints to interlock and bundle bamboo poles of varying sizes into a unified column.
Allowing for friction joining of bamboo bundle
Applying method of fixation of bamboo poles using timber with poles and cutting of the culm wall.
Integrated elements :
Integrated elements :
Column from principle of Interlocking stacking to inform bundling
Bundling composition
Interlocking Weave
Stacking interlocking construction
Stacking and using friction joints to interlock the bamboo bundle to create a structural column concept
Bridge fragment
Bracket To hold poles for horizontal elements
Overview
This exploration sees the exploration of different stacking compositions to create different structural columns, viewing the poles as scaled up timber fibers. The purpose of these compositions is to create tectonical structural possibilities
Overview
Drawing the existing structural taxonomies of bamboo construction, these taxonomies will be used to create structural fragments which will develop the findings to inform the tectonic.
Stacking composition 1, created many opportunities for bundling horizontally. The intention with this fragment was to slot in different lengths of bamboo to create potential surface fragments.
This composition of stacking allows for additional bundling vertically, utilising different shaped bamboo. In this case using bent bamboo to create an arching structure. Because of the long nodes on the periphery of the composition we can use stacking and bundling to interlock the foreign bamboo, intergrating it into the overall composition.
Bridge Fragment
Similar concept to 1.1, utilising the extra length of the nodes to integrate foreign bamboo. In this case looking at integrating straight and bent bamboo.
A parameter that can affect the composition of stacking are diagonal elements. The diagonal bottom half of the integrated bamboo informed a diagonal direction of stacking.
Other findings from this fragment include bundling + stacking to interlock or hold together two adjacent bamboo bundles to form a truss structure
Railway Fragment
Informing Bundling through composition
Interlocking
Surface through stacking and bundling
Informing stacking through direction
Interlocking
Interlocking nodes
Fragment 1.3 explores the Vertical potential of the stacking composition by creating repeatable fragments.
Other findings include seeing how to connect the fragments together, treating this fragment as a pre-fabricated fragment
As well as stacking as a method of interlocking horizontally.
Platform Fragment
1.4 further expands on the directional stacking as seen in 1.2 but this time exploring how the foreign bamboo can change the overall shape of the composition as well as inform the form but still keep the compositional stacking.
Other findings include parameter such as the width between the nodes, this informed the possbilities of weaving in of different lengths of bamboo to further diversify the fragment.
of fragment
+ node interlocking Horizontal node driven interlocking
Direction informed stacking + bundling
Bridge Fragment
Parametric bundling opportunities
2.1
Fragment 2.1 further delves into using the fragment for vertical expansion. Looking at compressing informed bamboo structures that will ultimately lead to floors using the stacking composition and how to interweave additional elements by using different lengths and sizes of bamboo to inform further fragmentation development.
Platform Fragment
2.2
2.2 explores potential of the stacking composition in integrating different bamboo structural forms to potentially create a hybrid structure. In this case a branching column.
Applying the same principle of using the weight from stacking, the integrated strcuture follows the same principle further interlocking the horizontal components.
Platform Fragment
Interlocking supports from composition held together by weight
Informing directional bundling using core bundle and stacking composition
Integrated structural form, adding further comprehensive strength
Stacking and interlocking composition
2.3 looks at integrating structural shapes into the stacking composition utilising all the stacking principles from the previous fragments, to create a structure that is primarily friction and stacking based.
The form of the fragment is dictated by the inverted trapezium form held together with a truss form
2.4 Further develops on integrating structural shapes by applying a parallelogram into the form.
What is displayed is the potentials of the principles in creating new forms from the intial fragment by combining all the previous methods.
3.1 Fragmenting a structure with the intention of utilising trusses, scaling up the compositional fragment, I also explore the potential of interweaving surfaces inbetween the truss structure.
This is done by using and expanding upon the principle used in 2.2. We can apply the same principle of stacking + bundling to scale up the strength and form
Other findings include diagonal stacking for interlocking horizonal components
Fragment
Fragment structure concept
Interlocking method for mid truss
Diagonal interlocking stacking (Mini Truss)
3.2 explores integrating 2 different structural forms, an arch and a truss into the inital fragment. This exploration further expanded upon stacking + bundling techniques in terms of weaving the structure into the potential surface.
Parameters affecting the width between bamboo stacking can allow for bundled structural forms of bamboo to be slotted in between. This can then interlocked
Fragment
Fragment structure concept
Interlocking inbetween gaps
3.3
3.3 looks at the potentials of large scale fragmentation using the principles of earlier fragments to create a branching reciprical form.
From this fragment, we explore stacking composition further in the methods used to create large surfaces and roof canopies. As well as the composition of bamboo to create opportunities of directional light from passive solar.
Railway Fragment
Fragment concept
Directing light using stacking and bundling method
Horizontal bundles used to make up the roof structure start to create a grid tectonic creating a linear mass that is represented in the form of bamboo
Branching floor stacking composition
Using the conceptual tectonical methods of construction we are able to push the design of this fragment to create clear architectural elements.
The creation of vertical and horizontal elements have emerged a linear stacking interlocking bundled tectonic.
From this view, the fragment loosely ressembles vernacular chinese architecture. Following a similar form to chinese dou gong structures through the interlocking and stacked bundling .
The form of the tectonic also creates a mass giving weight to the bamboo material. Allowing it support the activities of a busy urban program.
Naturalistic variation of linear extrusions found from scaffolding
The tectonic imparts a muchneeded sense of mass to bamboo, enabling it to support intensive urban programs and perform beyond its conventional role as temporary scaffolding.
The intersection of interlocking the irregular lengths of bamboo resulting in a naturalistic variation but governed by the tectonic structural order within the
Scaffolding bundling language
interlocking tectonics produces a formal language that reflects bamboo poles characteristic of traditional scaffolding, variation of linear extrusions. This variation is not random tectonic logic itself, which establishes a clear hierarchy and seemingly organic composition.
The extrusion of the stacked bamboo composition generates a structure that radiates outward from the central column, enabling the integration of additional bundled cladding elements and establishing a cohesive, singular bundled structural language.
The introduction of fabricated elements, such as bamboo laminated timber, to createa a hybrid bundled structure that combines raw bamboo poles with engineered bamboo components.
Vertical Walkway
Bundling + interlocking + Scaffolding > Hybrid structure
Structural frame
The Timber elements and the bamboo poles are all bundled together to create a reinforced scaled bamboo bundle. The timber and poles are extruded from the central column to form horizontal elements. The timber functions as a bracket to hold together the bamboo bundles which are interlocked to further create opportunities for cladding elements.
Bundling bamboo poles + Bamboo timber
Interlocking of timber + bamboo with each other
Taking principles from Japanese dou gong brackets, we can use the timber elements to create friction joints to hold the bundle together.
Walkway construction breakdown
Building on the principles and techniques of bundling bamboo fragments, a method has been developed to secure components like metal sheet roofing. By adapting these bundling methods, multiple bamboo nodes are joined together to create a roof framework
Interlocking clamping bamboo and Metal Sheet
Hong Kong’s dense urban landscape is characterized by its vertical walkways and elevated circulation networks. By adopting this typology, the bamboo tectonic can be tested within the local context, examining how the material performs both structurally and culturally. The use of bamboo introduces a striking contrast against the dominant concrete fabric of the city—a contrast that mirrors the visual tension often seen in traditional bamboo scaffolding wrapped around monolithic buildings. This juxtaposition not only highlights the lightness and adaptability of bamboo but also reinforces its relevance as a vernacular material in the modern urban environment.
Hong Kong, China - View from The Peak Total Population, = 7,288,167 (2023 est.)
Languages = Cantonese (88.9%), English (4.3%), Mandarin (1.9)
Hong Kong has long served as a gateway for opening trade between China and the rest of the world. Leveraging its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, the city has historically positioned itself as a major financial center and tourism hub in Southeast Asia.
Foreign companies have traditionally used Hong Kong as a launchpad into mainland China and surrounding regional markets. Its close proximity to the mainland, integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA), and highly favorable trade policies have made it an ideal entry point. These factors have also contributed to the rapid accessibility and growth of technology consumption in the region.
Beyond its economic influence, Hong Kong has played a key role in the global diffusion of Chinese culture. Through the international success of martial arts films, particularly Kung Fu cinema through Bruce Lee, and the worldwide appreciation of Cantonese cuisine, the city has become a powerful cultural ambassador on the global stage.
Ethnic Groups = Chinese 92%, Filipino 2.5%, Indonesian 2.1%, Other 3.4%
Religion = Buddhist 27.9%. Protestant 6.7%, Roman catholic 5.3%, Muslim 4.2%, Sikh 0.2%, Other 54.3%
Economic Overview = High- income tourism and services; global finance hub.
Hong Kong pulses with a unique urban vibrance, shaped by its dense verticality, layered street life, and rich cultural hybridity. The city’s energy is palpable—narrow alleyways teem with local vendors, neon-lit signs glow above bustling night markets, and highrise towers form a dynamic skyline that merges tradition with modernity. This constant interplay between old and new, East and West, creates an urban rhythm that is fastpaced yet deeply rooted in local identity. From the lively street-level activity to elevated walkways connecting commercial hubs, Hong Kong thrives as a living, evolving metropolis that never truly stands still.
Further exploring the theme of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage as a way to anchor bamboo within the city’s urban fabric, the project turns to Sham Shui Po. Hong Kong’s oldest and most storied district—to uncover embedded intangible principles. From its informal maker culture and street-side craftsmanship to its dense networks of trade, repair, and reuse, Sham Shui Po embodies a culture of adaptability, resourcefulness, and community resilience. These principles inform the tectonic strategy, positioning bamboo not just as a building material, but as a living expression of Hong Kong’s cultural continuity and urban ingenuity.
SHAM SHUI PO
Sham Shui Po (SSP) is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most historically rich districts, often referred to as the city’s “poorest district” due to its significantly low median monthly household income—around $13,800 HKD compared to the citywide average of $18,000 (as of 2008). This economic disparity is largely driven by a high concentration of low-income families, the unemployed, new immigrants, and elderly residents. However, despite these socioeconomic challenges, SSP offers a crucial advantage: a relatively low cost of living. This affordability has made the district a vibrant commercial hub, attracting people from all walks of life to shop, trade, and engage with the area’s unique mix of traditional markets and street vendors.
The Golden computer center is a large horizontal arcade in the sham Shui Po District that is famous for selling Tech at very competitive prices. Because of Hong Kong Tax policies, the tech sold at the arcade is often lower than retail price.
Making it a very favourable location for all people from different walks of life.
Electronics sold ranges from
Computers
Laptops
Tablets
Previously Hoi Tan Street
Formerly known as Hoi Tan Street, this area holds cultural significance as the location of the legendary kung fu master Yip Man’s martial arts studio. Following World War II, the neighborhood underwent significant redevelopment, transforming its physical landscape but leaving behind a deep-rooted legacy tied to Hong Kong’s martial arts heritage.
Pei Ho Street Center
Pei Ho Street Centre, is a large complex mixed use commmunity centre that is government ran.
It has offers a dense mixed use of programs consisting of
Main hall (cum 8 badminton courts), Contact sports centre (standard boxing rink), Table tennis rooms, Squash courts, Children’s playroom, Multi-purpose activities rooms, Fitness room, Study room
Rest area
Fresh Market
Food Hall
Cultural influence
The legacy of Yip Man has transcended local history to become a global cinematic phenomenon. Rising to fame through his student Bruce Lee, his films celebrate his life and philosophy helping to popularize martial arts culture worldwide. Through cinema, Yip Man’s story not only immortalizes the traditions of Wing Chun but also positions Hong Kong as a cultural epicenter of martial arts, blending heritage with global influence.
Bruce Lee propelled Kung Fu onto the global stage, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon through the power of film. His charisma, philosophy, and groundbreaking fight choreography introduced international audiences to Chinese martial arts, redefining the global perception of Asian identity and cementing Hong Kong’s place as the cinematic heart of martial arts culture
Evolution of Kung Fu into Mixed Martial Arts
KUNG FU Origins - China
WING CHUNG (YIP MAN)
JEET KUN DO (BRUCE LEE)
Kick Boxing + Wing Chun + Kung Fu
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Hong Kong boasts a rich martial arts heritage, with cultural icons like Bruce Lee and Ip Man celebrated worldwide for their influence and contributions to the art form.
During the 1980s, the city was home to numerous underground mixed martial arts (MMA) fight clubs. These clubs operated unofficially, attracting large crowds and significant sums of money through betting. However, their ties to illegal gambling and triad activities led the government keep a watchful eye on these events.
Despite these negative associations, the underground fight scene fostered the evolution of a unique and dynamic fighting style— modern mixed martial arts (MMA). The lack of official regulations allowed fighters to experiment freely, blending techniques from various disciplines. However, the unregulated nature of these events and their often violent outcomes led the government to ban them outright, branding MMA a “blood sport.
Hong Kong Deities (8)
Tin Hau
God of the Sea
Wong Tai Sin 黃大仙
God of Good Fortune
Man Cheong + Man Tai 文昌 + 武帝
God of Literature and God of War (Twin Gods)
Pak Tai
God of the North
Kwun Yum 觀音
God of Mercy
Che Kung
Military Commander Deity
Shing Wong
God of the City
Hung Shing
God of the South Sea
Long Mu
the River,
dragons
Each Worshipped God has their own temple located in Hong Kong. Each temple is different and is constructed based on the principles of the Deities elemental Sign.
Home Worship of these deities are often conducted infront of shrine cabinets , that have a minature totem of the Deities.
People believe that if they have a shrine around it will give them blessings
By weaving together themes of local religious practices, martial arts culture, emerging technology, and community life, the project arrives at a synergetic vernacular that captures the multifaceted identity of Hong Kong. This integrated approach reflects a city where tradition and innovation coexist—where spiritual belief, physical discipline, and collective resilience are expressed through architecture and public
Cultural principles
Martial Arts culture
Worship
Bamboo scafolding through principle
Drivers
Technological principles
Robotics Engineering
Cybernetics
Artificial Intelligence
Contextual Drivers
Bamboo scaffolding replaced by metal scaffolding
Revitalising Toursim, Economy and aiding in establishing an AI based Tech industry within Hong Kong
MMA was founded on principles rooted in Kung Fu, but Hong Kong’s martial arts traditions are gradually fading.
Among younger generations, the practice of local deity worship has become increasingly rare
Project Vision
The Worship of Fighting Arena aims to provide the city and the world with a premier platform for combat entertainment, showcasing battles that range from human fighters to mechanized robotics and piloted combat. This speculative spectacle seeks to explore the future of combat sports, pushing the boundaries of technology and entertainment.
HK’s plans to diversify the economy with an emerging AI tech industry
Training
Training zone
Training
Training
Entrance to Pit
Training zone
Entrance to Pit
Arena C ( Mechanised Scale)
Entrance to Pit
(A) - FACILITIES : Fighting Arena : Changing room : Training zones : Toilets : Vendors Plaza :Training Areas : Worship shrine (B) - FACILITIES : Fighting Arena : Changing room : Training zones : Toilets : Vendors (C) - FACILITIES : Fighting Arena : Mech Bay :Vendors Fighting
Near the waterfront of Admiralty sits a vacant lot that is usually rented out for entertainment purposes. Previously the site has beed used to host a wide range of programmes ranging from open air concerts to short term carnivals.
In the sites proximity are commerical offices, mixed use builings hotels and a expo.
The site is extremely well connected by footbridges from the Admiralty and Wan chai MTR stations. (undergound train)
piers and outdoor parking adjacent to the site.
Boat Access, could be valuable for transporting materials to site as well as act as an interesting entry point into the site. Buildings
The site sits approximately 6 meters above sea level and lies on artificially flattened terrain, a result of Hong Kong’s extensive land reclamation efforts
While there are no specific building height restrictions for this site, it is crucial that the design remains sensitive to its context by ensuring it does not obstruct the buildings behind it. This consideration informs the massing strategy, promoting a respectful integration into the existing urban fabric and preserving sightlines and access to natural light for surrounding structures
Site Strategy
Waterfront Promenade
Improving Walkability Open Spaces and green spaces
Continuing the ongoing development of the waterfront to promote well being and walkability in the waterfront area
Amplyfing Hong Kong Skyline
Extending the open spaces and green areas of the promenade into the fabric of the city to create more active and seamless transitions between urban thresholds
Amplifying Hong Kong Skyline
Building project that brings social, economic and aesthetic value to the urban fabric and skyline.
Fighting at a Mechanised robot scale
Extending wide span with struts
Interlocking bamboo floor structure
Fight area
GUTTER
HORIZONTAL INTERLOCKING ROOF BUNDLES
Overview
This arena fragment serves as a prototype to test the bamboo tectonic system within a focused architectural element. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese architectural forms, the fragment explores the potential of a wholly bamboo structure both materially and spatially. It investigates how traditional construction logic can be reinterpreted through contemporary design to create a performative and culturally grounded space.
Roof bundling and interlocking methods
Flooring bamboo and timber construction method
To confront the redundancies brought by the iregularity of bamboo nodes, a strategy is to use timber to create structural nodes to prevent bending.
(This is being tested)
To hopefully allow for the hybridisation of bamboo and timber.
Human Scales of Fighting
Boxing Ring Wrestling ring
MMA Octagon
Fencing Piste Boxing Ring + Wrestling Ring MMA Octagon
Observing the dynamics of fighting during UFC MMA fights to understand the stages, the flow and overall how these stages go into the design of an arena specifically focused at striking Fight Timeline - UFC case study
Large surface area for striking
Wong Tai Sin, temple was constructed for worship to the deity Wong Tai Sin.
Uses Large stone plinths to seperate the temple from the urban frabric
10,000 daily visitors
During festivals, the temple sees 50,000 - 60,000 visitors
Overhaning roofs into courtyards
Privacy and shading
Progammatic and spatial organisation
Located in one of the densest areas of Hong Kong, the Man Mo Temple establishes a spatial buffer from the surrounding urban chaos by using its roof as a means of controlling both light and visual access to its interior. Through the strategic use of light slits, the temple creates a filtered, atmospheric interior that heightens the sense of sacredness and intimacy within the worship space. This careful modulation of light not only enhances spiritual experience but also reinforces the temple’s role as a place of calm and reflection amidst the city’s density.
DietiesMan cheong ( God of Literature)
Man Tai ( God of War)
Over Arching hub 2 arenas
Over Arching hub 4 arenas
independent hub 3 arenas
Wide span hub
2 Arenas ( different scales)
Directionality throughout site Overall Flow
Extending the existing active promenade beyond the harbour’s edge and into the fabric of the city, integrating it more meaningfully with the urban context. By enhancing walkability at the ground level, the design aims to create a more connected and pedestrian-friendly public realm, encouraging fluid movement between the waterfront and the inner city while activating underutilized spaces along the way.
Main Areas of Accessing site from foot
Hub (Entrance Gate)
Global Form Upper level Seating Lower level Seating Transitonal Area
Drop off reception
Transitional Area (Gathering area)
+
Centralised Ticket and betting center, there are platforms like tablets, screens for betting throughout the plaza and arenas. (Face to Face Service)
Enclosed within are shower, toilet and changing facilities
Human
The training zone, acts as a ready room for fighters to spar and warm up prior to their fight, Each training room is equipped with mixed martial arts training equipment. Located within the space are rehabilitation facilities and a lounge
Human Grafted (Augmented)
The Training zone has more heavy duty training equipment and also features a cybernetic optimisation suite and simulation zones for fine tuning fighters and their body augments
Lounge for VIP guests , the space is comprised of a lounge, bar, tea house and a stage for live entertainment and black market auctions
Arena A + B
Improved MMA octagon that plays with the dynamic of grappling and striking
Arena C
Improved MMA octagon that plays with the dynamic of grappling and striking
Stairwell, ramps and lift circulation (lift for wheel chair access)
Arena Control Hub
Arena A + B
Control center for arena operations, ranging from lighting, environmental control, announcements.
Arena C Control center for arena operations and space for remote piloting mechs.
Arena Suite
Upper tier of seating that provides clients with a more private and comfortable option of seating
Arena Seating
Lower tier seating angled at 35 degrees combined with lounge seating
Mech Bay
Where mechs are assembled, prepared for combat, also facilitating the Diassembly and repair after combat.
Immersion Zone
Lobby Area prior to entering the Arena. This space will be used to immerse the viewers into the fight they are there to watch. Within the immersion zone will be Merchendise vendors aswell as special events for brand promotions.
Arena C Arena lift
Lift for the Mech/ larger scaled robots to be lowered into the fight pit.
Utility + Services
Space for MEP and utility to support arena
Depot + Car park
Depot for storing supplies for arena operation and Car Park for viewers
Arena C
Control center for arena operations and space for remote piloting mechs.
The composition of this iteration strategically orients the massing toward key pedestrian access points, creating a natural interchange that channels foot traffic toward the building. This directional anchoring strengthens the site’s connectivity, establishing the structure as a focal point at the center of the access points.
Given the flat nature of the site, the massing of the building is used to sculpt a sunken topography, introducing a subtle gradient that defines a series of descending public spaces. This intervention creates opportunities for a plaza, further anchoring the building as an urban interchange and enhancing its role as a civic gathering point. The sunken landscape not only centralizes circulation but also adds spatial depth and visual interest to the otherwise level terrain.
Overview
As the main structure is defined by a wide-spanning roof, the design draws from traditional dou gong principles to replace conventional fabricated timber struts. Instead, interlocking bamboo components are employed to create a non-fabricated, self-supporting structural system.
Interlocking bundling
Interlocking vertical and horizontal elements
Extending bamboo span using Splicing with internal union
Confronting Irregularity of poles
Arena Exterior Fragment
Overview
To mediate internal conditions, a raised plinth is introduced to establish a fortified threshold between exterior and interior spaces. This architectural move not only enhances environmental control—regulating airflow, sound, and temperature—but also emphasizes the presence of the roof by providing it with a strong visual and structural base. Functionally, the plinth serves as a secondary support system, enabling a greater roof span while grounding the building within the urban landscape.
Iteration Fragment - Interior
Scattered Lighting Light well to spotlight attention and to create good lighting conditions for fighters
Dim lighting on periphery to focus attention on fighting area
Ensure clear sightlines for all viewers by designing a widespan structure that eliminates any potential obstructions caused by support beams or other Optimimum
Large internal volume with high ceilings to prevent humidity build up
Enclosed environment, To control lighting, temperature and humidity.
An axial park is introduced to guide pedestrian flow toward the urban interchange, acting as both a circulation spine and a green corridor. This landscaped axis not only facilitates movement from the promenade into the urban fabric, but also contributes to city greening by reintroducing vegetation into a dense, hardscaped context. Strategically placed planting creates visual depth and acts as a soft buffer, helping to separate pedestrian zones from vehicular traffic and establishing a more humane, layered transition between infrastructure and public space.
Human
Worship Area
Human
(5) Warm Up Area
Worshipped Deities
Bundling Arrangement
Interlocked Vertical and Horizontal elements
Bamboo bundle to Concrete Column Connection
Overview
Anchoring the bamboo to create a permanent fixture for the material, furthermore this is nessescary as a response to environmental conditions such as typhoon seasons that frequent yearly.
Connection breakdown
The main structural system employs dou gong principles to extend the wide roof span. The interlocking bracket sets function as struts, effectively distributing loads and reducing the structural span required for the primary members.
Primary Stress points
Primary
Secondary (supporting)
Primary Widespan
Supporting Dougong
Stress focus points
The tensile strength of bamboo at these critical nodes is conceptually sufficient to withstand structural stress, especially when reinforced with a combination of bolts bamboo brackets
Reinforcing
Using the plinth as an additional column to alleviate stress from the primary structural columns
Elements
Roof
Laminate Bamboo Timber Roof Frame
Interlocked Roof Structure
Dou Gong Bundle
Aluminium Window Frame (Enclosure)
Bundled Column
Piping route Service Routes
Mechanical Ventilation route for vendor space
Mechanical Cooling route
Stacking Hierarchy of interlocked bundled roof structure
Bamboo Pole
Bamboo Wedge
Dou gong
Conditions
Large Internal Volume and High Ceiling to avoid heat build up
Angled Barrier threshold to create buffer between spectator and fighting robots
Mech Bay Sectional Fragment
Mech Bay Fragment
Perspective section
5.4 General Arrangements
This opens up more possibilities in terms of controlling light and wind for future bamboo fragmenting.
This is especially important in context’s with hot climate and constant solar.
Dealing with bending bamboo because of large loads, I created moulds that would create more tension adding more
Bundled with floor structure connection
All work produced by Unit 14
Cover design by Charlie Harrishttps://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture
Copyright 2025 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.
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At the center of Unit 14’s academic exploration lies Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’, a master-builder that follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal of the designer as somebody who is capable of comprehending the ‘integrateable significance’ of specialised findings and is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of these discoveries while not disappearing into a career of expertise. Like Fuller, we are opportunists in search of new ideas and their benefits via architectural synthesis. As such Unit 14 is a test bed for exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new, leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through astute synthesis. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and through the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, will generate new and unprecedented, one day viable and spectacular proposals. They will be beautiful because of their intelligence - extraordinary findings and the artful integration of those into architecture.
The focus of this year’s work evolves around the intrinsic chance and professional desire for creative and systematic investigation. The explorative and intellectual process of iterative learning through informed experiment, catalysed by potent discoveries and ultimately seeking an architectural application. An intensely investigative approach enables the architect’s fundamental agency and core competency of the profession to anticipate the future as the result of the highest degree of synthesis of the observed underlying principles underpinned by strong research. Constructional logic, spatial innovation, typological organisation, environmental and structural performance are all negotiated in a highly iterative process driven by intense architectural investigation. Through the deep understanding of principles, we will generate highly developed architectural systems of unencountered intensity where spatial organisation arises as a result of sets of mutual interactions. Observation as well as re-examination of past and contemporary civilisational developments will enable us to project near future scenarios and position ourselves as avant-garde in the process of designing a comprehensive vision for the forthcoming. The projects will take shape as research based, imaginative architectural visions driven by speculation.
Thanks to: ARUP, DKFS.io, Foster+Partners, KLASKA LTD, Populous, RSH+P, Seth Stein Architects, ZHA, knippershelbig
