Ryan Moss_Y4 | Unit 14 | Bartlett School of Architecture

-

RYAN MOSS YEAR 4

UNIT

Y4 RM

THE COMMONWEALTH ASSEMBLY

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RYAN MOSS YEAR 4 Y4 RM

rtmoss7@gmail.com @ryanmosss

T H E C O M M O N W E A LT H A S S E M B LY A NEW-ERA COLONIAL BUILDING OFFERING SOVEREIGNTY TO THE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG Hong Kong

T

he symbiotic use of concrete and timber is an untapped material hybrid, previously restricted by its opposing material sensitivities. With research developing into Strand Woven Bamboo as a concrete reinforcement, the project can investigate the potential that exists for a fully integrated composite construction.

The Victoria Commonwealth is formed through the consolidation of colonial outcomes within Hong Kong’s society that are cherished today, manifesting a new political structure and serving as a catalyst for citizens to subvert the current manipulated governance of this city.

The building situates itself within a context that still practices highly-skilled bamboo construction techniques, as well as owing much of its recent urban proliferation to concrete. Hong Kong flourishes in examples of hybridised eastern and western features and the duality of these materials aims to consolidate this identity, which a large proportion of citizens are protesting to hold on to.

Following a narrative in which the United Nations sanction China for it’s repeated breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Great Britain has a duty to their former colony to serve the citizens and ensure their promises are fulfilled.

The choice to retain certain outcomes of their colonial past is a result of the ambition to retain the city’s current identity. A reversal of the British influence could potentially repeat the process of cultural absorption under the new heading of ‘mainlandisation.’

Embracing the combination of eastern and western values should transcend from communal identity into the built environment, taking the democratic style and constructing it with traditional Chinese methods and materials.

3

4

01. ADVANCING THE COMPOSITE Exploring the potential of a unrestricted timber - concrete hybrid.

OMPOSITE

crete hybrid.

5

THE ABILITY TO CONTROL NATURE Studying concrete’s role in extreme infrastructure

The Hoover Dam offers an example of mankind using concrete to manipulate nature in favour of civilisation.

The Dam holds back the Colorado River, filling the largest manmade reservoir in the country. This archgravity dam provides irigation to surrounding inhabitation, spurred an agricultural revolution and generates hydro-electric power. However not without severe damage to the river’s ecosystem and being a contributor to potential natural disasters.

Intake Towers

LAKE MEAD

Dam

Spillway Inlet

30’ Penstocks

14m

Power House ARIZONA Valve House

220m

Stoney Gates

Spillway

NEVADA

200m

If the Dam were to be poured in a single continuous pour, then the concrete would take 125 years to cool. Resulting stresses would cause the damn to crack and crumble. Requiring a concrete cooling system to be embedded into the construction. The construction for the Dam was formed of a grid of concrete blocks in columns, each contained a series of 25mm pipes where river water followed by ice cold water was poured through. Once the concrete is was cured, the pipes were filled with grout.

6

These columns used both circumferential and radial joints to deal with the converging grid work. The concrete was poured using a newly patented technique requiring buckets of aggregate specific concrete to be craned over the relative form work.

ICONIC ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION TURIN EXHIBITION CENTRE - PIER LUIGI NERVI

The holistic design consistently relates to an almost skeletal use of structure. The barrel vault uses repeated modular elements at angled/ radial fixings which embodies the vertebrae of the spine, however without a developing variance in each element. Tethered back to sloped columns by a fanned element that share function with ligaments, these load paths repeat themselves down the building creating a series of ‘ribs.’

The ribbed hemispherical dome of the apse also takes the form of a ‘Lamella’ structure, which commonly derives from the porous/ lattice structure within bone marrow.

Hall B Plan Drawing - Naive and Apse

01

Cylindrical Barrel Vault

02

Fanned Elements

03

Sloped Columns

Composition of Concrete Elements

7

STRATEGIC CONSTRUCTION

SYMB

Utilising the ability to pre-fabricate and cast in-situ.

The interfac

Pairing Nervi’ creates an ab starts to repre the protective

REINFORCEMENT TYPE Nervi is known for his use of ferrocement and in this case uses it to create the pre-fabricated elements. The in-situ cast elements overlayed are then composed of a system of rebars that help tether the elements together. The main differences stem from the use of smaller but more dense reinforcement elements in ferrocement (wire mesh), meaning its products can be lighter and thinner. The mixture is composed of rich Portland cement mortar and fine aggregate and can be constructed without formwork.

03

APPLIED P

01

04

05

01

04

01

02

04 03

01

Reinforced concrete cast in-situ

02

Pre-fabricated ferrocement element

03

Pre-fabricated ferrocement ‘diaphragm’

04

Rebars and connection elements

05

Window

DUAL CONSTRUCTION These elements are also separated by construction technique. The pre-fabricated elements are hoisted into place over a scaffolding frame and once complete, this combination of individual modules creates channels to lay in the reinforcement and pour in-situ concrete reducing the amount of formwork to implement and remove during the construction process. Is this separation of required form vs required mass a technique the architect could use in order to apply the most efficient form of fabrication and material to each?

CEILING MODULE

A carefully combined pre-cast and insitu concrete element.

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BIOTIC MATERIALS

ce of timber and concrete

’s work with a precedent that utilises both timber and concrete within a structural framework, bstract study on how the two materials could begin to co-exist. The expression of timber form esent a symbol of internalised space or the ‘backface’ of a surface, whilst the concrete acts as e shell to the exterior.

Glulam crutch Primary glulam beam Steel connection Reinforced concrete pier Lamella barrel vault

Splaying timber lamella

Concrete clad roof

Concrete appendage elements

PRECEDENT: PANCHO ARENA, Imre Makovecz

Timber primary structure

Concrete floor plates

Concrete column footing

Concrete appendage elements to strengthen joints and base.

Primary timber structure using elements of lamella form to disperse structure and strengthen vaulting.

Concrete cladding and floor planes to offer durable barrier to environment.

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HYBRID SYSTEM 01 The use of timber and concrete.

The construction process involved with Tudor housing is that of ‘half-timbering’. Involving a framework formed of natural timber with large metal bolt elements acting as connections and a composite of wattle and daub to create a solid wall. The structure in turn expresses itself to either side of the wall, expressing the relationship between timber and the plaster material.

Structural posts

Woven timber

Clay

Lime render

Concrete footing

Full Composition

Timber Frame

TUDOR HOUSE

Exposed timber frame construction in medieval England.

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Wattle and Daub

HYBRID SYSTEM 02 The use of timber and concrete.

These engineered bamboo huts can be found in many countries that have large resources of bamboo and limited access to steel such as Costa Rica, Colombia, Nepal, Ecuador, El Salvador and The Philippines.

Utilising many parts of the bamboo for its relative function, these huts offer a diverse and resilient construction process that is highly sustainable.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY INDUSTRY

Pre-fabricated truss

Bamboo lattice for light and ventilation

Bamboo mat

Split small diameter bamboo

Bamboo cane columns

Cement Mortar

Chicken mesh

Masonry upstand

Reinforced concrete foundations

Single Bahareque

Double Bahareque

BAHAREQUE HOUSING Vernacular-improved housing

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BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION MENU

Vernacular construction method

Bamboo is the worlds fasting growing plant, considered the most eco friendly flooring material on the market, high regeneration rate combined with ability to sequester high amounts of CO2. Grown without the use of pesticides and harvested by hand.

STRAND

TRADITIONAL DAI BAMBOO HOUSE

Woven bamboo mats. walls, room partitions, doors and ceilings.

Housing type found in southern China that has used bamboo as a primary construction material.

CULM

STRIP AV. 18-20mm Flattened bamboo culm. roofing, flooring and walls.

DIAPHRAGM WALL AV. 10-12mm CAVITY BRANCH

HALF CULM Roofing and guttering. bamboo reinforced mud walls NODE

INTERNODE

AV. 300-600mm

FULL CULM AV. 80-100mm Most primitive form, posts, beams, trusses, rafters, purlins, etc. Oftens used in earthquake prone areas.

Raised stilt flooring.

NODE

EXISTING BAMBOO AND CONCRETE COMBINATIONS Although seemingly opposing materials, cement is often used in addition to bamboo structures in order to achieve certain structural or environmental intentions that bamboo struggles to achieve alone. However with bamboo’s susceptibility to expansion and shrinkage due to moisture, its longjevity as a building material remains questioned.

01

APPLIED PROTECTIVE LAYER

In the form of tile or applied directly to a mesh screen, the cement will offer a protective barrier to the bamboo itself, whilst also providing a barrier to the external environment.

02

JOINT STRENGTHENING

01

T JOINT

At site of transition between bamboo members, a cement mixture is often poured into the whole culm to offer a solid mass to make steel connections and consolidate areas. Still relies heavily on the use of steel.

ONLAY

FOOTING 02

ENLARGEMENT 01

03

REINFORCEMENT

Small diameter half culms can be used as a base for concrete pouring but further, strips are laid inside of a concrete wall or surface in order to offer some tensile strength to the building element.

04

12

03

PLINTH

A common use for concrete in conjunction with timber is the elevation off of ground floor, ensuring that there is no contact with ground moisture and offering a stable base for dead load.

02 04

STRAND WOVEN BAMBOO A new type of reinforcement.

Currently being used as a flooring material, famous for its material properties surpassing other standard timbers. The finish also resembles solid timber. Bamboo itself is the worlds fasting growing plant, considered the most eco-friendly flooring material on the market. Out of the engineered bamboo materials it is most material efficient using fibres from all three layers of the culm.

PRODUCTION PROCESS TRUNCATION AND RADIAL SPLITTING

COLD OR HOT PRESS INTO MOULD

RESIN

DEFIBERING

DRYING

STRAND WOVEN BAMBOO

HOT CURING

MATERIAL PROPERTIES

200

0.3 (%)

(MPa)

150

100

0.2

50

0.1

TENSILE STRENGTH

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

BENDING STRENGTH

SHEAR STRENGTH

STRENGTH COMPARISON

Japanese Cedar

Moso Bamboo (5yr)

RADIAL

TANGENTIAL

SHRINKAGE FOR EVERY 1% CHANGE IN MOISTURE

Strand Woven Bamboo

Moso Bamboo (5yr)

Strand Woven Bamboo

NEW DISCOVERIES The use of bamboo as a possible concrete reinforcement has been picked up in recent years

by Dirk Hebel and a team at the Singapore Research Facility where the properties shown in Strand Woven Bamboo offers strength against moisture warping that halted the process before.

Dirk Hebel - Singapore Research Facility - Bamboo Concrete Reinforcement

Possibility to bunch and splay form work to flow between concrete reinforcement and timber element.

13

MEMBER SIZE

Size of timber component determining the relationship with concrete The efficient and resourceful use of varied bamboo component in the bahareque housing is translated here into a map of concrete intervention. Depending on the size of the timber element the concrete acts either as a footing for an independant timber column, a canopy application to protect from environment or a solid wall reinforced by the splaying form itself.

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MITIGATES USE OF STEEL - for both concrete reinforcement or bamboo connection. This further improves the longevity of concrete structures as there is no risk of concrete cancer.

PROVIDES A NEW ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE - with a transitional continuity mostly seen in concrete structures

now being available to a predominantly timber structure.

REDUCES CONSTRUCTION WEIGHT - an overall lighter structure than concrete so opportunity to building on existing

structures or weaker geology.

TRANSITIONAL ARTEFACT Material hybrid based on gradual member size

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INTERFACE

Investigating a smooth transition from one material to the next Taking principle from a concrete base for compressive strength and a timber extension for tensile strength, the standard square column is split diagonally. This connection is then manipulated to create a strong buttressing element that has a fluid transition between timber and concrete.

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FLOW DETERMINATION Reinforcing areas of flow accumulation or diversion

The liquid trends of pooling and release from surface tension are identified on an insufficient timber structural node. These areas identify need for reinforcement and start to introduce the symbiotic relationship between timber and concrete that needs to be achieved.

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TRAPPING TENSION

Utilising compressive concrete mass to trap timber tension.

Here the tensile and compressive qualities of each material are focussed and utilised to create a high strength detail. The timber column splays by the act of bending and a concrete wedge increases compression to the base of the bent timber elements forcing them outwards. However its tension is retained by a concrete hook at the end of each splayed element.

Wall Connection

Beam Joint

SCALABLE COMPONENT

Application of the same logic incorperating other force directions.

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Inhabitable Structure

SCARF JOINT

Timber to timber scarf joint

Dai-mochi-tsugi

Solid stone to timber scarf joint

Yose-ari-hozo-shikuchi

Osaka-jo-otemon-hikae-bashira-tsugite

Timber element

Wedges

Extending timber formwork

Concrete cast element

Dowel logic for formwork extension

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SYMBIOTIC STRUCTURAL BRANCHES Expanding the joint.

Informed by the ambition to expand the weave or the joint to become inhabitable and starting to apply my material research to brief, a symbiotic system is created. Developing a dual stem or dual core, hybrid system based upon the approach of two symbiotic structural branches working in equilibrium both structurally and also starting to introduce architectural influence on each other in an attempt to intertwine and inter-depend the two facets of my programme.

Projection to Equilibrium

Varying Levels and Enclosure

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Full Enclosure

Interlocking Directionality

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02. CONTEXTUALISING THE HYBRID

A site of high material context and political tensions at the forefront of current international media.

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SYMBOL OF VIRTUE The significance of bamboo in China.

To the Chinese people, bamboo is a symbol of virtue. It reflects people’s souls and emotions, an example of the harmony between nature and human beings. One third of all bamboo species in the world are grown in China. South Yangtze River area produces the most bamboo in China. Dai people in Yunnan still live in bamboo stilt houses.

Mapping International Bamboo Growth

Presence of Moso Bamboo Growth Sites of mass bamboo growth gravitate towards the two rivers in the south of China.

Dai Bamboo Housing - Yunnan Still utilising bamboo as a primary construction material, the culm is manipulated to a versatile set of applications from structural members to cladding. The composition of the house raises the ground level to allow for the dwell of cattle whilst the human inhabitation starts on the first floor.

Moso Bamboo This bamboo species native to China produces a large culm and has a rapid growth life of about 5 years until full maturity.

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CHINA A site of concrete and bamboo interest.

Beijing Tianjin

Chinas connection to concrete is undeniable, with its recent proliferate development and urbanisation giving credit to this catalytic material. With the national urbanisation rate of China reaching 60.6% in 2019 and in turn the demand for cement increasing by 438% over the past two decades, the country is rapidly realising its urban ambition although not without consequence.

Shenyang

Shanghai Chengdu Wuhan

Chongqing

5000

AMOUNT OF CEMENT PRODUCED (millions of tonnes)

CO2 EMISSIONS FROM CEMENT PROCESS (millions of tonnes CO2)

2000

CHINA 4000

Guangzhou Dongguan Shenzhen

1500

CHINA U.S 100 years 1901-2000

3000

CHINA 3 years 2011-2013

1000 2000

INDIA EU US

1000 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

500

INDIA EU US

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Mapping Urbanisation 4.5 gigatons

6.6 gigatons

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MAN MADE // NATURE

A contrasting terrain of preserved nature and a concrete jungle.

Embodying the trend of rapid urbanisation, Hong Kong is known for its dense collection of high rise buildings. The city scape creates a maze of public streets embedded deep into the foundations of the its architecture, creating a unique public realm. However this typology is not endless, with a rich and preserved natural landscape occupying 60% of this cities terrain. With strict conservation laws restricting human intervention on the natural realm, what can we do to integrate these two typologies in the urban setting?

INHABITATION

PRESERVATION NEIGHBOURING URBAN GROWTH

Out of Hong Kong’s 1092km² of land, 3 quarters is made up of countryside. Consisting of diverse terrains including beach, woodland and mountain range.

Quartile 1 (14-930 persons /km² Quartile 2 (930-8650) Quartile 3 (8650 - 35744)

To conserve and, where appropriate, open up the countryside for the greater enjoyment of the population, the Country Parks Ordinance was enacted in 1976 to provide a legal framework for the designation, development and management of Country Parks and Special Areas.

Quartile 4 (35744 - 152958)

NEW TERRITORY

KOWLOON

HONG KONG ISLAND LANTAU ISLAND

75% COUNTRYSIDE

25% MAN-MADE

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Main Automoblie Routes

Rail/Metro

Airport

Water

COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE Timeline of reflecting British styles in the context of HK

Lingnan-Style Predecessor

01

02

03

Tong Lau

St Johns Cathedral

The first hybrid of east and west through architecture, it was the developed ‘shophouses’ that line the dense streets today.

A large facet of British culture was religion, in attempt to nurture these values within HK, churches were constructed and are still used today.

Old Supreme Court Those who ruled over the area manifested governing buildings in a familiar style.

04

05

06

University of Hong Kong

Neo-classical Mansions

HSBC Building

Another attempt to educate ‘imperial values’ means that univeristy buildings are often composed in post-renaissance from red brick and granite.

A hierarchy was implemented through the spacious colonial residence upon the cliff, offering a privileged view of the dense urban fabric below.

Designed by a British architecture firm, this bank building is highly regarded for its composition. Lending itself well to good feng shui.

05 04

02 03

06

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ONE NATION, TWO SYSTEMS An anomaly within China’s borders.

Since Britain handed Hong Kong back to China with an agreement of autonomy for 50 years and a philosophy of “two systems, one nation” the seamless handover has not played out as anticipated. This international message from Hongkongers to other democratic countries has sparked ranging global reactions from fear of losing trade with China to lifeboat campaigns for the citizens of Hong Kong to escape the imposing policies of mainland China.

1841-2 1843

OCCUPIED DURING THE FIRST OPIUM WAR, LATER CEDED BY QING EMPIRE AFTER THE WAR IN 1942.

1984

ESTABLISHED AS A CROWN COLONY IN 1843.

SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION SIGNED OBTAINING GUARANTEES TO PRESERVE HK SYSTEMS, FREEDOMS AND WAY OF LIFE FOR AT LEAST 50 YEARS FOLLOWING HANDOVER

HONG KONG

Special Administrative Region

NEW TERRITORY

KOWLOON

HONG KONG ISLAND LANTAU ISLAND

1997 2017 CARRIE LAM ELECTED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HONG KONG, FROM BEIJING APPROVED LIST

HONG KONG HANDED OVER FROM GREAT BRITAIN TO CHINA AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WITH ECONOMICAL AND JUDICIAL AUTONOMY.

2015 CAUSEWAY BAY BOOKS DISAPPERANCES

2014

Critiqued for radical indepedancy argument distracting from the core strive for sufficient democracy and therefore inviting UMBRELLA REVOLUTION a tougher imposition from China.

2020 MAY

China passes a national security law on Hong Kong.

JULY

Seeing this as a breach of agreement, Britain offers residency rights for up to 3 million HongKongers eligible for British National Overseas (BNO) Passports China threatens the UK will “bear all consequences” if it goes ahead with meddling in “domestic issues”

28

‘MAINLANDISATION’: THE NEW COLONIALISM

DISTILLED AMBITION: POLITICAL DEMOCRACY The ability to independently vote for the election of Chief Execute of Hong Kong.

EMPTY PROMISES “The current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, and so will the lifestyle.”

COLONIALISM 1841 - 1997

Not only have clauses of the declaration been breached, furthermore the promises made regarding the increase of public influence on politics in the city have never been fulfilled.

HANDOVER

RESPONSIBILITY TO UPHOLD AGREEMENT

BNO passport scheme: -BNO status holders and their immediate families eligible.

-5 year visa = £250 per person -30 month visa = £180 per person -Entrants have the right to study and work but no access to social welfare.

-Must pass health and criminal checks.

-Must be able to prove the ability to support themselves financially for at least six months.

MAINLANDISATION 1997 -

-Do not need a current or valid passport

POLITICAL MAINLANDISATION

Anticipates HK citizens to `hunker down` or immigrate to nearby countries if China stops travel to the UK.

China passes a national security law on Hong Kong seeking to:

A part of the ‘lifeboat scheme’ encouraging democratic countries internationally to extend ability to immigrate due to the imposing Chinese rule.

-prevent external inteference with Hong Kong’s affairs -criminalise acts that threaten nationaln security - allow the Central People’s Government of China to establish a national securtiy agency in Hong Kong -require the Chief Executive to send the central govement periodic reports on national security

DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITYGLOBAL DEMOCRACY INDEX RATES BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY (2019) FULL DEMOCRACIES 9.00 - 10.00 8.00 - 8.99

Control the election of chief executive by pre-selecting candidates for citizens to choose between.

Threatening to not recognise BNO passport as a valid travel document.

FLAWED DEMOCRACIES 7.00 -7.99 6.00 -6.99 HYRBRID REGIMES 5.00 -5.99 4.00 - 4.99

CULTURAL MAINLANDISATION Not enforcing laws limiting the mass of mainland tourism to HK.

AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES 3.00 -3.99 2.00 -2.99 0 -1.99

NO DATA

51 million mainland visitors in 2018 (80% of total) Investment in transport infrastructure connecting HK to mainland China. Kowloon high speed train, Hong Kong -Zhuhai -Macau Bridge.

12% of Hong Kong population is now from mainland China

LIFEBOAT SCHEME USA - HONG KONG SAFE HARBOUR ACT CANADA - YOUNG TALENTS SCHEME AUSTRALIA - SCHEME FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS

Birth tourism - 2003 individual visit scheme caused a trend of prgnant women visiting from Mainland China to give birth to their infants in Hong Kong, in order to gain the right to abode in Hong Kong and benefit from

EU- JOINT-RESOLUTION ON HONG KONG AND NATIONAL SECURITY LEGISLATION JAPAN - FINANCIAL SERVICES VISA Citizens of HK shouldn’t have to flee their home country in order to live in a society that was promised to them. Fleeing does not reflect the resilient and courageous values demonstrated by the citizens of Hong Kong for the past 20 years.

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FORMAL AND INFORMAL POLITICS Turning the urban realm into a political landscape

Age Demographic - General Population NEW TERRITORY

-19

17%

20-29

14%

30-39 40-49

16%

KOWLOON

16%

50+

37% HONG KONG ISLAND LANTAU ISLAND

Age Demographic - Protest 2019

-19

Legislative Council Complex

11.5%

20-29 46.3% 30-39 40-49 50+

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Site of Protest

18.2% 8.9% 14.2%

Political Architecture

MANIPULATED DEMOCRACY

Aims of new parliament building:

Tw0-tiered system of representative government and an independent judiciary.

-Invite the discussion with opposition into political discussion (exec council) -Citizens to elect majority of LegCo and CE -Increase LegCo size to reduce government power

The current political system of HK

Large amount of control still lies with the Beijing government who look to further quash any opposition influence in the 2022 leadership race.

CENTRAL CHINESE GOVERNMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

elected by a broadly representative election committee (1200 pax) and appointed by the central peoples government.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Assist and advise the CE, comprised of 32 members.

Implements the Basic Law Signing bills and budgets Promulgating Laws Making decisions on gov policies Issuing executive orders

No opposition party is a part of the executive council.

Government laws must get a majority overall from LegCo

GOVERNMENT OF HKSR

Seperate to LegCo, also a contributor to laws in the city.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

A promise made in the SBJD, was that the citizens would be able to elect all members of the legislative council

Law making body of the HKSAR made up of 70 members.

LegCo laws must get a majority from both haves.

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35

GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES -elected by popular vote, most often pan-democratic majority.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES -elected by an exclusive set of individuals from various professions and trades. Often heavily pro-government dominated

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PROJECT NARRATIVE

-person -speech “The -press current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will -assembly remain unchanged, and so will the life-style.”

Rights of: -association -travel -movement -correspondence

CARRIE LAM

-strike -occupation -academic research -religious belief

1984 SINO- BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION

URBANISATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MAINLAND CHINA

BREAKING BORDERS - EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL BREACH

CIVILIAN CONSTRUCTED Forming typology through the study of public protest

Studying the way in which citizens choose to inhabit the street-scape in order to demonstrate democracy is critical in the creation of an architecture that aims to embody this identity. When protesting to the higher powers within your own city fails to yield productive results, the use of an international stage allows the citizens to continue informing other democratic nations of the suppression they are experiencing. A hope for liberation comes from the outside.

STALLS

SEATING AREA AND STAGE

COMBATIVE NATURE

ADHOC ELEVATION FOR SPEAKING AND ENCOURAGEMENT

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POSTER WALLS

2020-

Civil Unrest

2023-

The Commonwealth Inclusion

Continuing battles between citizen and governing bodies, as China tightens it’s grip on the city through the implementation of new laws and regulations.

In order to level the playing field, Great Britain are given permission to freely offer services to the citizens of Hong Kong. With attempts such as the offer of the British National Overseas Passport being counteracted by Mainland China, the realisation of a commonwealth centre within the city will allow citizens continued access to the characteristics of society that they once had. The building will give the opportunity for citizens to expose honest accounts of inhabitant desire vs the governed opinion, through retaining an international relationship.

The Commonwealth Gardens

2047-

CITIZENS REFERENDUM By fabricating a breach of contract clause within the Sino-British Joint Declaration, we can continue this narrative to create speculation about the future of the proposal and the city itself. This clause states that due to China breaking the treaty, the citizens of Hong Kong will decide their own fate with a referendum at the end of the 50 year agreement.

公投

選票 BALLOT PAPER

REFERENDUM

DEMOCRACY GREAT BRITISH COLONY Return to a result of colonialism to retain democratic identity.

AUTOCRACY MAINLAND CHINA Experience a new form of cultural absorbtion through ‘mainlandisation’.

FUTURE PROSPECTS A referendum to finalise the SBJD

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SITE: VICTORIA PEAK Victoria Peak is the highest mountain in Hong Kong, located on Hong Kong Island. The area yields rich vegetation and is a popular site for citizens, especially in the summer where the breeze offers a cooler environment. The area also attracts around 7 million tourists per year.

Its summit is closed to the public and occupied by a facility for radio telecommunications.

INHABITATION DENSITY Quartile 1 (14-930) persons /km² Quartile 2 (930-8650) Quartile 3 (8650 - 35744) Quartile 4 (35744 - 152958)

HISTORY OF SITE 1888 PEAK TRAM LINE BUILT

CREATED HIGH DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL IN THE AREA

1904-1930: DESIGNATED AS A RESIDENTIAL AREA EXCLUSIVELY FOR NON-CHINESE CITIZENS

TODAY: AFFLUENT HOUSING DISTRICT AND TOURIST HOTSPOT

AIM: TO RECLAIM THE SITE AS A DESTINATION FOR ALL BUSINESS DRIVEN GOVERNMENT Biggest Landlords in HK

With land-use being a large source of revenue for the government, the current planning mechanisms are biased towards economic growth as a result of this structure.

HK$ DAY AND NIGHT VIEW ACTIVATION Unlike most natural terrains, the peak attracts visitors to come both at day and night.

SITE SECTION Extending an urban community into the sub tropical forest terrain.

VICTORIA PEAK 500m

LUGARD RD

400m

300m CENTRAL DISTRICT 200m

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A NEW DESTINATION ACCESS TO SITE

The Peak Tram

Bus

Walking

Running Hours: 7am to 10pm Monday -Sunday Frequency: every 15-20 minutes Duration: 7 minutes Capacity: 120 passengers (95 seated 25 standing)

HK$10 Running Hours: 6:15am to 00:15am Duration: 15 minutes

Free Duration: 50 minutes Caution: Difficult trek during summer months

SITE PLAN This radical change in terrain sits at the periphery of the dense urban fabric, overlooking the rapid development of the city. Well connected and offering ample opportunity for proposal.

0m

20

LUGARD ROAD LOOKOUT 35 0m

0m

30

400m

450m

50 0

m

RADIO STATION 20 0

m

400m

350m

TRANSMITTING STATION

300m

450m

m

50 0

VICTORIA PEAK GARDEN

OLD PEAK ROAD

LUGARD FALLS

N

VICTORIA GAP

GOVERNERS WALK PEAK TRAM LINE

PEAK TOWER

GEOLOGY AND VEGETATION

The majority of Victoria Peak is formed from volcanic rock with a dense forested canopy of average 15m height.

HK ENVIRONMENT

MONSOON

TEMPERATURE

PRECIPITATION

40

HEAVY RAINFALL

500mm

375mm

250mm

30

20

10 125mm

Jan Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

HIGH PRECIPITATION

Dec

Visible in the complex roofing strategies seen in traditional Chinese architecture, considering the rainfall is a large factor in design here.

SOLAR STUDIES

With a north westerly facing site the area will be partially shaded by the extent of Victoria Peak during the colder months. During warmer months when the sun angle is higher, extending roof surfaces and wrapping surfaces are used to diffuse any unwanted directed sunlight and guide its reflection into the building.

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

HIGHT HUMIDITY

Combined with high temperatures, the environment is that of a high humidity. Putting materials to the test regarding thermal and moisture expansion effects and ensuring a need to consider the effect on the interior of the building as well as provision for the surrounding public space.

WINDROSE ANALYSIS

Prevelant winds from the north need to be accounted for when building in a highly exposed area.

Wind tunnels should be avoided where interstitial space is created unless for ventilative purposes.

35

SITE SECTION 1-2000

VICTORIA PEAK

500m

400m

LUGARD ROAD 300m

200m

m

0 20

LUGARD ROAD LOOKOUT 35 0m

0m

30

400m

m 450

50 0

m

RADIO STATION 20 0

m

m

300

400m

350m

m

450m

50 0

VICTORIA PEAK GARDEN

TRANSMITTING STATION

LUGARD FALLS

OLD PEAK ROAD

VICTORIA GAP

GOVERNERS WALK PEAK TOWER

PEAK TRAM LINE

A NEW PERS

A reflective lookout contra

36

CENTRAL DISTRICT

SPECTIVE

asting urban density

37

03. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

38

39

DEMOCRATIC SPACE PLANNING Political Architecture in Great Britain

System of architectural elements in the Gothic follows a branching narrative where every element sprouts from another, an approach that can be carried out efficiently with a bamboo and concrete hybrid. Although these structures often use materials of stone and masonry, timber is sometimes incorporated and has an opportunity to offer greater material capability with modern technologies within the craft.

CORE SPACES 1016 - Thorney Island Royal Residence

The ventialtion strategy offers a great demonstration to the relationship between the spaces critical to parliamementary process and ceremonial narrative.

1295 - First Occasional Parliament Hosting

Victoria Tower

Elizabeth Tower Central Tower

1512 - Fire Destroyed Royal Residence Section -Became a Destination for Parliament and Royal Law Courts

Two houses inhabited varies spaces with continued partial renovations to make the building work.

Central Lobby

House of Lords

House of Commons

1834 - Destroyed by fire.

1835 - Full re-model by Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin in Neo-Gothic Style.

HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION

PRIVATE

PUBLIC

1847 - House of Lords complete.

1852 - House of Commons complete.

07

09

08

01

02

06 03

KEY:

40

01

House of Lords.

02

Peers Lobby

03

Central Hall

04

Commons Lobby

05

House of Commons

06

Westminster Hall

07

Sovereign’s Entrance

08

The Queen’s Robing Room

09

Victoria Tower

10

Elizabeth Tower

04

05

10

APPLICATION TO NEW CONTEXT Political Architecture in Great Britain

THE SENEDD BUILDING - CARDIFF

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION PRIVATE

Public Gallery

Public Gallery Debating Chamber

PUBLIC

Offices Conference Rooms

UNITED KINGDOM

HONG KONG

OFFERED INSPIRATION AMONGST GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE

WHAT WILL ALLOW PROJECTION FROM THE DENSE URBAN FABRIC?

41

01: AESTHETIC APPLICATION Political Architecture in Great Britain

42

ADDITIVE WESTMINSTER STYLE FROM ROYAL RESIDENCE TO POLITICAL EPICENTRE

02: CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES Political Architecture in Great Britain

System of architectural elements in the Gothic follows a branching narrative where every element sprouts from another, an approach that can be carried out efficiently with a bamboo and concrete hybrid. Although these structures often use materials of stone and masonry, timber is sometimes incorporated and has an opportunity to offer greater material capability with modern technologies within the craft.

Hammerbeam Ceiling - Westminster Hall Large spanning oak ceiling that allowed for an open, column-less hall with high ceilings and intricate carving.

Timber

Gothic Vaulting - The Cloisters The transition from ceiling to wall/ column was integrated in the Gothic through vaulting. Another technique to allow for tall ceilings, demonstrated in many variations with the fan vault most specific to Perpendicular Gothic. Stone ribs lined a masonry canopy.

Compound Pier

Tracery

Being informed by the ceiling condition, the columns and piers became fully informed and shaped by what sat above it. The shapes and profiles resembled a bundling of structural elements being tied into the vertical element.

Following this branching and dispersing nature of the Gothic style, the stone elements seperate further into tracery which starts to produce the tertiary elements of the structure such as openings, window frames and balustrades.

Flying Buttress These elements intend to free the building envelope from structural function in order to allow for large openings and thinner profiles.

Pinnacles are utliised here to add weight to vertical elements to combat the horizontal forces created by large ceilings.

43

POLITICAL PRECEDENTS Data comparison with the UK

LOCATION

STATISTICS

PRIMARY CHAMBER

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS Combative design between government and opposition Population= 55.98m Size= 130,279km² 0.42 people per m² 2.3m² pp

UNITED KINGDOM

KEY ADDITIONAL SPACES

House of Lords m² Voting Lobbies Public Galleries Westminster Hall

650 members Capacity: approx 427 pax Area: 275m² 0.6m²pp

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT - DEBATING CHAMBER Hemisphere shape intended to encourage consesnus and compromise

Main Hall Press Tower Public Galleries

Population= 5.454m Size= 77,910km² 0.07 people per m² 14.3m² pp 129 members Capacity: 131 pax Area: 640m² 4.9m2 pp

SCOTLAND

THE SENEDD - DEBATING CHAMBER Designed for openness and transparency Population= 3.136m

Public Event Floor Public Gallery Media Briefing Room

Size=20,735km² 0.15 people per m²

6.6m² pp WALES

60 members Capacity: 60 pax Area: 170m² 2.8m² pp

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER Design principles both solemnity and prudence as well as openness and empathy

Public Galleries Press Room

Population= 7.5m Size= 1,106km² 6.8 people per m²

HONG KONG

44

0.14m² pp

70 members Capacity: 100 pax Area: 800m² 8m² pp

PUBLIC INTERFACE

Exploring the relationship with public further than a window.

PUBLIC CONNECTION

The primary sense that craves transparency, citizens want to know exactly what is going on in their city and be able to contribute something if they disagree.

An influence on both sides with the presence of the public reminding the polticians who they are there to represent.

An ability to contribute to the process may come through the form of a forum, political jury duty or heckling.

Standard Layout

PUBLIC JURY

PUBLIC

BUSINESS

Looking at a courtroom for precedent when interfacing different sectors within Hong Kong’s political system. It is important to keep in mind the influence that public opinion has on global affairs in modern day with the help of social media.

Impartial Steward Required

LEGISLATIVE

EXECUTIVE

Combative and Democratic

EXECUTIVE

PUBLIC

MEDIA OPPOSITION LEAD

BUSINESS

IMPARTIAL STEWARD

CHIEF EXECUTIVE LEGCO

LEGISLATIVE

PUBLIC

45

DEMOCRATIC MASSING

01 LIMITED VERTICAL APPROACH

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER

PUBLIC SPACE

LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER

02 PROJECTING DIAGONAL APPROACH

yes

no

EVENT HALL / TERRACE

CIRCULATION LOBBY

PUBLIC SPACE

yes

LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER LOBBY

LOBBY

PACE

PUBLIC S

CIRC

LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER

PUBLIC REALM

46

PUBLIC S

PACE

PUBLIC SPACE

LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER LOBBY

PUBLIC SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER

no

DISTRIBUTING DEMOCRACY Emphasising the public role in HK politics

47

PUBLIC TERRAIN

410m

395m

EXTENSION OF PEAK TRAM LINE

PUBLIC SPACE EXTENSION

STEPPING STREETS

CONTINUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

With a police record of 128,000 at the most recent protest, by HK population:land density, a space of 18000m² is required for this political demonstration. Both Lugard Rd ad Harlech Rd spanning 12,300m² leaving 4700m² to connect the new tram line to the footpath and create a dwell zone for possible political pilgrimage.

The streets within an urban setting offer adquate host for a path of protestors. By applying this familiar dimension to the public space, the platform can be staggered to respond to the site conditions and connect these two public access points.

By applying the required depth to span ratio, a sloping nature offers a winding path that references a more natural terrain and opens opportunity for intervention upon the generous public spans.

1 12

3.5m

48

10m

3.5m

MEDIA HUB

With an integral role of media in politics today, these spaces ensure the international communication of the political process as well as understanding the public opinion at the time.

CEREMONIAL HALL 500 pax

Acting as a public gallery on non-event day, the ceremonial hall extends the public space into a grand interior ornamented with the history of democratic identity in the city. Hosting large political events.

PUBLIC GALLERIES 140 pax

Stepping down from the public space allows people to sit in to central chamber as if acting as a jury.

ENTRANCE LOBBY CENTRAL CHAMBER 140 pax

Creating a combative environment between the two main political agendas in the city, in order to ensure consideration of both agendas are considered. This environment is then mediated by both public and business consultation juries.

DISCUSSION LOBBIES

Utilising interstitial circualtion spaces to host more informal political discussions

STAFF BOH

Conference rooms, WC, kitchenette

PUBLIC AMPITHEATRE 500 pax

At the core of the proposal sits a framework for public demonstration

TRAM STATION

Extending the existing peak tram line to the new parliament building increasing accessibility to all

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Housing the goverment offices around the public activation to further consolidate the currently detached political process

VISUAL CONNECTION

EMBEDDING PROGRAMME

Political spaces have been stitched into the public space creating a consistent permeability within the building for the public to take advantage of

EMPOWERING PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION

Political spaces have been stitched into the public space creating a consistent permeability within the building for the public to take advantage of

49

DESIGN ITERATION 01 - OVERLAPPING SURFACE CITY VIEW

PROGRAMMATIC VIEW

SOLAR ACCESS

ENCLOSURE

50

PROGRAMMME DISTRIBUTION Placing the required floor plates in a composition that allows spatial transparency.

CANOPY ENCLOSURE Taking precedent from a traditional architectural response to this climate.

SLOPING CONNECTION Planes are extended and angled to further integrate programmatic connection.

URBAN PUBLIC SPACE The composition of space here references a familiar typology in HK where the high rise buildings offer open and transparent space at the low level, where large groups of citizens gather on certain leisure days. This further integrares the transparency to certain political processes happening at the ground level.

51

DESIGN ITERATION 02 - CONTINUOUS SURFACE With a primary timber skeleton generated by surface modelling, the spatial conditions will be further specified by their need for solar, moisture, thermal and visual transparency. The nature of concrete application will allow the surface to flow between enclosure and opening seamlessly.

SOLAR

MOISTURE THERMAL

VISUAL

TIMBER REINFORCED CONCRETE Timber continues as a thin framework of reinforcement for an in-situ concrete wall.

COMPOSITE SYSTEM

The timber frame will act as a scaffolding for concrete application. With the segmentation of pre fabricated timber elements and dowelling in the beam, the builders ability to place formwork is eased.

TYPE 01

TYPE 02

TYPE 01

EXPOSED BEAMS Creating areas of transparency for the external environment, light or circulation.

CONCRETE UNDERSIDE Used as a surface against the natural terrain, thickening the concrete element in areas that require a retaining wall.

Allows space for insulation and services.

CONCRETE INFILL Reinforcement and concrete filling the voids between each beam, to be used in areas that require a solid braced surface without insulative requirements.

CONCRETE TOPSIDE Here the concrete lines the upper profile of the timber beams, acting as a shell to protect from environmental factors. Allows space for insulation and services.

OVERLAPPING SURFACE By integrating the timber within the concrete layer we can create conditions where multiple surfaces overlap in order to serve structural and architectural function such as enclosure or ground condition.

BEAM CONVERGENCE The timber structure converges into a singular element that can act as a column.

CONCRETE FOOTING At site of a connection to the ground plane or otherwise, concrete takes a large amount of compression whilst also enhancing a language of continuity.

EMBEDDING CONCRETE By creating a concrete interlayer we benefit from its composite properties structurally and timber can be used internally and externally for secondary and tertiary purposes. However this creates a thick build up that restricts the use and expression of concrete.

52

LINING THE UNDERSIDE Single surface composite

53

STRUCTURAL APPLICATION 01 - PINCHING AND SPLAYING 2400mm

By continuing the sizing required to reinforce inside of the concrete into the bunching beams, we can inform a strategy that scales the timber structure in response to its ability to support the concrete it’s hybridised with.

10mm 150mm

STRUCTURAL CONTINUITY Creating a holistic surface typology to wrap the enclosure of the building.

BUTTRESSING EXTENSION A direct load transfer to the ground offers a restricted relationship between the inside and out.

150mm

54

FORMWORK EXTENSION

BUNDLING By pinching the continuous structural members we can begin to create different architectural conditions, forming a condensed footing to take the load whilst also opening up areas of the building for access and transparency.

55

STRUCTURAL APPLICATION 02 - DETACHED BUTTRESSING

Reception Public Gallery

56

SERVICE INTEGRATION The offset of primary structure to the overall surface creates a new interface condition. Whilst solving the structural solution, a consideration of continuity and seamlessness is extended into the integration of services.

INTERFACE 02

INTERFACE 01

Ceremonial Hall

Offices

Meeting Rooms

Lobby

Central Chamber

Garden

Entrance

57

STRUCTURAL APPLICATION 03 - SURFACE EXTENSION

VERTICAL COLUMNS

ANGLED SURFACE OPENING

VERTICAL WALLS

CENTRAL OPENING

DIAGONAL AND VERTICAL MEMBERS

DIAGONAL AND VERTICAL MEMBERS 02 58

CONTROLLED DIAGRID

SWEEPING DIAGRID

CLIFF SIDE SUPPORT The solution to allow for the continous overlapping of surface is the ability to respond to the incline site conditions and tether back to the rock at high level.

59

PROGRAMMATIC DISTRIBUTION

DE LAMINATING INTERNAL SPACES

BY INTRODUCING A BUILDING OF 2 PLY WITHIN THE TIMBER SKELETAL SYSTEM, THE CONTINUOUS ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT HAS THE ABILITY TO DELAMINATE IN AREAS CREATING VARIED FEATURES OF ENCLOSURE, PRIVACY, CIRCULATION, SEATING ETC.

10

MEDIA ROOF GARDEN

09

PUBLIC BALCONY

08

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

07

PUBLIC GALLERIES

06

CENTRAL CHAMBER

05

EXECUTIVE OFFICES

04

LEGCO AND PUBLIC CONSULT

03

COMMUNAL LOBBY

02

PUBLIC GARDENS

01

TRAM PLATFORM

01

60

10

09

07

08

LUGARD ROAD

06

05

03

04

02

61

A PRIMARY COMPOSITE

01

BEAM EXTENSION SCARF JOINT

Due to fabrication and transport constraints, sections of the beam will require on-site assembly. The scarf joint here uses only timber and creates a strong extension of the member.

02

CROSS LAP JOINT

03

Where two perpendicular member are to be joined, this joint type offers a seamless solution without a dominantly visible use of steel.

DELAMINATING SCARF JOINT

By adapting the scarf joint, this junction allows for the splaying of a primary structural member creating a separate enclosure or support.

04

DELAMINATING SECONDARY

Using the same approach as before however continuing into a secondary piece of structure that could support a curtain wall.

EXISTING COMPOSITE SLAB Compression Tension

Partially Composite - Interface Slip Parellel to Beam

Used at the perimeter of gothic cathedrals, the buttress is not an area of approach therefore it offers a harsh entrance condition.

Positive Bending Moment M

Slip

Fully Composite

Compression Tension

Parellel to Beam

Used at the perimeter of gothic cathedrals, the buttress is not an area of approach therefore it offers a harsh entrance condition.

Overall Primary

Positive Bending Moment

M

Timber Primary

A timber-concrete composite is best demonstrated in beam analysis, where the allocation of material directly represents how the forces act within this structural member.

PRIMARY TIMBER WITH TIMBER BRACING M

TWO LAYER TIMBER AND CONCRETE M

COMPOSITE TRUSS SYSTEM Compressive Layer

Truss Cavity

SINGLE LAYER TIMBER AND CONCRETE M

Tensile Layer

CREATING A CONTINUOUS LINE OF TENSION The reinforcement has the ability to be thread through the timber primaries. With singular rod passing through each, they can be easily tied to a joining member between each beam which creates a consistent tension line for the reinforcement of concrete.

Overall Primary Concrete Primary

62

OPTIMISING SURFACE - 2 PLY The differing tensile and compressive properties of the hybrid are put to fruition in the analysis of the central chamber ceiling.

ANALYSIS OF INITIAL STRUCTURE When developing the scheme, the folding surface condition was studied in order to identify the areas which would require structural solutions to make the system work.

CANTILEVER The structural member here is put into tension on the top surface and compression on the bottom surface

Compression Tension

TRUSS The opposite happens in a beam or truss system where the top surface is put into compression and bottom into tension.

DUAL SYSTEM With both structural systems existing in this one fragment of the building, the seperation of a concrete braced compressive layer and a timber braced tensile layer can be used and flipped around the overlap in order to solve both structures in one system.

CANTILEVER Tensile Layer Compressive Layer

Compressive Layer Tensile Layer

TRUSS

63

FRAGMENT STUDY 01

14 13

06

09

12

08

07 10 05 11

04

03

02

01 01

Central Chamber

02

Executive Council Seating

03

Treated Cliff face

04

Concrete Plinth

05

Dougong Element

06

Composite Truss System

07

Chord

08

Vertical Support

09

Diagonal Members

10

Glazing

11

Excavated Guttering

12

Service Integration

13

Media Space

14

Lugard Road

CLIFFSIDE INTERFACE Exposed relationship to the rockface

64

CLIFF SIDE TETHERING Where the structure intends to interface with the rock, the opportuntiy arises to express the material narrative between the natural rock, concrete and the splaying bamboo structure. The abrupt transition from horizontal beam to column is articulalted using a traditional timber construction method called Dougong, where multiple roof members are stacked and load transferred eventually into one vertical column.

EXPLODED STACKING

02

01

01

Cavity for Truss System

02

Primary Timber Structure

03

Alternating ‘Gong’ Elements

04

Timber to Concrete Connection

05

Cast In-situ Concrete Plinth

06

Cast In-situ Concrete Pad

07

Steel Rock Anchors

08

Partial Rock Excavation

09

Treated Cliff Face

03

09 07

04

05 08

06

TRADITIONAL DOUGONG Cantilever bracket system used to support eaves overhangs offers a traditional precedent for the condensation of structural members from multiple horizontal beams to a column

Gong Dou 65

FRAGMENT STUDY 02

10

GLAZING ENVELOPE

11 12 09 08 13

07 06

05

04 03

14

02

01

15

11 12

01

Concrete Landscaping

02

Stepped Seating and Circulation

03

Flying Buttress Concrete Plinth

04

Composite Scarf Joint

05

Timber Primaries

06

Sheathing

07

Cladding Timber Frame

08

Glazing Build Up

09

Extension to Handrail

10

GRC Cladding

11

Glazing Wall

12

Balcony

13

Offices

14

Entrance Lobby

15

Service Integration

15

13

05

03 14

66

BUTTRESSING PLINTH COMPOSITE CONNECTION

ON SITE - PRE FAB NARRATIVE 1. Cast strip foundation with reinforcement sticking out where plinth is to sit.

Assemble pre-fab timber primary

2. Pre- fabricate sculptural plinth, cast with joint side down to ensure accurate interface plane.

Lay reinforcement for concrete plinth Crane into place and connect the reinforcement to the timber member

3. Drill holes into base of pre-fabricated concrete plinth and fill with grout before inserting exposed reinforcement and slotting into place on site.

Build the formwork and cast in-situ

WET CONNECTION Used at the perimeter of gothic cathedrals, the buttress is not an area of approach therefore it offers a harsh entrance condition.

Assemble pre-fab timber primary

Lay reinforcement for concrete plinth Build the formwork and cast in-situ

After curing, attach the two members by sliding laterally and hammering in wedges

DRY CONNECTION Used at the perimeter of gothic cathedrals, the buttress is not an area of approach therefore it offers a harsh entrance condition.

CONCEALED BRACING By connecting the repeated timber beams in the perpendicular direction the foundations act’s a stiffening element combating lateral loads. The integration of a solid concrete base also mitigates risk of wind induced vibration.

INTEGRATED APPROACH

Flying Buttress Flying Buttress

Strip Foundation

Buttress

Reinforcement Stepped Landscaping

TYPICAL BUTTRESS CONDITION

EMBEDDED STRUCTURE

Used at the perimeter of gothic cathedrals, the buttress is not an area of approach therefore it offers a harsh entrance condition.

By adapting the buttress logic into an embedded foundation, the structure can work in the same way whilst offering an open and transparent architectural condition interfacing with the landscaping.

67

MATERIAL HYBRID

03

06

05 07

04

02

01

01

SWB Timber Primary

02

Dowel Connections

03

Timber Reinforcement

04

Formwork for Casting

05

Concrete In-Situ

06

Waterproof Membrane

07

Rigid Insulation

08

Steel Gravity Hook

09

Rainscreen GRC Cladding

08 01

09 02 01 08

05

02

02 03

04

1-20 EXTERNAL WALL DETAIL 3000mm

08

06

09 07

03

150mm

05

600mm

04 01

200mm

EXISTING TIMBER - CONCRETE COMPOSITE Concrete Slab Plastic Film Op. Plywood Interlayer Electro-welded Mesh Steel Connector Glulam Timber Beam

Shear Connector - Steel Mesh 68

Steel and Dowel Connection

ASSEMBLY PROCESS

1.0 PRE-FABRICATION: TIMBER COLD PRESSING ADAPTATION In order to achieve the variation of pre-fabricated timber elements, a consistent degree of curvature is used throughout the structure and cold press moulds shaped to produce the relevant shape.

Hydraulic Press Top Tray Bamboo Fibres Pins Mould

2.0 ASSEMBLY: TIMBER CRANING AND SCARF JOINT In order to achieve the variation of pre-fabricated timber elements, a consistent degree of curvature is used throughout the structure and cold press moulds shaped to produce the relevant shape.

UTILISING LOCAL EXPERTISE With Hong Kong being one of the only places to use bamboo scaffolding to a large scale, it would be highly useful for this form of support be used throughout the construction process.

3.0 CONSOLIDATION: FORMWORK AND CONCRETE IN-SITU CASTING In order to achieve the variation of pre-fabricated timber elements, a consistent degree of curvature is used throughout the structure and cold press moulds shaped to produce the relevant shape.

Primary timber elements in place

The laying of bamboo rebar is advanced with the ability to notch each reinforcement member into the primary beam as if it were a dowel.

With the primary members creating channels for in-situ concrete, formwork clads the inner and outer face of the intended concrete layer.

69

LIGHT ACCESS

SLANTED FACE GLAZING

GLAZING WALL TO BALCONY

STEPPED DELAMINATING GLAZING

TRANSPARENCY PERSPECTIVE

S

N W E 89

However there is one point throughout the year during the summer solstice in which the sun path passes over 90 degrees from south meaning some angled access to the facade adjacent rooms. This will be mitigated using an extension of the concrete facade much like in the previous study

70

The slatted facade with deep timber members also means that direct sunlight from the east and west are also mitigated.

EXTENDING THE SURFACE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS CURATED LANDSCAPING

LIGHT ACCESS STUDY

SUMMER SOLSTICE 9AM 91 °

No direct sun exposure to the glazing through the day due to high angle.

By ensuring a tall and dense vegetated barrier to the east side, the direct sun could be mitigated during this time. However there is no certainty and a risk of overshadowing ambient light access to the space.

CANOPY

67.5 °

EQUINOX 9AM

By extending the ground plane further than the glazing line at each level, harsh direct line can be avoided.

Direct sun access during morning hours.

ACOUSTIC TRANSPARENCY In order to utilise passive ventilation and allow hot air to pass out at these openings, acoustic treatment will have to be implemented to reduce noise pollution from public space.

ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

44 °

NOISE POLLUTION

WINTER SOLSTICE 9AM Direct sun access during morning hours.

FRESH AIR

02 04

PROGRAMMATIC RELATIONSHIP This interface demonstrates one instance of the relationship between public and private political function within the building. Here we have a communal office space for the Legislative Council and the delaminated timber beams that create stepped glazing for light and ventilation as well as public view into the space.

01

Legco Office

02

Stepped Public Garden

03

Primary Timber Beams

04

Concrete Build Up

05

Retaining Wall

03

01

05

71

04. FINAL DRAWINGS 01

New Tram Line

02

Tram Station

03

Public Gardens

04

Entrance Lobby

05

Consultation Floor

06

Legislative Floor

07

Central Chamber

08

Public Space

09

Stepped Garden Approach

10

Viewing Balcony

11

Media Floor

12

Reception

13

Offices

14

Lugard Road Path

14

13 12 11

10

07 08 09 06

05

04

03

02

01

72

73

The Commonwealth Assembly

A new-era colonial building offering sovereignty to the citizens of Hong Kong.

74

75

A New Destination

Extending public space amongst the rich vegetation.

01

New Tram Line

02

Amphitheatre Platform

03

Public Gardens

04

Entrance Lobby

05

Consultation Floor

06

Legislative Floor

07

Central Chamber

08

Public Space

09

Public Galleries

10

Viewing Balcony

11

Broadcast Discussion Room

12

Media Spaces

13

Offices

14

Lugard Road Path

03 02 01

76

14

05

06

10

08

09

11

13

07

12

04

77

The Central Chamber Transparency to public engagement.

01

Central Chamber

02

Public Galleries

03

Public Space

04

Covered Balcony

05

Executive Lobby

06

Chief Executive Office

07

BOH Server Room

08

Ventilation Plenum and Services

09

Double Beam Layer

10

Open Truss

11

Glazing Wall

12

Dougong Rock Interface

13

Treated Exposed Rock Surface

14

Glazing and Drainage

09

11

06

78

04

05

10

03

07

02

08

13

12

14

01

79

New Perspectives

Enhanced reflection on the urban cityscape.

80

81

05. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWINGS

04

1:20 Based on

82

02

01

04

04

03

04

04

04 04

05

06

1:200 ROOF PLAN

01

TRAM PLATFORM

04

GARDEN

02

TRAM STATION

05

PARLIAMENT BUILDING

03

PUBLIC AMPITHEATRE

06

LUGARD ROAD

Based on 3m x 9m grid.

0M

5M

10M

20M

50M

83

01

06 05

05

08

04 03

02 05

05

08

08

07

1:200 GROUND FLOOR PLAN

07

01

ENTRANCE LOBBY

04

PUBLIC FORUM

07

WC

02

LEGCO LOBBY

05

CONSULTATION ROOM

08

BOH

03

LEGCO OFFICE

06

PUBLIC LOBBY

Based on 3m x 9m grid.

84

0M

5M

10M

20M

50M

08

07

06

05

02

05

09

09

09

03

01

04

1:200 LEVEL 01 PLAN

01

LEGCO LOBBY

04

CENTRAL CHAMBER

07

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE

02

EXECUTIVE LOBBY

05

MEETING ROOM

08

STAFF AREA

03

GOVERNMENT LOBBY

06

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICE

09

BOH

Based on 3m x 9m grid.

0M

5M

10M

20M

50M

85

04

02

03

05

01

05

1:200 LEVEL 02 PLAN

01

CENTRAL CHAMBER

04

BALCONY

02

PUBLIC GALLERIES

05

GARDEN ACCESS

03

PUBLIC SPACE

Based on 3m x 9m grid.

86

0M

5M

10M

20M

50M

04

02

01

03

03

03

03

05

1:200 LEVEL 03 PLAN

01

RECEPTION

04

PUBLIC BALCONY

02

BROADCAST ROOM/CITY FORUM

05

LUGARD ROAD ENTRANCE

03

MEDIA SPACE

Based on 3m x 9m grid.

0M

5M

10M

20M

50M

87

10

11

09

12

07

06

08

03

05

03

03

1:100 LONG SECTION 88

01

ENTRANCE LOBBY

04

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE

07

PUBLIC GALLERIES

10

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

02

PUBLIC FORUM

05

EXECUTIVE/ VOTING LOBBY

08

EXTERNAL BALCONY

11

MEDIA SPACE

03

BOH

06

CENTRAL CHAMBER

09

CITY FORUM BROADCAST ROOM

12

LUGARD ROAD

Based on 9m x 3m grid.

0M

5M

10

1:500 REFERENCE SECTION

8

0M

04

02

01

20M

50M

89

All work produced by Unit 14 Unit book design by Charlie Harris www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture Copyright 2021 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmited in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retreival system without permission in writing from the publisher.

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I N N E R F O R M 2 0 2 1

P

G14 is a test bed for architectural exploration and innovation. Our students examine the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. As a unit, we are in search of new leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital and physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation and design research, generating momentum through astute synthesis. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic constituents.

This, coupled with a strong research ethos, generates new, unprecedented, viable and spectacular proposals.

IAt the centre of this year’s academic exploration was Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’: a master-builder who follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal as somebody who is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of his or her discoveries without disappearing into a career of expertise. Like Fuller, PG14 students are opportunists in search of new ideas and architectural synthesis. They explored the concept of ‘Inner Form’, referring to the underlying and invisible but existing logic of formalisation, which is only accessible to those who understand the whole system and its constituents and the relationships between.

This year’s projects explored the places where culture and technology interrelate to generate constructional systems. Societal, technological, cultural, economic and political developments propelled our investigations and enabled us to project near-future scenarios, for which we designed comprehensive visions. Our methodology employed both bottom-up and top-down strategies in order to build sophisticated architectural systems. Pivotal to this process was practical experimentation and intense exploration using both digital and physical models to assess system performance and application in architectural space.

Thanks to: DaeWha Kang Design, DKFS Architects, Expedition Engineering, Hassel, Knippers Helbig, RSHP, Seth Stein Architects, University of Stuttgart/ ITKE and Zaha Hadid Architects.

All work produced by Unit 14 Unit book design by Charlie Harris www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture Copyright 2021 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retreival system without permission in writing from the publisher.

UNIT 14 @unit14_ucl