“Because of Architecture, I get the privilege to immerse myself throughout the design development journey, progressing towards an unforseeable result. It is inspiring to come across different unique challenges to each project, and having to think that each solution will further develop, and better represent the concept physically and visually in an unprecedented manner.”
“Architecture is like writing. You have to edit it over and over so it looks effortless”
-Zaha Hadid
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RICHMOND HILL 2050 THESIS INTERCONNECTIVITY
4TH YEAR STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT IN DOWNTOWN SUDBURY
CONNECTIVE PASSAGE
1ST YEAR MASTER STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT IN DELHI, INDIA
3RD YEAR STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT IN FLOUR MILL, SUDBURY 1 2 3 4 5 6
EMBRACE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PAST WORK FROM CO-OP PLACEMENTS
ICE CUBICLE DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT OF A PUBLIC SKATING SHELTER
and Creating Community Through Olympism
THESIS INDEPENDENT
RICHMOND HILL 2050: (RE)IMAGINING IDENTITY AND CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH OLYMPISM
FALL/WINTER 2024 THESIS INDEPENDENT
Softwares Used:
This thesis aims to reimagine Richmond Hill’s identity and create a community as a new and emerging ethnoburb through Olympism. This thesis advocates for applying Olympism as a guiding philosophy in urban development, focusing on its transformative potential within Richmond Hill, an ethnoburb primarily for the Chinese community. Drawing inspiration from Olympism’s broader implications beyond sports and physical activity, this counterproposal challenges the prevailing transitoriented community (TOD) scheme by Quadrangle, a Toronto architecture firm. While acknowledging the TOD aspect as a significant component, it positions Olympism as the central theme driving social reform and community cohesion. By foregrounding Olympism, a philosophy rooted in the pursuit of excellence, education, and unity, this counterproposal offers a distinct approach tailored to Richmond Hill’s unique identity and aspirations. Emphasizing the Chinese community’s cultural values and social dynamics, the proposed master plan integrates Olympism principles into its design, prioritizing community well-being, cultural identity, and inclusivity. Located at the southern gateway of Richmond Hill along Yonge Street and the 407 beltway, this reimagined urban development serves as a testing ground for applying Olympism in contemporary urban planning. While acknowledging the TOD framework as a practical starting point, this counterproposal seeks to elevate the discourse by infusing it with the ethos of Olympism, thereby fostering a more authentic and inclusive vision for the future of Richmond Hill.
Lumion Rhino Photoshop Illustrator
Olympism is a philosophy of life founded by Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator emphasizing the educational value of sport and its role in promoting moral and social ideals. Initially rooted in Coubertin’s vision for social reform in France, Olympism evolved into a global initiative for peace and international harmony. Influenced by both English and Greek models of sport, Coubertin envisioned sport as a universal humanitarian pursuit that blends with culture and education. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defines Olympism as a balanced integration of body, will, and mind to foster joy in effort, promote ethical behavior, encourage social responsibility, and uphold universal ethical principles. Ultimately, Olympism seeks to use sport as a tool for humanity’s harmonious development and preserving human dignity.
Ethnoburb represents a modern concept for urban ethnic communities, characterized by suburban clusters of residences and business districts within major metropolitan areas. These multiethnic communities feature a substantial concentration of one ethnic minority group without necessarily comprising a majority.
Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a rapidly expanding and dynamic approach to establishing vibrant, sustainable communities. Also referred to as TOD, it involves crafting compact, walkable, and mixed-use neighborhoods centered around high-quality train systems. This innovative concept aims to foster livability, reduce stress, and provide alternative mobility options, allowing residents to lead more sustainable lifestyles with reduced reliance on cars for everyday needs.
1 2 3 Olympism
Ethnoburb
Existing Context Plan
Yonge St And Connector Rd
Plaza Along Yonge St
Viva Bus Stop On Yonge St
Silvercity Cinema Parking Lot
Home Depot Parking Lot
Context Plan with Proposed Masterplan
Proposed Masterplan 1:2000 Model
Along Railroad
Density:
The TOC comprises 33 new buildings designed with varying densities to optimize land use and accommodate population growth.
FAR (Floor Area Ratio):
Buildings adhere to appropriate FAR guidelines to ensure efficient use of space and support transit-oriented development principles.
Tower-Podium Configuration:
The design follows a tower and podium built form approach, with podiums creating a continuous streetwall for enhanced urban aesthetics and pedestrian experience, while towers are strategically setback to maintain adequate access to sunlight, sky views, and privacy.
South View
South West View
South East View
North West View
View
North East View
RICHMOND HILL 2050: (RE)IMAGINING IDENTITY AND CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH
OLYMPISM
Proposed Masterplan by Quadrangle
Transitioning to the design proposal, the approach the site, opening it up in a grid-like manner in Asian-themed malls. Intertwining residential foster heightened social engagement among deliberate scattering of public facilities across any sense of segregation between residents individuals to actively explore and engage
approach involves a deliberate effort to dissect manner reminiscent of the organized layouts found residential areas with public amenities aims to among residents and the broader community. The across the entirety of the site serves to dismantle residents and the public, thereby encouraging engage with the diverse range of programs available.
Design Proposal
RICHMOND HILL 2050: (RE)IMAGINING IDENTITY AND CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH OLYMPISM
Here is a more detailed version of the residential module. The residential units are seamlessly integrated between public program spaces, fostering a dynamic and interconnected environment. On the ground floor, retail or restaurant spaces create vibrant street-level activity. Inspired by the traditional Chinese hutongs, narrow streets, or alleys lined with courtyard residences, this typology incorporates shared courtyard spaces between the retail units, enhancing community interaction and cohesion. The rooftop programs offer multipurpose gathering and exercise spaces, maximizing usable area and eliminating the need for separate mechanical and service rooms. Importantly, this design prioritizes accessibility, inviting the public to engage with residents and participate in educational, social, and active activities, fostering community. Opportunities for various activities abound, including social games, exercise, biodiversity initiatives, and creating a safer, more walkable neighborhood through increased “eyes on the street.” Community cooking spaces promote culinary collaboration, while the multipurpose gathering space accommodates meditation, planting, and fitness activities. Lastly, the street market spaces on the ground floor further enhance accessibility and connectivity, making the module porous and inviting for public interaction.
Residential Module Isometric
Social Games
INTERCONNECTIVITY
INTERCONNECTIVITY
Softwares Used:
Designing for the generations provides opportunities of intergenerational moments that are intertwined with the family and senior affordable housing, transfiguring the physical entity of ‘space’ into ‘place’. Designing the architecture of the building to the urban rhythm, the experience of Sudbury’s exterior street life manifests itself into the interior residential circulation corridors, providing residents with intergenerational opportunities with an interior exterior experience of interconnection. The building emulates itself to the urban rhythm through its architectural form and material palette, providing an additional place of homeliness for the community of all generations in the City of Greater Sudbury.
Fabric Analysis
INTERCONNECTIVITY
Urban Plan
The urban design itself is curated through these hierarchy of paths with the main path at the core representing an extension of the interior experience of the intergenerational space spilling into the outdoor urban play space. The use of colour, which extends onto the facade and pours itself back on the urbanscape. There are vegetated and seating areas that create this border and buffer to the adjacent street, providing a sense of greater safety for the children and older adults through the visual and physical connections of the residents.
Level Floor Plan
Level Floor Plan
Third
Second
South Elevation + Envelope Prcedents
Vincent Mak
Longitudinal Section
North Elevation
West Elevation
East Elevation
INTERCONNECTIVITY
Residential Perspective Section
Residential Structural Isometric
HVAC System Integration
This residential perspective section is a synthesis of all mentioned structural and integrated HVAC systems, along with the building’s various layers and materials that encase the users into a space of life and overall comfort.
Physical Model
The design for this unique site with a diversity in age groups, created the perfect opportunity to use architecture as a place to introduce intergenerational experiences. Through form, collectivity and connected spaces, the decision to design for families and seniors, generates a strong synergy to strengthen the bond within the demographic population in the Donovan-West End Area.
CONNECTIVE
FALL
CONNECTIVE PASSAGE
Upon examining the scope of Chandni Chowk, it becomes evident that the parks and floodplains behind the Red Fort need to be addressed more. The area’s terrain, traffic system, and surrounding economic disparities have created a segregated space that does not encourage the same level of social interaction as the broader context of Shahjahanabad. By curating the experience within Delhi Chalo Park, Vijay Ghat, and the Flood Plains, a harmonious linkage between these vegetative divisions can be established, helping to connect and extend Chandni Chowk. The introduction of various flexible programmatic spaces throughout the site enhances the land masses’ adherence to the surrounding environmental context while providing community and cultural engagement opportunities. The revitalization of this area strengthens the connection between the Yamuna River and Chandni Chowk, allowing the experience of this space to extend across days and seasons, ultimately bolstering the community
Back of Red Fort
Overpass
Yamuna River
CONNECTIVE PASSAGE
At the rear of the Red Fort, a unique opportunity presents itself to bridge the gap between the fort and the flood plains. Two highways, running along the north-south axis, disrupt the connection between these two sites. The ‘Connective Passage’, an innovative architectural intervention, is designed to overcome this barrier by transporting users underground. A subterranean water channel runs alongside the passage, collecting rainwater and directing it to a water treatment plant for purification before it flows into the Yamuna River. The Connective Passage, inspired by local architectural typology, seamlessly blends into the site. This intervention, with its unique yet familiar user experience, preserves the pedestrian and vehicular traffic above ground.
The Flour Mill area currently faces challenges related security and cohesion. Through comprehensive identified a significant opportunity to leverage Urban to reinforce community ties. By integrating initiatives, we can create vibrant community spaces collaboration and connection. The proposed art gallery element in this transformation, providing a platform
related to community site analysis, I Urban Agriculture urban farming spaces that foster gallery is a pivotal platform to reflect on
the area’s rich history while simultaneously championing the future of urban agriculture. This development enriches the cultural landscape and establishes a new urban node that revitalizes the Flour Mill community, encouraging engagement and a shared sense of purpose among residents.
Site Analysis
Ground Level Floor Plan
EMBRACE
The Gallery is a vibrant hub for connection and social interaction, fostering community among its users. Designed thoughtfully curated, the building features public spaces that invite engagement through lush interior gardens and dynamic gallery areas. This design encourages interaction among visitors and creates a warm, embracing atmosphere that welcomes everyone. The Gallery is not just a space for art; it is a communal environment that nurtures relationships and cultivates a shared sense of belonging within the community.
Vincent Mak
Admin Eatery Space
Third Floor Garden Wall
PROFESSIONAL
Exterior Rendering
Revit Lumion Photoshop
Exterior
Revit Lumion Photoshop
Vincent Mak
Revit Lumion Photoshop
SketchUp Illustrator InDesign
FALL 2018
RAMSEY LAKE, SUDBURY, GROUP
ICE CUBICLE
SUDBURY, ONTARIO
GROUP OF THIRTEEN
ICE CUBICLE
FALL 2018 GROUP OF THIRTEEN
Located on Ramsey Lake, Sudbury, the project was a design-build challenge; designed to allow users to interact with the wood and rope structure. The abstract design of three differently angled cubes strives to celebrate its connection with the land as it submerges into the ice. The structure itself promotes a sense of movement, encouraging users to skate through and interact with our Ice-Cubicle.
On all three cubes, each facade uses rope to create a canoe weave design. The canoe weave creates an opportunity to be implemented as the seating cushion for the benches, creating a softer surface in comparison to wood. Simultaneously, the canoe weave design creates beautiful shadows, creating an attractive element for people to skate through.
