Wentao Dai | USYD | Master of Architecture Portfolio
PORTFOLIO
Wentao Dai
23rd November 2024
To whom it may concern,
Reference for Wentao Dai
Wentao has been a student in the Master of Architecture degree at the University of Sydney, undertaking the MARC6000 Graduation thesis studio in semester 2 2024. During the studio semester and in her studies, Wentao has demonstrated a diligent, creative and detailed approach to both the research and design outcomes in her work and submissions for the semester.
The graduation project and work undertaken in the studio has demonstrated her ability to undertake detailed research, explore key design concepts, as well as to produce and deliver both creative and conceptual work to a high standard.
I have no hesitation in recommending Wentao and wish her the very best for her future endeavours.
Kind regards,
Rose McEnery
Rose.mcenery@sydney.edu.au
Design Studio Tutor (MARC6000 Thesis design studio)
University of Sydney
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Wilkinson Building, G04, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
I am a Master of Architecture graduate driven by a profound passion for creating innovative, flexible, and sustainable design solutions. My work is rooted in the belief that architecture holds the power to inspire, connect, and transform communities, fostering meaningful interactions and enriching daily life.
With a strong foundation in design thinking and creativity, I am committed to crafting functional, human-centered spaces that resonate with beauty and purpose. I see architecture as a tool for shaping a better future—strengthening neighborhoods, promoting sustainability, and positively impacting society at every scale.
Internship: Architectural design assistant Elepeno Architects, China (2022 - 2023)
- Contributed to diverse civil, cultural, commercial, and residential projects in Yunnan, China. Assisted in site research, analysis, CAD drafting, and digital modeling, supporting project development from concept to execution.
- Led the design and development of the firm’s official website, enhancing its digital presence. Provided translation services, facilitating seamless communication across teams and stakeholders.
Mentoring Program, School of Architecture, Planning and Design, USYD
- Mentored undergraduate students in architectural design principles and software applications. Conducted workshops and one-on-one sessions to improve students’ design skills.
REFEREES
Rose McEnery rose.mcenery@sydney.edu.au
Sean Akahane-Bryen sean.akahane-bryen@sydney.edu.au
1. Museum Of Ruin
Focused on Resort Island Design, Threshold Moment within architecture.
2. A Huge House II
Sustainable student housing with privacy, inclusivity, and shared spaces.
3. 1 Tawa Road, Ashfield
Renovation of existing dwelling in the neighbourhood.
4. 38 Bowman Street, Drummoyne
Residential project simulation and documentation process.
5. Thesis: Bloom Well
Integrating Mental Healthcare and Therapeutic Gardens for Youth.
6. OTHER WORKS
Architectural
Regarding Ruin: Museum Of Time, Change And Recreation
MARC 5020 - Pair Project with Zoey Zhu | Tutor : Sean Akahane-Bryen
Gallery Space | 2024 Camperdown | Sydney, Australia
The Ruin is an elegy, a poem with themes such as death, loneliness and the passage of time. It originates from the Exeter book, an anthology of Anglo-Saxon poetry originally written in old English.
“Ruinenlust” is a German term that translates to “ruin lust” or “pleasure in ruins.” It refers to a profound appreciation and fascination with ruins, particularly those of ancient or historical structures.
It goes beyond mere admiration of scenic landscapes; it encompasses a contemplative engagement with the transience of human creations and the inevitable cycles of growth and decay. This term encapsulates a deep-seated reflection on time, history, and the poignant beauty found in decay.
The museum, “Regarding Ruin: Museum of Time, Change, and Recreation,” delves into these themes with meticulous detail, presenting a journey through history that is both immersive and enlightening.
This project is dedicated to exploring the intricate interplay between time, ruins, and recreation. Located at the historic site Edgeworth David Building, we use its iconic brick arch structure as a central motif. This symbolizes not only the passage of time but also the resilience of human endeavor and the potential for renewal.
The arch, a iconic architectural element of ancient Rome, symbolizes strength, continuity, and the passage of time.
As visitors traverse our exhibits, there are multiple arch languages used in our museum, each of them defines a different space.
The arch guides them through a narrative that celebrates historical grandeur, acknowledges the beauty in decay, and inspires contemplation on the potential for re-imagination.
Archway, Corridor
Double Height Exhibition Space
Existing Building
Utilizing Structural Components
Encourage Public Transport
Consider disabled accessibility, open an underground entrance along Parramatta Rd, which also allow easier arrival by bus.
Multiple Entries
Attract Attention of Pedestrians
Use glass surfaces to allow interaction with the street, pedestrians can look into the museum and gain interest.
Multiple public entrances on different levels, separate public circulation and staff circulation with another entry at the back of house/ loading zone.
Give Back to the Community
Open spaces with native vegetation & trees, cafe & gift-shop that provide job opportunities for community members.
Public Gathering Spaces
Provide sheltered sitting zones for visitors and students around campus.
Connection Between Interior and Exterior
Roof garden with skylight, which provide daylight with atmosphere. Pools of water contributes to passive cooling.
Zone of Past: This area showcases a range of well-preserved medieval artifacts, including monuments, sculptures, and decorative artworks.
Zone of Ruins: Here, the beauty within decay is unveiled through oil paintings, Scaled models of Rome and Pompeii, Capriccio, and contemporary installation art.
1: 400 UNDERGROUND PLAN
Zone of Recreation: Focused on the themes of recreation and restoration, this zone features innovative works by contemporary artists. Sculptures symbolizing transformation and renewal are displayed alongside models of reconstruction.
The temporary exhibition space provides a dynamic platform for contemporary artists to explore and reinterpret themes of ruins, adding profound depth and vitality to our offerings.
1:400 SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE (SECTION C)
Beyond the exhibition spaces, this museum features a lecture hall, offices, and a research library, all designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and scholarly inquiry. Additionally, we have developed an underground passageway connecting our site to Paramatta Road, enhancing accessibility and creating new opportunities for exploration and engagement.
1: 400 SECTION B
RUIN EXHIBITION ZONE
RECREATION EXHIBITION ZONE
1:200 MODEL (GROUND FLOOR)
1:50 DETAIL MODEL
A HUGE HOUSE II: International Lodge
Student Housing | 2023
Darlington | Sydney, Australia
Located at 96 City Road, the proposed international student lodge strives to balance personal privacy with shared communal experiences, emphasizing a thoughtful gradient of privacy throughout the design.
The new international student house balances personal privacy with shared communal experiences, employing a thoughtful gradient of privacy throughout its design. This facility accommodates 360 beds, with 15% reserved for young Aboriginal students.
Shared spaces are strategically located at the intersections of building wings, with double-height volumes promoting openness and vertical connectivity. Communal kitchens and dining areas are on the first floor, while quieter lounge spaces occupy transitional floors.
Private rooms, inspired by Sean Godsell’s Green House, feature open-access bathrooms to reinforce personal boundaries. Minimalist furnishings and built-in storage maximize functionality and encourage students to engage in communal activities.
Respecting the site’s heritage, native vegetation on the northern corner is preserved. The design incorporates much of the existing structure, with new steel frameworks reducing foundation loads.
Precast concrete modules shape the façade, with recesses and glazing adding dynamic rhythm. Aboriginal artists will contribute artwork to the western façade, embedding cultural significance into the design.
MARC 5000 - Pair Project with Hsin-Min Hung | Tutor : Jack Gillbanks
SITE PLAN
ABOUT THE SITE
Surrounded by two faculties and the Seymour Centre, the site experiences high flow of public and students.
Multiple entries are provided, allowing public access across the building complex. On its southern boundary sits the Wilkinson building.
To give visual comfort to students living on the southern wing, this building block is slightly tilted to provide courtyard spaces towards the south.
1:500 SECTION
Summer sun
Winter sun
Kitchen & Dining
Crowded Quiet
Lodge
Balconies Study rooms
both sides of the sink / toilet which adds to the simplicity of each room.
1 Tawa Road, Ashfield
BDES 3025 - Pair Project with Kay Zhang | Tutor : Matthew Asimakis
Private House Renovation | 2021 Ashfiled | Sydney, Australia
This project focused on the hypothetical design of a residential alterations and additions and preparation of the necessary documentation for submission of a Development Application.
The clients are a typical family of four, with a two primary school aged children. They own a typical one level free standing bungalow in Ashfield.
The proposed development will provide a desirable solution to the existing problems of the initial dwelling with an additional area applicable to living, cooking, dining, and working purposes, an outdoor laundry. The alterations on room layouts of the original building also enhances the living quality by adding a bedroom and a separate shower room for the master room.
The site is adequate for the proposed additions with desired functions. The development considers adjoining development and the local dwelling features to add interest to the neighbourhood while maintaining the characteristics of the streetscape. The proposal is considered to be a complement to the neighbourhood and an enhancement of the owner’s living in both aesthetic and functional aspects. Based on the considerations mentioned above, this proposal is believed to be applicable and appropriate to the site context and worth approval from the council.
The development is in compliance with the local regulations of Inner West Comprehensive Development Control Plan (DCP) in 2016 and Ashfield Local Environmental Plan (LEP) in 2013.
MICRO SITE ANALYSIS WITH EXISTING HOUSE
The client would like to improve the amount of light inside the existing house (which currently has poor natural light) as well achieve a better connection to the outdoor / rear garden area Besides, they want to improve the amenity and organisation of the residence as well as an adventurous architectural solution.
This project simulates the professional workflow of an architectural office, guiding the development of a residential project from conceptual design to construction documentation. The focus is on producing a set of working drawings, including a floor plan, section drawings, and construction details, while addressing key aspects of architectural regulations, material selections, and structural coordination.
A key challenge of this project has been navigating heritage constraints and FSR limitations, which—while relaxed in earlier design stages—would typically require extensive negotiation with local authorities. With Development Approval (DA) hypothetically granted, the project now moves into construction documentation, where the emphasis shifts from broad design concepts to detailed technical resolution.
Throughout this process, structural engineer sketches, material specifications, and best-practice construction detailing have been integrated to create practical and buildable solutions. Considerations such as material efficiency, buildability, and compliance with industry standards have informed the selection of construction details. Additionally, professional responsibilities—including ethical decision-making, contractual obligations, and communication with consultants—have been central to this phase.
By working through this stage, I have gained a deeper understanding of construction documentation as a critical link between design intent and built reality. This experience has reinforced the importance of precision, clarity, and adaptability in architectural practice.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:200 @ A4
CONCEAL GUTTER SYSTEM , 200mm WIDTH BG FIXED ON 18 mm PLY (DOWNPIPE BEYOND)
WB10 VERTICAL SHIPLAP
STO PLASTERED PARAPET, 5° MIN. FALL TO TOP OF PARAPET
ENSURE WPM RUNS CONTINOUSLY OVER PARAPET TOP UNDER FLASHING
ENSURE WPM RUNS CONTINOUSLY OVER PARAPET TOP UNDER FLASHING
TO RUN UP 150mm MIN
45X190 TIMBER JOISTS, TIMBER FRAMING OVER TO SUIT ROOF FALLS
45x90 TIMBER FRAMING @450 crs
TIMBER FRAMING @450 crs
BOARD INTERIOR WALL LINING TIMBER BLOCKING
COVER DRAIN WATER TO DOWNPIPE
1.5 DEGREE FALL
Thesis Project - Bloom Well
MARC 6000 - Individual Project | Tutor : Rose McEnery
Healthcare Facility | 2024 Glebe | Sydney, Australia
Bloom Well is an innovative initiative developed in partnership with headspace, Australia’s leading organization providing early intervention for young people aged 12 to 25 facing mental health challenges.
The project integrates therapeutic gardening into a purpose-built mental health facility, creating a nurturing space where nature and architecture work together to promote healing and personal growth.
The facility features a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces designed to foster reflection, connection, and creativity. Key elements include adaptable gardening zones, tranquil relaxation areas, and communal spaces for social interaction.
These flexible spaces cater to diverse needs, offering young people opportunities for mindfulness, collaboration, and personal development.
Besides offering mental health consultation, this proposal includes community-oriented therapeutic activities to promote social interventions. Each space serves a unique purpose, promoting emotional healing, social connection, and personal growth.
The changing seasons create unique views year-round, ensuring a perfect spot to enjoy. This project is more than a mental health facility; it is an urban oasis where young people meets each other, reconnect with nature, find peace, and flourish.
1:1000 SITE PLAN
The project is located in Bicentennial Park East, taking full advantage of the site’s natural topography and scenic beauty. This location was selected as it is close to the Glebe community, having great waterfront view of the Rozelle Bay. There is also sufficient parking available, with easy public access by bus. By merging outdoor garden zones with indoor activity spaces, the design brings nature directly into the building’s surroundings.
HEADSPACE
The building complex is divided into four zones:
1. Headspace on the west, offering privacy and park views.
2. Staff areas on the south, designed for convenience.
3. Art and Craft zone on the east, close to the Glebe community.
4. Kitchen at the center, serving as the core interactive space.
KITCHEN STAFF ART THERAPY
Morning Breeze ROZELLEBAY
1:400
1:400 NORT HELEVATION - ENTRY VIEW (WATERFRONT)
ENCOUNTER
Merging into Nature:
Visitors entering the facility will be surrounded by nature and experience an immersive multi-sensory experience through the building. The vibrant landscape views, combined with flora smells and soothing sounds, creates a therapeutic experience that invites exploration through garden spaces.
Seasonal Experiences:
The garden layout is designed to enable individuals to explore at different weather conditions and seasons, ensuring that there is always a perfect spot to enjoy each day.
ENGAGE EVOLVE
Shared Experiences:
The therapeutic quiet garden allows individuals to encounter their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. one can relate their expirences with another, encourages self-awareness and acceptance. Promote sustained engagement in the recovery process.
Community Involvement:
The communal aspects of the garden promote social connections and a sense of belonging, essential for inclusion in society. This aligns with the recovery model’s emphasis on community participation as a critical component of healing.
Supportive Environment:
The community garden is designed to promote interactions among participants. Regular group activities in the garden pushes ongoing engagement. These activities reduce feelings of isolation, build bonds between individuals hence fostering social connections.
Natural Healing Cycles:
The design of the garden encourages ongoing development and growth, participants can witness the transformation of plants, mirroring their growth and healing. As individuals interact with the garden, they can cultivate skills, build resilience, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Car Parks Staff Zones
Pocket Garden Art and Craft Workshop Flexi Space Parkland
Communal Kitchen Reception and Waiting Zone
Art and Craft Workshop Flexi Space
Community Garden
DETAILED SECTION
A long corridor connects the various rooms;besides interior circulation, it also serve as waiting area for therapy sessions. Stone-paced paths in the central courtyard adds to exterior circulation, guiding the users toward different garden zones. These will ensure smooth transitions between indoors and outdoors, providing opportunities for engagement with nature between therapy sessions. This immersive layout allows individuals to flow between public to private space, ensuring they are enveloped by nature.
Communal Kitchen
Rain Garden
Quiet Garden Therapy Room
Waterfront Path
Rozelle Bay
General Practitioner Space
Art and Craft Room
Sensory Garden
Sensory Garden
The Glebe Community
A key element of the project is the application of biophilic design, which involves the use of natural elements to enhance the space for more comforting and inviting environments. In this proposal, there are 5 garden layouts within the facility to integrate nature into different spaces.
2. SENSORY GARDENS
Located within the centre courtyard, these gardens are designed to engage all five senses through plants, textures, and sounds, offering participants a multi-sensory therapeutic experience. Include plants such as lavender and frangipani.
This garden utilizes the exsiting topography of the site to create a stormwater rain garden at the front of the facility. Its primary function is to manage andfilter stormwater runoff, preventing erosion and improving water quality, while also providing a lush, attractive landscape.
The pocket gardens are green spaces inserted between the therapy space, which provide a better connection between people and nature. Having natural views may also makes conversations less stressful.
3. POCKET GARDENS
1. RAIN GARDEN
4. THERAPEUTIC QUIET GARDEN
This space is dedicated to providing a serene, private area for individuals. With dense vegetation on site, allow peaceful retreat for reflection and healing.
5. COMMUNITY GARDEN
Besides traditional farming, this garden area includes features designed for people with limited mobility, such as raised garden beds for easy access. Incorporate native plants like finger limes, warrigal greens, and lime myrtle.
Allow cross ventilation and establish a visual connection between users and nature on the site, avoid overlooking.
RENDERS
SHARED KITCHEN RENDER
CORRIDOR RENDER
Establish double corridors to give more convenient circulation, extra glazing to allow winter sun to enter shared space.
ART WORKSHOP RENDER
PRIVATE THERAPY RENDER
The changing seasons, create unique views throughout the year, ensuring that there is always a perfect spot for one to enjoy. Here, young people can meditate, find inner peace and reconnect with local communities.
SPRING
Spring is a time when the area is filled with fresh greenery and sprouting flowers, symbolizing growth and new life.
SUMMER
Summer brings the garden to life—a lively vitality emanating from every corner, creating bright and engaging areas for social interaction and community.
Autumn
Autumn brings a palette of warm colors, encouraging introspective reflection amidst a world of falling leaves.
Winter
Winter wraps a silent blanket around the garden, offering quiet moments of reflection and peacefulness.
Here, young people are empowered to care for their inner lives and find the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. Bloom Whale embodies the healing power of nature, providing a dynamic, nurturing environment that fosters resilience, growth, and personal transformation throughout the year.
Summer illustration - view of the rain garden next to the activity room
Winter illustration - view ofthe pocket garden from the street
Spring illustration - view of the sensory garden on a rainy day
Autumn illustration - view of the community garden on harvest day
Waterfront view from Rozelle Bay
Reception and waterfront Path
Group Therapy Rooms next to Community Garden
Car park next to Art and Craft Rooms
Private Therapy Rooms and Pocket Garden
OTHER WORKS
CERAMIC MAKING - DESA9014 ARCH AND DESIGN MATERIAL PROCESSES
