Xuanru Peng Portfolio of Selected Work 2018-22

XUANRU PENG

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO pengxuanru@hotmail.com instagram: @xuanru_peng +44 7961108410

selected work 2018-2022 Part II Architectural Assistant Based in London / Cambridge

Growing up in Beijing, Xuanru is a multi-disciplinary designer who settled in the UK since 2012 and completed his BSc at Cardiff University with First Class Honours in 2019.

Before his placement year Xuanru took part in a summer internship as a Research Assistant with CUROP at Cardiff University, where he helped developing a community centre in Grangetown. He became increasingly intrigued by community-led projects where local people can contribute to the design and construction processes.

He then completed his one-year placement at Loyn + Co Architects, where he worked actively with the design team, on a variety of projects, ranging from residential to public sectors, as well as forming a very close bond with the team members.

Having qualified as a TEFL teacher, being bilingual allows Xuanru to communicate with flexibility and appreciate cultural nuances. Besides his passion for architecture, Xuanru enjoys recording moments in life through drawing. His interest in art is then translated into design. He has been collaborating with his sister who is an influencer with 1mil+ subscribers and have been designing merchandise such as stationary and other accessories.

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CONTENTS 04 24 26

Royal College of Art 2020-2022 Tokyo Rhapsody, Land of the Hikikomori A Metaphorical City - Urban Villa Beekeeper’s House

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Cardiff University 2019 Torquay Community Health Centre Take a Seat An Aluminium Chair

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Loyn + Co Architects 2019-2020 Concept design, models + renders

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Free Lancing 2020-2021 Bubbli UP Pack, product design

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Competitions: 2018-2019 ‘Deserted Shelter’ Extreme Lodge ‘Moving Theatre’ FINSA ‘Emergent Pavilion’ Digital Fabrication

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Vertical Studio 2018 Lost & Found

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Exhibition Curator 2022 Fondazione Pastificio Cerere

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Site Location

MArch RCA/ Year 2 Gianfranco Bombaci, Matteo Costanzo, Francesca-Romana Dell’Aglio & Davide Sacconi Tokyo, Japan

T H E AT R E S O F T H E E V E R Y D AY

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2021 / 2022

Course/Year Tutors

This project acts as a provocation and suggests a new way of urban living inspired by the lifestyles of the hikikomori. They avoid human contacts and live in complete isolation as a result to extreme societal pressures in

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T O K YO R H A P S O DY - L A N D O F T H E H I K I KO M O R I

Japan. In a country where social misfits see their weirdest, and sometimes, sweetest desires fulfilled by an ever-growing industry that commodifies everything from manga massage parlours, love hotels to maid cafes, the hikikomori becomes an obscure alternative to mainstream society.

By proposing a non-insistence framework, the architecture should evolve in years of use, as well as being a speculative device. The project rejects the idea of uniformity and systematisation and seeks to free the individuals that are imprisoned by the will of the more powerful through a new set of ‘rules’ that favour the hikikomori community. A place where the suppressed can declare their independence as a unique but equally visible force against the current Japanese work culture.

Regarding the technical details, it won’t be completely under control, but more about showing a story, movements, and moments. The building only reveals a fraction of what is happening inside, the rest is just a formal expression, a performance of the architecture.

At the end of the day, it is about creating a transitional place attractive enough to lure some hikikomori out and move to here instead, where they are willing to take up the challenge of taking care of themselves with limited outside help in exchange for this collective feeling of liberation and sense of pride.

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2021 / 2022 T H E AT R E S O F T H E E V E R Y D AY

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01 “I could have chosen crime or worse, suicide. But I didn’t! I chose self-incarceration where I live. As we humans need contact with other people, I will be the first to admit that it is a damn shame to have to be forced into this position...” a hikikomori and his possessions central Tokyo masterplan

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2021 / 2022 T H E AT R E S O F T H E E V E R Y D AY

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01 “Those who are powerful are filled with greed; and those who have no protectors are despised...Knowing myself and the world, I have no ambitions and do not mix in the world. I seek only tranquility; I rejoice in the absence of grief.” a fictional piece of land urban villa - New Shibaura House

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concept model - hikikomori sanctuaries emergent land for emancipation

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“Now think: what conditions would give you no natural predators?”

“Well, isolation, for one thing. Somewhere no hunter could get to.”

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02 04 form test - language spatial test - t ypology structural test - materialit y design concept - post Nakagin Capsule Tower

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- relationship with the site as a cultural place

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- relationship with the city and its internal organisation

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- relationship between the subject organisation, space, form, time and collective rituals

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- relationship with the existing, possibility of transformation

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01 street view in contex t main entrance, street view a new archet ype in Tokyo

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By creating spaces of autonomy and individual identity, the new hikikomori tower

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ism, reflecting societal diversity in the urban landscape.

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will be an evolved version of the old tower that prize individualism over collectiv-

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2021 / 2022 T H E AT R E S O F T H E E V E R Y D AY

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physical model model close ups - hikikomori elements

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02 Elements from a hikikomori’s bedroom are amplified and applied in other frequently used spaces, challenging conventional architectural components such as a window or a door. There are an increased amount of access routes, encouraging non-forced encounters. Instant walls, curtains, Shoji screens, as well as emergency hiding spots, are available on each floor.

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Together the hikikomori will form a new society that they prefer to be a part of. In a way the design is not only a place for the hikikomori, but also a new archetype for the society to come. hikikomori corner the ‘gaming arena’

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“In their enclosed space objects come to life and assume their own order and independence, becoming worlds within worlds. And here resides the hikikomori, like a mythological God in his/her own tomb. ”

Sayaka, 19, a high school drop out Minami, 26, a hoarder the ‘manga kissa’ Genta, 24, unemployed and lost Haru, 36, an antisocial robotic enthusiast exploded axonometric

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T H E AT R E S O F T H E E V E R Y D AY

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2021 / 2022

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T H E AT R E S O F T H E E V E R Y D AY

Course/Year MArch RCA/ Year 2 Collaborators Izzy Farquharson, Wiktoria Jarosz Internal Competition: Joined First Prize Ungers regarded the ‘urban villa’ as a “hybrid between city and countryside”; a model that synthesised the respective advantages of individual houses and collective housing, whilst acquiring the qualities the 19th century villa, for which modern housing had failed to provide.

23 tonnes of cofee waste is produced each year, making it a viable abundant material to use within the construction industr y. ads9/10 studio swap The ideas explored with the ‘urban villa’ archetype study were then translated into a

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A M E TA P H O R I C A L C I T Y - U R B A N V I L L A

design competition at the beginning of term two, with ADS 9, where we created an ‘abstracted city’ composed of a series of objects, using coffee cast in concrete.

01 moulds + concept sketch ‘coffee cit y ’

precedents

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wiktoria jarosz xuanru peng izzy farquharson

concept

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BODY OF MAKING

Course/Year Tutors Site Location

MArch RCA/ Year 1 Clara Kraft Isono,, Satoshi Isono. Guan Lee London, United Kingdom

Can the state of ‘harmony’ be created artificially through a process of

MAKE, FILM, PLACE

BEEKEEPER’S HOUSE

deconstruction and restoration? This idea is primarily tested in my material study of beeswax, exploring ways we can take lessons from bees in the field of architecture. These ideas are then translated into a prototype dwelling where honeybees and the beekeepers can co-exist.

I then worked with honeybees and beeswax after volunteering at Bees Urban, a bee’s farm in Kennington Park. Exploring and challenging the current relationship between nature and man as well as using the construction material of beehives to inform our own built environment.

“In realit y, there are no best apiaries when it comes to beekeeping, only the most suitable. Ideally the beekeepers should be able to design their own hives based on the bees’ habits and characteristics, as well as the local climate.”

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BODY OF MAKING

MAKE, FILM, PLACE

01 testing beeswax as a building material ‘bees urban’, Kennington Park site plan

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BODY OF MAKING

MAKE, FILM, PLACE

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01 travel simulation of the bees device design: ‘a letter box of pollen’ ‘a wax cup’

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BODY OF MAKING

MAKE, FILM, PLACE 02

This 1:1 test I am exploring the bee colony façade in relation to solar shading and wind resistance. As well as temperature / ventilation control within the living façade. The test result will show whether this design element is suitable for a healthy honeybee colony to grow. It will also lead to alternative interior spatial arrangements to adapt and satisfy the optimal conditions and 01 needs of both occupants.

1:1 model, ‘a new bee apiar y ’, protot ype 01 film stills, testing the strength of beeswax test, ‘a new bee apiar y ’, protot ype 2

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BODY OF MAKING

MAKE, FILM, PLACE

By letting the bees take control in this house, the term ‘beekeeper’ with both bees and the keepers one day could state less ‘ownership’ and more unity. Perhaps the bees will become the man/house/garden keepers instead. We are merely observers and learners in this scheme, offering support when needed.

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THE COMMONS

Course/Year Tutors Site Location

Old and Young

BSc WSA/ Year 3 Nicola Chan, Thom Brisco Problems with current way of ageing in Torquay: Torquay, United Kingdom

Antisocial behaviours, clustering phenomenon Loneliness Declining health conditions Boredom from retirement Past skills aren’t passed on Problems with the young society in Torquay: At the Welsh School of Architecture, Xuanru developed a sensitivity and Lack of education and skills interest in form and spatial composition as well as an appreciation for the Lost interest in traditional culture and activities beneficial social impact that architecture can have on people and the places - final year Avoiding elders they inhabit. His project the developed these interests by addressing Busy and stressed, no time to exercise civic disparity in the ‘English Riviera’ context of Torquay.

As Shakespeare summed one man’s life into “seven‘heal stages” from the infant to senile.

He The concept of the place by healing the people’ is rooted anddescribed formed the Iaged “Last of all, that this strange

by Torquay’s past. aim to as address thescene neglected elderly andends declining eventful history, is second childishness and mere health issues in Torquay, and to bridge the gap between young and old with a design where people can occupy regularly simply to relax, socialise, oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste,learn sans and exercise as a community. The ‘retirement’ traditional ways everything.”

(Asidea YouofLike It, II. and Viii.)

My proposal will of healthcare will challenged: Do elders in Torquay by really enjoy to theenhance retirebe be challenging this statement trying ment life? What will an architecture look like thatwith is more like a home than a along that second childishness improved senses, clinic? with a healthier mindset and increased desire to move and learn.

Axonometric Section ‘an evening of joy’

CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

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T O R Q U AY C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H Y C E N T R E

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THE COMMONS

CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

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place study sketches massing models

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THE COMMONS

CIVIC ARCHITECTURE 02

01 models on tectonic, language, site and materialit y initial design sketch visualisation, cour t yard + dance hall design

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THE COMMONS

CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

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visualisation, tower design technical detail drawing

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THE COMMONS

Course/Year Tutors Site Location

BSc WSA/ Year 3 Nicola Chan, Thom Brisco Torquay, United Kingdom

Treating the site as a micro city, hence, to rethink the role of the road and street that joins two sides of buildings. These are more than just a cross-

CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

TA K E A S E AT

ing from one threshold to another and should act like a public square that encourage the flow of people and foster communal activities. My design will demonstrate detailed approaches of creating this public square as well as incorporating sensitive considerations to the surrounding context.

Overlooking Torquay, two of the reoccurring elements that captured my attention were; 1)

The cut-through that works as short-cut through different blocks.

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The vast topography changes of levels and landscaping.

My design will aim to: 1)

Reflect those two elements above.

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Create better access from one side of the street to another.

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Be more inviting and playful

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Allow public gatherings for the locals and tourists, encourage occurrence of communal activities.

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Add more greenery to the town

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Enhance the presence of buildings on Braddons Hill Road

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THE COMMONS

CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

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urban steps, visualisation Torquay stone, drawing

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DESIGN PRINCIPLE METHOD

CHAIR DESIGN

AN ALUMINIUM CHAIR Course/Year BSc WSA/ Year 3 Tutors Edmund Green Furniture Design ‘Thinking Through Making’

Challenging the materiality of aluminium and creating a seating surface that adapts to human form “The best products match material with consumer preference, and not only connect with current trends but also resonate with deeper consumer needs for comfort, safety, and quality.”

-Aluminium by Design I confront the chair with my body; my legs measure the length of the seat; my gaze unconsciously projects my body onto the reflective aluminium surface, where images of reflections are blurred and extended by the ‘pixels’.

I feel safe to sit down; my skin meets the coldness of the metal, warming it up; and my body weight sink into the chair as I enter the dark void of day dreams...

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PA R T 1 A R C H I T E C T U R A L A S S I S TA N T

LOYN + CO ARCHITECT S

PROFESSIONAL WORK, CONCEPT DESIGN,MODELS + RENDERS

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PA R T 1 A R C H I T E C T U R A L A S S I S TA N T

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PA R T 1 A R C H I T E C T U R A L A S S I S TA N T

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BUBBLI UP

Private Client

S T U DY S PAC E

PRODUCT DESIGN Linya Peng

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Designing merchandise products for my sister who is an influencer with 1mil+ subscribers. Products including refill pads, backpack and purse, all now being produced and sold.

purse design refill pad design backpack design

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EXTREME LODGE

FINSA

COMPETITIONS

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deser ted shelter flexible theatre (Runner Up)

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FINSA

D I G I TA L FA B R I C AT I O N

Flexible Performance Space’ Aiming to design a flexible, playful, elegant rehearsing/performing space for Theatre Iolo using FINSA timber panels. Aiming for easy construction and adaptability for interior and exterior uses

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VERTICAL STUDIO

Course/Year Tutors Site

LOST & FOUND

LOST & FOUND BSc WSA/ Year 1 Hugo Keene, Matt Chan Coed Hills, Wales

I was involved in a project to design and construct a micro-cabin for a married couple on a site in South Wales using only materials which had been salvaged from construction sites where they were headed to landfill.

The purpose of the studio was to recondition our thinking toward a culture of up-cycling and reuse. This should be intertwined with the notion that quality in buildings need not be about expensive materials or neatly honed finishing, but about the delight that comes from an innovative and playful response to the challenges of construction and design.

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02 final outcome in contex t structural progress interior progress entrance

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LIVE PROJECT

Course/Year Tutors Site Location

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S AVA G E A R C H I T E C T U R E - O P E N A R C H I V E MArch RCA/ Year 2 Gianfranco Bombaci, Matteo Costanzo, Francesca-Romana Dell’Aglio & Davide Sacconi Rome, Italy

For the Live Project I helped produce and organise an exhibition at the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere in Rome, on the notion of savage architecture, accompanied by a catalogue-archive of the materials produced by ADS10 over the past 5 years. The preparation of the exhibition involved specific workshops in curatorial strategies and book editing involving guest tutors. I was also part of the main exhibition curation team where I was in charge of designing the tables and the main room’s layout.

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exhibition main room table design initial room design me showing visitors my work painting the tables

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Xuanru Peng June 2022