Transcending Boundaries Zewei Feng
Selected work from 2019-2021
The concept of transcending boundaries was raised by Professor Biao Xiang in University of Oxford in his book with same name. At this moment, we are all living in the times that everything is being developed rapidly. We are pushed to face and adapt the tremendously growing era in a passive manner that we have no time to spare for break and introspection. Technology brings us forward, but it also sets up voids that isolate our community. We take these given conveniences for granted but forgot how we come to this state. While we respect the trend that the times is progressing in a complicated but inevitable mode, conscious adjustment is necessary to keep this whole entity from moving too fast to lose its balance. Through architectural studies, we could replace the isolative vacuum with a resilient membrane that could always grow along with the development of the culture and society. As an architect, I want to become the moderator in our society to study and comprehend the rhythm of the times, attempting to promote and maintain the healthy organic ecology between humanity, nature, and communities.
Table of Content 1. House to the future
4.Flowing Storage
Excavate and evoke the developing value of modern precedent through architectural projection, juxtaposition, and superposition.
Updating the Risd material library to reactivate its potential as campus educational resource
2.The Formicary
5.Roots from Seeds
A Chinese Restaurant that accommodates Chinese immigrant employees
DIY cafe that brings the West End community closer
3.Nature at Ease
6. Escape within the city
Making use of a historic mill site to accommadate an affordable housing community program
Urban secret garden hidden in the shell of classical greek-style bank
7. Other Works
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House to the Future INTAR-23ST-02 Time & Motion Screen Technology and the Reproduction of Modern Architectural Heritage Composer: Zewei Feng Instructor: Eduardo Duarte Duration: 8 Weeks Site: Monsanto House of the Future, Disneyland LA
Monsanto house was built in the 1950s as an attraction site in Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. The project was built as a concept, a prototype, cooperated by three institutions: the Monsanto company, Disney Imagineering, and MIT. It is a project with high contemporality, where plastic material was just invented after WWII. The great potentials this newborn material reveals triggered considerable expectation and enthusiasm at that time. Under such an attitude, the Monsanto house was designed to demonstrate the versatility of modern plastics as a house of the future.
Concept development
The study of Monsato house derives from three major subjects: its cooporative design, chronological evolution, and the comtemporary scopic boundary. Based on these attributes, a series of questions were raised: How did the purpose of time raised from cooperative institution achieve its form? How did the positioning confine its potential wtihin finite time span? How to break through its age boundary and make the conceptual and physical remainings of Monsanto house continuously live as an inspirational resource?
Systematic deconstruction
Chronological Revolution
However, an avant-garde concept often possesses strong duality. The Monsanto house was born in a temporal historical context to uncover the possible future, while it is enslaved to its circumscribed contextuality, which doomed its final deconstruction.
Cooperative Design
20th century 1964 1968
The project is designated to investigate principles of architectural reproduction in the context of cinematic techniques of montage, superimposition, and juxtaposition based on comprehensive research of this historical heritage site. Then based on the achievement above, the project will be led to the final phase, where I Invest how a virtual reproduction becomes projected onto an architectural screen. How a reproduction is more than a projection and more than the original version?
21 century
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The Disney house of the future built after the deconstruction of Monsanto house
Remaining concrete base after demolition
Lego joint brand model of Monsanto house
The souvenir eidtion model of Monsanto house
The fantasy created by Disneyland The plastic materiality in objective reality The attributios associated with Monsanto house
Dynamic and organic growing potential endowed by materiality
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The growth of the fungus penetrates the original roof structure of the Monsanto house. Such overlapping relationships could be read as the invasion of the future to the present. While humans constantly searching for evolutionary approaches aiming to solve temporal problems, we are already exposed to the rough void that was taken away as the cost of technological and social development.
The Cinematic Narratives
1.Enter (dream starts)
The development of the concept and the traces of the historical context of the Monsanto house were elaborated by this architectural journey. The journey experience is presented in a form of a dream. It starts where one enters the house from its original entrance and gradually experiences the transformation of the interior structure. The path was split into two when it comes to the central vertical axis where it connects the existing house to its chronological past and the future. Finally when one comes out of the Monsanto from the parallel paths, one would realize the whole construction has already evolved into its new form where the historical sediment, the Monsanto house itself, as well as the futural envisioning were presented simultaneously as a closelymerged integral
1 Future More Advanced Plastic
2.Split The superposition_Invasion of the future
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3.Transform
The gathering of public functions marks the hierarchical center of the house. Through replacing the original bathroom space with a vertical stair circulation, it connects the relative present to the symbolized past and future from the top and bottom
Present Glass-reinforced Plastic
3.Transform
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4.Down to the past
5.Up to the future
From hierarchical center to chronological axis
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5.Merge (dream ends)
Past Petroleum 5
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5. 4.
1 Living room
3. 2.
2 Parents' bedroom
3 Kitchen & Bathroom
4 Children's bedroom
5 Eating place
1.
Sowing
From rigid modular system to growing fungus Born from the rigid modularity, the fungus cluster of more organic modules respond to the call of more varied and personalized demand, adapting its scale and dimension to great varieties and constantly expanding into the larger assemblage.
The creation of more animated modular system originate from the old rigid one
Variation Cinematic Projection In the end, the cluster of growing modules becomes the medium of exhibition. Through architectural projection, visitors enter this organic space and experience the chronological development of the concept and be able to rediscover the value and significance of plastics and the modular system as a prescient architectural practice.
The fungus grow in an irreglar pattern, where the move from particular subject among diverse usergroup hasten the unique development of fungus assemblage turning into abundant typologies.
Customized Sowing Breeding
Spatial Compound Development 7
The fungus assemblage possess the potential of growth. While customized demand keep expanding and shifting, the compound of the modules become increasing complicated, where spatial definition overlaps and intersect and the hierarchy is diminished.
Rigid Modularity
Organic Modularity
Casting from the rigid grid system of original Monsanto House
Casting from assemblage of individual balloon
More Organic Merging
Juxtapositon & Superposition
Casting from the more organic waffle stuctures derived from digital fabrication
Superpositon of different layer in a chronological order, showing the gradual development of the system
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The Formicary
Intro to Interior Studies III: The roof over our heads: Housing design for social change Composer: Zewei Feng Instructor: Janet Stegman, Markus Berger Duration: 8 Weeks Site: PPAC garage, Providence.
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From the early 20th century to the 1950s, Providence was once home to at least two Chinatowns, they were doomed either by manmade calamity or unban expansion in mid 20th century. Today there are still sporadic Chinese or Asian restaurants sparsely spread out the downtown area and up to the hill as the remaining nubs of the previous Chinese community. The proposed theme is to develop a mixedused accommodation for local Chinese restaurant workers while serving as a Chinese restaurant. The main goal is to set up a base for the nomads to settle down and re-grow their networks from these remaining roots embedded underground, re-building the interconnection between isolated individuals or groups.
Meanwhile, the project creates an opportunity to rethink the industry orientation of Chinese restaurants under this special pandemic period. How they are deeply trapped in the current dilemma? What essential problems were exposed due to the chance of pandemic? Through this project, I attempted to work on the direction of the potential future development of this industry. What form it should take in the future to remain as the fundamental element that Chinese immigrants rely on to take roots in the foreign land? How do they stand out with their new face while closely inheriting the precious culture?
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Ramp Belly
Porosity
Restaurant Belly
Spatial Penetration Beyond the two primary open atriums that enrich the dual narratives for residents and customers, multiple glass prisms are penetrating differently through the oblate geometry of the whole structure. They aim to introduce sunlight down to different levels of the building. Along with the central belly, they together constitute the porous property of the space and make it a real formicary.
Insect Community Typology
Concept Envisioning
System & Reference
Unit Cluster Sample
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Layer & Modules
Cluster Plan
Spatial Relationship
Context Analysis
Adjacency
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Terraces & Malposition
Modular System
Ramp & Peripheral
Free Plan
Column Grids
Overlapping
Outcome
System Development
Original
Intersection
Modular Planning Typologies
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3
Interconnection
Precedent:Simmons Hall
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Sediment of History
Dual Spatial Narratives The program accommodates a dual spatial experience regarding the distinct identities of restaurant workers and customers. Based on the unique value and significance that Chinese restaurant and immigration culture hold for different groups, the program system transforms accordingly to fit both of them in one integrity. The ultimate goal is to build up cohesion that comes from a sense of group identity within the Chinese immigrant community. On the other hand, it enhances the comprehension of the vernaculars of the immigration group, fostering the merging of the boundary.
Customers
The ramp locates at the back facade of the restaurant, shuttling through the original column structure. This rough and mottled spatial texture becomes the reflection of the arduous and long-lasting history of Chinese immigration. Wandering along the ramp, It traces back to either shining or heavy memory of the history, evoking the bond to the roots. Therefore, the place becomes the combination of circulation, gallery, and public terrace, marking the core concept of the program.
Employees
Unit Cluster Roof Garden Interior Belly
Play Room Ramp
Private Room
Entrance Kitchen Entrance
Restaurant
Customers 13
Residents 14
Nature At Ease Composer: Zewei Feng Instructor: Elizabeth Debs Duration: 6 weeks Site: Andrews Mill, 765 Great Rd, North Smithfield
Industrial
Natrual
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Working with NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, the project aimed to construct a community of about a hundred units to fulfill the LMIH requirement of North Smithfield while preserving the historical structure of Andrew Mills. Regarding the isolated suburban context and plentiful surrounding greens, I refer to the traditional image of Peach Garden in ancient Chinese folklore, aiming to create a village isolated from the urban fabric. People here can live a self-sufficient life and enjoy tranquility and peacefulness when they are out of work. In addition, for the overall program, Haruki Murakami's novel Kafka on the Shore becomes the primary inspirational source. Referring to the regular and healthy life schedule of the protagonist, I inserted the according to amenities in order to orient a relatively harmonious and meditating life pace fitting into this tranquil nature, providing an enclosed realm that accommodates and rest people. Retailing & Groceries Office Building Water tower
Units & Public Amenities Clearing
Car Track
Garden & Pool
146A Branch River
Pe d e s t r i a n Route
Parking
Greens
Planning Program
Flood line
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Original Mapping
Units, Parking and Circulation
Different from the novel, the internal communication within the village is encouraged. While the ultimate goal is to differentiate this realm of peach garden from the urban working environment to grant a nature of relaxtion of the residents. I do want to build up community network to foster the social harmony in this program. Meanwhile, the balance between the public and private zone would be emphasized by planning of the community amenities.
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Entry point Public circulation Private circulation Private circulation
Before
After
South western facade
Saw-tooth Pattern
South eastern facade
Preserved Structure
Preservation & Structural Change Considering the oblate interior of the mill building, the units are all placed along its peripheral in order to have at least one side that can receive natural light. For the center part, I accommodate a fitness center, an interior swimming pool that does not necessarily need side natural light.
Library
Cafe
Pool & Fitness Center
Units
Entrances
Vertical Circulation
Form Column to Truss
Public vs Privacy in Planning and Interior From a macroscopic view, community planning is divided into two sections, with one serving especially for residents and one opening to the public. In between them are the buffering natural greens.
The mill can be accessed through five entrances. With the public community amenities mostly concentrated within the mill building, the multiple entry points enable enough accessibility for residents and guest groups. Meanwhile, the division of vertical layers of circulation guarantees privacy for residents who live in the mill.
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Private Zone for residents
Buffer Zone of natural greens
Public Zone open to public
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Precedent
Enhanced Pattern
Referring to the project built by NL Architect and STUDYO in Frankfurt, the modular units endows flexibility in house type. The malpositioned terrace follows the landscape while the zig-zag pattern grants privacy for each unit.
The iconic saw-tooth pattern of the mill building is not only preserved but projected and repeated to the units' facade. This move is to rethink the significance of this typical mill feature to the historical mill heritage. On the other hand, the zig-zag facade adapt the orientation of the units to ensure every single apartment could receive an appropriate amount of natural light
N Hill house align
1st fl
2nd fl
1st fl
2nd fl
1st fl
2nd fl
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3b2b_A
3b2b_B
2b2b_A
2b2b_B
4b2b
3
1b1b
1
2
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4 Relation to Saw Tooth
Hill Units
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North West Units
Public Library
Vertical Circulation
Cafe
Circulation
South East Units
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Risd Material Library_ Flowing Storage
Risd building network
Composer: Zewei Feng Instructor: Elizabeth Debs, Mary-Ann Agresti Duration: 5 weeks Site: Risd Material Library, 15 Westminster St, Providence
Risd material library, a floor above the Risd Fleet library, is located on the second floor of the student dormitory at 15 Westminster St. It holds Risd's collection of materials, pictures, slides, and digital images to provide opportunities for the student to study for their researches and projects. Although it is close to the Fleet Library, due to its relatively covert access, it is less utilized and aware as one of the valuable study resources of the school. Given the theme aiming to renew and update the material library, four keywords can summarize the proposal: Interaction, Awareness, Classification, Storage.
Typology in Modular System The storage method of traditional Chinese pharmacy possesses a modular system that is highly efficient in storage and organization. Its modular unit allows customization in dimensions to fit different sizes of material. The standard and uniform system also allows efficient index buildup, which becomes quite pertinent for the theme of the material library.
Street view
Traditional Chinese Pharmacy Storge
Storage by Layers
Storage by Depth
Storage by Modules
The design intent is to make the material library a physical dictionary of materials that could actively interact with students as a study platform, attracting their attention and interest to promote its sense of presence among students while avoiding functional repetition with the Fleet library. An interactive and playful experience is created when students shuttle in-between the storage shelves, studying the materials while following the flow of the space. As a result, it raises the awareness of students of this exploration-worthy place, making the material library assist students' design study more efficiently as a school resource.
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1.Grid System from Ceiling
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2.Derived Modularity
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3.Fluidity from Nature
The Teaching Area The Flowing Movement
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The Open Public Space from river to lake The Spatial Fluidity
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The Focus Point R refers to Risd Mosaic refers to diversity
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The Interaction Area
The Spatial Layer
4.Modular Elements
System Development 1
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The plan system of the material library derives from the modular ceiling grids.
A zig-zag circulative patter is shown on the ceiling plan to guide one from exhibitionary "river" to the open "lake" area where the front desk locates.
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To orient the flow of the space, a saw-tooth pattern is formed from the positional relationship between the pilasters and the grid system.
In addition, the furniture and equipment become the extension of the application of triangular modules. Therefore, a series of functional typologies is created to enhance spatial integrity.
The strip light effect applied on the extruded roof within the window frame strengthens the sense of presence of material library as a campus resource, becoming the decorative belt of 15 West building
Lake (open public area) 1
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2
Exterior Adaption
River (curved circulation) 3
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Sankofa Cafe_Roots From Seeds Composer: Zewei Feng Instructor: Elizabeth Debs, Mary-Ann Agresti Duration: 5 Weeks Site: 392 Cranston St, The West End, Providence
West End is the most population-dense neighborhood in Providence. For a long time, it suffers from the problem of a food desert and was accounted for low income, low employment rate area. The essential goal is to make this cafe appealing to native people while efficiently dealing with the problems faced by local people. In general, I planned to have free planting tutorial sessions offered in a cafe, customers could take tutorial sessions for planting different veggies and greens and earn seeds by consuming. Then they can practice the skillset they learned at their own courtyard. Here an interactive network will grow up between Sankofa cafe and local people. With the will to learn new skills and be treated with pragmatic feedback of seeds and veggies, communication and mobility within the community will be promoted. Later Sankofa Cafe, along with Cranston Street Armory and Dexter field, will together become the heart of the community, the source of cohesion, and attract more people living in or out of the area. Starting from this point, a community network will be developed and gradually spread out.
Downtown Providence
Neighborhood
Dexter Field
Cranston Street Armory
Sakofa Cafe
West End Traffic Axis
The site locates at the intersection of three major arterial traffic lines and become the crucial hinge of the West End community. I intended to incorporate the concept of monumentality to define the programe as an icon of this area, therefore gradually developing community network through the power of cohesion.
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The West End is facing serious problem of food insecurity. Referring to US census data and Statistical Atlas, Around 50.9% of the population in West End is receiving food stamp, 33% of them have registered in SNAP, which is highest among all neighborhoods in Providence.
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The coffee shell of Monumentality
Interconnected Circulation
Public Tarrace & Circulation
Metaphor between Landmark and landscape
Ramp garden
Focus point_metaphor of Cafe
Buffer space_the colonnade
Circulation & public space
Interior Staircases
Ramp of test planing field
Dujiangyan Irrigation system
Highline Ramp
Coffee beans
Wexner Center of Art
Knowlton Hall
Customized Promennade The ramp, the stairs of interior and exterior, the colonnade, and the entrances, together create varied connections between in and out, up and down, strengthening the spatial integrity while providing diverse choices of architectural promenade that derives unique spatial experiences. The outdoor sitting area is set behind the street greens, which grants the privacy of customer while ensuring enough natural light.
Plantation garden
t S e
d a r Pa
outdoor sitting area
Cranston 27
West Section
North Section
West Elevation
South Elevation
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Escape within the city Composer: Zewei Feng Instructor: Wolfgang Rudolf, Eduardo Benamor Duarte Duration: 5 weeks Site: Risd Furniture Design Department, 27 N Main St, Providence
While there are multiple exterior spots that are ideal for people to sit down and relax, besides Providence Place, one can hardly find an interior space that allows people to do the same things. Given the open theme for the adaption of the Peoples Saving Bank building (currently RISD 3d store and furniture design department), I decided to transform it into an interior secret garden that is hidden behind the classic Greek-style facade of the old bank building. Anyone could enter this space to escape shortly from the city, wandering along with the flow of the ramps, lying on the bench to take a short nap, having their meal beside the little fountain... It will be a quiet space that enables one to press the pause key of their intense life and just to enjoy this moment of peace. By projecting the Fibonacci Spiral embodied in the facade of the bank building, I dissected the interior plan into a series of sections being designed into different moments. Every design detail intends to moderate the mood and emotion of experiencers to this harmonious rhythm between the light, greens, and the vivid flow of the movement.
System Development The Interior planning system derives from the projection of the golden section from its classical facade to the plan. The intersection and the overlap of the existing structure and the abstract system creates variation in spatial geometry, evoking potentials for the space to vary and flow.
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Golden Section From Facade to Plan
Typology third floor
Conceptual Diagrams
second floor
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The vanish of the future illusion bring one back to the reality of expanding diversity. Instead of sticking with the totality of social category, through zoom in the specific relation betwenn individual social component, we become able to better understand the causation of transcending boundary and its potential in fitting the intricate social ecology.
Digital Representation & Visual Narrative
Human Factor_Sodoku livings
Cyberpunk & Katakana
Deploying a square housing precendent to a living community composed of 100 units
An square modular housing with all the wall panels movable and replacable according to user preference
A series of conceptual cyborg weapons or toolkits developed from the inspiration of form of Katakana
2020.3-2020.5
2020.10-2020.12
2020-2021
Zewei Feng BFA in Interior Studies: Adaptive Reuse | 4-year program Department of Interior Architecture
Rhode Island School of Design Providence, US, 02903 TEL: (+1) 614-530-6024 Email: zfeng@risd.edu
Acknowledgement The Completion of this portfolio owes to all my instructors for their valuable criticism and comment on my works. Without them, it will be far less than the level of satisfaction. I sincerely appreciate all the effort that my instructors as well as colleagues put to assist me achieving all these works.
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