Portfolio 2018

ZIYUAN CHEW ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO S E L E C T I O N

OF WORKS - SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC & NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 8

DENSITY V DESIRE(S)

NUS Y5 - Thesis Resilience and Environment Group Supervisor: Stephen Lau ‘Density V Desire(s) - 2050’ postulates an imaginative future set at the dawn of the collaborative revolution. It speaks of an era where capitalist ideals such as privatization and capital accumulation are no longer relevant. Instead, we see the burgeoning resurgence of egalitarian principles and the adoption of the commons as the prevailing economic governance system that legitimized a new paradigm of ownership - collective ownership.

Through re-visiting themes on ownership, sharing and participative design, this exploratory study anchors itself in the context and perspective of Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB). In lieu of the notion of housing as a commodity that is mass-producedand built-to-order, the thesis posits an alternative system served by a collaborative platform.

Enabled by Habraken’s Opening Building principles, the ‘home’ is designed as a kit-of-parts where spaces are re-programmed and carefully disected to be used as bargaining chips in a game of negotiation between homeowners with a non-zero sum outcome as the ultimate goal.

Like-minded individuals and families with similar desires can now come together to build their homes. The home becomes the spatial extension of one’s innate desires. A neighbor becomes a conscious choice rather than a random occurrence. The ‘collective’ in collective housing is finally revived in its purest sense.

Density v Desire(s)

Reconceptualizing ownership within collective housing landscapes

Density v Desire(s)

Premise

contextual background of industrial revolutions

Density v Desire(s)

Premise

postulated vision of Singapore - 2050

Density v Desire(s)

Concept a new housing system for the collaborative era - home owners actively collaborate build their desired homes as a community

Density v Desire(s)

Concept a home - broken down and re-programmed as a collection of spaces, to be used as chips in the game of collaboration and negotiation

Density v Desire(s)

Density v Desire(s)

Strategies transforming traditional unit types into a collective set of spaces - small, medium, large, x-large. The new units can be varied according to how much an owner intends to share - to achieve his desired home

Density v Desire(s)

Strategies reflecting John Habraken’s Open Building principles - an overall system broken into a series of kit-of-parts (according to systems), designed to support the indeterminate outcomes between home owners

Density v Desire(s)

Density v Desire(s)

Density v Desire(s)

Design floorplan demonstrates how a typical floorplate can play host to a wide range of programmes desired by its’ occupants. Such a design can only be conceived by the concious involvement of the homeowners; through active collaboration and negotaion. The home becomes a physical extension of one’s desires.

Density v Desire(s)

Supervisor’s review: this case, it operates as a two-way mirror which challenges the beholder to exploring future while reflecting upon the past. The uniqueness of such two-way mirror pushes one to ponder and query the right or the wrong of the norm when contrasted with its validity in the future, as we live in a world of changes. The thesis started from an understanding of the psychology of game theory as an entree to that of translating the sharing concept for spatial apportionment. The aim is to articulate the sharing mindset as a transformer of the building design process, through a re-interpretation of ownership, in a collective, new social setting. In a forward thinking process, uncertainty is at stake, yet the thesis has managed to pin down assumptions in order for the testing of the hypothesis - that the best possible future shall rest with the freeing of the mind.

Density v Desire(s)

For some of us, architecture thesis offers an experimental platform for the visualizing of the unima inable. In

NUS Y4S2 Urban and Mobility Studio Supervisor: Hans Brouwer The Arts Machine re-imagines the use of prime land in Singapore’s city center. By taping onto Bugis’s existing arts and heritage culture, the Arts Machine aims to bring back life to the streets, as opposed to the array of ‘big boxes’ that currently dominate Singapore’s city scape.

The Arts Machine adds to Singapore’s current arts scene by challanging the conventions of arts consumption in Singapore, by celebrating the process of making art rahter than merely exhibiting it. The idea was conceived as an indeterminate - highly flexible framework unto which artists from different disciplines can come together and configure the spaces to suit to their needs.

The Arts Machine serves as an architectural device to its users, unlike conventional buildings. Several strategies were applied to control the limitations of such indeterminate device. Ultimately, the aim is to create a ‘machine’ that constantly changes according to the needs of its artists, as well as bridging the gap between the world of arts and the everyday guy; to create a center for a new form of leisure.

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

THE ARTS MACHINE @ BUGIS

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Conceptual Collage revealing the ‘underground’ society of the arts

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Schematic floor plan collective network of individual group of artists

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

framework for the indeterminate initial sketches of a highly flexible framework

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Evolution of the machine coral-life growth and transformation over time

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Typical cluster array of programs attaching to the core

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Part plan; Blown-up detail 3 x 3m tartan grid allowing for light-weight modular construction

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Cut-away axonometric accommodating different disciplines of art

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Kit of parts modular components for assembly

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Interior perspective up close with artists at work

The Arts Machine @ Bugis

Exterior perspectives view from the plaza and main circulatory pathways

PREUSSENSTRASSE

Y4S1 Winter Exchange - Technical University of Munich Urban Design Studio - Welcome to The Fringe Supervisor: Professor Mark Michaeli The project seeks to densify existing plots within Preussenstrasse and to intensify the connection between the site and its surroundings, creating a dynamic interchange between pedestrains, commerce, culture and living. The proposal looks beyond its physical boundaries of the given site, to rethink the potential of Preussenstrasse reorganized and revitalised around the new patterns of accessibility, connectivity, living and working.

The existing site reflects a banal and unassuming place with clusters of unused in-between spaces. Buildings situated within the site lacks synergy with neighboring buildings and public spaces. In addition, the flyover cutes the entire site into two, creating a sense of undesirable seperation.

The key design element revolves around a singular yet diverse social belt which not only activates the site with commercial and social activities, it also serves as a bridge between the east and west sectors of the site, forming a cohesive urban setting for the public.

Preussenstrasse - reclaiming the unfamiliar

Reclaiming the unfamiliar

Preussenstrasse - reclaiming the unfamiliar

Interior perspective up close with artists at work

Preussenstrasse - reclaiming the unfamiliar

Exterior perspectives view from the plaza and main circulatory pathways

Preussenstrasse - reclaiming the unfamiliar

Preussenstrasse - reclaiming the unfamiliar

NUS Y3S2 Techniques and Tectonics Studio Supervisor: Neo Sei Hwa The project brief called for the usage of light-weight, dismantable construction, suitable for a site with a 15 year lease. This called for an investigation onto the meaning of ‘temporal Architecture’ and what it could mean to the context of Newton.

Newton Circus occupies a central location in Singapore, it is the gateway to which connects the CBD to the other regions of Singapore. It has however, a lack of identity and purpose throughout history and up till now, city planners have yet to designate its program. It remains merely as a transitional zone.

The project took this as an opportunity to craft a unique and lasting identity for Newton Circus; one that strikes a contrast to the array of shopping centers just down the road.

One that challenges the conventions of the life cycle of a building. One that taps upon the commercial essence of the region but with a differnt approach and agenda; one that strikes a symbiotic relationship with nature.

This project was selected to represent NUS and Singapore in the 5th Asian Contest for Architectural Rookie Awards.

Urban Filter @ Newton Circus

URBAN FILTER @ NEWTON CIRCUS

Urban Filter @ Netwon Circus

Concept diagrams conceptual strategies that defines the scheme

Urban Filter @ Newton Circus

Location plan Central positioning of Newton Circus withing Singapore

Urban Filter @ Netwon Circus

Perspectives above: exterior, below: interior

Urban Filter @ Newton Circus

Floor plans harmony between nature and the architecture

Urban Filter @ Netwon Circus

Construction sequence construction technique focuses on dismantability and prefabrication

Urban Filter @ Newton Circus

Blown-up detail dismantable joinery & lightweight re-usable components

Urban Filter @ Netwon Circus

Sectional perspective integration of construction materials with furnishings & spaces

Urban Filter @ Newton Circus

THE RETAIL MUSEUM

NUS Y3S1 Urban and Mobility Studio Supervisor: Tsuto Sakamoto The design aims to recreate a museum-like experience, in a retail establishment. Instead of the usual systems applied in shopping centres, the retail museum will create an immersive journey that will educate the visitors on the different crafts and products produced by the artisans.

From the outside, the building, with its translucent skin, revealing a little of the insides, entices and draws the public to discover for themselves what is hidden inside. Upon entering the building, the visitors and drawn to the large atrium space which reveals many exhibition spaces, from the ground level to the top. The visitor then embarks on a journey of learning as he transits from one exhibition to another in a fluid manner.

Each exhibition space contains several different shops that are separated by movable walls. Visitors move around the walls to discover what each shop entails. This arrangement removes the formality of entering into a shop as the boundaries between the shops and circulation spaces are blurred. This leads to enabling visitors to interact with the artisans without being awkward or shy.

The Retail Museum

JTC Retail Incubator Ideas Competition

The Retail Museum

Site strategies strategies to optimize pedestrian footfall

The Retail Museum

Aerial axonometric oriented to capture pedestrian energy along Orchard road

The Retail Museum

Longditudinal section various artisanal disciplines at work anchored by a central courtyard

The Retail Museum

Elevation & Section fluid movement between spaces

The Retail Museum

Ground storey plan & Exterior perspective transition between Orchard road into the retail museum

The Retail Museum

Circulatory strategies & Interior perspective fluid circulation between spaces to facilitate the retail & learning experience

The Retail Museum

Sectional perspective & details detailed drawings of the semi-permeable outer shell, system of movable wall panels & the roof

NLB @ ORCHARD

Design project for the new National Library at Orchard President’s Design Award: Design of the Year 2015 Singapore Polytechnic design team Supervisor: Various tutors from Singapore Polytechnic & the NLB team The library@orchard design philosophy was built on a process of Design Thinking, which engaged both users and non-users to understand their experiences and changing habits in the use of media and social spaces. Based on this, the library was designed to integrate print with digital media and to encourage learning through co-created spaces.

Its iconic curved bookshelves are but one of the design strategies used to draw visitors deeper into the library. Other features such as the Cocoons, formed of curved timber panels at the end of bookshelves, provide private nooks for private and intense reading.

Adding to the ambience, low light reflected off white walls, combined with natural wood flooring and features create a cosy environment to read and learn.

One of the biggest challenges of designing library@orchard was striking the right balance of a familiar ambience for the more traditional user, while integrating design elements to intrigue and excite the more design-conscious user. To this end, the library’s design successfully integrates the elements of space, lighting, sound, graphics and technology to present an inspirational and welcoming space for everyone.

NLB @ Orchard

‘Design is for Everyone’

Prototype exhibition set-up in progress as part of the design thinking process, a full-scale prototyping exhibition was organised so as to immerse the public into the conceptual design process and to gather feedback

NLB @ Orchard

NLB @ Orchard

Persona creation identifying key target users

NLB @ Orchard

Ideation prcoess exploration of ideas beyond the conventional

NLB @ Orchard

‘The Book Tree’ initial sketch

NLB @ Orchard

‘The Book Tree’ 3D visualization

Weekly meetings with NLB feedback & critique sessions with the library staff

Prototype exhibition @ Bugis library interaction & feedback from the public

NLB @ Orchard

Local press media release local press conducted interviews with representatives of the design team with regards to the prototype exhibition

NLB @ Orchard

Local press media release official opening ceremony of the completed library @ orchard; presentation of mementos to then Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, Yaacob Ibrahim

SUPERDRY SPECTACLE

NUS Y2S2 Architectural Construction I Supervisor: Cheah Kok Meng Breaking away from the banal, the mundane and the archetypal forms and function, the design proposes a redfinition of a typical outdoor display shelf where it is an expression of the quintessential relationship between form, materials and tectonics.

The design aims to express the materiality and joinery, while striking a balance betwen densification and complexity and to succesfuly achieve its functionailty and purpose.

The design consist of an elevated structural core, together with carefully crafted display spaces that is cantilevered from the core, which is protected from the weather by means of transparent acrylic pieces. The display spaces are sypported by horizontal members that are bolted to the vertical elements of the structural core. The interaction of elements of the display spaces creates a dynamic interplay between horizontal and vertical elements that speaks of purity and intimacy.

Superdry Spectacle

Bolts, nuts, timber. acrylic - the all-weather outdoor display shelf

Superdry Spectacle

Ideation phase exploration of various concepts and formal expressions

Superdry Spectacle

Construction phase at work - drilling, bolting, sawing

Superdry Spectacle

Harmony joinery between different materials - timber, metal, acrylic

Superdry Spectacle

Connection handcrafted joinery between timber connections

Architectural Portfolio selected works from 2009 - 2018