A Rapidly Deployable Shade Structure

PVC shade is a structure that is made up of very simple components to provide easy shading. It only consist of 3 cyclinders and 3 sockets to form the basis of the modular structure which is then integrated with a layer of perspex, before multiplying to form the shape desired. The materials is made out of PVC, making it easily accesible and recycable. Once the triangle form is made, the triangles are brought together with just a plastic recycled clip which can be done by any individuals. The design is not restricted by the size and can be manipulated to provide a space for an individual or for 100. A square has a 1x1 metre dimension and is made up of 4 triangles.

I really need to practice more on my presentation skills.
http://www.designbymany.com/challenge/rapidly-deployable-shade-structure

Bench/Chair Design

This is a bench/chair design competition which was just uploaded to the competition website just 2 days ago. I was surprise to be able to finish this whole presentation from modeling up to montage in just about 4-5 hours. Obviously you need to have the idea already backing you up. Im not trying to brag, but its more towards the notion of, if you need to do it, or you have to do it, that hidden energy would spring out, wrap around you like an aura coating, driving you towards delivering the requested finalised project design. I was in that position and I dont like my ideas hanging around and not being put to the test, although most of it has failed, but no matter, each failure is a big stepping stone to move forward. Enjoy this new piece.

Project description:

The whole concept about this project is about bringing fun into a matter that has been looked as a typical social interaction for as long as human civilisation. The integration of fun is look upon from a young kid point of view, where it not only provides the sole purpose of providing a sitting area, but a safe gadget that can be played with and even has the capability to beautify a space. The project is intended to be put at a park or any open space, a new focal point for many children, and perhaps adults. The colours used on the materials itself is reflected upon the 10 main Seoul colour, making the item applicable in any historical or modern area. The idea also applies to the arranging of the flower’s colour to suit the 4 seasonal weather.

The ‘bush’ and the flowers are all made out of recycled plastic, to ensure the buildability is inexpensive, sustainable and ecological. It being plastic, also make sure that the chair is light and is not harmful when young kids are carrying it. Dispatch of such item when a children festival is held is very easy, making it woeful for such an occasion.

It all starts with the base, where it would have multiple holes to allow the flower’s stem to be put into. The flower’s ‘petal’ can be move up 45 degree to represent a flower blossoming, allowing a variation of views on the item. If a paaserby wants to sit, he/she picks a flower, allow the petal to sit horizontally and open its 3 way stems for stability. The 3 way stem is supported by an interior recycled string/rope to ensure resistance towards the downward force is feasible. One bushel can provide 21 little chairs, allowing everyone to have a chair for any park shows etc.

Project Dimension

One Bushel Base: 3000mm diameters
One flower chair: 800mm (Open petals), 650mm (Semi-close petals) – diameters
285mm (Open stem), 400mm (Close stem)

Building to Building Pedestrian Bridge

This is just the latest competition I join and in total, it only took me a day to do it. My tight working schedule only allows me so much time. During the weekend I try to go out and rest so I dont have to sit and just Sketch away. However I did spend 6 hours during the weekend to finish this off as the deadline is today just before midnight. We are suppose to design a bridge from building to building and instead of coming up with something very fancy, I had a more simpler and modular approach. The design is based on an orthotropic approach with a singular truss from the top to provide a support element. It is design within a 1 metre modular structure which then can be repeated allowing flexibility and adaptibility depending on distance between buildings. I realise everyone is doing round, helix and square and the structural composition is not really shown but mostly the concept. I know I should have spent more time on presentation, hopefully simplicity and functional practical structural idea would go all the way.

The City of Dreams Pavilion Final Sheets

This design was suppose to look fun and intriguing, but I did not manage to show it in my second sheet. I did not utilise my time properly, dividing my time between work and my design work at the moment is difficult and would help if I can get myself a powerful laptop, or else the renders would take forever, not that my desktop would help alot.

I could not provide much details regarding price of build or companies that provide the materials. I struggled to define a suitable manufacturer company, as I was 'bing-ing', I came across a material stock system which was confusing for me to understand in a short period of time. I am just aware that materials used for the pavilion are all recycled and has great buildability. I must realise by now that I should not do the typing late at night, I might just be mumbling just to finish the work. I really need to learn to present a good construction drawings.

I will be moving onwards to a huge competition project next to try and learn to cope with client's detail needs. I know I would have a fresher mind set soon as I am flying home for Chinese New Year tomorrow. I dont really know what I am talking about anymore, it is 3am and its way past bedtime. Hope you all enjoy my competition entry.

Dream City Pavilion: Final Perspective

I just finish my first perspetive render and I have uploaded it here alongside the development work that I did in Sketchup to reach the final product. I would assume its not the most effecient of ways but thats the only way I know. I probably would have to learn to use Rhino or 3D Max for the rounder curves, but if I am not mistaken, Sketchup has a plugin to deal with curves.

My Dream City Pavilion is designed based upon the idea that a dream is a projection that looks and feels real, but knowing that its just mental images going through your head at night. These idea are projected into my pavilion, giving people the impression that the floating pavilion is real but provides them the doubt whether it is ever possible. The floating pavilion is supported by 4 thin columns that is precisely covered with reflective glasses, so when reflected with the surroundings, it gives the impression of a view through the structure. The circular tubes are made out of corrugated cardboard so its lightweight, making sure the columns can be thinner so it would be less obvious. Every tube is a store, a storage to your dreams, it opens and it closes, it varies all the time. To most people, dreams are unpredictable, its short, its long, it sways and its steady, but it will always be a part of you. This Pavilion is for you to store your dream, a dream city of your choice, a perfect city to provide for the next generations to come.


The final perspective is shown below. It still looks better in my head, but I do struggle if the models are not linear. I will try to tackle this project asap, and will move from small scale competitions to huge ones with 2 already in line. Comments about the design is welcome.

Improving Along the Way: Examples of Work

I was talking to a friend about competitions and I cant help reminding myself the first competition I ever tried and the thought of it makes me cringe. I cant believe my design and presentation capabilities at that time was so low. I may not have the time to fully utilise my time for the competition, but its a far cry to what I was producing for the firm I was working for during my year out. It is something that I would never ever had to look at again but I just cant help it, browsing through my competition folder while waiting for my City of Dreams Pavilion to load the intersections. It was the year 2008 and I was given a website that updates itself with architecture competition daily, not sure why I pick this competition in particular.

The first thing that came into mind is what is with the swaying circles? It does not make any sense and the presentation as a whole is abysmal. These drawings below are just some of the work I was producing for my previous firm. My year out was really important to me, cause it certainly has widen up my perspective viewpoint about architecture.

My final design thesis perspective (below) definitely gives me the confidence, knowing that I did improve within the past 3 years. I am in the process of redesigning a new Performing Centre in my head to try and use simple design processes, seeking influence from Mr. Ingels to achieve the final product.



Finally, this last picture is my experimental approach towads the entrance design statement for my freelance job. Like I said, I have 6 and this is the 6th design concept which are under consideration. The others are not as radical and I am still advised not too upload the work. I was willing to upload this one cause its very experimental, and feedbacks are really needed just to know what others think about it, but honestly speaking, its huge, bold and radical, and I actually love it. It is inspired by the terrain that surounds us in Sabah, and with a hint of fantasy, it will be floating with rays of lights piercing through the gaps. It is a space that gathers attention for incoming drivers from afar.

The City of Dreams Pavilion

This is a competition I am currently doing and I am giving myself a few days to finish my design. I already have the design concept in my head, it is now all about modelling it up in Sketchup and bringing it to life. This competition is in its 2nd year so I took the initiative to look up at the design standard for 2010 which I think is pretty high. The winner went to "Living Pavilion”, a low‐tech, zero‐impact structure that employs reclaimed milk crates as the framework for growing a planted “green wall” surface. I quote from Bustler.net "The pavilion’s construction is simple and modular, relying on common materials such as heavy‐duty packaging straps and weather‐treated wood for its assembly. Erected in the courtyard of Liggett Hall for Governors Island’s summer season, the pavilion will provide refuge from the heat in a shaded environment kept cool by the evaporation from its planted surfaces. As the pavilion’s vaulted form meets the ground, it unfolds into a mat of crates planted with crops that can be harvested and distributed to the community. At the end of the season, its modular design will allow easy disassembly and distribution to the New York area for use in homes, public places, and community gardens."

It is funny how the render can be different from the actual product. The picture below is the final product shown during the event. The crate is a very creative way of using it as a borrowing product, trying to create a zero-impact pavilion, but I didnt realized their weather-treated wood would be so bold comparing to what they have initially for their renders.
Here are just some of the other top finalist for the competition.
[1] KALEIDOSCAPE, EASTON+COMBS

[2] Nimbus, ECHOMATERICO, http://echomaterico.net/?tag=parametric-landscape Check out the website, they have a pretty good presentation pieces for the competition.

[3] Playcloud, NAMELESS ARCHITECTURE, http://namelessarchitecture.com/work/11_playcloud.html

Jardins Jardin Competition 2011

A new start to the new year and I will start it with a competition entry for the Jardins Jardin Competition this year. That is right, I am joining again this year because I already had a design concept drawn and sketched in my little sketchbook when I had the exhibition in Paris last summer. I just had to put it on as an entry knowing I did try, instead of guessing the possible outcome in the future. It also just provides me with another reason to visit Paris, as my brother has not been there yet.

This year, there is no regulations about size restriction. My idea is to change the way how brick restoration is done, not exactly changing the way it is restored per se, but to change the product itself to create something new. The brick is custom made with a gap that is layered with a water resistant membrane and is capable of holding a rag bag for soil to grow small plants. There are two holes to help with any water overflow. It is a very simple idea to help beautify and brighten up a facade along the rundown alleyways in downtown, but can also be applied to any parts of the city.

That is method 1, which is restoration and method 2 can be used as a vertical garden. The product can be applied to both in cities and houses/gardens. It sits on a Rack Stack Pod made out of steel to support the accumulative weight of bricks. It can be altered to any style orientations depending on the client's needs. The brick is designed to utilies the 'Stem Extension' to promote and help plants like ivy, orchids etc to grow. All materials are very sturdy and can be cleaned and replace easily.

[The flowers on the wall is not clear for some reason]

These were drawn and modeled in just 2 days and being sick is not really helping. As usual, the confidence rate is pretty much really low. I am even doubting my design work for the KKIP gate entrance statement. Love it at first, and started to doubt it for some reason. Questions like, will the design work? Will people like it? I think I am putting myself too much pressure, but thats the fun of it I guess.