Academic Portfolio

Christopher c. LEE

Design PORTFOLIO 2006 - 2012

ccl012987@gmail.com+852 5698 1808

University of NOTTINGHAMBArch 2009 DipArch 2012

CONTENTS

2012 Future Libraries: NOTTINGHAM CENTRAL LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT

2009 Work Experience: ASE CENTRE, CHONGQING

2010 Environmental Design: HIGHFIELDS SCHOOL SIXTH FORM CENTRE, MATLOCK

2008 Urban Regeneration: TATE BIRMINGHAM

2007 Design Through Model Making: UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM VIEWING DECKS

2011 Urban Manufacturing: APITHERAPY CENTRE, NOTTINGHAM

2009 The Search for Landscape in a Flat City: UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI STUDENT UNION

2010 Work Experience: JKG TOWER, KUALA LUMPUR

2007 Landscape Regeneration: OLLERTON MULTIPLEX

2006 People Pavilion: MAGNA CENTRE PAVILION, SHEFFIELD

YEAR 6

NOTTINGHAM Central Library Redevelopment

2012

Future LIBRARIES.

Thesis SYNOPSIS

In the current digital age, the rise of the World Wide Web, eBooks and wireless mobile ‘smart’ devices have put the existence of traditional book based libraries under pressure. However, libraries have never confined themselves to a mere container for books. Rather than rendering libraries obsolete, the virtualisation of the book stock offers the opportunity to re-invent library services and the architecture of this building type.

The vision of this thesis project is to re-introduce libraries as the ‘living room of the city’, whilst maintaining its prime function as a ‘street corner university’. As the city becomes increasingly privatised and patrolled, it becomes important that the library remains truly public and allow for people to take refuge, socialise, work and learn. Taking advantage of the reduced size of the book stock, it is now possible to introduce a range of public spaces into the library. Through the introduction of a range of open and welcoming public spaces, it allows for libraries to shed its intimidating and introversive qualities, thus evolving into an inspiring and friendly institution that still allows for quiet reflection and

contemplation, but more importantly emphasising the exchange of information and knowledge, embracing its new found social qualities.

For the last two hundred yeas libraries have always been regarded as a vital element of a city and an essential part of a civilised, educated and literate society. It offers knowledge, information, education, skills training and a range of public services, often the first point of contact with the government. The city of Nottingham has a well-established library service, which however, is lacking presence, especially in the city centre where the central library is remarkably unassuming; it is a converted furniture store, with many of the local residents unaware of its location. Therefore as a basis of the future library project, this thesis proposal takes the form of the Nottingham Central Library Redevelopment.

Thesis SYNOPSIS

SITE Analysis

The site is based on the Central Library on the north-eastern part of the city centre, positioned at the ‘leaky’ end of the Old Market Square, where the square funnels towards the northeast but ends in an anticlimax, in the form of a roundabout. The proposal aims to create a new focus on the end of the funnel and create a visual and cultural dialogue with Old Market Square and the Council House, emphasising on the city’s commitment to culture and education. As a concept, the design aims to draw people into the site and begin to elevate them above the roof levels of the city, ending at a viewing platform that overlooks the city.

In closer context, the site lies between Angel Row and Maid Marian Way, and also bound by Mount Street and Bromley Place, these two side streets connect the main streets. A lot of traffic surrounds the site with very narrow and congested pedestrian paths. The proposal for the new library will solve these problems through its massing and form, creating a much freer ground level for pedestrians.

SITE Analysis

DAYLIGHT Analysis

To gain to gain a better understanding of the impact the surrounding buildings impose upon the site, a CAD model was produced for ecotect daylight simulation.

This resulted in a series of shading analysis matrices that demonstrate the shading extent over a day in hourly intervals. The results were based on the summer solstice, equinox and winter solstice.

The images on the right are of the existing site as viewed from the north in a birds eye view. It shows that the proposed student accommodation and the Chapel

bar shades the site significantly throughout the year. Aside from around the summer solstice, parts of the site is always shaded throughout the day.

As a result, the planning of the building should take into consideration of what activities take place at different times of the day, allowing for the planning of its required spaces to gain the suitable lighting conditions.

Summer Solstice

Equinox

Winter SolsticeVray Render

DIGITAL Testing

PHYSICAL Testing

Heliodon Testing

Similar to the shading analysis carried out previously, the site model was placed on the heliodon for shading analysis.

The matrices on the bottom show the shading extent at 8.30am, 12.00pm and 3.30pm during the summer solstice, equinox and winter solstice.

The results show that in the morning when the library opens, the site is heavily shaded on the ground level. This improves significantly over the course of the day and light penetrates deeply into the site in the afternoon around the time when school children and students may begin to populate the library, This also shows that during the winter months daylighting is significantly limited.

A simple frame structure was then produced and added to the site model, allowing for the insertion of floor plates and quick re-configurations. The frame has a 5m ground floor height and subsequent floors above all have a 4m floor to floor height. This relatively high floor to floor height allows for light to penetrate deep into the floor plate. It also allows for free air movement for cross ventilation and increased height for efficient stack ventilation.

Further proposals and models were developed and tested, with the analytic results forming a frame of reference.

DESIGN Development

The layout for the library was based on this early concept drawing of elevating the functional spaces above ground and burying servicing units underground; to free up the ground level for an open ground floor level for an inviting public space.

INITIAL Concept

This model is based on the integration of a flexible framework with environmental systems for the storage of a combination of books and servers. The aim of the system is to begin to develop a sustainable knowledge container, which allows for the collection, distribution and preservation of information. The system is based around a simple external structure with allows modular units to attach on to, in order to provide space for growth and adaptation of new forms of collections.

In the present day, the layout of the space is intended for the storage of servers and computing hardware to be located at the base of the structure and books and humanised areas in the higher levels. The

base of the structure is buried under ground to maintain a stable condition for the machinery. The use of an atrium allows for the heat generated by the machinery to heat the inhabited spaces and drive ventilation. An earth pipe ventilation system is adopted to provide passively preconditioned air from the base of the structure which also cools the servers. To regulate light, temperature, humidity and ventilation, the skin of the structure is incorporated with adjustable louvres, as a breathable skin to control light and air movement in and out of the space.

This study served as a basis for the IT suite design and also inspired the arrangement of spaces within the building.

Speculative SYSTEMS

This model elaborates on the details of modular units that slot on to a mainframe. The structure of the unit is modelled on a ‘C’ shaped steel framework. The opening of the C orientates towards an atrium and the storage structures are line against the building skin to allow for ventilation within the building. The frame is perforated around the floor area for the flexibility of cabling and the adaptation of other servicing elements. The exterior skin utilises a double skin system for the regulation of the temperature and ventilation. The outer skin and the lower part of the inner skin are of moveable louvres for light and air movement control.

These modular units are stackable and also able to attach on to a mainframe for structural stability. The Outer frame takes on a crane-like form to provide vertical support on both sides of the unit. This system benefits the interior as the tension cable allows for a slim structure on the interior to allow light to penetrate deep into the building and allow air to move freely within the space.

This study resulted on the basis for the design of the bookstack units for the final design.

This model takes on a simplistic approach taking inspiration from the modular approach described in the previous chapter. Each of the modules in effect is a mini bookcase with hooks, allowing them to attach to other units and be hung from the ceiling. This results in a very flexible system and collectively create a unique and interesting aesthetic.

Storage Units

As a result of the condensation of book stocks and digitisation, storage for the physical media became an issue in need for addressing. This led to the development of the 3 models shown, which explores ways of efficiently and flexibly organising the libraries physical stock.

This model is based on the mobile compact storage which is often used in libraries and offices. Instead of rolling sideways, the shelves move in the perpendicular direction, allowing for multiple accesses at once. The drawback for this design is that of a less efficient use of space and possible interruption of circulation.

This model is an experimentation on circular motion storage, however seemingly over engineered and does not result in a space efficient system.

Design ITERATION

The introduction of the angled book shelving also has a heavy impact on the exterior, creating a fin / gill like facade facing Mount Street. The fins open up towards the North and offers a transparent view to Angel Row, putting the activities within the building on view to the public passing by.

Design ITERATION

FINAL Proposal

SITE Plan (1:1000)

GROUND FLOOR Plan (1:500)

UPPER GROUND FLOOR Plan (1:500)

FIRST FLOOR Plan (1:500)

SECOND FLOOR - TOP FLOOR Plan (1:500)

2F 3F

4F 5F 6F - 8F 9F 10F

Long SECTION

STRUCTURAL Strategy

DETAIL Design

Physical MODEL

The development of the design was informed by environmental qualities, seeking to provide comfort and delight without unwanted distractions. Due to the dense urban context and orientation, and the activities of the Future Library, natural daylighting became a focus on the design of the building. As a result of design development research, the layout locates the book stack and reading rooms on the north side of the site, taking advantage of the ambient light. The viewing deck and its resulting tower are then placed to the south of the book stack, protecting these spaces from undesired direct sunlight. A tiered public ground level encases the IT / digitising centre and grows into a green public park on the southern part of the site, acting as a buffer from the noise and pollution on Maid Marian Way. The design seeks to balance, inhabitation, comfort and urban morphology into a holistic architecture.

view from ANGEL ROW

view from MAID MARIAN WAY

view from BROAD STREET

Ground Level

In comparison to the existing congested street pattern as shown below, the entrance to the building recesses into the site to allow for the widening of the footpath on Angel Row. Along with the building tapering towards Angel Row on Mount Street, it allows for the formation of an open public space in front of the building, creating a welcoming entrance to the library.

view from BROAD STREET

ENTRANCE

IT SUITES

MATERIALITY

READING ROOM

BOOK STACK

ATRIUM

YEAR 5

NOTTINGHAM Apitherapy Centre

2011

Urban MANUFACTURING.

MANUFACTURING Process

Apitherapy is the medicinal use of honey bee products, including honey, beeswax, bee venom, propolis and royal jelly. This type of treatment is currently regarded as an alternative treatment. However, it is gaining popularity as its medical uses are being heavily researched. Its previous reputation as an unproved remedy has now been scientifically proven to be valid. These products are found to possess anti-oxidant, anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant and antiseptic qualities. Hence, suitable for the production of new pharmaceuticals to battle illnesses, especially since these products are readily available and the medicine pose no side-effects.

MANUFACTURING Process

SITE Analysis

SITE Analysis

The site lies adjacent to the Trent Basin, 2km south-west of the city centre. It is located in a part of town which is currently fairly run down, and is immediately surrounded by derelict buildings and vacant warehouses. There are plans in place for the regeneration of the area, the city council planned to introduce high quality ‘green’ residential units, bars and restaurants on the water front along with a series of public plazas and gardens. Unfortunately, due to the economic downturn the regeneration scheme has been put on hold until the market recovers.

EXPLORATORY Installations

CONCEPT Exploration

‘First Installation’

Installation Images: Transparencies, views, perceptionMaterials: Black painted timber frame, black thread, acetate reels, fishing line.Testing: With various light and talcum powder to suggest smoke involved in smoking or bees during hive harvest, and to influence visibility.

BEAD Installation

‘Bead Frame’

Installation Images: Density, quantities and changes in visibility with perspective. Materials: Wooden frame, acrylic, black beads, elastic.Testing: The form of a swarm of bees

TEST TUBE Wall

‘Test Tube Wall’

Installation Images: Dispensary walls - Stock levels, filled / empty, colour variation within dispensary unitsMaterials: wooden frame, acetate unit-housing layers, polystyrene chromatography test tubes, honeyTesting: Gradual filling of units with honey and change in colour over time, as occurs naturally over the honey year within a colony.

‘Test Tube Wall Mechanics’

Installation Images: Dispensary unit system - Movement, dissociation of input.Materials: Clear Acrylic, honey, rubber tubing, syringesTesting: Gradual filling of dispensary units. Stop motion video created of units detaching from supply when threshold of weight reached.

TRANSPORT Mechanism

HONEY STORAGE Sacks

‘Honey Sacks’

Installation Images: Expanding Honey storage systemMaterials: LatexTesting: Fill and expansion of stock according to supply from bee colonies and demand from both apothecary and laboratory.

VENDING Unit

‘Vending Unit’

The study model consists of several slanted planes to guide the pills into this circular rotating mechanism. This mechanism controls the quantity of pills for each dispatch. The measured dose of medicine is then passed through another series of slants into a collection unit.

STRUCTURAL Concept

‘Site Model III’

Introduction of structural system: Permanent core atrium and adaptable external secondary frame.

DEVELOPMENT Drawings

DEVELOPMENT Drawings

At the interim stage, each group member was assigned a particular area within the proposal for further investigation and development.

The Apitherapy Centre was divided into four areas: The bee zone at the top, the extraction and processing section within the mid-section, the dispensary at the ground level and the exterior components.

Precedent studies were carried out and a drawing for each section was produced, to put forward a wholistic vision of our design intensions

FINAL Proposal

SITE Model

FINAL Drawings

The Apitherapy Centre is rooted adjacent to the Trent Basin and in the centre of the entire regeneration scheme. The design for the base of the tower aims to be light, transparent, green, open and inviting. The ground level sits only the dispensary which in effect is a relatively open shelter, in which sits a collective of vending units. The ground level incorporates a series of planters and a large sunken plaza with walkways leading into the base of the tower. The result is a gradually sunken public plaza facing the pharmaceutical production line. Almost like an amphitheatre, allowing visitors to observe the ‘performance’ of the manufacturing process and become a vibrant social space for the locals. The sounds, light and shade characterises the entrance to the Apitherapy Centre. They reflect upon the seasons and level of production and stock. In the summer, the southern side of the tower is engulfed by vegetation, the high levels of honey coursing through the building brings a warm glow to the interiors. The bees and manufacturing machinery also bring life to the building audioly. Over the winter, the vines wilt away and allows the low winter sun to penetrate deep into the plan. Through the vertical structures and semi transparent test tube walls, the building casts beautiful shadows onto the landscape and draws attention towards the rhythm and verticality of the structure.

EXTERIOR Perspectives

GROUND FLOOR Perspectives

DISPENSARY

ATRIUM

YEAR 5

MATLOCK Highfields School Sixth Form Centre

2010

ENVIRONMENTAL Design.

SITE Analysis

SITE Analysis

HIGHFIELDS SCHOOL is a comprehensive secondary school based in the Derbyshire town of Matlock. The school’s Lumsdale site sits on the edge of the town, and is accessed mainly from Chesterfield Rd, which sits directly north of the school. The existing kitchens and canteen highlighted in red below is to be used to create space for a sustainable sixth-form centre; with class rooms, an auditorium and common spaces for sixth form students.

WIND Analysis

These wind roses show that the majority of wind on site come from South-Westerly direction. The wind speed is typically between 10 and 25 km/h. They also show that the wind is much stronger over the winter;therefore it is important to consider shielding the open areas and openings from the cold strong winds over the winter. Whereas, it would be sensible to encourage more summer breezes to enter the buildings over the summer.

The section shows that the existing buildings currently shield the site very well, therefore it may be possible to create open courtyard on the east side of the school.

Design Notes: Protect spaces from the south-westerly wind

COMFORT Parameters

These diagrams show that for the majority of the year, the temperature fails to reach the comfort zone. Only during the summer months, does the temperature reach the comfort zone. It shows that the summer is warm (Summer high of 27 degrees) and a cold winter (Winter low of -5 degrees).

In terms of design, this means that it is important to have plenty of insulation and design to maximize solar gain during the winter. At the same time it is important to allow for adjustable ventilation to remove excess heat and avoid extra solar gain during the summer.

Design Notes: Maximum solar gain for winter and avoid solar gain for summer. Extra insulation for the existing building.

ENVIRONMENTAL Strategies

ENVIRONMENTAL Strategies

FINAL Proposal

Final PLANS

Based on the massing concept, this scheme has an increased supervision on the common room.The teaching block gains its own identity, and adopting a north-south orientation. The newtransitional route integrates the existing library into the scheme.

The first floor consists of 3 large classrooms, with circulation on both sides of the classrooms. Southfacing corridor acts as a sun space; the north facing classroom maximizes the ambient light intake.

The lower ground is semi underground. It consists of the lecture theatre, with its own foyer andtoilets. A landscaped courtyard located to the north of the theatre

Perspective SECTIONS

Long Section over the entire proposal (South-North)

This section shows how original massing concept is realised. From left to right (south tonorth) is the entrance – Common room – Study Booths – Classroom block. It also showshow the vertical transition and atrium works in the classroom block.

Classroom Block

This section shows how the concept of theclassroom block is realised and how the spacesare inhabited

Staff Room, Transitional Zone & Common Room

This section shows how the staff room is located next to the axis andcommon room to provide supervision. Lots of flexible social space isavailable for the students to inhabit and manipulate

EXTERIOR Perspectives

A 1:100 model of the scheme was produced andplaced under the artificial sky to monitor how thespaces work under a typical overcast sky.

The parts of the model represented in grey are theexisting parts of the school; the white and woodparts of the model represent the new elementsintroduced.

INTERIOR Perspectives

Refurbishment of the existing Kitchen Block

This Image simulates how the existing part of the scheme is refurbished and converted into acommon room. To the right is the communal space and a café to the left. The new axis runs through this space and leads toward the studying and teaching zones.

Transitional Zone

This image simulates how the new axis act as a connection for the whole scheme, and is tied together with the timber walkway and hanging ceiling. The exposed beams and columns also direct the flow of movement.

Further TESTING

VENTILATION Assessment

The optivent testing carried out previously has shown that the design has a goodventilation rate. However, as the study carried on, the sizes and locations of the openinghave been adjusted. Therefore it is necessary to re-conduct these testings to check if thecurrent design still suffices the ventilation requirements.

The results obtained are very encouraging. These results are based on a summer day withmaximum solar gains, and the analysis show that even on this hottest day with fullcapacity, the ventilation can still be adjusted to achieve the flow rate for cooling.

HELIODON Testing

The model is then placed on the heliodon to carry out shading analysis. The results show that overshadowing is not of a problem over the summer, whereas during the winter the courtyards do seem to beshaded heavily during the morning.

Ecotect DAYLIGHT SIMULATION

Despite the modest uniformity ratio, the grid analysis display a relativelyeven light distribution deep in to the plan. This uniformity ratio has beendragged down due to the low minimum daylight factor, which only exists inthe very corner of the room. Otherwise this is a brightly and evenly lit space,with the lux levels on the desktops generally achieving 450+ and even thedarkest parts still achieve 350lux. The uniformity ratio along the centre ofUniformity Ratio along the centre of the room = 0.28 the room shows how the light distribution is actually remarkably uniform.

YEAR 4

KUALA LUMPUR JKG Tower

2010

WORK Experience.

OVERALL Design

EXTERNAL Perspectives

BLOCK Plan

CORE Studies

DETAIL Studies

ELEVATION Design

FACADE Studies

FACADE Details

BRIDGE Design

CANOPY Design

SPIRE Feature Design

CARPARK Design

YEAR 4

CHONGQING ASE Centre

2009

WORK Experience.

PLAZA Design

PLAZA Overview

PLAZA Design

Plaza PAVING DESIGN

STAGE & PAVILION Design

STAGE & PAVILION 2010

YEAR 3

University of HELSINKI Student Union

2009

The Search for LANDSCAPE in a Flat City .

SITE Analysis

Brief

The city centre of Helsinki consists of relatively flat earth. The landscape is dominated by glaciofluvial landscapes, exposed bedrock and forested hills alternating with flat clay areas which once constituted the seabed. The city centre is situated on a rocky peninsula near the open sea. After wandering the city, it is clear the exposed bedrocks scattered around the town has captured many imaginations. Especially with the manipulation of the bare rocks in the Temppeliaukio Church of Rock attracting the potential exploration of such textures and landscape. This particular slope found lying against the faculty of behavioral science of The University of Helsinki has the desired qualities of texture, height and contours for such project.

SITE Analysis

The site is located on the east of Helsinki, next to the bank on the bottle neck of the in flowing sea. The north facing slope consisting of exposed bedrocks, backs on to the psychology department of The University of Helsinki and faces the waters.

The slope is roughly 60m by 25m in size, reaching 20m in height. With the possibility of bridging over the road passing in front of the slope, the site can be extended to the edge of the waters and extending to 50m deep.

VIEWS

CONCEPT Development

This is an illustration of the initial idea of change in levels within the slope, with these levels interconnecting, creating a pathway within.

This is an illustration of the initial idea of the feeling of being in these corridor insertions. The heavy concrete retaining structures leading into the slope, opening up to spaces tucked within.

INITIAL Concepts

ROUTE Development

Concept: ROUTE

To bridge the isolation between the street level and the university, a pathway is inserted into the slope. The pathway scales up the slope in a zigzag form. The experience of walking through is enhanced through a constant change of volumes and scenery. When the path folds, spaces are formed at these NODES.

DIGITAL Exploration

EXPERIENTIAL Qualities

FINAL Proposal

EXTERIOR Perspective

PLANS

COURTYARD Perspective

Perspective SECTION

INTERIOR Perspective

Construction DETAILS

DESIGN Overview

YEAR 2

Tate BIRMINGHAM

2008

Urban REGENERATION.

CONCEPT Development

This second year project is based in Digbeth, Birmingham, and a run down area of the city to be regenerated. The master plan was to add several elements into this part of town and turn it into a new cultural quarter of the city.

The given site is large in size. It is deep in plan and consists of long uniform boundary lines. The initial idea was to carve up the site, breaking up this bland uniformity and introducing light and ventilation options in the depth of the site..

SITE & CONCEPT

FINAL Proposal

PLANS

EXTERIOR Perspective

Exposed PERSPECTIVE

SECTIONS

ENTRANCE Foyer

Main ATRIUM

YEAR 2

OLLERTON Multiplex

2007

Landscape REGENERATION.

CONCEPT Development

CONCEPT Collage

FINAL Proposal

PLANS

SITE PLAN & ELEVATIONS

EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVES & SECTION

PLANS

YEAR 1

University of NOTTINGHAM Viewing Decks2007

Design Through MODEL MAKING.

SITE & CONCEPT Development

SITE Analysis

CONCEPT Development

Design PROCESS

FINAL Proposal

Design IN CONTEXT

INTERIOR View & ENVIRONMENTAL Design

ENVIRONMENTAL Design

YEAR 1

Magna Centre Pavilion SHEFFIELD2006

People PAVILION.

FINAL Design

Based in the award winning Magna Centre, the project aims to design a space, in the form of an integrated walkway and pavilion, which preserves and provides a different perspective on the existing area. The pavilion should provide comfort for contemplation and act as a viewing gallery for exhibitions on the ground floor. As well as manipulating the flow of movement, the walkway must encourage exploration. The pavilion also provides more options to create a less confusing and more inspiring space.

Design OVERVIEW

EXPERIENTIAL Simulation

View from GROUND LEVEL

CHRISTOPHER c. LEE