Architecture 101

FINAL PORTFOLIO

CHING HUNG (BRIAN) TSENG

Site & Ideas & CorrespondingsThe site that my group picked is the slope area next to the staircase, the reason we pick

that particular site is because we like the slope since it’s not just a flat surface like all the

other sites. We found the site special because we can construct something along side the

slope or create something not just from ground up. The initial idea was to create a viewing

stage for people to gather and enjoy the view between two mountains and the soccer

filed. To do that, we decide to correspond our site to the tree, the slope, and the view.

First Physical ModelThe first model I did was using the concept of

old Japanese style roof top to void the strong

wind since our site is always windy. Inside

the ceiling, There are 5 poles with ropes

between them to create a path that leads the

people to walk into the private and peaceful

area next to the tree. Besides, I created a

stage that is on the slope for people to gather

while enjoy the beautiful view. However, this

model is a failure, because it does not

“guide” the people to what we try to

emphasize about our site the most, which is

the view. Simply making it wide open for the

entrance and the stage does not help to

represent anything. Therefore, the whole

idea needs to be reshaped in order to

correspond the 3 main focus for our site. Pros: The stylish roof top (at least that’s what I

think…)

Cons: Not responding to the site enough, no path

created, lack story/journey

Final Physical ModelThe final model I made has a huge

improvement compare to the first one,

it correspond to the site, has a clear

emphasis, most importantly, it draws

attention. The entrance is one and

only which tells people this clearly

where they supposed to enter the

journey. The gathering area has

purposely uneven deck to form the

natural feeling of walking up the

mountain. The private spaces

successfully block the wind while

letting the sunshine come through

and let tree shade created peaceful

environment. The point guide people

to enjoy the specific view between the

mountains only, and the slope make

the point vacant to create a danger

feeling yet a journey to the closet view

of the beautiful scenery.

Final Physical Model 2The reason this is also a final model is because I

can’t choose between this and my previous. What I

did different is the gathering area and the point. On

this model, the meeting area becomes a circular

geometric shape that is high up the ground that

people have to climb up from the 5 poles in order to

be seated. The point I added 2 more points on the

sides to even focus the view that people can’t look

else where from the meeting area. Overall, I think

both of my final models are doable and I really like

them both. However, I think for this on, the skin can

be replaces by clear pvc so the structure can be

seen without sacrificing the wind block function.

How to make the point stay vacant and sturdy the same

time? -Bracing

Material cost? –Cheapest wood

What material use to block the wind? –PVC sheeting

How to create non-flat surface for decking? –Different frame level

Are we able to finish it on time? – Team work!

Considerations & Problems & Solutions

Get Down to Business – Week 1-3

For the first 3 weeks, we were mostly working on the framing, the whole structure and

shaping. We figure that the most difficult part wasn’t building the frame or shape or

anything about doing the work, but to stay warm and productive in the cold. I think it

applies to all the team because the site is consistently, always blowing cold wind.

Other than that, we had a really hard time to work together or do things at the same

time because our tools are limited. We only had one power drill and we had to swap

the drill bits all the time. I hope we can find a solution for it as soon as possible.

However, we managed to finish all the work on schedule because we have the die

hard passion for architect!

Get Down to Business – Week 3-6

After framing the whole structure, we finally started to apply decking, we found

that our point has a really hard time to stay stable since it’s vacant, it kept on

flopping once we put weight on it. We decided brace the whole area around the

point twice to see if that helps, the conclusion is it did help, a tiny bit only… that’s

why we decided to add a fulcrum between the point and the rest of the body

secretly so it still stays vacant, and finally it did help out a lot! We were running

out of time to finish the structure because we spent so much time on decking and

solving the flopping issue, but it was all worth it, because at the last 3 days before

presentation, our group really came together, we stayed and worked extra and we

manage to finish it on time fortunately! (even it was right before presenting) ( By

the way, for the power drill problem, we simply bought a new one to solve to solve

it.)

Final Response

I can’t believe we did it! After six weeks or hard work, we finally finished out site. Even though it isn’t quite look like the

model we were going for initially, but similar enough and it certainly respond to our site. Most importantly, I have learned

so much from this project! This is the first time I’ve ever used power tools such like drill and saw, and after the project

I’m so professional using them. Besides I learned how to make a deck and I learned how to make a structure hold itself

by bracing. It’s just so much more that I’ve learned that can go on as a list that never ends. However, there are still

much more I need to learn as well, if there is a next time, I want to try different material for different parts and not just

restrict to two by four, plus we can certainly add different materials to make it looks even more interesting. Overall, I’m

satisfied with what we’ve done though, and I really can’t wait to move one to 102! But the difference would be I’m no

longer the ignorance kid that knows nothing about architect 4 months ago, I’ve grew and I can vision myself to be an

true architect in the near future, and of course it all has to thank to Jerry, because without you, I can never realize I

have the ability to go though everything I’ve gone though so far. Thank you Jerry!