CULTURAL X’CHANGEThe Chinese University of Hong Kong

Advanced Architectural Design StudioARCH 5112a (G11)2012–13: 2nd Term

Tutor : Patrick Hwangphwang@cuhk.edu.hk

(image copyright WKCD/ HKSAR)

INTRODUCTION

Ten years has past since the West Kowloon Cultural District first became the subject of an architectural competition. During this period we have witnessed a significant movement of influence and capital from west to east. Propelled by this shift is the increase of cultural production from Hong Kong’s neighboring cities like Shenzhen, Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo. Whether it is experimental art from Cai Guo-Qiang, or pop influences of Girls Generation, or the modern dance company of Cloud Gate, the boost of cultural production as a form of capital has generated many literal and phenomenal impacts extending beyond the shores of its cultural origin.

In 2011 the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority announced the winner of the master layout plan after an extensive public engagement process. With the overall master plan in progress, major cultural buildings will be tendered through several architectural competitions. Working in parallel with the event, this studio will study and design the M+ or “Museum Plus” within the WKCD.

According to the ambitious goals set forth by the WKCD, the M+ seeks to be a world class iconic building that maximizes the full potentials of the harbor site with outdoor spaces for new types of contemporary art. It also aims to provide flexible, large, open and column free space that are sustainable and universally accessible. Furthermore, M+ shall be an inviting building with connectivities that synergizes with the local communities while meeting the planning objectives described by the master plan.

In addition to the competition brief, the following questions shall also be reflected in the design. Being a financial capital and shopper’s paradise of Asia, what role can Hong Kong play in this momentum of cultural surge? How will Hong Kong create a cultural path reflective of its own unique history and spirit, rather than simply acquiring culture through the acquisition of architecture? How will the new WKCD help to cultivate the quality of its own cultural production?

0.0 FRAMEWORK

This studio intends to speculate and instigate WKCD’s ambitions noted above by working with an exploratory framework. We will experiment with design studio’s linear process of research, concept to proposal, and explore an indeterminate and exploratory architectural proposition. Working in parallel with, and in support of the studio design, will be readings of theoretical writings. These texts will weave into the design exercises to provide the necessary intellectual support for the explorations.

Each phase of the studio is consist of four interrelated studies leading towards a learning objective.

1.0 CONCEPT: 3WK

{ 1.1 } Materiality to ConceptMetaphors are often accepted in architecture as a way to communicate the concept for a solution to a given problem. Under the best circumstances the concept is then extended and permeated through the project to different extents and degrees. Such adaptation of metaphor is effective in conveying the design intent. The exact metaphor selected to “represent” the design concept, however appropriate and symbolic it might be, is often incidental. This studio intends to amplify the incidental nature of the metaphor by working with a “material object” as a seed to begin the studio journey.

{ 1.2 } Analysis to InterpretationStudent will analyze a “material object” for its latent characteristics to unfold its organizational, formation patterns, and spatial/ structural potentials. The analysis shall be interpreted and abstracted in order to generate an architectural concept and construction. Consider magnifying and manipulating (sectioning, burning, peeling, distorting or slicing) the “material object” to access its inherent characteristics and properties.

{1.3} Abstraction to Projection: Productsa. In 3D, create series of architectural constructions inspired by, and interpreted from the material object. Imagine the construction in

different scales; from the form of a building to the system of a facade. Tools and material of architectural construction is open.b. In 2D, create minimum of four A3 sheets of sketch, analytical and exploratory drawings diagramming your understanding of the material

object from in 1.2. In the same exploratory manner, create series of projection drawings documenting your architectural construction generated in 1.3a. “A carefully considered analytic/ poetic drawing is not an end in itself, but the virtual site of an imaginative beginning.”

{ 1.4 } ReadingJuhani Pallasmaa,  “The Shape of Touch,” Question of Perception, (A+U, William Stout Publisher, 2006)Ben Van Berkel & Caroline Bos, “Diagrams,” Move vol.1, (Amsterdam: UN Studio & Goose Press, 1999)

{ 1.5 } ObjectiveTo experience an architectural design process through materiality, making and thinking.

2.0 PROGRAM: 1WK

{ 2.1 } Museum PlusThe program brief for M+ calls for a museum that builds upon four themes of contemporary art that is particular to Hong Kong: Visual Art (Contemporary ink art), Design and Architecture, Moving Image and Popular Culture. Furthermore, art education is emphasized as a key ambition of M+.

{ 2.2 } Analysis to InterpretationStudent will form in groups to examine a list of topics relating to museum typology as case studies prior to the design of their individual projects. Information gathered shall be interpreted analytically and represented through graphic techniques. The following museums and topics will form the focus of study.Museum case studies1. The Museum of Modern Art 5. 21st Century Museum of Art, Nakazawa 2. Guggenheim Bilbao 6. Centre Pompidou – Metz3. The Art Institute of Chicago | The Modern Wing 7. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art4. de Young Museum 8. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Topic of studya. Uli Sigg and collection c. Types of exhibition space to its intended purpose (spatial & light quality)b. Scale comparison to other museums d. Collection organization and logic (circulation & storage strategy)

{ 2.3 } Abstraction to Projection: Productsa. In 2D, create minimum of four A3 sheets of sketch, analytical and exploratory drawings diagramming your understanding of the museum

case studies and interpretation of your analysis from 3.2.b. In 3D, create series of architectural constructions inspired by and interpreted from the analyzing the case studies. Scale, tools and

material of architectural construction is open.

{ 2.4 } ReadingBernard Tschumi, "Index of Architecture," Question of Space, (London, 1995)Peter Eisenman, Ten Cononical Buildings: 1950 – 2000, (Rizzoli, 2008)

{ 2.5 } ObjectiveTo analyze and interpret the spatial characteristic and programmatic organization of museum of contemporary art through case studies.

3.0 SITE: 2WK

{ 3.1 } West Kowloon Cultural DistrictThe design project will be focused on a 25,000 square meter parcel within the 40 hectare reclaimed land that aims to cultivate Hong Kong’s cultural production by providing a new museum of visual culture, numerous theatres, concert halls and other performance venues.

{ 3.2 } Analysis to InterpretationStudent will form in groups to examine a list of topics relating to WKCD’s surrounding area as well as its proposed master plan.  Student shall analyze and interpret the urban implications inherent within the WKCD master plan. The investigation seeks to uncover both above and below ground conditions of the MLP. Information gathered shall be interpreted analytically and represented through graphic techniques. Group site model of WKCD and adjacent neighborhood to be constructed at 1:1000.

a. Zoning & Programmatic composition c. Land use and typology of surrounding neighborhoodsb. Infrastructure & Accessibility d. Scale and programmatic comparison to great parks and cultural districts

{ 3.3 } Abstraction to Projection: Productsa. In 2D, create minimum of four A3 sheets of sketch, analytical and exploratory drawings diagramming your understanding of WKCD and

interpretation of your analysis from 2.2.b. In 3D, create series of architectural constructions inspired by and interpreted from the analyzing the site. Scale, tools and material of

architectural construction is open.

{ 3.4 } ReadingAlex Wall, “Programming the Urban Surface,” in James Corner, ed., Recovering Landscape, (Princeton, 1999)James Corner & Alex MaLean, Taking Measures Across the American Landscape, (Yale, 1996)

{ 3.5 } ObjectiveTo understand the projected impacts and influences of WKCD in different scale to its immediate neighboring communities and beyond.

4.0 PROPOSAL: 8WK

{ 4.1 } Design ProjectBased on the investigation and exploration produced from the three studies in part 1, 2 and 3, student shall assume full responsibility for developing an architectural proposition that addresses the ambitions and issues highlighted by the introduction of this syllabus.  

{ 4.2 } M+ ProgramStudents are encourage to interpret and speculate the proposed M+ programming towards your own unique material concept instigated from part 1.

Schedule of Accommodation:a. Entrance Hall 3,200m2b. Museum Retail & Cafe 3,000m2c. Education area 2,500m2d. Theatres 1,500m2e. Exhibition Gallery 12,000m2f. Temporary Gallery 2,000m2g. Library 2,000m2h. Collection Area & workshop 1,600m2i. Offices 3,500m2j. Back of House 2,200m2k. Collection Storage & Conservation 11,700m2

{ 4.3 } Productsa. Final layout to be four A0 or six A1 sheets of carefully considered and constructed drawings.b. 1:500 or 1:1000 MLP with design project situated within proposed massingc. Minimum of 3 study constructs of your design process with series of 1:200 scale study models, detail of building interventions, gallery

spaces and facade studiesd. 1:200 scale plans, sections, axonometric of building designe. Enlarged wall section showing facade and interior space relationship at 1:25f. Film sequence of movement through key spaces of your proposed designg. Group site model of WKCD and adjacent neighborhood at 1:1000

{ 4.4 } ReadingReiser+Umemoto, Atlas of Novel Tectonics, (New York, 2006), excerpts.Pierluigi Nicolin, “Performing Museums”, Lotus International Quarterly Architectural Review, Vol. 134 (Milano, 2008)

{ 4.5 } ObjectiveTo design a cultural building of public significance in Hong Kong that addresses the ambitions described by the design brief.

TU DELFT EXCHANGE WORKSHOP

This studio will be executed in parallel with the Delft Technical University led by Prof. Mark Hemel. There will be two occasions for students from the different universities to exchange, collaborate and share their insights on the project through workshop and review. The project itself will also act as a cultural bridge between East and West, where students exchange information and ideas during a series of shared workshop-meetings. They will experience the impact of working in a different physical and cultural context and learn from each other’s methodologies. Students signed up for the studio must travel to TU Delft for the workshop/ review. School of architecture will provide minimal subsidies for this travel at approximately 3,000 HKD per student. Students will be responsible for the remaining costs.

SCHEDULE

1       M      14.01 Introduction/ overview        TH     17.01 211A reserved2       M      21.01 TH     24.013      M     28.01       TH      31.01 Review: 1.0 CONCEPT4        M     04.02       TH      07.02 Review: 2.0 PROGRAM (M1 General Review)5        M     11.02 Holiday: Lunar New Year       TH      14.02 6        M     18.02     TH      21.027        M     25.02   211A reserved         TH      28.02 Review: 3.0 SITE8        M     04.03       TH      07.039        M     11.03     TH      14.03 Interim Review (M1 General Review)10        M     18.03     TH      21.0311        M     25.03 211A reserved     TH      28.0312        M     01.04 Holiday: Easter     TH      04.04 Holiday: Chin-Ming13        M     08.04 * Workshop/ presentation: TU Delft students @ CUHK     TH      11.04 * Workshop/ presentation: TU Delft students @ CUHK14        M     15.04 TH 18.0415 M 22.04     F       26.04 Review: Final Presentation     week of     29.04 Final Exams 17 week of 06.05 * Presentation: TU Delft @ Delft * SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ATTENDANCE

Attendance and participation are mandatory due to the nature of the design studios. Students must notify the instructor before class begins (via email) if absence or tardiness is necessary. Absences will be permitted due to medical or family emergencies, and should be made up to the extent possible. Each unexcused absence will drop semester grade one letter grade. Any students with more than three studio absences will be grounds for failure or withdrawal at the discretion of the instructor.

ASSESSMENT SCHEME

Student’s performance will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Willingness to generate ideas Depth of research and analysis Willingness to develop ideas Degree of participationWillingness to respond to criticism Coherence in transforming concept into architectural propositionWillingness to experiment Clarity of representation (drawing, construct, film, verbal etc.)

1.0 Concept | 2.0 Site | 3.0 Program 40%4.0 Proposal 40%Participation and Attendance 20%

READING LIST + REFERENCE

During the course of semester, readings of contemporary and past theoretical writings related to the studio subject will form group discussion.  These texts will weave into the design exercises to provide the necessary intellectual support for exploration and experimentation.

WKCDhttp://www.wkcdauthority.hk/en/what_s_new/index.htmlhttp://www.legco.gov.hk/yr07–08/chinese/fc/pwsc/papers/p08–31c.pdf

Uli Sigghttp://www.artinfo.com

IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTAttention is drawn to University policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, and to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details may be found at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/ . With each assignment, students will be required to submit a statement that they are aware of these policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures.

RETENTION OF WORKThe School of Architecture has the right to retain any student project whether it be for display, accreditation, documentation or any other educational or legal purpose.