alina hsieh portfolio

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Reconstructing Haitidesign studio •spring 2010

Champaign Community Centerdesign capstone studio•fall 2010

Long Island City Cinemadesign studio•spring 2011•suckerpunch competition

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Sketches 37-40compilation 2008-2011

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Temple Hoyne Buell HallAdditiondesign studio •fall 2008

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Temple Hoyne Buell Hall is located in the south end of the University of Illinois campus. This building smoothly blends rectilinear and curvilinear shapes and lines, within one unified structure. For example the curvilinear lines of the curved glass curtain wall on the south facade smoothly merge together with the adjacent brick walls of the east and west fa-cade. The spiral staircase in the court yard blends smoothly into the rigid balcony railings, also adds to unification of opposites that this building exemplifies. In this project we studied the history of the building as well as its design. Finally through our study we designed an addition to the exterior of the building.

TEMPLE HOYNE BUELL HALL ADDITION

Location: Champaign, IL

Duration: 1 months

Instructor: Warren

Date: Fall 2008

Participants: Individual

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newdesign

The west entrance to the building is hid-den and often hard to find. I wanted to bring more attention to this entrance. In my design I continued the curved glass curtain wall around to the west entrance, making it more prominent and easy to spot. Under the curtain wall I accen-tuated the pathway by adding steel planks creating a more defining path to the entrance as well as continuing the cohabitating nature of curves and rigid lines that this building already attains.

exploded axon of window detail (top)sketch of window detail (below)

curvilinear photo montage (left)hand drawing of montage (right)

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hand drawing of Temple Hoyne Buell Hall

rectilinear photo montage (left)hand drawing of montage (right)

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CHAMPAIGN COMMUNITY CENTER

Location: Champaign, IL

Duration: 4 months

Instructor: R. Hammann

Date: Fall 2010

The goal of this project was to design a community center to be located in down-town Champaign. This new community center is envisioned to be accommodat-ing for neighborhood residents of all ages and backgrounds. It will also serve as a re-source center for the community, provid-ing space for education, recreation, en-tertainment, socializing, and organization.

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Participants: Individual

COLONIAL PANTRY+13.0’

OFFICE/APARTMENTS+25.0’

CHASE BANK+22.5’

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE+25.0’

+750’ ABOVE SEA LEVEL

REGIONSBANK+15.0’

SITE

SECTION/ELEVATIONEAST-WEST

SCALE 1” : 12’

>>

Bring People Together Intertwine like a braid One segment of the braid

Overlapping areas

Areas of interest

Meandering and overlapping paths

A community center is the home of the com-munity, and a place where people can con-gregate and come together. It unifies a neigh-borhood and because of that, the inspiration for my design is unity. The form of the building originated from a sketch of an intertwining braid, where separate pieces came togeth-er to form a cohesive shape. A figure 8 was evolved from a small unit of the entire braid. This figure 8 creates two open spaces surrounding and enclosed by a meandering path and can be seen within the floor plans of the building.

concept

Meandering floors and intertwining levels

basement

level 1

level 2

level 3

level 4

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COLONIAL PANTRY+13.0’

OFFICE/APARTMENTS+25.0’

CHASE BANK+22.5’

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE+25.0’

+750’ ABOVE SEA LEVEL

REGIONSBANK+15.0’

SITE

SECTION/ELEVATIONEAST-WEST

SCALE 1” : 12’

346’

130’

COLONIAL PANTRY+13.0’

CHASE BANK+22.5’

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE+25.0’

OFFICE/APARTMENTS+25.0’

326’(BUILDABLE SITE)

ALLEY

SITE-ZOOMEDKEY

SCALE 1” : 50’

TREEBUSH

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FENCEPARKING DIRECTIONSITE BOUNDARIES

750’ ABOVE SEA LEVEL

NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

EAST-WEST SEC-TION

Site Analysis

Chase Bank North of site

County Pantry North of site

Residential House East of site

Champaign, IL

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First Floor Planscale: 1’=1/32”

1. main lobby2. office administration3. child daycare4. multi-purpose room5. classroom6. dance studio7. mens locker8. womens locker9. storage room10. stage11. gym12. seating area

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Second Floor Planscale: 1’=1/32”

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1. cafe2. gallery space3. classroom4. womens bathroom5. mens bathroom6. game room

The main entrance faces south with a drop off area located off of Clark Street, where traffic is less busy. Handicap parking is avail-able in front of the building and staff parking is located on the west side along State Street. Delivery and waste drop off and pick up is available in the ally on the north backend of the building. An open field on the east can be accessed from the indoor gym as well as from the outside, and can be used for outdoor sports. Land-scaping with tall trees on the north end of the site is used to hide the unappealing ally way, as well as traffic from the chase bank.

The main lobby atrium and the basketball court are the high-lights of the building and are visible by all floors above. These are areas of high circulation and movement. Visibility of these spaces and the people in them encourages interaction and brings unity into the building. Each of the floors above the main level meander around the lobby and gym, completing a fig-ure 8 shape. Areas of interest such as the cafe and library ex-pand up two levels intertwining the floors vertically as well.

A green roof is also located on the third floor with a pergola on the fourth. A meandering ramp connects the third and fourth floors from the exterior, while stairs are also accessible from the inside.

Scale 1’=1/32”Site Plan ^

N1. Main entrance2. Drop off3. Parking spots 4. State Street5. University Street6. Randolph Street7. Clark Street

design

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1. library 9. ramp to 4th 2. womens bathroom floor3. mens bathroom4. sunroom5. classroom6. classroom7. computer lab8. green roof

Third Floor Planscale: 1’=1/32”

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Fourth Floor Planscale: 1’=1/32”

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1. library 2nd floor 9. study room 42. classroom 10. outdoor 3. classroom pergola4. womens bathroom5. mens bathroom6. study room 17. study room 28. study room 3

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Lobby Renderingfirst flooropen atrium 56’ high with a sloped glass roof shines light into the lobby

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Lobby Renderingfirst floor

Main gym located to the right

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Cafe Renderingsecond floor viewlibrary on third floor overlooks the two story high cafe

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Library Renderingthird floor view

second level of library on fourth floor overlooks general study area

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Green Roof Renderingfourth and third floorramp from third to fourth floormovie showings can be held here

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Exterior Renderingnorth west corner view

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North South Section

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Wall detail section cut of the double skin façade located on the south face of the gym.

Legend

East West Section

Wall Detail Section

1 stone coping2 metal flashing3 growing medium4 geotextile5 drainage layer6 root barrier7 insulation8 corrugated steel9 joist10 6”-insulation11 metal panel12 floor slab13 concrete

14 corrugated steel15 beam16 girder17 joist18 spandrel19 double panel glass20 column21 vertical steel truss22 spider connection23 steel tension cables24 glass facade25 foundation wall26 foundation footing

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LONG ISLAND CITY CINEMALocation: Long Island city

Queens, New York

Duration: 1 months

Instructor: S. Hicks

Date: Spring 2011

The goal of this project was to design a cinema center with a unique cinematic experience that would draw people back to the theater. Each student entered an online competition on suckerpunch.com and submitted our individual designs.

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Participants: Individual

attractions

outdoor theater

ticket purchase

concession stands

movie times and posters

REVIR TSAE

45TH AVE

45TH AVE

45TH RD

46TH AVE

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LVD

POP

POP

entrance to trail

building entrance

scenic view

forest trail

TICKET

TICKET

N̂Site Plan1’=1/128”

What once used be an open plain has now sprouted trees of steel form-ing The Forest. Composed of columns of varying heights, The Forest in-trigues others to cross the line and enter into this separate world. Upon first view the Manhattan skyline has completely disappeared from view, lost within the density of the columns. However, viewed from certain angles the columns line up and the Manhattan skyline is clear to view. Yearning to discover what is hidden behind the columns spaced at 10’ apart, visitors are liberated to meander freely to discover their own desti-nation. With sensor columns that illuminate once close by, pathways are lit during the night. While also providing an entertaining show of moving lights as well as where people are located below, for people in buildings above. Two large clearings within the forest create outdoor theater spac-es. A trail leads from the main entrance, in between the two movie screen (where film times and posters are posted) and into the actual building.

The Forest changes the stereotypical cinema experience. Instead of being introduced to a world created by others with a predetermined storyline. This experience of exploration and entering into a new in-teractive space allows the visitor to create their own paths to their cinematic destination. Making the movie theater a more proac-tive and engaging experience, instead of just spoon fed experience.

welcome tothe forrest

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attractions

outdoor theater

ticket purchase

concession stands

movie times and posters

REVIR TSAE

45TH AVE

45TH AVE

45TH RD

46TH AVE

VE

RN

ON

BLV

D

5TH

ST

CE

NTE

R B

LVD

POP

POP

entrance to trail

building entrance

scenic view

forest trail

TICKET

TICKET

N̂Site Plan1’=1/128”

When people are not around the columns remain the same and do not light up.

Sensors catch the presence of people walking by and light up illuminating the path.

A scattering of lights created by the different paths taken, create a show of lights for those viewing from afar.

Reflective exterior theater walls within the building reflect the columns on the inside, altering the perception of where the columns end.

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1’=1/98”

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1’=1/128”Fourth Floor Plan

1. 40’X100’ screen theater2. 30’X70’ screen theater3. IMAX theater4. 30’X70’ screen theater5. 8’X20’ screen private theater

Third Floor Plan

1. auditorium2. restaurant3. IMAX theater4. discusion lounge

1’=1/128”

Second Floor Plan

1. bar2. outdoor lounge

First Floor Plan

1. ticket/ lobby2. 30’X40’ screen theater3. 30’X40’ screen theater4. film/book store5. 30’X70’ screen theater6. lounge7. entrance

1’=1/128”

1’=1/128”

Basement Floor Plan

1. 30’X40’ screen theater2. 30’X70’ screen theater3. 30’X70’ screen theater4. 30’X70’ screen theater5. 30’X70’ screen theater6. 30’X70’ screen theater7. 30’X70’ screen theater8. 40’X100’ screen theater9. discussion lounge

1’=1/128”

FOURTH FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

BASEMENT

SITEN̂

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The building houses theaters, restaurants, bars, auditorium, book stores and discus-sion spaces, and spans over 4 floors and a basement. The second floor is an open outdoor space that lines the river, provid-ing a good view of Manhattan. The third and fourth levels are lifted off the ground and overhang the river. Reflective mate-rial is used on the underside of the over-hangs, creating a mirroring reflection into the river and an eye catching view from Manhattan. Columns continue in the in-terior of the building at a lesser density. Mirrored exterior walls of the theaters re-flect the interior columns altering the per-ception of where the columns truly end.

1’=1/98”North South Section

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Interior Perspective

Exterior Perspective

1’=1/98”East West Section

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1’=1/98”

Exterior perspective

East West Section Site

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Interior Perspective

Model30”x36”x24”|

piano wire•mat board•acrylic|

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On January 12, 2010 at 4:53 pm Haiti suffered a drastic earthquake at a magnitude of 7.0. The quake’s epicenter hit just 10 miles west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti and impacted its 2 million in-habitants hard. Leaving this already suffering country even more deaths and further setbacks economically and technologically, and at a com-plete lost. But every disaster leaves room for re-birth and reconstruction, and Haiti is no different.

This project’s goal is to come up with a plau-sible solution for the different topographical areas of Port-au-Prince, Haiti in order to im-prove living standards for the people of Haiti.

RECONSTRUCTING HAITILocation: Port-au-prince, Haiti

Duration: 4 months

Instructor: M. Taylor

Date: Spring 2010

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Participants: Individual

Highlighted: high density regionsGrid of Port-au-prince, Haiti

During this project, I analyzed the coastal area that was affected most heavily by the earth-quake. I most specifically studied grid 6 and the various topographies and densities in that area.focus

Images of Haiti’s condition

High density figure ground

Grace Children Hospital

Hospital Infontil das Gracas

Hotel in Port-au-Prince

Institution Saint de Gonzeque (o�ce)

KEY

6.1 6.2 6.3

6.4

6.5

Grid 6

Density diagram of Grid 6Low High

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analysis of culture and

traditions

Low class and high density areas took up the majority of the space in grid 6. These areas are crowded and housing (general dimension of 30’x20’) is placed extremely close together. The majorities of these houses are constructed of CMU blocks and unfortunately are not the most struc-turally sound, as walls are not built at right angles. There is also no organized road system, result-ing in a crowded and cluttered area as well as cases of bad sanitation and overall environment.

When it came to designing for the low class area there were certain aspects that I wanted to change as well as to keep. Currently the high density area is disorganized, crowded, not structur-ally sound, and has sanitation issues. However this close environment did promote neighbor to neigh-bor relationships and a sense of culture and com-munity. This wonderful aspect I wanted to keep.

representation of high density area

Site model

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Highlighted: high density regions

What I propose is creating, on a micro scale, an organized and centrally planned neighbor-hood. A macro scale community is then created by combining these neighborhoods together on a large grid system with a standardized road system.

My design consists of a central community center within each neighborhood. Four roads connect-ed to the community center lead to neighboring neighborhoods on each side. While the areas in between are filled with structurally sound housing at close proximity, same as before. This community center can be used to regulate circulation, sanita-tion pickup, as well as an area for open market.

design proposal

Site Plan Detail

housing

community center

street paths

community center

Site plan design

Community center model33

Houses in high-density Haiti, although are small in size, are unique and full of creativity. With the new housing design I wanted to create a stan-dard model that was not only structurally sound, but still provided residents with a venue for creativity.

In my design I created a variety of interchangeable floor plans and roofing plans. Different floor plans are made for varying family sizes, while roofing systems differ in truss styles. The interchangeable parts allow residents to pick and choose and create their very own unique home.

housing designpromoting safety

and creativity

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Floor Plan 1

Floor Plan 2

Floor Plan 3

Truss system 1

Truss system 2

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Truss system 3

Rendering community center

The hill side topography covers a majority of the area in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. With constant earthquakes, the hillside is often in danger of soil erosion and landslides. Therefore a structur-ally sound house is very important in this area.

In my design for the hillside I first addressed the structural issues by adding a split-level con-crib retention wall at 9’ high each. This helps maintain the land in place. Besides structur-al security bringing community and conve-nience is also an important part of my design.

hill side study

community area

vegetation

pedestrian walk way

market place

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On the level between the split-lev-el concrib wall is an area open for vegetation and accessible by stair-way. Water tanks placed by the stairs provide a convenient source of filtered water. A public bath-room is also located on this level and is placed at ever other com-munity center for convenience.

On each level is a row of 4 to 5 houses and a community area. In front of each house there is an open space provided where people can sell their personal products, creat-ing a market street area. In front of this market area is followed by a pe-destrian walk way, making it easier for residents to shop for their needs.

convenience community

fine sand

gravel/ruble

drain

geofabric separation layer

backfill

concrib system section

25”x6” Header 78”x6” Stretcher 60”x6” Closer 26”x6” Back Stretcher

concrib wallssand filtration

system

Concrib walls are gravity retaining walls constructed from interlock-ing precast concrete components. These walls are filled with free-drain-ing materials and earth backfill. Con-crib walls eliminate the risk of pressure buildup behind the walls which cause soil erosion. The addition of a slow sand filtration system behind the con-crib walls not only acts as a support for these walls, but also as a water filter.

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Composed of various sketches over the past couple of years. Majority of sketches are drawn with pencil or ink pens on standard paper.

SKETCHESMedium: Pencil and pen

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