ROUGE RHYTHM
WEI YING'S PORTFOLIO
Building Construction 2
Project 1: Shelter For One - Understanding of Skeletal Construction
In a group of 5, we are assigned to construct a 1:1 shelter that is able to fit a person by using recycle materials with the understanding of structural components and distribution of load. The structure requirements include elevating the base of at least 15cm from ground and the use of proper structural joining methods of the selected materials. We are to explore with the structural design as well as the functionality of the shelter. The aesthetic qualities of the shelter are taken into account as well.
Our group has decided to design and construct the shelter in bamboo. The bamboo shelter is designed with two major supporting triangular columns to ensure the stability of the shelter. Diagonal bracings are fixed on both sides of the triangular columns to retain lateral sideway forces. The bracings has successfully secure the shelter from shaking. Traditional bamboo joining methods are used, i.e. cable lashings and notch joints. The shelter is also designed with weather proofing ability. By the end of the construction, this bamboo shelter is able to fit not just one, but four person without exceeding the maximun base dimension given.
Bamboo Shelter. The shelter is then showcased by the university's lake along with the rest of the peers' shelters. The stability of the shelters are then tested by the lecturers along with verbal presentations by the students.
A group photo with the bamboo shelter and Mr. Fandi from the carpentry workshop who has given us the opportunity to work in the workshop as well as guidance on the operation of cutting machineries.
Upon completion of Shelter for One, we are able to able to learn, identify and research on the building construction details and methods used for skeletal construction. Diagrams of sketches with descriptive explanation are used in the documentation of the report. We also gained further understanding on the priciples of skeletal construction, with the given hands-on experience of the project. Problem solving skills is acquired from the construction of this project, along with design intention and concepts being developed into a functionable shelter.
Project 2: Understanding Forces in Solid and Surface Structure
Case Study Building: China Pavilion from Shanghai World Expo 2010
In the same group from Project 1, we are required to propose buildings with at least two combination of skeletal, solid and surface structures and conduct research on the structural construction methods and systems used in the buildings. The Reichstag Building in Berlin, Beijing National Stadium and the China Pavilion from Shanghai World Expo are among the choices we had propsed. In the end, we had chosen to study on the China Pavilion as it fulfills both solid and skeletal structure. We were then to produce a sectional or complete model of the selected building, showcasing the construction method, materials and structural system (both solid and skeletal) used on the building. The model building process along with researches on construction and structural systems used are then documented into an A4 booklet.
We had chosen to build the complete model of China Pavilion in 1:400 scale with one exposed structural facade to showcase the structural systems. The building is made up of modern steel truss dougongs and concrete beams and columns. The building envelope includes low-e glass panels as well as corrugated aluminum panels on the steel truss dougongs.
The completed facade of the China Pavilion.
Model Building Process
Individual Component
By the end of this project, we gained a deeper understanding of solid, skeletal and surface structure as well as problem solving skills. We have understood how load is being distributed via different structural designs and the principles of structural construction in keeping a building upright. With the advancement of modern technologies, traditional structural systems i.e. Dougongs are being further developed to suit modern structural designs and the aesthetic value of such joints is able to be retained. An in-dept understanding of current built environment is achieved throughout the projects of this module.