An office building enhancing urban connectivity
URBAN OFFICE
Type
Personal Project
Architectural Design
Time
04/2023
Location
Beijing, China
This project is an urban architectural design located in a major transportation hub in Aarhus, Denmark. This multifunctional, interactive office building aims to serve as a vital transit point within the city, enhancing connectivity and functionality.
01 site research
The site is located in Telefonsmøgen, Aarhus, where several bus routes intersect, making it a key public transportation hub with high accessibility and connectivity.
By scanning point clouds and utilizing them in Rhino, we gained a deeper understanding of the site’s current conditions. This allowed us to effectively analyze its infrastructure, topography, built structures, and sections.
02 Case Study
Before diving into the project, we visited Cambridge, England, to study its renowned architecture, with a focus on facade materials, structural composition, and lighting effects.
Our team conducted an in-depth study of Churchill College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge known for its modernist architecture and emphasis on science and technology.
During our visit, I was particularly struck by its intricate details: the facade's texture responds beautifully to natural light, while the windows interact harmoniously with the building's structure. The unexpected breaks in rhythm create a subtle sense of change and beauty.
03 Design process
Site Reflection
Drawing inspiration from the site, I aimed to provide various continuous circulation options when connecting the ground floor and basement level, offering people multiple route choices.
Concept
The narrow site presented additional design possibilities. The constricted southern entrance served as my starting point, acting as a buffer in the interior space due to its limited view. I sought to create a sense of spatial compression that guides individuals into the building. Simultaneously, at the northern entrance, I designed an exterior staircase connecting the basement and ground floor — the two staircases in my design form a coherent circulation system.
Refinement: Integration with the Urban Environment
In the subsequent comprehensive phase, I refined the design of the ground floor, first floor, second floor, and rooftop garden to emphasize the building's relationship with the city, striking a balance between openness and privacy.
04 model
In the 1:200 model, I focused on analyzing the relationship between the building's elevation and section in relation to the sloping bus street. In the 1:50 model, I focused on analyzing the facade materials, structural details, and detailed connections with the street.
