Portfolio

JohnHsu

Selected Projects, Drawings, and Photographs

Portfolio

Overall Concept Sketch

0Occupancy Studio

Pier A in Battery Park has long been the source of architectural gossip. With the possibility of the National Park Service relocating their ferry terminal for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to the Pier, and the Dia museum looking for a new central museum location in New York City, the combination of projects with a famous historical site

made for an interesting design challenge and studio project.

The concept began with the dance of the evolving roof plane of the building. A dialogue was proposed between the Dia proposals floating above the historical Pier to be transformed into the new ferry terminal

building with strong perspective references to the Statue of Liberty.

Pier A, Battery Park1

New York City

2Occupancy Studio

PIER A - 1st Floor NPS - Liberty Ship Dock - Security CheckpointDIA - Coat Check - Ticketing

PIER - 2nd Floor DIA - Operations - Art Storage - Curators + Art Programs - Administration - Exhibition Space NPS - Liberty Boat Unloading RampRETAIL - Cafe - Gift Shop

PIER - 3rd Floor DIA - Outdoor Exhibition - Seasonal Outdoor Cafe

DIA - 1st Floor - Exhibition Space

GROUND LEVELBATTERY PARK CITY - Recreational Rooms - Fishing Center - Grass Volleyball - Seasonal Skating Rink - AmphitheaterRETAIL - Green Market

DIA - 2nd Floor - Exhibition Space

DIA - 3rd Floor - Exhibition Space - Outdoor Gallery Space

DIA - 4th Floor - Exhibition Space - Outdoor Gallery Space

DIA - 5th Floor - Exhibition Space





DIA - 10th Floor - Exhibition Space RETAIL - Restaurant

Community Center and Market

Dia Gallery Space

National Park Service Ferry Terminal


Program

Circulation

Structure

4Occupancy Studio

- The queue of people to board the ferries for the Statue of Liberty is oriented toward the Statue while passing diagonally through the Pier, subtly distorting a reminiscent perspective of immigrant travel.- The gallery spaces of the Dia Museum is interrupted by outdoor breaks as well as references to the city, the statue of liberty, and the other program that occurs throughout the building.- The landscape of the Community Center responds to the Dia, the surround-ing site, as well as the streetscape.


Advanced Building Systems

6Advanced Building Systems

The Point Park University Conservatory of the Performing Arts was looking for a greater visual presence in the Pittsburgh Community. They were quickly out-growing their current location at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and began looking at sites in downtown Pittsburgh. A few blocks from the cultural district they found a set of a few buildings and a large L-shaped parking lot. This was where it would begin. This was where their future lay. As an urban infill project, one main objective was to establish a strong connection with the urban environment. The building defines an urban campus environment that invites the surrounding community and creates a public space. This space is a gallery for displaying the different things that happen in the school from rehearsals to live outdoor performances. During the summer, the center piece of the building will open its walls to provide an outdoor stage and perfor-mances for the city of Pittsburgh.

Point Park Universitypittsburgh

7

Academic Building Theater Zones

Solar Water Heating

Geothermal EnergyEmbedded in Foundation Piles help increase

Solar Collector

Supply/ExhaustHeat Exchanger

Bicycle Truss System Carries overhead stage and outdoor load

utilizes human heat to displace cool air

-ing through lighting system and intake air heat exchange

Radiant Floor HeatingChilled Beam Cooling

Individual Floor Conditioning

NStereographic Sunpath Diagram N

S

E

W

Latitude: 40°N

Hour lines are shown in solar time.

10°

20°

30°

40°

50°

60°

70°

80°

Stereographic Sunpath Diagram N

S

E

W

Latitude: 40°N


10°

20°

30°

40°

50°

60°

70°

80°

Stereographic Sunpath Diagram N

S

E

W

Latitude: 40°N


10°

20°

30°

40°

50°

60°

70°

80°

Air IntakeMain Entrance

UC Entrance

BlackBox Theater

Rehearsal Space

Loading Dock

Academic Building

Performer Space

Lobby

Operable Windows

Rain Screen

Academic BuildingChilled BeamsRadiant Floor HeatingIndividual Conditioning Systemper Floor per Program

Black Box TheaterPerimeter Conditioning

Proscenium Theater

Geothermal EnergyExhaust/Intake Heat Exchanger

Concrete Floor (Thermal Mass)

Air Intake in 2 Main LocationsVentilation Ducts parallel Circulation System and Fly LoftIntake/Exhaust Heat ExchangerGround Source Energy Heat Exchanger

Basement Level Mechanical Systems

Thrust Theater

Geothermal EnergyExhaust/Intake Heat Exchanger

Advanced Building Systems

8

Point Park University9

Like many other studio projects in past years, the Urban Design Studio began with a rigorous analysis of the site. However, the site analysis of this studio was created and developed in a very different method than what we were used to. We began with the usual approach with some new elements, site

features, photos, elevations, socio-economic factors, mappings, surrounding program, etc. However, several weeks into our analysis we were to develop a gallery exhibit to be located within our site of downtown Pittsburgh. For the

first time, we were able to have a relationship and constant exchange with the people that inhabited, and visited our site. We took full advantage of this op-portunity with interesting methods of data collection to engage, inform, and

learn from the community that we would be designing for.

Urban Design Studio10

Branding the Cultural District11

We developed several means of interacting with the community. We creat-ed a physical model of the site, developed drawings that showed different

aspects of the site, mapped out different conditions of the site, and created precedent studies that showed examples of similar conditions around the world that could be applied to the city of Pittsburgh. Through these differ-

ent means of communication we were able to interact with the community, get real feedback about our work, and educate the public about the differ-

ent possibilities that could be applied to the city of Pittsburgh.


Big Dig Applied to Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle

Introducing outdoor public space in a high density area

Stitches together divided neighborhoods through parks

Contributes to an overall master plan of parks

Submerging infrastructure to allow for public outdoor space

Alleviating heavy traffic congestion by providing more vehicular access

Creates a sense of place other than office space in a downtown district

Connects a park to a greater network of green spaces

Fort Pitt Blvd and Stanwix St

Fort Pitt Blvd and Wood St

Interstate 579

Fort Duquesne Blvd and Stanwix St

Precedent Big DigBoston

N

Green Spaces

References existing human movement through pathways within the parks.

The Greenway is a part of a long collection of parks that string aroundBoston called the Emerald Necklace.

Sectional Perspective of John F.Fitzgerald Expressway with Greenway above.

Park Streets

Relates to vehicle traffic movements through exit ramps carving through park spaces.

Street level Roadways

Feed traffic through and around the expressway below as well as relates park spaces with civil public spaces.

Site Context

Neighborhoods once divided by a highway are now integrated with open park spaces. Traffic is dealt with through high capacity roadways working more efficiently underneath the ground.

John F Fitzgerald Expressway

Located underneath grade level, tunnels are deep enough able to accomodate standard truck heights, as well as allow for building foundations above.

Branding the Cultural District13

The Allegheny Riverfront Park Project is an urban design studio project that addresses Pittsburgh’s Cultural District and its connection to the river. The

main goals of the project were to bring people down to the river that borders the Cultural District in downtown Pittsburgh. Through a series of gestural

steps and a specific placement of a variety of program many different people will find a wide assortment of activities while experiencing changing water lev-els both physically and visually. As the water rises and falls many elements of

the park changes from the visible landscape, programmatic elements, planting species, and even inhabitable areas. This provides the Cultural District with an

attraction that is as alive as the neighborhood it caters to.


pittsburghAllegheny Riverfront Park

15

N

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Street VendorsOutdoor Art Gallery

Mobile Library

Dance Studio

Blackbox Theater

Athletic Field(Concert Venue)

Batting Cage

BikingChessFishing

Playground

Pool Tables

Rock Climbing

RollerbladingRunning

Tennis

Volleyball

WalkingWater Sports

Yoga/Meditation

Carousel

Ice Skating Rink

Movie Theater

Electronics

Grocery

JewelryMovies/Music

SITE CONDITIONS

Full

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Sun

ny

Full

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LIGHTING VIEWS

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May

June

July

Aug

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Sep

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

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WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL

SEASONS

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GENERAL WORK TOURIST

USERS

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Cafe

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Lounge/Club

Deli

Restaurant $

Restaurant $$

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Outdoor Art Gallery

Mobile Library

Dance Studio

Blackbox Theater

Athletic Field(Concert Venue)

Batting Cage

Biking

Chess

Fishing

Playground

Pool Tables

Rock Climbing

Rollerblading

Running

Tennis

Volleyball

Walking

Water Sports

Yoga/Meditation

Carousel

Ice Skating Rink

Movie Theater

Electronics

Grocery

Jewelry

Movies/Music

BOTTOM

MIDDLE

TOP

PROG

RAM

/ U

SE A

NALY

SIS

SCHOOL KID

Public School - Creative and Performing Arts 6-12 (CAPA) [Traditional September-June Schedule]

Charter School - City Charter High School 9-12 (City High) [Non-Traditional Year-Round Schedule]

Primarily kids and teens living at home, ages 11-18

YOUNG ADULT

Downtown - Point Park University (<1 mile away) The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (<2 miles away) Duquesne University (<2 miles away)

East End - University of Pittsburgh (<4 miles away) Carnegie Mellon University (<5 miles away)

Primarily college students and recent graduates, ages 18-26

WHITE-COLLAR

Central Business District (<1 mile away) The Strip District (<1 mile away) The Northshore (<2 miles away) The Southside (<2 miles away) The East End (<5 miles away)

Primarily salaried professionals, ages 22-50

BLUE-COLLAR

Central Business District (<1 miles away) The Strip District (<1 mile away) The Northshore (<5 miles away) The Southside (<5 miles away) Braddock/Southeastern Suburbs (<15 miles away)

Primarily manual laborers, ages 18-50

FAMILY

Downtown The Hill District The Northside The Southside The East End The Suburbs of Pittsburgh

Families with kids, primarily ages 4-16

SINGLE

The Renaissance, Marriott, or Westin Convention Ctr. Hotels PNC Park & Heinz Field The Carnegie Museums The Warhol and Mattress Factory The Pittsburgh Aviary, Phipps Conservatory

Singles (alone or w/ friends) visiting Pittsburgh, ages 18-40

SINGLE

Parks/Places: Allegheny Riverfront Park, Convention Ctr. Art Galleries: Future Tenant, Wood St, SPACE Theaters: Theater Square, the O’Reilly Theater, Heinz Hall The Benedum Ctr, The Byham Theater Food: Backstage Bar, Crazy Mocha, Cafe Zao

Primarily singles (alone or w/ friends), ages 21-64

COUPLE

The Renaissance, Marriott, or Westin Conv-Ctr. Hotels PNC Park & Heinz Field The Carnegie Science Center The Carnegie Museums, the Warhol and Mattress Factory The Pittsburgh Aviary, Phipps Conservatory

Primarily couples visiting Pittsburgh, ages 24-64

COUPLE

Parks/Places: Allegheny Riverfront Park, Convention Ctr. Art Galleries: Future Tenant, Wood St, SPACE Theaters: Theater Square, the O’Reilly Theater, Heinz Hall The Benedum Ctr, The Byham Theater Food: 9 on 9, Six Penn, Backstage Bar, Crazy Mocha, Sonoma Grille, August Henry’s, Cafe Zao

Primarily couples, ages 18-64

FAMILY

The Renaissance, Marriott, or Westin Conv-Ctr. Hotels PNC Park & Heinz Field The Carnegie Science Ctr and the Children's Museum The Carnegie Museums, the Warhol and Mattress Factory The Pittsburgh Aviary, Phipps Conservatory

Families visiting w/ kids, primarily ages 4-16

GENERAL WORK TOURIST

USER

ANA

LYSI

S


The project began with an analysis of the context; the programmatic functions of the neighborhood, the clients, the users, the traffic patterns, flood levels and many other contextual conditions. This analysis lead to the formation of a rough plan that dealt with environmental conditions of sun patterns, contextual issues of program, as well as relationships to changing water levels. From there a shifted grid was used to bring people down to the water through a longer experiential path, and the program was laid out based on contextual client conditions. The shifted grid was extended into a paving system along the street and circulations across programmatic functions were created. Finally detailed finishes, materials, paving systems, trees, shrubs, and wetland plants were placed in relation to program, changing water levels, and annual solar exposure.

Allegheny Riverfront Park 17

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Allegheny Riverfront Park 19

The images in this section are a combination of initial project sketches and sketch projects, projects that last roughly about a week. The drawings and images rep-

resent how I conceptualize a problem and develop my initial ideas. The work also shows a proficiency in different means of representation resulting in work that is

able to be done both quickly and effectively.

The banana lounge is a set of different elements that define a space for architec-ture students to gather, relax, while interacting with the space it inhabits. Through a brief analysis of different seating/sleeping positions the furniture morphs from one position to the next allowing a wide range of user interaction and comfort.

20Sketches and Sketch Projects

The High Point Park Case Competition was a brief sketch problem for the utilization of the roof the U.S. Steel Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Being the largest sky-

scraper rooftop in the world in terms of square footage, the solution made the most of creating a variety of spaces for the different people who would occupy the space.

Awarded an Honorable Mention

Sketches and Sketch Projects21


Proposed as a jumpstart into Urban Design, the studio was asked to develop a set of proposals for the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh. These pro-posals reflected aspects of the neighborhood that we believed could benefit

from change as well as become a catalyst for the growth of the district.

Allegheny Riverfront Connection Sidewalk Condition and Bus Lane

Street Redevelopment

Monongahela Riverfront Connection Connection to Hill District


Every year Carnegie Mellon University puts on a carnival for the neigh-boring community, and Pittsburgh. Many different elements come together to form this carnival including thrill rides, carnival games, and booth. Booth is a set of attractions that are built by various student organizations of Carnegie Mellon. The organizations have one week to assemble the booths on-site. When completed the booths form a small town of attractions bringing people into different places, times, or worlds. At the end of Carnival, the booths are judged based on different categories, and finally ranked in an overall competi-tion between the participating organizations. Throughout the years at Carnegie Mellon, I’ve designed several booths for different organizations - three of which I held the position of Booth Chair. The responsibilities of Booth Chair include the implementation of the design and construction of the booth from beginning to end. At times throughout this process I would be organizing in excess of 50 people with a variety of dif-ferent skills and tasks. At the end of the week, all our efforts culminate to a final structure on a 15 by 18 foot plot.

24Booth, Carnegie Mellon Carnival

Taiwanese Student Association - Dinosaurs on the LooseAwarded First Place Booth


Awareness of Roots in Chinese Culture Blitz BoothTheme - Monkey King

Awarded First Place Blitz Booth and Most Environmental Award


Taiwanese Student Association - ApocolypseAwarded Second Place Booth


Part passion part hobby, Photography has helped expand my perspective on the world. It offers different lenses on which to view architecture, it provides a means to analyze single moments in time, as well as a way to slow down and view

my surroundings that would otherwise go unnoticed.Photography

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Photography29

Photography

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Photography31

Documents

Portfolio