Shira Chu Architecture Portfolio 2015

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a r c h i t e c t u r e p o r t f o l i o

S CS H I R A C H U

Virginia TechSchool of Architecture + Design

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RESUME

SELECTED WORKSlutheran memorial churchkayak outfi tterconsulaterci education centerriva san vitale winery

OTHER WORKSpotterywatercolorphotographysketches

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c o n t e n t s

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SCSHIRA CHU 5 Kinglet AveMarlboro, NJ 07746www.shirachu.com

shirachu@vt.edu732-439-6625

EDUCATIONVirginia Tech College of Architeure + Urban StudiesBachelor of Architecture 3.85 GPA, Honors2011 - 2016

Colts Neck High School2007 - 2011

DIGITAL SKILLSMicrosoft Offi ceAdobe PhotoshopAdobe InDesignAdobe IllustratorSketchUpAutoCADRhinoRevitVray

OTHER SKILLSPhotographyModel makingWatercolorSketchingPottery

LANGUAGESFluent EnglishFluent CantoneseProfi cient Mandarin

WORK EXPERIENCESurvey for Research Center [Blacksburg, VA] Sept 2013 - presentLead Data Collection Assistant

Arcari + Iovino Architects [Little Ferry, NJ] May 2014 - Aug 2014Architecture InternSet up Design Development and Construction Document sets3D renderings, site measuremets, and schematic designsWorked with colleagues and principals

Uncommon Schools [New York, NY] May 2013 - Aug 2013Facilities InternCreated drawings for renovation and furniture layoutTravel to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Newark to view site conditionsProject Management and site measurementsWorked with Directors of Operations at different locations

ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTSVirginia Tech Honors Program 2012 - presentChi Alpha Leadership 2012 - presentHokies for Haiti 2012 - presentResidential Leadership Community 2011 - 2012Global Architectural Brigrades 2011 - 2013

First Year Competition Finalist Spring 2012GAB Honduras Facility Competition Finalist Spring 2012RCI Education Center Competition Honorable Mention Fall 2013Walter and Helen H. Beal Scholarship Spring 2014Dean’s List Fall 2011 - Fall 2014

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s e l e c t e d w o r k s

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LUTHERAN MEMORIAL CHURCH[ Spring 2014 ]Blacksburg, VAThe parts together make a whole and the whole is integrated with the separate build-ings, a wall, and outdoor space. Each ele-ment has more than one function. The wall not only separates the parking lot from the building, but also sets up the precedence for the rest of the building as people get ready to enter a space of worship.

People welcome nature, whether it may be daylight, fl oral, water, visual, or tactile, but only if it is done with well integrated and gentle elegance. The incorporation of nature does not necessarily always mean visuals to the exterior, but it can begin to relate to the choice of material palette and spatial comfort.

The program and spaces needed within the church serves multiple functions to differ-ent groups. These spaces are offi ces, a playground, a home, a place of worship, and a community serving a wide range of people. Having the architecture support the fl exibility of a program gives clients the necessary outlet to transform the space.

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5 10 20 35 ft

SECOND FLOORFIRST FLOORFIRST FLOOR

5 10 20 35 ft 5 10 20 35 ft

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5 10 20 35 ft

EAST ELEVATION

5 10 20 35 ft

SOUTH ELEVATION

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concrete foundation

concrete structural wallswith bronze cladding

first floor with concrete slab

concrete floor beam and girder system

second floor with concrete slab

concrete roof beam and girder system

concrete roof and insulation

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DETAIL A Roof Section

DETAIL B Bronze clad wall SectionBronze clad wall Section

DETAIL B Bronze clad wall exploded

DETAIL A1 Wear course and draining layer [1.5 in]2 Roofing membrane [ 0.1in]3 Insulation [2 in]4 Vapor retarder [0.1 in]5 Reinforced concrete roof slab [6 in]

DETAIL B6 Bronze panel [0.5 in]7 Interlocking chanels [1.75 in]8 Air space [2.0 in]9 Insulation [4.0 in]10 Vapor barrier [0.1 in]11 Reinforced concrete structural wall [12 in]12 Metal plate [0.25 in]13 Nail

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712

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NOVEMBERAvg Wind Speed 4.07 m/s

Gen direction NW

AUGUSTAvg Wind Speed 3.20 m/sGen direction NW and SE

MAYAvg Wind Speed 3.89 m/sGen direction NW and SE

JANUARYAvg Wind Speed 4.67 m/s

Gen direction NW

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PASSIVE SYSTEMSTaking advantage of the NW and SW winds, cross ventilation is used in addition to HVAC to cool most of the building with the exception of the sanctuary. Trees are used to shade and bring in cooler air.The sanctuary is the only double height space, which allows for air stratifi cation. The cool air rises as it warms up and escapes the building through vents. Vertical fi ns are on the south facade windows, emphasizing verticality and directing sunlight into the spaces.

THE WALLUsing the wall as the main element, the mighty fortress is deconstructed as the perception of such an idea is changed As people enter the site to park, they are greeted by a single wall that blocks the northwest winds. The wall then reappears within the building that prepares people entering the worship spaces. The longest wall separates the worship spaces from the rest of the building. In the rendering above, the wall sets up a grand entrance as people enter the Holy Place. The wall offers a perspective that draws from the past into the future.

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1 lobby area2 office 3 changing room/bathroom4 viewing space/lockers5 observation deck

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KAYAK OUTFITTER[ Fall 2012 ]St. Paul, VALocated in St. Paul, Virginia, the Kayak Outfitter was designed to have qualities that are indicative of the river, accentuating the natural surroundings and the journey one takes through the river.

Through the use of glass and light, a blend of the outside surroundings and interior become the main focus of the structure. The use of floating planes represent the journey one embarks on down the Clinch River. They fore-shadow the kayaking experience ahead for those who have yet to embark while stimulating a sense of reminisce for those who have completed the journey. The building is situated into the sloping landscape in a way in which the deck surrounding the building appears to be floating.

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CONSULATE[ Spring 2013 ]

New York, NYLocated on a slot site in New York, the consulate has a curved glass wall that serves as an additional space for light to enter through the building. The space frame is exposed, demonstrating structure and creating shadows as the sun rises and sets. Rods are connected by nodes and the insulated panels of glass are attached to the frame with a four legged spider clamp.

The space within the interior is divided with a partition wall that also serves as storage and bookcase. The front facade is dominated by a line that then continues into the building and lines up with the elevator shaft and skylight. It serves as a point of interest in the building.

Scales of compression are experimented with the build-ing. From the city, people are compressed into the lobby space, which is still relatively generous in height. As people enter the multi-purpose room, they are com-pressed even further. As one travels vertically through the building. the space frame brings an awareness of compression as the space becomes smaller.

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SPACE FRAME DETAILThe space frame is anchored to a concrete base that rises three feet from the slab. Nodes are used in rod con-nections. A triple-layered glass panel has a space gap for insulation and is attached to the space frame with a spacer and four-legged spider clamp.The curved space frame allows light to enter the buliding from an additional facade rather than the one facing the street. The space frame also lights the building at night.

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laminated tempered glass

low-e coating

air-space

steel node

steel rod

glass

spider clamp with capsclamp connector (welded)

fl oor fi nishmetal deck with concrete

steel beambeam/girder system

column

rigid insulation

porous fi ll

6” concrete slab

concrete footing

steel plate and angle

metal deck with concrete

beam/girder system

rigid insulation

porous fi ll

6” concrete slab

metal deck with concrete

beam/girder system

rigid insulation

porous fi ll

6” concrete slab

rigid insulation

6” concrete slab

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RCI EDUCATION CENTER[ Fall 2013 ]

Pulaski, VAThe center will serve as a forum for discus-sion of shading, energy efficiency and new developments in building enclosures. It will host classes and demonstrations for a wide range of audiences. The design concept dealt with an idea of layers within the building envelope and framing the view of the creek on the site.

The suspended ceiling is indicative of the layering inspiration. It provides space for ductwork and lighting but also reveals struc-ture beyond the ceiling itself. It instigates awareness that the ceiling itself not a struc-ture but is hanging from the structure itself.

The thick wall in the laboratory space (on west side) was viewed as a learning opportu-nity to celebrate the layering of materials. As people pass through the wall, they experi-ence the change of threshold as well as physically seeing the different layers of the building envelope.

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LAYERED AWARENESSThe building envelope is a concrete structure wrapped in treated wood, which is peeled away to reveal the concrete at certain points on the façade. Wood was used to add warmth to the concrete. It added tactile dialogue as it is walked on. Due to the longevity of the wood, it can be easily replaced as they are clipped onto a batten base every 20” o.c. On apertures, the wood shades most of the top portion to block excessive sun in the summer but allows the low winter sun to penetrate through the building.

As people pass through a thick partition wall, they become aware of the layers and thresholds they are passing through. The circulation in the building is also not centralized but gently guides people throughout the space in a way that forces awareness. The architecture and design reflect my intent to explore layers with inspiration from the peaceful sounds at the site.

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wear course and draining layer

gypsum board

air space

insulation

metal sheathing

reinforced concrete

2x4” batten @ 20” o.c.

membrane sheeting

batten base @ 20” o.c.with clip and spacers

treated wood

reinforced concrete roof slab

vapor retarder

insulation

roofing membrane

wear course and draining layer

gypsum board

air space

insulation

metal sheathing

reinforced concrete

2x4” batten @ 20” o.c.

membrane sheeting

batten base @ 20” o.c.with clip and spacers

treated wood

reinforced concrete roof slab

vapor retarder

insulation

roofing membrane

roof detail

envelope detail

fi rst fl oor second fl oor roof plan

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RIVA SAN VITALE WINERY[ Fall 2014 ]

Riva San Vitale, Ticino, SwitzerlandLocated next to the historical Casa Bianchi by Mario Botta, the winery is mostly hidden by the landscape. A courtyard is created to pay homage to the historical residence in the scenic landscape. A catwalk for visitors starts near the entrance and ends upon entering the barrel room. A separate ramp is dedicated to workers and the second leads up to an outdoor wine tasting area.The winery was viewed as an extension of the bridge to the house. The wine-making process was viewed as a journey to its fi nal destination, the barrel room. The width and height of the barrel room is identical to those of the Casa Bi-anchi, drawing a parallel between the two buildings. As visitors reach the barrel room, they are met with an elevator that takes them up towards the skylight and out into the vineyards and outdoor tasting area overlooking the mountain and a lake.

RIVA SAN VITALE WINERY

Riva San Vitale, Ticino, SwitzerlandLocated next to the historical Casa Bianchi by Mario Botta, the winery is mostly hidden by the landscape. A courtyard is created to pay homage to the historical residence in the scenic created to pay homage to the historical residence in the scenic landscape. A catwalk for visitors starts near the entrance and ends upon entering the barrel room. A separate ramp is dedicated to workers and the second leads up to an outdoor dedicated to workers and the second leads up to an outdoor wine tasting area.The winery was viewed as an extension of the

reach the barrel room, they are met with an elevator that takes them up towards the skylight and out into the vineyards and them up towards the skylight and out into the vineyards and outdoor tasting area overlooking the mountain and a lake.outdoor tasting area overlooking the mountain and a lake.

RIVA SAN VITALE WINERY

Riva San Vitale, Ticino, SwitzerlandLocated next to the historical Casa Bianchi by Mario Botta, Riva San Vitale, Ticino, SwitzerlandLocated next to the historical Casa Bianchi by Mario Botta,

created to pay homage to the historical residence in the scenic the winery is mostly hidden by the landscape. A courtyard is created to pay homage to the historical residence in the scenic the winery is mostly hidden by the landscape. A courtyard is created to pay homage to the historical residence in the scenic

dedicated to workers and the second leads up to an outdoor and ends upon entering the barrel room. A separate ramp is dedicated to workers and the second leads up to an outdoor and ends upon entering the barrel room. A separate ramp is

bridge to the house. The wine-making process was viewed as a journey to its fi nal destination, the barrel room. The width and bridge to the house. The wine-making process was viewed as wine tasting area.The winery was viewed as an extension of the bridge to the house. The wine-making process was viewed as

height of the barrel room is identical to those of the Casa Bi-anchi, drawing a parallel between the two buildings. As visitors height of the barrel room is identical to those of the Casa Bi-

reach the barrel room, they are met with an elevator that takes them up towards the skylight and out into the vineyards and outdoor tasting area overlooking the mountain and a lake.

reach the barrel room, they are met with an elevator that takes reach the barrel room, they are met with an elevator that takes

outdoor tasting area overlooking the mountain and a lake.outdoor tasting area overlooking the mountain and a lake.

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PAYING HOMAGECasa Bianchi by Mario Bottaused historical watch towers as a precedent.

EXTENTION OF PATHThe path of the bridge is extended throughout and outside the winery with circulation.

ANOTHER TOWERThe barrel room is reminiscent of both the Casa and watch towers ruins in Switzerland.

THE WINERYThe thick walls and arms establish a new identity for the winery and create a courtyard.

SUBTRACTING VOLUMESThe facades on the Casa have apertures subtracted from its geometry. For the win-ery, the grade is then viewed as its own object. Volumes are subtracted from it to keep most of the wine-making pro-cess underground, fully taking advantage of the temperature below the frost line.

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Sketch of pivot door for visitors

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Perspective looking up into barrel room. Skylight plays with duality and contrasts the circular opening on the roof of the Casa Bianchi.

Perspective looking down into winery space. The catwalk is supported by structural concrete walls and cantilevers into the barrel room.

The courtyard is viewed as a wine tasting area. The dimen-sions of the water installations and benches are derived from proportions of Casa Bianchi.

The bridge and Casa Bianchi is left untouched to preserve its historical presence and serves as the winemaker’s dwelling residence.

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EMPHASIZED VERTICALITYThe barrels are stacked along the walls of the tower. The racks are made of steel and attached to the concrete walls.

TOWER RETAINING WALLThe barrel room/tower also acts as a retaining wall. The barrels are stored be-low ground to keep cool.

EXPOSED COPPER FACES The exposed portion of the barrel room is cladded with copper. It reflects the aging wine and natural process as it changes color with time.

A CATWALK FOR VISITORSThe catwalk culminates at the barrel room with an eleva-tor. It lifts people through the vertical enclosure and brings them outside to the vineyards.

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S CS H I R A C H U

shirachu@vt.eduwww.shirachu.com

Photography1 Vitra Conference Pavilion by Ando Weil am Rhein, Germany2 Calatrava Airport and Train station Lyon, France3 Louvre Paris, France4 Judisches Museum by Libeskind Berlin, Germany5 Berlin Crematorium Berlin, Germany6 Roman Bath Museum Rome, Italy

Sketches1 Axon of Calatrava Library Zurich, Switzerland2 Axon studying monk cell in La Tourette Lyon, France3 Judisches Tower by Libeskind Berlin, Germany4 Ceiling geometry in San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane by Borromini Rome, Italy5 Axon of San Cataldo Cemetery by Rossi Modena, Italy6 Door detailing of Scarpa Populare Banco Verona, Italy