ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO C U R T I S J A R O N L A I

Design Studio Project2B Study Term

Curriculum Vitae2011

Design Studio Project1A Study Term

Design Competition1B Study Term

Case Study Model1B Study Term

Design Studio Project2A Study Term

Work Term | KPMB2A Work Term

PORTFOLIO contentsC U R T I S J A R O N L A I

Experience in an architectural environmentCommitted work ethic Ability to work independently as well as in a team environmentExcellent physical modelling, rendering, and drafting skillsTechnical proficiency in: AutoCAD Google Sketchup Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Microsoft Office Suite Mac and Windows operating systems

Relevant SkillsPlaying in a band (Guitar, Bass, Cello, Drums)Composing musicVolleyball, Basketball, SoccerPhotography

Interests

Curtis Jaron Lai 19 Gemini Crescent, Richmond Hill

ON, L4S 2K6(C): 647-294-8707(H): 905-770-2207

SIM Canada (Serving in Mission)Architectural Design Consultant September - December 2010

KPMB Architects Toronto, ONArchitectural Intern January - April 2010

T.S. Chu Architects Ltd. Kowloon, Hong KongArchitectural Intern July - August 2008

Church Intern Toronto, ONIntern June - August 2007 World-link Communications Inc. Markham, ONOffice Intern June - August 2006

Work Experience

University of Waterloo, School of Architecture, Waterloo, ONCandidate for Bachelor of Architecture, Honours, Cooperative Program Sep 2008-Present

University of Toronto Schools, Toronto, ONOntario Secondary School Diploma, Honour Roll Graduate June 2008

Education

2B DESIGN STUDIO

CATACOMBRESIDENTIAL CONGREGALPROGR AM

S P A &B A T H

CATACOMB

RESIDENTIAL

CONGREGALPROGR AM S P A &

B A T H

With the presence of a flowing river currently used for the growth of local horticulture and farming, the site for this studio project is home to an oasis of natural beauty created from significant topographical changes. Within these areas of significant topographical change lie unique opportunities to challenge the conventional notions of relationship between residential program and cemeteries. Contrasting the typical location of cemeteries in an urban context, the project aims to re-distribute, sectionally, the cemetery program, creat-ing underground routes of access that enhance the experience of visi-tors, while preserving the natural landscape above.

Formal Development Programmatic Typology

Public Platform

PROGRAMATIC MORPHOLOGY

Typical Urbanization Filtered Urbanizationvs.Public Staircase

Morphology

The driving force of the project is the underlying question “What are the mutual benefits of hybridizing residential program with cemetery program?”. Ultimately, the design of the project is meant to redefine the conventions of the relationship between the two, hybridizing them through a solution that minimizes the taboo and negative connotations affiliated with residences located close to cemeteries. The solution formed through this particular iteration is one that is meant to activate the cemetery spaces through the active programs of the residential block, while maintaing a manicured and preserved landscape for the residential program through the presence of the catacombs. The result is a community that celebrates and embraces the harmonious presence of the living and deceased through architecture.

Filtered Urbanization

CATACOMB RESIDENTIALPUBLIC Z O N E

H Y B R I DPROGRAM

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Z O N E CATACOMB H Y B R I D

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RESIDENTIALCATACOMB H Y B R I D

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RESIDENTIALCATACOMB H Y B R I D

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Phase 1 | Juxtaposition of Programmatic “Block” within appropriate topographical conditions Phase 2 | Rotation of Residential Program to create visual buffer from Catacomb Phase 3 | Creation of new Programmatic “Block”that maximizes use of topographical opportunity Final Phase | Refinement of new programmatic block

CATACOMB RESIDE

NTIAL

PUBLIC Z O N E

H Y B R I DPROGRAM CATACOMB

CATACOMB

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HYBRID PROGRAM

RESIDENTIAL

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CATACOMB

CATACOMB

Site Plan Programmatic Progression

Front Catacomb SectionCatacomb Section

Master Section

Catacomb Threshold

As the rate of development in the 21st Century rapidly accelerates, much of the Earth’s environment is given little more than apathetic response. The project is an attempt to breach the impassivity of the general populous providing a 21st Century experience within the natural beauty of Earth’s landscapes. In this particular location on the cliffs of Moher, Ireland, the project provides an exciting opportunity to experience the landscape in full, while allowing visitors to also use the structure as a means of heightening their embrace of the surrounding views.

1B DESIGN COMPETITION

Steel tension cables bolted to connection plates (prefab welded into column)

Tubular steel support beam prefab welded into column

Tubular steel column with prefab welded connection plate bolted into angled concrete footing (anchored into cliff side)

Steel tension cables passed through steel cover plate, into anchorage unit (cover plate is bolted through steel angles)Unit is anchorbolted into concrete footing, reinforced with steel rebars

Tens

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This project aims to create a place of repose utilizing the most basic of architectural elements: a floor, a wall, and a roof, while maintaining a sense of fluidity in its circulation. Providing the traveller with an elevated experience of the surrounding environment, the structure leans towards the functionality of a viewing platform, while containing the elements of movement found within a heavily guided path.

Circulation Diagrams

Circulation Section

1A DESIGN STUDIO

In the hopes of conveying a thorough understanding of the Barnes House in Vancouver, BC, this case study model attempts to encompass the theme of interior elements reflecting the rich environment of the site in which the building stands. The interior floors, walls, roof, and structural elements are all modeled to be disassembled within the larger context model. Additional technical drawings produced in this group project accompany the study.

1B DESIGN STUDIO

Programmatic Axo

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Developed as a competition design for the St. Lawrence Market North Building, this project aims to produce a sustainably sound proposal that adheres to the existing space, while providing a new Cultural Centre for the downtown Toronto core. The architectural team which consisted of 1 Principle Architect, 2 Design Architects, and 1 Architectural Intern, was designed alongside engineers and consultants within an Integrated Design Process.

Outsourced Render

KPMB WORK TERM | 2A

Programmatic Partii diagrams

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This project aims to provide a housing complex that both engages the developing landscape in which it is placed, as well as provide a communal experience for its inhabitants. Programmatic elements and their spacial planning in each unit are dependent upon their specific designation within the larger master plan.

Structural Axo Programmatic Axo

Long Sections

Plans

Massing Axo

1B DESIGN STUDIO

Site Plan | Master Plan

ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO C U R T I S J A R O N L A I