Li Nan
Supervisor: Professor Justyna Karakiewicz
Volumetric Workspace
The rigid paradigm of office buildings has failed to adapt to the abrupt disruption caused by Covid-19 pandemic, when quarantine and social distancing become the new normal. It is time for architects to rethink the office as a public space and our relationship with one another, and to nature. The thesis thus will investigate a volumetric typology to introduce flexibility, adaptability and desirability to office buildings, thus redefining what a future shared workplace should be.
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Front: The allocation of facade panels is based on solar evaluation. Each side has different conditions for receiving sunlight, and the color distribution determines the allocation of panels -
Ground Plan: Unlike the other solid boxes in the surroundings, the edge of the cluster is eroded to create opportunities for landscape. The ground floor creates laneways for people to pass through the site so that the open space serves as a public plaza for the neighbourhood. -
Typical Plan: The typical unit plans show the variety of programs and space qualities in the volumetric workplace. The private area is enclosed, the collaborative area is semi-enclosed and the communal area is open. People can choose where and how they work based on their preferences. -
Diorama: In the volumetric workplace, the division of exterior and interior is blurred, the edges are permeable to facilitate social interactions. -
Section: In the volumetric workplace, the space is continuous and interconnected. The porosity brings more direct access to the outdoor terraces and balconies. -
Detail: The facade system is also designed to gather rainwater and to facilitate natural ventilation. -
Perspective: This close-up perspective shows the visual connection between different spaces. The terraces become the refuge for people to escape, to gather and to relax. -
Landscape: The structure is integrated with the design of furniture. The footprint is minimized. The landscape as well as these seating areas are also designed following the 150mm -
Iterations: The structure system is adaptable to different sites and conditions. It aims to improve the urban environment of the neighbourhood.
