ZIMENG ZHOU PORTFOLIO
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Urban Planning, Newcastle University
Apply for MA Architecture and Urbanism, the University of Manchester
Email: zhzm20@163.com
Ever since I was young, I have been drawn to design and the ways it can shape the spaces we live in. This passion understanding of how architecture goes beyond creating buildings. It is a tool for solving real-world problems, education by pursuing the Architecture and Urbanism programme at the University of Manchester, where I can
During my undergraduate studies, I built a solid foundation in architecture through courses like Architectural principles, construction techniques, and sustainability practices. Through hands-on projects, I learned how to turn explored how to balance functionality with environmental impact. This experience helped me see how creative
My interest in the history, context and culture of architecture has greatly influenced my approach to design. I have functionality while reflecting the time and place in which they were created. On the other hand, contemporary expand the possibilities of architecture. These influences have encouraged me to think critically about the balance
passion led me to study Architecture and Urban Planning at Newcastle University, where I developed a deeper problems, connecting people with their environment, and improving lives. Now, I am eager to take the next step in my can continue to grow as a designer and explore new ideas in this field.
Design, Architectural Technology, and Understanding Cities. These courses taught me the basics of design turn ideas into realistic designs. For example, in one project, I worked on a communal living space where I creative solutions can address challenges in modern architecture.
have been particularly inspired by styles like Soviet architecture and Brutalism, which focus on materials and architects like Zaha Hadid have shown me how bold, creative designs can challenge traditional ideas and balance between creativity and practicality in my own work.
History
Human Activity
Context
Le Harve, France
2024.7-2024.9(Year2 Summer)
Architectural Competition
Tbilisi, Georgia
2024.8-2024.11(Year3)
Urban Design Competition
Newcastle, UK
2024.10-2024.12 (Y3S1)
Studio Project
Brise-Vent Havre Renovation
Group Work (Design Concept, Drawing, Modeling)
Project Type: Academic Project(Competition)
Location: Le Harve, France
Time: 2024.7-2024.9
Supervisor: Jia Lyu (januraymoonboston@gmail.com)
Through research and on-site photography of Le Havre, we discovered that the scale and form of Brise-Vent Havre give it the potential to develop into a significant landmark. Therefore, we chose the existing Brise-Vent Havre as our primary research subject, aiming to enhance its form and status to increase the port’s vitality and revitalize the entire city of Le Havre. The strong connectivity of the openings on the dam creates beautiful views. After extracting the curve of the dam, we strengthened its image by extending and mirroring this curve. Most of the architectural space is buried underground to provide the dam with full “respect” . The above-ground hall, in a “lower position,” engages in conversation with the Brise-Vent Havre. Climbing the lower roof allows for a closer appreciation of the dam. Additionally, the design retains the connectivity of the openings of Brise-Vent Havre. Stepping out of the entrance hall, visitors can enter the corridor leading to the Brise-Vent Havre. Behind the dam, a landscape corridor is added to enhance the overall horizontal identity, providing a comfortable semi-outdoor space for enjoying views of the bay.
Fluvial
Projection of Brise-Vent Havre
We attempt to study the form of Brise-Vent Havre by projecting the abstract shape of the dam onto four planes, labeled A, B, C, and D, to understanding of the dam from different perspectives.
Basic Geometry Direct Normal Irradiation and Sunpath Analysis
4.5m higher than ground level
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 12.1-2.28
Source: SRC-TMYx
3m higher than ground level
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 12.1-2.28
Source: SRC-TMYx
2m higher than ground level
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 12.1-2.28
Source: SRC-TMYx
Design Strategy
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 3.1-5.31
Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 6.1-8.31
Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 9.1-11.30Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 3.1-5.31
Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 6.1-8.31
Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 9.1-11.30Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 3.1-5.31
Source: SRC-TMYx
Waterway transportation
Land transportation
Site study
Extend the curve of the dam to emphasize its form
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 6.1-8.31
Source: SRC-TMYx
Time-zone: 1.0
Date: 9.1-11.30Source: SRC-TMYx
Create underground connected spaces. Add horizontal corridor to emphasize the shape.
Combine the projection lines and use them on the roof to achieve optimal lighting.
Lower the building height and bury it underground to highlight the imposing image of the dam.
keep the passage in the middle of the dam to maintain visual and circulation connectivity.
Foof height design. Add structure, frame and detail.
Outdoor Public Space and Projection Area
Relax and Social Area
Relax and Social Area
Floating Pier and Platform
Ticket Desk and Info Point
Brushed Metal Logo
Main Entracne
Entrance
Cloak Room, Toilet. Service Area
Corridor Exhibition Space Layout (Temporary Exhibition)
Sculpture & Frame Regular Exhibition Performance &Exhibition Media & Exhibition
Separate Exhibition Wander Space Immersive Exhibition Art Market Brise-Vent Havre Rooftop
Corridor
Ourdoor Public Space
Cafés and Restaurant Parking Lot Hall
Exhibition Space (Permanent)
Exhibition Space (Temporary)
Outdoor Connection
Auditorium
Administration Office
Space Sequence
Step1 Meet
Step2 Observe
Step3 Experience
Step4 Recall
Fushion Market
Group Work(Design Concept, Modeling, Drawing)
Project Type: Academic Project
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Time: 2024.8-2024.11
Supervisor: Jia Lyu (januraymoonboston@gmail.com)
The project concerns the revitalisation of the Eliava market, an industrial centre in the Georgian capital Tbilisi known for the sale of construction materials, tools and automotive parts. Despite its economic importance, the market has a chaotic layout, with poorly constructed stalls and litter strewn about, creating a messy environment. The project aimed to redesign the site, retaining its core functions while introducing new elements to promote vibrancy and inclusiveness, rather than demolishing the market as originally planned, with the associated disruption to the livelihoods of thousands of people. The redesign organises the site into functional zones, simplifying traffic flow by learning from the original site road layout, lifting and mapping major traffic onto a grid and integrating various zones to address the clutter of the site but retaining the original ambience of the site. By introducing public spaces and a variety of amenities, including a rooftop park, sports pitches and retail streets, to attract surrounding residents and visitors to the site. Along the riverside, curved viewing platforms and linear parks provide tranquil spaces that blend nature with the bustling character of the market.
Birdeye View
Building Redesign Strategies
Service Center
Green Space
Road Way
Pedestrian(1f )
Pedestrian(2F)
Construction Material Store Vehicle Parts Store
Second Floor Corridor
Sport Court
Construction Equipment Store
Parking Lot
Rooftop Garden
Store
Maintenance
Maintenance
Parking Lot
Semi-Indoor Activity Space
Second Floor Corrdior Second Floor Corrdior
Boutique
Urban Duality
Individual Work
Project Type: Academic Project
Location: Newcastle, UK
Time: 2024.10-2024.12(2024-2025 1st semester)
Supervisor: Tim Townshend (tim.townshend@newcastle.ac.uk)
Charlotte Square in Newcastle, England, was originally formed in the 18th century as a central garden surrounded by upmarket apartments and has evolved over the years. The renovation aims to retain the original historical atmosphere of the site while incorporating contemporary urban vitality. The design takes into account the 4-8% slope of the site in both directions, by dividing the square into platforms of different shapes and heights, with lateral ramps and stairs between them to ensure accessibility and rich spatial levels. Six of the inward platforms are quiet and private, serving as a place to read, communicate and rest during the day, while the other two outward platforms face the urban interface and echo the local bar culture at night, providing a place for people to socialize. Since the road separates the square from the opposite building, the design has made great efforts in the design stratergy, paving and sight organization to guide the flow of people naturally through the two sides.
At
Step1: Determine the upper road and building scale to fit the site function.
Add stairs to connect the platfroms and add ramps to ensure disabled access.
Step2: Use platforms to resolve the height differece throughtout site and open the lower part to the building.
Step3: Refine the platforms division to align with space function and determine the building floors.
Add short walls to sperate inward and outward spaces and refine the building shape.
Analyze different platform and flow
Step4:
Step5:
Step5:
Pedestrian
Design strategy of facade
Step1: Original brick wall study
Step2: 2D abstraction
Step3: New pattern generation
Step4: New brick arrangment trial Step: New facade generation
Building View
Flemish
Flemish
Platform1: Outward
Platform4: Inward
Platform5: Inward
Platform2: Inward
Platform6: Inward
Platform3: Inward
Platform4: Inward
Platform7: Inward
Platform8: Outward
Trasition
