Architecture Portfolio

J e n To u n g

P O R T F O L I O

P E R S O N A L S T A T E M E N TPhoto credits: Amirul Asyraf (@a.asyrf)

I have always enjoyed drawing, designing and model making. This, along with the fortune to travel to various countries, each with their own unique architectural history, has inculcated in me a profound interest in this field. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Milan Cathedral, I have always been fascinated and intrigued by the creation of such intricate and beautiful structures without the use of modern technology. What I found most appealing about architecture was how a structure was able to subtly reveal the cultural, social and political contexts during its design period.

A significant architectural experience for me was my visit to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school, at the end of my second year to experience his organic architecture first hand. Visiting one of his buildings truly allowed me to experience his skill of manipulating form, material and light to create a journey through the structure that stimulated all my senses. From the start to the end, I found myself in awe of Wright’s ability to sync his structure flawlessly with the landscape in every aspect.

As such, I find myself always focused on reflecting the environment of a site throughout my design process through different aspects. Through the design of a building, one is able to make a building not just functional, but more importantl`y, relatable to its users on a more personal level. I have thus tried to explore this in my studios through trying to reflect local culture while always considering the existing architectural style of the era. The appeal of this approach was further enhanced by my research into the ideas of Contemporary Vernacular and Contemporary Regional architecture; where I learnt to apply Modern ideas and designs to the traditional architecture.

My three year journey in the University of Melbourne has been challenging but enriching. I have had the fortune of receiving a holistic education that not only encouraged us to be as creative as possible, but also reminds us of the need for rationality and practicality through construction subjects. This, along with knowledge of architecture history, allows me to understand better the dynamism of architectural development and its unpredictability.

In the past year, I have had the opportunity to intern at SCDA Architects. Taking time off to pursue some work experience has allowed me to discover the contrast between designing in school and in real life. I was fortunate enough to work on new and ongoing projects in various countries. SCDA’s developments also opened my eyes to how modern buildings can relate back to the immediate surroundings and but still be timeless and elegant. The biggest takeaway from my time here would definitely be the importance of detailing and finishing, and the difference it could make to one’s final design.

I am still in the midst of discovering my own brand of architecture. Ultimately, it is my goal to create buildings that are not only contemporary and relevant, but more importantly, communicate the local culture of the site as well as reflect the socio-political context of that period, through form, space and materiality.

P E R S O N A L S T A T E M E N T

2nd year // 2nd semesterLocation: Kew, MelbourneRedesigning a boathouse through studying and emulating the works of architecture masters

The studio required us to emulate the work of Mies van der Rohe, and I felt that this was best represented through a minimalist structure and an open plan. In addition, I wanted to also ensure that the exterior and interiors were always integrated and exposed to one another. My design basis thus revolves around the usage of Mies’ signature I-beams and simple linear materials to create a two-story structure that not only encourages fluid circulation all around, but also exposes itself constantly to the natural surroundings. The building looks towards the river, a reminder of the main function of the space.

A C A D E M I C W O R K

Model photos

West and East Elevations

3rd year // 1st semesterLocation: Refshaleøen, CopenhagenDesigning a large-scale public sculpture/installation that is aesthetically appealing, yet is able to generate clean energy for local usage (LAGI 2014 Competition) through the use of Rhino plug-in Grasshopper to create parametric design

Komorebi is a Japanese word describing that tranquil, airy and surreal feeling when sunlight filters through the trees; a perfect description of one’s experience amongst these futuristic structures. This sci-fi forest of more than 150 modern trees aims to reflect the relationship between the man-made and natural - the creation of a form that incorporates the fundamental principles of both. Algorithms and the idea of biomimicry influenced the formation of the design’s bone-like structures and branching system.


Site plan

Development of trees on Grasshopper plug-in

(clockwise from top left) Aerial view of trees, view looking up the canopy, side view

Full journal at http://issuu.com/youngjt/docs/tan_jen_549641_a.1Komorebi’s solar panelled canopies efficiently incorporate and collect sufficient energy to sustain itself as well as nearby facilities.It also hopes to be able to educate the public about the efficient production of energy through natural sources. The creation of this urban jungle aspires to boost and integrate itself into the current cultural context of Refshaleøen, creating a socially appealing area for recreation and interaction.

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3rd year // 1st semesterLearning how construction details and development communicate architectural intent through drawing and building a section of a commercial building (Dandenong Education Precinct by Hayball Architects)

We were required to study the construction of a specific section of a school building from the foundation to the cladding details. What had been learnt was reflected in axonometric CAD drawings of the building section as well as two smaller building details. The physical model of the same section had to be progressively built from the foundation upwards, with each step being clearly reflected. These assignments provided a deeper understanding of the relationship between construction and design intent.


Model photos

3rd year // 2nd semesterLocation: Brunswick, MelbourneRedesigning the University of Melbourne’s Archives and thus reinterpreting how a institutional building would look and be integrated within a creative and unique suburb.

“Manipulating light and colour to create an ethereal, ephemeral and intriguing space to immerse the user into a unique experience”This design aims to reinvent the idea of an Archives as a place of intrigue and exploration through a sculptural approach, something I was not accustomed to. My precedent, Soo Sunny Park’s Unwoven Light, reflected how light influences and enhances space to create a transient and magical effect, which I adopted. My design was also inspired by its weaving forms, which I translated into overlapping and clashing elements. This resulted in a building that is heavily influenced by light, colours and shadows.


Undulating arched roofs clash against each other to create a series of unique spaces underneath, guiding the circulation throughout the building. The façade features green and purple dichroic glass, and as one explores the spaces, each piece of glass changes from clear to colourful. This dynamic expression creates intriguing interior spaces and a very different experience for each user. Archives record fleeting moments in time and reflect impermanence. This building aspires to reproduce this through capturing moments through the use of light and colour, creating an ephemeral and ethereal experience.

3rd year // 2nd semesterLocation: Brunswick, MelbourneRedesigning the University of Melbourne’s Archives and thus reinterpreting how a institutional building would look and be integrated within a creative and unique suburb.


Clockwise from top left: Perspective of roof, Gallery perspective, Reading Room perspective

3rd year // 2nd semesterLocation: Brunswick, MelbourneRedesigning a contemporary art gallery to showcase its modern pop culture worksBrief included the design of the building interiors and furniture and how they all encompassed the same design ideas

This design focuses around creating a series of open and integrated spaces that are closely interlinked and heavily influenced by natural light. The traditional usage of red brick in Brunswick was adapted and modernized, resulting in a glass brick facade, blurring the line between the landscape and interior spaces. This creates a dynamic experience within the Gallery, always relating back to the culture and movement of Brunswick, the site’s immediate context.


This building manipulates the effect of light filtering through the glass bricks to create unique shadows against the interior walls, which when cast onto the artworks displayed, create an almost surreal atmosphere. The undulating curved forms of the building accentutate the shimmering facade and integrate the interior and exterior. Dark stained timber walls provide a contrasting warmth to an otherwise “cold” building. The plans are open and spaces transparent, with users constantly exposed to other spaces in the building.

Custom designed furniture

A C A D E M I C W O R K3rd year // 2nd semesterLocation: Brunswick, MelbourneRedesigning a contemporary art gallery to showcase its modern pop culture worksBrief included the design of the building interiors and furniture and how they all encompassed the same design ideas

Clockwise from top: Gallery, Cafe, Bookshop

Graphite sketch of Rengar from League of Legends

P E R S O N A L W O R K

Model: Interior of the Library of University of Aberdeen by schmidt hammer lassen architects

P E R S O N A L W O R K

Instagram handle: @jjjeneralP H O T O G R A P H Y

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Architecture Portfolio

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