Renee Fang | University of Waterloo Architecture Portfolio Winter 2023

hello there, i’m renee!

I am currently a third year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. I believe that architecture has the power to improve people’s lives and the environment, and I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to create thoughtful and sustainable solutions.

As a student, I am intrigued in exploring the connections between visual art and human expression--specifically how it shapes the built environment

I’d love to expand my architectural skills through working at a firm and be able to contribute my skills. The following works demonstrates my current achievements as an architecture student and as an artist. I am looking forward to new opportunities, and if you have any inquiries, feel free to contact me anytime!

r34fang@uwaterloo.ca

+1 (647) 468-6411

Markham, ON

curriculum vitae

skills

digital rhinoceros

revit

autocad

adobe

photoshop

illustrator

indesign

lightroom

enscape

v-ray

sketchup

midjourney

microsoft office

analogue

hand drafting

physical modelling

sketching

painting

laser printing

wood working

languages

english

taishanese

cantonese

experience

BDP Quadrangle | 2022

full time // september - december

• assisted with the design and drafting of residential and commercial projects primarily using revit

• worked on a variety of residential and commercial projects simultaneously

• efficiently learned to use a range of design software, including autocad, sketchup, and midjourney

• assisted with the preparation of presentations and visuals for client meetings

• integrated knowledge of building codes and regulations into designs

KPMB Architects | 2022

full time // january - april

• assisted the United Church of Canada team in producing schematic, design development and construction drawings

• built both digital and physical models to be used as working design tools and presentations

• contributed in producing measured drawings from existing site conditions and existing drawings

• curated sample boards and contacted suppliers for relevant information

Cumming

& Partners Law Firm | 2019

full time // june - august

• administered the law firm’s closed cases according to the requirements of the law society of ontario

• provided administrative support to ensure efficient operation of office

• carried out administrative duties such as filing, typing, copying, binding, scanning etc.

• assisted the office manager to organize various firm events

awards & achievements

excellent academic standing | 2020-2023 university of waterloo

• maintained an academic average of 80%+

president’s scholarship | 2020 university of waterloo

• entrance average between 90%-94.9%

scholastic art & writing awards | 2020 new york, usa

• international arts competition with over 100 000 applicants

• received a total of 9 awards

• 1 gold key, 4 silver keys, 4 honorable mentions

interior design course award | 2020 unionville high school

• highest academic standing in the course

architectural and industrial design course award | 2019, 2020 unionville high school

• highest academic standing in the course

royal conservatory of music | 2012-2018 toronto, on

• various practical and theory certifications

education

university of waterloo | 2020-2025 candidate for bachelor of architectural studies, honours

• cambridge, ontario

publications

lucid wake | 2022

• ashraf, duresameen, lucid wake: the structural and systematic programming of the mind, freisenpress, 2022

• poverty within children series to be published qualifications

• highly creative with a background in visual art

• exceptional organizational and detail-oriented skills, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines

• quick learner who can work well independently and as part of a team

• strong communication skills gained through work experience

June 9th, 2022

Re: Reference Letter for Renee Fang

My name is Zachariah Glennon, an Associate at KPMB Architects, and I was the project lead working with Renee Fang during her first co-op term from January to April, 2022.

During her time at KPMB Renee proved herself a diligent worker who approached all her tasks with enthusiasm, curiosity and care. Working on challenging projects through a term complicated by the pandemic, Renee navigated both work-from-home and in-office situations effectively. Renee was able to integrate into our large project team, both in-person and virtually, and always brought a good attitude when faced with demanding tasks. Renee has the ability to work in a self-directed manner when the situation called for it and was quick to take on additional work when her tasks were complete.

As someone relatively new to the field, Renee embraces challenges and opportunities to learn and expand her knowledge base. Combined with the traits mentioned above, I am confident that these attributes will allow Renee to be a valuable addition to any team.

Sincerely,

What if architects designed shelters not only to accommodate humans, but also to accommodate the animals who inhabit the same piece of land?

Avian Complex is a structure of an urban hotel with multiple levels and a facade based on a voronoi pattern. The bird blind wall is constructed from birch plywood with voids cut out using cnc, which will be loosely stuffed with recycled waste materials and deadfall for various bugs to make their way into. In addition to catering for the needs of stag beetles, solitary bees, spiders, lacewings and ladybirds, the sides of the hotel are accessible for butterflies and moths and the top is suitable for absorbing rain water through planting.

The structure was designed as a network of small scale units. It was a core feature to avoid a large, iconic structure that covers a majority of the land. rather, the intent was to create a village-like typology that can be explored by visitors. The small scale typology creates a space with the notion that something fun and different is able to happen at each corner. a park “village” creates diversity, it creates unexpected connections, and the curiosity to discover the unforeseen.

Steel trusses were used as the foundation for the scaffolds and the structure of the structures in terms of building material and design. Ideally, they would be painted red or brown to match the copper anodized aluminum

The intent of this project was to create a project that not only brings community together, but to keep in mind the animals and habitats that surround us. Currently, architecture is designed with the human user in mind. In the hierarchy of design, human needs should remain primary, however, wildlife accommodations need to be heavily considered as well.

The design of the buildings was derived from a cube and a grid system that was followed because the goal was to have the scaffolding be within the trees–to be as non-destructive as possible. The cube was taken and created different typologies while including the bird blind system and it was realized that this design could mold to various landforms and be used widely. The design of the scaffolds was then extended to the main buildings and used it as a skylight that penetrates through the center of the buildings. This creates a more cohesive design within the project, as the scaffolds were intended to be kept completely outdoor and open.

bird screen panel detail

The inspiration came from The Insect Hotel, which is made of 25 layers of birch plywood that have had gaps cut out of them using a CNC machine. These voids are loosely filled with recyclable debris and deadfall so that various bugs can get inside. The hotel’s sides are open to butterflies and moths, and its top can be used for gardening to collect rainwater.

bird & insect habitat blinder system

sloped roof for rain water collection

rain water collector

insect compartments

birdhouse

lookout

butterfly and moth habitat

lookouts

software

Falling Up, an open and informal performance space in the heart of an old police station, is located in Kitchener’s civic area and corresponds to the Arts Reboot movement and adaptive reuse by installing an open and impromptu performance space in the middle of an old police station. There are 20 studios, a 225-seat main theatre, and a 12seat incubation theatre in the new Kitchener police headquarters. The new structure strives to create a strong and modest relationship between the people and the artists.

The aim of the project was to create a space that is easy to use and understand for all demographics of people, and to be able to hold a variety of community-engaged events. All of these objectives were taken into account in the design of the building.

the facade has been mostly preserved to maximize adaptive reuse

the main additions to the existing building are the curved shading devices and the mid-rise housing/ office unit

The use of adaptive reuse can help preserve historic buildings and structures, which can be an important part of the community’s cultural heritage. This can help maintain the character and identity of the original police station, and can provide a connection to the past.

Falling Up can offer young people the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide range of cultural activities, such as concerts, exhibitions, and performances. This can help them learn about different cultures and traditions, and can broaden their horizons and perspectives.

final building with the shading devices that still uses the crucial parts of the exising buidling

photovoltaic glass

/cells are inside the glass panel

/photovoltaic systems do not release any harmful air or water pollution into the environment, deplete natural resources, or endanger animals or human health

LED lighting

/LEDs all throughout the units

/less energy wasted

/longer lifespan of the bulbs

/LED bulbs don’t produce as much heat as incandescent bulbs, they burn cooler and are safer to use

structural insulation panels

/constructed out of foam and oriented strand board /provides better control over indoor air quality, since the airtight building envelope minimizes or eliminates incoming unfiltered air

double pane floor to ceiling windows

/enhances natural heating /increases natural lighting

/double pane large windows more effectively keep warm air in a residence and prevent the entry of colder air into a home

Situated close to the Distillery District and other notable spaces in Downtown Toronto, this canopy is designed to be an extension of the historic space and a place that offers flexible opportunities for small businesses to bring new life into the community. As both a day and night market, more shading is added to the lower western, lower eastern, and higher southern facades to protect its users from sunset and sunrise glare and to limit summer sun. Accordingly, the more northern extrusions are also higher to let in more sunlight throughout the year. Natural ventilation was also taken into consideration, with larger openings on the north-western and south-eastern facades and smaller openings to allow for crossventilation. To further establish its connection to the distillery district, a southern opening was established as well.

1B Building Construction

May 2021

Supervised by Cameron Parkin and Justin Breg Entry in the CISC Steel Canopy competition Toronto, Ontario

In collaboration with Aashka Shah and Sabrina Lee

The shape of the pavilion can help it better adapt to the site and function, by following the contours of the land or responding to the flow of traffic or movement within the building. This creates more efficient and user-friendly spaces, and can help it better serve its intended purpose.

The shape maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

section aa section bb

southeast elevation

southwest elevation

These skylights create a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors, and can add visual interest to the pavilion. They also help bring light into the center of the vending area, creating a more dynamic interior space.

“53 Water Street North in Kitchener is a 16 story apartment block, one of the most typical products of a generation of high-density housing built in the period following the Second World War. It was among the first towers in downtown Kitchener, one of about half a dozen built between 1958 and 1973.”

For the kids! is an environmentally friendly, adaptive-reuse project. The driving force of the design is kids and so all seven units, in addition to the common area, are made to be stimulating and fun. The demographic is families of three to six, with young children. Because children like to roam freely throughout their surroundings, it is important to consider that they will climb, push, pull, and touch all of the furnishings within their reach. As a result, this design includes play platforms, reading areas, and hiding nooks to promote safe play and education. Multifunctional furniture was also incorporated, as it can be used for storage as well as a safe space for young children. In addition to play, for the kids! applies sustainable design strategies as well to help reduce the negative impacts of the construction industry.

For the Kids! provides children with a comfortable and enjoyable space that is tailored to their needs and interests. This can help them feel at home and at ease, and can provide them with a sense of belonging and connection to their family and community.

Child-friendly living areas can provide children with opportunities to learn and develop through play and exploration. This can help them develop their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills, and can support their overall growth and wellbeing.

5 | surround studios

Located in Downtown Toronto, Surround Studios combines the traditional function of a traditional library with a music education center. The library portion of the buidling specializes in providing musical education for people of all ages and the studio acts as an outlet to reflect this.

This studio library uses both reclaimed/ recycled material and mass timber. The cladding is also recycled brick and mortar, to match the aesthetic of the nearby music buildings. In terms of mass timber, it will be used for columns, partitions, and various furniture installations throughout the interior. The use of mass timber also has biophilic benefits: the exposure to natural elements is known to improve human well-being. The warmth and quality of exposed wood lends itself to the overall design of the room and saves money on additional finishes. The environmental benefit is that wood is a carbon sequestering fuel that is 100 percent renewable and the embodied energy of lightweight building construction, such as timber frames, are typically lower than that of heavyweight construction. Mass timber that is sustainably sourced will help reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint. Additionally, wood is effective at sound absorption in general because it is porous and has a lot of air spaces to absorb sound.

1B Design Studio

April 2021

Supervised by Cameron Parkin Toronto, Ontario

There is a strong connection between libraries and recording studios, as libraries can provide resources and facilities that support the creation and production of recorded music.

Surround Studios provides access to recording and editing software. This includes software for recording, mixing, and mastering audio, as well as software for creating and editing music.

Libraries play an important role in supporting recording studios by providing access to musical instruments and equipment, recording and editing software, soundproof and acoustically treated spaces, and technical support.

second floor plan

third floor plan

section fragment

des invalides

6 | model work hôtel

Libéral Bruant & Jules Hardouin-Mansart Paris, 1671-1706

The Hôtel des Invalides is a notable example of French classical architecture. The building’s design was created by King’s architect Liberal Bruant, who arranged five courtyards around a central one, with four housing complexes surrounding the space. Bruant drew inspiration from the plans of the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and other hospitals of the time.

The main objective of the project was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the architectural design and details of this historic building by analyzing existing drawings, creating a digital replica, and constructing a physical study model. To achieve this, a 1:200 scale model of the building’s most striking features, the Dome and the church, was created. The project was divided into three stages: obtaining and creating a digital model, constructing the model, and putting it together.

2B Cultural History

August 2022

Supervised by Val Rynnimeri

Paris, France

In collaboration with Abeer Ali, Nathan Choi, Loriane Wong

The Dome des Invalides’ interior is made up of six tiny chapels, each with a centre and auxiliary areas for graves and memorial items. Trophies and battle flags are also included.

Basswood sheets were the material of choice because of their thickness, which allowed us to accurately reproduce the building’s intricacies. As a result, we were able to overlay various thicknesses to generate depth.

firm position location

duration

BDP Quadrangle

architectural assistnant

toronto, on september - december 2022

From September to December 2022, I had to opportunity to work at BDP Quadrangle located in Toronto, ON. During my time here, I worked with a large team of people on multiple ongoing projects. Notably, a large multi-building residential project in Vaughan, Ontario (pictured). I assisted the project lead on preparing drawings for a Site Plan Approval submission and created many plans and elevations using Revit and Adobe Suite.

I was also involved in another project where I prepared a feasibility study presentation package for an 11-storey boutique residential building in downtown Toronto involving the preservation of the façade of a heritage home. I was able to test the use of AI in architecture with Midjourney and used it to come up with precedents for a façade design.

Over winter 2022, I had the opportunity to work at KPMB full time for four months, located in Toronto, ON. I was on the United Church of Canada team and produced schematic, design development and construction drawings. In addition, I created both digital and physical models to be used as working design tools and presentations to aid the team. I also contributed in producing measured drawings from existing site conditions and existing drawings.

The United Church of Canada team on KPMB aimed to build affordable housing around existing churches across Canada. The housing typologies vary based on the church and come in low, mid, and high rise.

The drawings featured are two examples of different projects I was able to work on: St. Luke’s United Church in Toronto, ON, and Wexford Heights United Church in Scarborough, ON. They are models that are ready to be 3D printed and are currently in the process of being fabricated.

The proposed renovation of the historic site comprises a new mid-rise extension with mixed-income and affordable rental apartments, as well as dynamic communal and cultural spaces, while preserving and revitalising the 1887 heritage sanctuary.

wexford heights united church

The proposed 11-story, purpose-built rental apartment structure and two rows of 3-story townhomes in Scarborough’s Wexford neighbourhood would replace a church and single-story detached house that currently occupy the site. The chapel would serve as a gathering area, with an atrium, restrooms, a kitchen, and other amenities available to the local community.

pinecone studies

Scholastic Art & Writing

Award Winners 2020

graphite on paper

october 2016

13” x 14”

There is a strong connection between fine art and architecture, as both fields involve the creation of visual and spatial designs that can inspire and enrich the human experience.

Both fine art and architecture are concerned with aesthetic principles, such as form, composition, color, and texture, which are used to create visual and spatial effects. These principles are often influenced by cultural, historical, and personal factors, and can be used to create works that are beautiful, expressive, and meaningful.

poverty within children series

Scholastic Art & Writing

Award Winners 2020

Blood arcylic on canvas and mixed media

november 2018 2’ x 3’

arcylic

Understanding poverty in children can help inform policy and advocacy efforts to address child poverty and its effects. This can include research on the causes and consequences of child poverty, as well as analysis of different policy approaches and their effectiveness in reducing child poverty and improving children’s lives.

germany [2/3]

*pictures show a progression of LEDs turned off to on in different lighting

mixed media, acrylic painting with plexiglass etchings and LED lights

January 2020

2’ x 3’

palace of versailles pen & ink, watercolour, alcohol markers may 2019 13” x 18”

Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winner 2020