The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi by Xuechen Chen

The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi by Xuechen Chen is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award in Umqondo Competition Category.

IsilivaUmqondo· 2024

The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi

by Xuechen Chen

Client: Xuechen Chen

Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award Winner in Umqondo Category

282,924
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #160482

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi

I-Folding Boat, etholakala ogwini lomfula iHarlem River, yindawo enamsebenzi omningi esebenza njengendawo yokugwedla yekolishi lomphakathi, umtapo wolwazi omncane, kanye nemyuziyamu ezinikele ekugwedleni njengomdlalo. Iqukethe uphahla lwensimbi olugojiwe, lesi sakhiwo sichaza indawo yaso yangaphakathi ngokuhlanganisa izindonga nophahla lwangaphakathi ngendlela eshelelayo. Sibekwe endaweni lapho kuhlangana khona izindawo zomlando nezesimanjemanje, ukubekwa okunakekelwe kwezingxenye kuhlonipha izinhlelo, ukuhamba, kanye nesimo sendawo yasedolobheni.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award

The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi iwinile uMklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile ngokungajwayelekile okunikezwa imiklamo esezingeni eliphezulu, ebukekayo nethinta kakhulu. Abawinile beSiliva yimisebenzi egqamile kakhulu nedala kakhulu ebonisa ubungcweti obuphawulekayo, italente nobuhlakani babaklami babo. The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi ilindeleke ukuba ibe ngumsebenzi omuhle wesibonelo, onobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha ezijulile. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award uyinto entsha ebonakala kakhulu nethakazelisayo esiza futhi isunduza imingcele yobuciko, isayensi, ukuklama nobuchwepheshe. The Folding Boat Isikhungo Somphakathi iyinto enomhawu omkhulu kuyo evusa izifiso, ilethe imizwa emihle futhi ivuse ukumangala nokuxakeka.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Folding Boat, located along the shore of the Harlem River, is a multifunctional space serving as a rowing facility for the community college, a small library, and a museum dedicated to sport rowing. Featuring a folded metal roof, this structure defines its interior space by seamlessly blending walls into ceilings. Positioned at the convergence of historical and modern districts, meticulous placement of elements respects programs, circulation, and the urban landscape.
Dimensions & Packaging: 18,000sf
Tags: culture, community center, wood, metal, concrete
Production Technology: metal, glass and wood panel
Design Challenge: The multiversity of the programs and the materials.
Research: This research abstract explores the integration of folding as architectural elements across various scales, experiences, and programs within the context of the Rowing Boat project. Serving as a sport museum, rowing boat facility for a local college, and a community center for the neighborhood, the project examines how folding techniques can be applied to create dynamic spaces and functional designs. Through case studies and design explorations, this research delves into the innovative use of folding to enhance architectural aesthetics, spatial experiences, and programmatic functionalities within a multi-functional facility.
Inspiration: The project's inspiration stems from the unique topography of the site, characterized by varying slopes. This distinctive landscape presents an opportunity to mimic and enhance the site's features through the use of folding in the design. The folded elements not only echo the site's topography but also contribute to the project's special aesthetic qualities.
Project Duration: Unbult, Bronx, Newyork
Operation Flow: The Folding Boat project draws inspiration from the site's unique topography, using folding in design to echo its slopes and enhance aesthetics. Located along the Harlem River, it's a rowing facility, small library, and sport museum. The folded metal roof blends spaces, respecting historical context and urban landscape. This research explores folding's integration in various scales, programs, and experiences, enhancing architectural aesthetics and functionality.
Team Members: Xuechen Chen
Image Credits: XUECHEN CHEN