Xuan Tung Cao
master of architecture
KU leuven
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Architecture / Graphic Design
My location: Ghent, Belgium
Xuan Tung Cao
First Name: Xuan Tung
Last Name: Cao
University / College: KU leuven
Course / Program: master of architecture
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Architecture / Graphic Design
My Location: Ghent, Belgium
About
(Xuan) Tung Cao recently finished the Master of Architecture program at KU Leuven, Belgium with great distinction. He was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, in an era of major economic and social changes. Witnessing the dynamic and rapid development of this Asian megacity throughout the years sparked his interest in the potential of public spaces for regenerating urban interconnectivity. He strongly believes that small interventions in spaces can generate a huge impact on living quality
The neighborhood of Aneyakouji, located in the historical center of Kyoto, is a harmonious mixture of the traditional atmosphere with Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses) and a contemporary lifestyle of new apartment buildings and shopping centers. However, public spaces have not been taken appropriately into consideration here. Most of the open spaces are currently occupied for car parking. With the respect of the existing context, the new structure is created with the ambition of building a multifunctional bridge to restore the loosened relationship among the local residents of the neighborhood. The new recreation park is integrated into the parking area of the neighborhood, not only to enhance the vertical spatial connections of the surrounding buildings but, more importantly, to create a high-quality public space for citizens while optimizing limited space in the city. A light structure is considered to minimalize the (visual) impact of the new intervention. With thin steel beams -columns and perforated modular decks, the space is opened to allow light in and maximize natural ventilation of the surroundings. On the other hand, with its durability, living bamboo is used as supporting structure, while adding a new natural atmosphere to the urban context. The structural elements are made by module for easy assembling and installation. Inspired by the images of Kyoto’s bamboo forest, living bamboo is featured in the design, acting as a green element to cool down the summer heat of the concrete city blocks in the area, providing shade and a friendly natural environment for public gathering.