Samson Tiew

Miura SOHO, Chinatown Melbourne
Fifth Year Design Project
Exhibited in EYES 2010, The University of Melbourne
Miura tower explores the practical opportunities of Origami in architecture. A confined site with an intention for hyper density warranted for the multiplication of space and surface area.
Vigorous experimentation in origami concluded that the repetitive patterns resulting from Miura Folding proved to be opportunistic. the results were modular yet diverse in character. Further experimentation and analysis revealed that Miura origami could be employed to inform the facade of the building. Pushing this further, the Miura pattern could then provide a system for internal organisation.
Extracting a single Miura module for observation, the staggered modular organisation allows for the separation of space while the fold angles allow for diagonal circulation. In the form of a modular pod, each SOHO can be manufactured off site and assembled quickly for a more economical and efficient outcome. This approach also mitigates the tight site access in Melbourne’s Chinatown.
The overall form is molded to co-exist with the heritage shell of an existing building, defining more dynamic spaces as the tower’s footprint is rotated, just slightly. The folding on the facade enforces privacy between units and adjacent building and doubles up as sun shading device to ensure energy efficiency throughout the building.The facade also serves the function of an urban rock wall, adding an element of play to the building.
Finally, Miura tower delivers 32 SOHO units on a 200sqm site. Overall, it offers 78sqm of live-work-play functions, averaging 1/3 of a tennis court of space per person. In comparison to Melbourne’s current 2.5 tennis court of space per person, Miura displays a workable solution for hyper density living in the near future.

Miura SOHO, Chinatown Melbourne

Fifth Year Design Project

Exhibited in EYES 2010, The University of Melbourne

Miura tower explores the practical opportunities of Origami in architecture. A confined site with an intention for hyper density warranted for the multiplication of space and surface area.

Vigorous experimentation in origami concluded that the repetitive patterns resulting from Miura Folding proved to be opportunistic. the results were modular yet diverse in character. Further experimentation and analysis revealed that Miura origami could be employed to inform the facade of the building. Pushing this further, the Miura pattern could then provide a system for internal organisation.

Extracting a single Miura module for observation, the staggered modular organisation allows for the separation of space while the fold angles allow for diagonal circulation. In the form of a modular pod, each SOHO can be manufactured off site and assembled quickly for a more economical and efficient outcome. This approach also mitigates the tight site access in Melbourne’s Chinatown.

The overall form is molded to co-exist with the heritage shell of an existing building, defining more dynamic spaces as the tower’s footprint is rotated, just slightly. The folding on the facade enforces privacy between units and adjacent building and doubles up as sun shading device to ensure energy efficiency throughout the building.The facade also serves the function of an urban rock wall, adding an element of play to the building.

Finally, Miura tower delivers 32 SOHO units on a 200sqm site. Overall, it offers 78sqm of live-work-play functions, averaging 1/3 of a tennis court of space per person. In comparison to Melbourne’s current 2.5 tennis court of space per person, Miura displays a workable solution for hyper density living in the near future.

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