Part B - Analysis of Archetype

Gary Chang -

"Limitless variation can only emerge from simplicity. I planned for the Suitcase House to be more than a residence. Its character is not limited to space for living and working, it is a transformative environment. From the most complex partitioning, to the most minimal space, it is defined by how people use it. Its life is bound up in perpetual resonance and interaction with people whose lifestyles are constantly changing." (SOHO China, 2004)

:: Why did I choose to further research the Suitcase House? ::

While all three exemplar houses are unique in their own ways (all are evidence of strong design and inherit unique adaptions to their background), I chose to do further research on the suitcase house due to its distinctive design and use of space. No other architect has been able to manipulate the space within a building like Gary Chang. This manipulation of space and endless possibilities of design layout is what drew me to this innovative design.

At first glance, Chang’s cantilevered Suitcase House - which measures nearly 350 square meters - looks like a giant timber shoebox with modern furnishings dotted around. However a series of hidden pneumatic trapdoors can be pulled up to reveal the functional elements of a house below. (Leece, S. 2007)

Chang’s guiding concepts are spontaneity and flexibility. In addition to the sunken chambers, a series of sliding panels in the main space can be effortlessly rearranged to allow the free flowing house to be transformed into different types of spaces, whether intimate or expansive, to suit the user. The design is playful yet practical allowing endless options for contemporary living. (Leece, S. 2007)


Gary Chang :: The Architect

Born in Hong Kong in 1962, Gary Chang graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1987 with a degree in architecture. Chang founded his company EDGE in 1994, and quickly gained a reputation for his dedication to work and award-winning multi-disciplinary designs. Chang has won many awards in Asia and across the globe for his architectural, interior and product designs.

Chang’s key projects include:

The Suitcase House - at the commune by the Great Wall
Gary’s own apartment - in Hong Kong
The Broadway Cinematheque - in Hong Kong,
Recalibration of the Hong Kong Arts Centre - in Hong Kong
The Mega-iAdvantage Data Centre - in Hong Kong
And many other projects in China, Hong Kong, Japan, middle East, Europe and others, including designing apartments and houses for an international list of private clients.

Though inescapably urban, Gary’s portfolio is not one of soaring office towers for big corporate clients, but concentrates on the quality of space.

:: Analysis Drawings ::

Panel 1 - Floor Plans + Topographic Plan

Panel 2 - Left Elevation + Section

Panel 3 - Isometric View + Vignettes



The Judging Panel -

"The Suitcase House (is) more than just a suitcase-a plane of sensual leisure and pleasure, intimacy privacy, spontaneity and flexibility, breaking the mundane rituals of every day life, arousing public interest and rethinking the use of limited space with maximum flexibility, Suitcase House combines architecture with interior design and revisits the issue of space utilization in a simple way." (SOHO China, 2004)

REFERENCES
- Chang, G. (2000, October) Elsewhere. Dwell. pp37-38.
- Leece, S. (2007) China Living. Singapore: Periplus Editions.
- MIOMA. (2010). Suitcase House. Retrieved 10 March, 2010, from http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/China/Beijing/Suitcase%20House
- ARTBOOK&, (2004). Gary Chang: Suitcase House. Retrieved 10 March, 2010, from http://www.artbook.com/9628681699.html
- ArChiTecTure. (2009). Suitcase House hotel by Gary Chang, The Edge. Retrieved 10 March, 2010 http://phayung.blogspot.com/2009/03/suitcase-house-hotel-by-gary-chang-edge.html
- Arcspace. (2001). EDGE The Suitcase House. Retrieved 10 March, 2010, from http://www.arcspace.com/architects/Edge/SuitCase/
- Minnet, E., Zhang, K. (n/a). SUITCASE HOUSE. Retrieved 10 March 2010, from http://www.ejmartdesign.com/sh.html
- ArChiTecTure. (2009). Suitcase House Hotel by Gary Chang, The Edge. Retrieved 10 March, 2010, from http://phayung.blogspot.com/2009/03/suitcase-house-hotel-by-gary-chang-edge.html
- SOHO China. (2004). Soho China Wins. Retrieved 10 March, 2010, from http://soho-city.com/en/news/details.asp?id=21849&cid=11

IMAGE REFERENCES
- Trapdoors
Gridskipper. (2006). Hotel As Home. Retrieved 11 March, 2010, from http://gridskipper.com/archives/categories/photography.php?page=5
- Gary Chang
Philips. (2004). Gary Chang, Architect, Edge. Retrieved 11 March 2010, from http://www.newscenter.philips.com/main/standard/about/news/news/archive/news2004/article-14701.wpd