Concept
Coolies (Boatmen)
Through research into and pictures of the work routines of the trading coolies, attention was drawn to the modest pieces of wooden plank used by the boatmen to bridge the gap between the shoreline and the boat in order to transport goods. This highlights the coolies’ adaptability to build their necessities using their own resources.
Interlocking Wooden Planks
The characteristic of interlocking the wooden plank into another wooden pole which is already attached to the boat was a great example of simplified friction locking where no fastening were used, yet the principle was trusted by the boatmen who constantly crossed the plank, which reliably withstood their combined weight.
Simplicity
The concept was thus derived from method of the plank usage, where the qualities of its simplicity was emphasised. The same interlocking method is considered as the starting point in creating the pavilion structure in order to convey the modesty of the lives of trading coolies despite how difficult their daily tasks were. The development from the basic principle concept to the more complex design outcome portrays the journey of “Simplicity from the past and complexity of the present”.
Design Process
Form Exploration
Finalised Form
Final Design
Presentation Video
