The architecture aims to become a spark in a broken community. The bold futuristic form represent pride in the neighborhood and hope for a better tomorrow.
To avoid creating a hollow
sculpture without function,
the design started with the
circulations, programs ,and
greenspaces.
Elevated gardens connect the
building from the exterior, allowing
public to enjoy a unique view of the
rail tracks and the views beyond.
Programs are divided
based on accessibility and
noise. Different zones
are connected through
walkways with views
to the gardens.
Ground floor utilizes the
road in the middle as
drop-off zone for either
children, elders, or rented
devices.
Second floor connects
with a bridge and
create a café with
views of the city and
the roof gardens.
Corners are opened to
invite pedestrians,
creating a plaza,
amphitheater, and lawns
for entertainment.
The architecture acts as a
system inviting and bringing
the community together,
introducing unique
experiences as an internet
center for the future.
Openings of the building
envelope are carefully chosen
to balance views, natural
light, and noise reduction.
Elements of industrial Chicago
are implemented in structure and
interior design.
Roof garden promotes
community and growth,
aiming for a brighter future.
INTERNET CENTER | CHICAGO, USA
W/ IMANI JACKSON
ARBORETUM CENTER | CHAMPAIGN, USA
EARL PRIZE NOMINEE (2017)
Nothing is more beautiful
than nature itself. Rather
to conquer it, why not
enhance it?
To hide the architecture
within nature, the façade
reflects the surroundings and
trees into waving colors.
Building forms are
stretched apart to create
views and strengthen
circulation experience. The
lake and gardens can be
glimpsed upon entering.
As seasons pass by, the beauty
of nature becomes the beauty
of the architecture.
PUBLIC LIBRARY | CHICAGO, USA
EARL PRIZE NOMINEE (2017)
The architecture aims to
become a sanctuary for the
people of Chicago, testing
unique ways to allow users
experience peace.
Building is elevated from
ground to create a public
pocket garden connecting
the street corner.
By using holed steel meshes
as façade, the users are
protected from the noise
and pressure of the city.
Selected views of exterior
allow users to focus on
within to find peace.
Garden on the ground floor
allows the building to give
back to the neighborhood,
providing a corner of peace
within the busy city.
FARMER'S MARKET | CHAMPAIGN,IL USA
RE-IMAGINED
The site sits across a
future park in downtown
Champaign, a town
surrounded by flat fields
of corns and infinite horizon.
To create flexible
programs, stalls can be
moved around to carve
out new experiences.
Simple interior create
large open space for the
community. The East facade can
be opened up to connect
with the street and park.
Interesting experiences can be
recreated, such as walking in a
corn maze.
Interior tries to capture
the abstraction of the local
landscapes and views.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL | CHAMPAIGN,IL USA
EARL PRIZE 1ST PLACE
The project is located in downtown Champaign and aims to become a destination throughout the seasons, providing users comforting experience
and connection to nature.
1st Floor: Porte Cochere, Lobby, Central Stair
​
2nd Floor: Restaurant, Lounge, Office
3rd Floor: Elevated Garden, Infinity Pool, Bar & Gym
​
4th - 7th Floor: Rooms, Suites, Roof-top Bar
Room interiors use natural materials, large glazing for views, and movable panels to hide the entry and restroom.
The elevated interior garden on the 3rd floor is the main attraction. It is open to both room guests and public. The controlled climate allow greenery in all seasons.
The brick-gap wall blocks the view at first, then surprises guests as they turn the corner.
Hotel guests may relax in suspended "nest"s, overlooking the garden beneath.
Different strategies were used to achieve a sustainable and natural environment. Stack ventilation, daylighting, and vegetation are central elements in the design.
As a Capstone Project, future studies regarding code, structure, and HVAC were done and implemented into the overall design.
Exterior façade "borrow"
local and natural materials from
the surrounding buildings.
The central atrium connects the building as a whole. Water wall and brick-gap wall diffuses the noise.
The project aims to promote connection to natural elements and to discover new possibilities for public spaces of a boutique hotel.
PHOTOGRAPHY & SKETCH
My travels has been the major source of inspiration. I learned: the power of architecture can only be fully grasped by physical experiences.
By visiting different masterpieces, I have new understandings for the use of light, materials, circulation and greenery in design.
Pencil-Sketch of Wood Detail
​
2016
I will continue to learn and experiment different ways to make architecture become part of nature, improving overall well-being.
