SELECTED WORKS HUIYU
Feb 2024 - Jul 2024
University of Westminster Research Assistant London, UK
Jun 2022 - May 2023
Shiye Architects
Part 2 Architectural Assistant Chongqing, China
Apr 2022 - Jun 2022
the Oval Partnership
Part 2 Architectural Assistant Shanghai/Hong Kong, China
Apr 2019 - Aug 2019
XBA
Part 1 Architectural Assistant Chongqing, China
Contributed to the “Post-Occupancy Evaluation (PoE) and Energy Retrofit in Domestic Buildings in the UK” project. Focused on analysing energy retrofit measures in social housing across London’s G15 areas, conducting site surveys, and interviewing residents.
Worked on various cultural and residential projects, from competitions to concept design (Stage 1-3). Established a workflow from Rhino, Enscape, Photoshop, InDesign to deliver sufcient visual communication.
Assisted on construction documents, on-site construction visit, and contractor meetings (Stage 3-5).
Cooperated with the Hong Kong ofce on a retail complex in Shanghai in the detailed design stage and drafted the presentation slides (Rhino, SketchUp, Photoshop, InDesign, Enscape), client and contractor meetings, assisted project managers in tendering and cost estimate (Stage 3-4).
Site analysis and conceptual design of a competition project in Shanghai (Grasshopper, Rhino, InDesign, Photoshop).
Assisted in facade design and renderings (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop) for a hospital project (Stage 3-4).
Worked on graphic, design and construction documents for a commercial hotel project (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Illustrator, InDesign), reviewed project goals with the project manager, and assisted in setting deadlines for contractors (Stage 2-4).
Designed massing for a residential project and assisted in facade design and renderings (SketchUp, Lumion, Photoshop, InDesign) (Stage 1-3).
Schematic design (Rhino, InDesign) for an urban masterplan project. (Stage 1-2).
Yours
Passionate and creative MArch graduate from the University of Shefeld with a BA from Newcastle University, currently pursuing an MSc in Architecture and Environmental Design at the University of Westminster, expected to graduate in September this year. Experienced in architectural project management across both commercial and residential spaces. Proficient in digital sketching, preparing 2D and 3D models, and developing interior designs. Adept at evaluating projects, setting timelines, coordinating contractors, and actively participating in various architecture and design competitions. My goal is to obtain my Part 3 qualification and become a fully qualified architect, contributing to sustainable and innovative architectural solutions. Open for networking and new opportunities in the field of architecture.
Sep 2018 - Feb 2019
MORE Architecture
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Shanghai, China / Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Jul 2016 - Aug 2016
Design
Architecture Intern Chongqing, China
EDUCATION
Sep 2023 - Present
Sep 2019 - Jul 2021
Sep 2015 - Jun 2018
Drafted a concept set for an interior project, developed the concept and detailed design, also renderings and construction drawings (AutoCAD, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Twinmotion), client meetings and on-site experience (Stage 1-5).
Detailed design for the residential project (AutoCAD, Photoshop, Vray), mainly worked on plan development and renderings (Stage 1-3).
Site analysis and concept design of a small shop (AutoCAD, InDesign, Rhino), site visits and client meetings (Stage 1-3).
Mapping and density study (Rhino, Illustrator, InDesign) for two planning projects in Amsterdam and Rotterdam (Stage 1-2).
Produced a set of renderings (3D Max, Photoshop, InDesign) for a renovation project and completed site visits (Stage 3, 5).
University of Westminster MSc, Architecture and Environmental Design, CIBSE
SSoA at University of Shefeld
MArch, Architecture, RIBA Part 2
Newcastle University BA, Architecture, RIBA Part 1
SKILLS
English (Fluent), Mandarin (Fluent), German (Beginner)
Rhinoceros 3D, SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD
ENVI-met, TAS, Climate Studio, Ladybug, Grasshopper, Eddy3D
COMPETITIONS
Site Shelter an open-air museum for visitors to engage with the history, the land and the ocean.
Email: blakezhou66@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7481158928
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakezhouzz/
Adobe Suite, Enscape, Twinmotion, Lumion Lasercutting, 3d Printing, Physical Models
Everest Challenge a toilet design on Mount Everest, using this hidden and humble design to provide the essential service facilities to climbers and help to protect the environment.
Fantu
Climate Positive Environment
A sustainability report for a social housing scheme in London, UK
This report constitutes an in-depth investigation into the southeastern sector of Lisson Green Estate, situated in Westminster, London. The study comprehensively explores this area’s regional, outdoor, and indoor environmental performance.
The primary objective of this research study is to understand the context of climate change in the UK. The investigation involves mappings of indoor and outdoor environments, encompassing on-site measurements, occupant behaviours, thermal and visual comfort assessments, and examining the building envelope and its associated energy consumption patterns.
The overarching goal is to identify both positive aspects and challenges within the built environment, laying the groundwork for proposing strategic interventions to enhance the overall living conditions for the occupants. The analytical works and research studies will delve into the impacts of solar radiation, daylight availability, and the thermal comfort experienced by occupants indoors, all while considering the infuence of outdoor amenities.
Aligned with the principles outlined in the LETI Climate Emergency Retroft Guide, the aim is to formulate strategies that foster energy-effcient spaces. These strategies, informed by the research fndings, aim to meet the benchmark for a sustainable environment.
(Interpolated).
Following the RCP 8.5 2050 weather fle, the monthly average for global vertical radiation is expected to increase over the years. While there is a slight rise in August for the south, the north remains unchanged. Of particular note, the east and west orientations experience the most signifcant increases, especially in June and July, raising concerns regarding potential overheating.
Outdoor Comfort Study
London City UK (Interpolated).
London City UK (Interpolated).
The analysis results from ENVImet reveal minimal airfow in various corners of the courtyard, particularly during summer when wind speeds are as low as <0.01 m/s, rendering outdoor spaces uncomfortable for use.
The pollution levels on the road in the northwest direction are also severe, with NO2 concentration reaching 65.56 ug/m3 in summer and >53.65 ug/m3 in winter. Similarly, the pollution between the two blocks’ roads is signifcant, with NO2 levels reaching 66.82 ug/m3 in summer and >53.65 ug/m3 in winter.
Cumulative Solar Radiation
London City UK (Interpolated).
The upper levels typically receive more solar radiation than the lower foors. In the winter, the solar radiation is roughly half what is expected in the summer. The lower levels are affected the most by the shading. Notably, the southeastfacing facade receives the most solar radiation.
The Kimble House building presents an interesting case study as two rows of fats with the same dimension and layout but facing opposite directions on each foor.
PM2.5, NO2 Concentration
Indoor Environment Study
We had the privilege of interviewing Mr. S, a solitary elderly resident occupying a one-bedroom apartment on the fourth foor of Kimble House. His fat is oriented towards the southeast (facing the main street). Within his residence, we strategically positioned two data loggers—one on a shelf at the junction of the kitchen and living room and another on the bedside table in the bedroom. Simultaneously, an additional data logger was deployed outdoors, situated in the southeast direction of Kimble House, aiming to facilitate a comparative analysis between indoor and outdoor conditions.
Urban Kaleidoscope
A regeneration and mixed-use project in Huddersfeld, the UK.
Set in central Huddersfeld, the proposal calls for a social condenser to incubate and encourage life back into the urban centre to create intergenerational, mixed communities with an emphasis on unifying activities of eating and drinking, playing, learning and smoking.
The concept aims to address broader disparities in high streets through the compiling of a collection of layers of time and spatial realisation. The forgotten yards and derelict buildings form a stage and multiple pockets for communities.
The whole block is a new initiative to teach both adults and kids from across Huddersfeld how to grow, prepare and cook food, while also providing community space and productive gardens for people to enjoy.
After the sequential blows of de-industrialisation, the rise of the internet shopper and now the pandemic, many town centres are forlorn for lack of purpose. What will become of them, what is their reason for being?
Huddersfeld is one example; large swathes of the town lie vacant whilst paradoxically being listed for its historic and multi-cultural values. In a climatic emergency, existing buildings and their materials must be viewed as precious reserves of embodied energy, their re-use is an essential starting point for all our working; whilst preservationist attitudes in relation to ineffcient building performance are questioned. We explore how ‘the town that bought itself’ can recover to recreate a truly collective, civic society in an environmentally conscious, creative re-imagining of the way we want to live together.
In this project, I discussed the basic “rituals” that exist in every culture and social group, these activities are daily happened in our lives but also suggest the highest interaction, which are “eating”, “playing”, “learning” and “smoking”. Eating exposes the cultural and social belonging and creates a possibility to exchange; playing comes from childhood as a tool to learn and interact; group learning will be advocated in this project, provide space to citizens and visitors to learn from different cultures and groups, as well as promoting skill sharing; smoking is a very high socially interactive activity, but has become a symbol of the confict between individual freedom and collective responsibility.
The chosen site is in a big urban block between two high streets - market street and new street. There’s no obvious pathway connects two sides of this block, instead, there is a secret access to the inner yards and the other side. Buildings on site are mostly 3-4-storey high, there are several entrances on the main streets, allowing people to enter the inner yards. The majority of these entrances are inconspicuous and underused.
Seeing and Being Seen
Social Condenser
Project Structural Strategy
Demolish part of the vacant building attached on queens hotel, so the yard could be bigger and people could have a continuous visual experience. Also it could divide two yards so one yard is more for eating drinking, another one is more for playing and smoking, and to accommodate some events.
The ground foor is designed as open as possible, to create a new perception of inside and outside
A ‘pergola’ structure is proposed in the yard, people can have fabrics and vegetation ropes on it, so it can control the sunlight in summer and create a new fexible atmosphere.
The tunnel entrance is quite dark and deep, proposed to add some openings on the ground foor, so there will be a connection between inside and outside. This allows people to see the activities in there so it’s a way to attract people to go into the buildings.
To use the height difference in the yards to create an amphitheatre to accommodate various activities allowing cultural shifting, like temporary food market, or jazz music concert, mainly as a viewpoint in order to return the occupied public space to the city. So the whole block would contain enclosed parts, semi enclosed area and open areas.
This visual shows when people enter from the new street tunnel entrance, there’s a temporary market space in the yard, and people can enjoy the sunshine sitting on the stairs, the changes on the facade is clear to see.
This drawing shows the view of the living room of a family fat. The new openings bring transparency, openness and lighting to the buildings, to achieve natural daylighting and cross ventilation.
Interior Living Space View
Tarlabasi Language School
A language school in a slum locates in Tarlabasi, Istanbul.
The aim of this project is to fulfl the needs of the marginalised community of Tarlabasi in Istanbul. It helps both local people and migrants to get educated, and celebrate the culture diversity. The programme is divided in three major entities: a public book cafe, a nursery and a language teaching centre. The outdoor spaces defne the privacy levels of the building, people can meander and gather in different spots.
Research phase: academic project / team work / 2019-2020 / SSoA Sheffeld School of Architecture
Design phase: academic project / individual work / 2020 / SSoA Sheffeld School of Architecture
Contact: Simon Baker - simon.baker@sheffeld.ac.uk
Website: https://www.reactiviststudio.com/
as the Buffer + Partition
My chosen site is an ‘island’ with a triangular shape, the surrounding urban grain is diverse. The site is not inhabited and most buildings here have collapsed. There are some residential buildings and small shops around the site. The Sunday market runs in front of the site.
Ground Floor
1. Main entrance
2. Lobby
3. Reception
4. Storage
5. Auditorium
6. Toilet
7. Classroom type A
8. Public library + Book cafe
9. Service table + Reception
10. Semi-public library + Book cafe
11. Toilet
12. Lockers
13. Drawing corner
14. Indoor play area
4th Courtyard
“The Courtyard of the Favourites” hidden courtyard - servants using
3rd Courtyard
“Courtyard of the Sultan’s Chief Consorts and Concubines” private using - library + bedrooms
2nd Courtyard
“Courtyard of the Queen Mother” semi-public using - offces + exhibition
1st Courtyard
Topkapi Palace
In Ottoman Architecture, the outdoor spaces are used as public gathering points, and to partition different privacy levels of spaces. I wished to design a space completely different from the noisy and messy environment outside, make this space is protected and secured. So I followed the design strategy of Ottoman architecture, using courtyards to defne the privacy levels of my building.
“Court of the Janissaries” public - pray + leisure Create the cantilevered upper foors, to have a covered walking path like other buildings in tarlabasi. Rotate the west facing walls to avoid direct sunlight Create inner courtyards, the main entrance of the complex is on the side branch,
15. Slider
16. Childcare room 17. Toilet
18. Lactation room 19. Kitchen
Dining
Courtyard
In ancient buildings the use of inhabited wall is quite common, especially in some religious buildings. These excavated spaces are used as sitting areas, exhibition areas, side chapels or rooms.
Nursery inhabited wall — The inhabited wall in the nursery is used as sitting area and a mini play area for kids. A chalkboard is in it and children can do some wall painting.
Classroom inhabited wall — The frst set of inhabited walls are used in classrooms. The rotated and excavated thick exterior wall blocks the noise and heat from the outside, also acts as a sitting area. Two side walls are deep enough for storage and display. The wall divides the classroom and the corridor is using for book shelves.
Library inhabited wall — The inhabited wall in the library and cafe divides the public and semi public area in this space. The wall is used as book shelves with some openings in there. So people on two sides can have some visual connections.
Bringing Hillsborough Park to Life
A signage design and future develop plan for a park in Sheffeld, the UK.
The project has been developed by a team of 14 students in collaboration with local community partners, or ‘clients’, as a part of the Live Project programme at The University of Sheffeld School of Architecture. The 6-week outcomes are diverse and include physical works, sustainability strategies, strategic urban planning, online resources and participation toolkits.
The brief for this project is to work with Age UK Sheffeld to design and test strategies that will connect key buildings on site to the wider landscape of Hillsborough Park and increase awareness of the valuable assets that the park has to offer.
As a participant in this project, I worked on the design of the strategy for the development of the park, also was the leader of the graphic team.
Signage Design
What we are looking to propose is a ‘kit-of-parts’ that consists of two side panels and one canopy element. Collectively making one continuous archway. The signage can be installed as a stand alone one sided panel, with a additional side panel for destinations in the park that require more space to present information. For key moments and experiences there is an option to install a retractable and lockable canopy. The main chevron panel can have laser cut graphics etched into the metal, highlighting what’s up next’ on the walkway through the park. Integrated into the panel will be areas of enclosed notice board using transparent acrylic. Overarching the two signage panels is an optional canopy that can include text signage with lighting.
Future Vision
The long term vision:
a: Open up and connect existing monuments to the wider site;
b: Design with a multigenerational community in mind;
c: Create an engaging and welcoming environment;
d: Be accessible, fexible and inclusive in design. Inspire socialising through the celebration of current and new programmes;
e: Be sensitive but celebrational to existing on site monuments.
Part of the new strategy formed by the Live Project team was to improve the awareness of the Walled garden using a future vision for a masterplan.
The Masterplan would be a greater ‘shoot for the stars’ view of the parks future potential including all current and future community partners. It would also encompass the existing landmarks on site and celebrate them with new and ‘Age friendly’ infrastructure.
New Worswich Chambers
An
urban culture studio locates in Newcastle, the UK.
The work undertaken in Future City studio is to develop an alternative ‘future’ for Newcastle, one that pushes back against the imperatives of market-driven, commercial urbanisation
We are asked to propose speculative buildings, with mixed-use programmes that have strong social and civic qualities and that are inclusive of local businesses, cultural organisations and social groups that are frequently marginalised in private real estate development.
This project is heavily based on the analysis and research of East Pilgrim Street (EPS) area in Newcastle, using narrative to explore the crucial social, urban, economic and material issues within this area which I then respond to architecturally, proposing a method which culminates in the design of an urban dance studio, that could promote the cultural development in EPS area.
Research phase: academic project / team work / 207-2018 / Newcastle University
Design phase: academic project / individual work / 2018 / Newcastle University
Contact: Kieran Connolly - kieran.connolly@ncl.ac.uk; Luke Rigg - l.s.rigg@gmail.com
There are many listed building in EPS area in a large form with different blocks within, however, no specifc distinction between blocks and function. So in this project, the mass and height of the building are designed to create a subtle transition from the big scale of the Worswick Chambers to the wider proportions of the predominant blocks in EPS. The aim is not only to design a building but also the skyline of the city.
Lilong Elevator Showroom
A showroom for elevators and the components in Ningbo, China.
The Lilong company is a Ningbo, China-based elevator component manufacturer. To expand the power of enterprises, they started to design domestic elevators from early 2018, so they planned to have an elevator showroom to showcase the elevators to customers. The client asks us to put 9 elevators in the showroom, with movable and fxed ones.
We think the elevator makes the skyscrapers possible, loads of tall buildings create the grid of the streets in cities. At the same time, as the building has been constructed so we decide to follow the existing grids of the structures and openings, and layout the elevators in a certain grid.
The building has been constructed and the roof was set, the height of the building is 8.5m. The elevators are in different modes and diverse sizes. To achieve client’s requirement that having at least four-storey to showcase their elevators, we decided to make split levels and connect the elevators by ‘catwalks’ instead of heavy foor slabs. From the upper foors, visitors could stand on the ‘catwalks’, allowing a connection between different levels.
An Ko Rau
A sportswear shop in Shanghai, China.
An Ko Rau, the meaning of “stationary” in Esperanto, is a sub-brand of Zuc Zug. The brand icon “0” is inspired by the sports stopwatch. Movement, from static, to zero, and repeated. An Ko Rau, with sports as a culture, creates a new concept of sportswear design.
The new shop locates at An Fu Road, Shanghai. Surrounded by several cafe shops and luxury private villas. The client wished us to design a ‘shop’ not only for shopping but also to showcase the culture of the brand and also providing a place for the neighbourhood to gather around. So we change the role of the shop: from experience to community.
We proposed to create the shop as a changing room: a truly social space. After all, before sports take place, people transform from 'normal people’ into sportsmen or -women. After the sport event, the changing room is a place for celebrating and socialising.
The idea of the changing room allowed us to create a clean and simple design, which makes the colourful apparel of the brand stand out even more. The custom made lockers can be changed for different types of display. An ingenious hanging system allows for continuous altering ways of presentation
Shopping Screening Drinking
A residential compound project in Anji, China.
In recent years, China’s geographical positioning has undergone signifcant changes. The most remote places are now connected to the cities of the East Coast through highways, railways and, of course, the internet. Simultaneously, after forty years of industrialisation and urbanisation, the Chinese middle class has money and time: the ultimate prerequisite for tourism People are feeing their megacities on weekends, and are getting interested – and sometimes downright nostalgic about – rural life.
With the encouragement of the government that promotes domestic consumption, leisure is one of the biggest drivers of rural development in China. But in many parts of China, there is virtually no real contrast between urban and rural areas.
With the aim to improve the quality of life of the rural population, high-rise buildings are rapidly replacing the farm. Factories move their production facilities to villages. Farmers eat McDonald, which they pay by WeChat. How to ‘return to the countryside’ without entering the danger of nostalgia or ignorance? How do we creating an ‘urban’ quality of life in a rural environment? How do we take advantage of the landscape and contribute to its cultural value at the same time?
The C-type houses stand on a steep site, with individual units having a height difference of up to 5 meters from the entry level to the road. Creating a safe and welcoming entrance was a challenge. We tried to keep the depth of the entry garden, grow plants at the adequate height so that people can see the green from their own house when they walk on the road, at the same time, the plants can provide privacy to the house.
The main material used on elevation is stucco, to create a low disturbance but strong integration between the critical relationship with the site.
Vanke Longhua Hui
A commercial complex project in Shanghai, China
A landmark mixed-use development located in the heart of Shanghai. This project seamlessly integrates commercial, residential, and cultural spaces, offering a revitalised urban environment. Spanning a signifcant urban block, the development is designed to foster community interaction and sustainable urban living.
Central to the project’s design is its commitment to blending modern architecture with the historical and green public spaces. The development features sophisticated landscaping, walking paths, and water features that enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the area. These elements are thoughtfully designed to promote ecological sustainability and provide residents and visitors with a serene environment in an otherwise bustling city.
Photo credit: Tianhua Architects, the Oval Partnership
Ivy #151
A residential and refurbishment project in Chongqing, China
Ivy #151 originally was a mixed pseudo-European-style building with various ornaments and materials decorated externally. The spatial structure of the existing building was chaotic, and the natural light and natural ventilation were inadequate internally.
We look for the order from the existing structure Through the emphasis on the facade vertical columns a sense of modern classic reveals. We also attempt to simplify the building by the unifcation of the material – washed pebble, therefore allowing the building to return back to the pure expression of the spatial structure.
Similar to the material strategy for the facade wall, we minimise the use of the material for the interior but attempt to reveal the logic of the construction by using shadow gaps to expose the relationship between columns and foor, walls and ceiling, etc.
The main premises of the house is the public area which includes a living room, a dining room, several meeting rooms and a kitchen island - a place of attraction and communication.
The organisation of the space is centred by the naturally lighted atrium + spiral staircase. We opened up some parts of the internal space to become the semi-open space, therefore allowing the circulation to integrate inside and outside spaces and enrich the spatial experience.
A
boutique hotel in Chengdu, China.
The project is located at Wenmiao Street, Dujiangyan City. The site is backed by Yulei Mountain overlooking wenmiao Park. The land for the whole project is mountainous, with a drop of nearly 30 meters from the project near the municipal road to the highest point of the planning red line. The total planned construction land area is 11,662.85 square meters.
By creating series of small volume guest room boxes, to break the building volume and hide it in the mountain, so as to retain the original texture of the site and maximise the integration into the scenic environment of Yulei Mountain.
Yulei Mountain Maison Albar Hotel
The buildings are strategically placed to blend into the mountainous terrain, minimising visual impact on the Wenmiao Park and maintaining harmony with the environment.
The use of traditional materials such as green tiles and natural stone ensures that the architectural style complements the natural setting and cultural heritage of Dujiangyan.
Thank you for your consideration.