To whom it may concern,
I have had the immense pleasure of teaching Pei Chen in my studio and elective in the Maser of Architecture program at the University of Technology Sydney. Pei has been absolutely exceptional in both subjects. His attitude and work ethic throughout the entirety of the semester was phenomenal, and he made the teaching experience an immensely enjoyable one.
The studio examines the application of complex algorithmic processes, primarily evolutionary algorithms, in the design of urban scale projects. These algorithmic processes require the students to engage in both complex thinking, as well as advanced computational literacy, both in which Pei excelled. At the start of the semester, Pei knew little computation; within a few short weeks, he developed his skills to an extent that allowed him to learn plugins for grasshopper and apply them within his parametric model without guidance. By the end of the semester, Pei was one of the shine-out students in class, becoming an expert in parametric modelling in grasshopper, as well as evolutionary computation, environmental design, and spatial and axial analysis. His project, titled ‘An Alternative Model for Urban Renewal: The Algorithmic (Re)-Development of Xian Village’ examined the complex problem of urban cultural erasure, in which old, heritage rich cities are being demolished for 20th century modernist urban models. His project examined Xian Village in the Guangzhou district of China and was an immense success. His project was submitted as a paper to the 2022 Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA) conference and has been accepted for publication. I highly encourage you to ask Pei about this project and listen in to the various innovations (both computational as well as design) that he was successful in accomplishing.
Pei has shown great attitude working individually as well as part of a team. His thirst for knowledge has been tremendously rewarding for those around him, and his contribution to the class pedagogy is one that stands out amongst his peers. I highly endorse Pei’s application and fully recommend him to join your organisation
Kind regards, Dr. Mohammed Makki
PhD, Architectural Association
Senior Lecturer, University of Technology Sydney
Co-Founder, MSSM Associates
Co-Founder, Wallacei – An Evolutionary Engine for Grasshopper3D Tutor, AA Visiting School – Osaka
Authorised Rhino 3D Trainer
E: mohammed.makki@uts.edu.au T: (02) 9514 8810