Architecture Portfolio 2025

PORTFOLIO

2021 -2024 Selected Works

Mingyang Zhu

Bureau of Fire No.33

Celebrates firefighters’ past and present through unique architectural forms and monumental expressions.

PROJECT PARTNER: Angela Yang, Tina Han, Isabella Shi

STUDIO PROFESSOR: Niloufar Alenjery, Gerard Damiani

SITE: Pittsburgh, PA

The fire station is a discussion of the contrast between dynamic and static, hasty and tranquil, and public and private which can exist in harmony. The station not only functions as a “host” to firefighters and the public, but also as a dynamic training facility in action and a reflective history exhibition on display.

Positioned between the bustling commercial areas of the Strip and the prominence of the downtown region, the Strip Fire Station features bold, angular geometries that bridge communities and honor the spirit and contribution of firefighting. The station is not only an emergency response hub but also a landmark of civil engagements.

Analysis and Reimagine

Positioned between the bustling commercial areas of the Strip and the prominence of the downtown region, the Strip Fire Station features bold, angular geometries that bridge communities and honor the spirit and contribution of firefighting. The station is not only an emergency response hub but also a landmark of civil engagements.

Massing Development

Three main pieces of masses are designed. The drive-through apparatus bay, an exhibition space sitting on top of it celebrating the history of firefighting, and a support & living space that aligns with the apparatus. The circulation cores are inserted in between the masses and the roof of the building is connected by ramps to form a training ground.

Credit to Tina Han

Vignette of Exhibition

Vignette of Bay

Vignette of Media Room

Vignette of Public Entrance

Credit to Angela Yang

Credit to Isabella Shi

Credit to Tina Han

Explode Structure Analysis

Detial Explode

Physical Models

Credit to Isabella Shi

Apparatus Bay

Credit to Angela Yang

The fire station shows firm and sculptural at the apparatus bay, while being light and translucent at the exhibition space, creating a contrast between the two major volumes. The exterior walls of the apparatus are covered by a GFRC concrete shell, and the exhibition space is covered with a double-skin facade composed of LOW-E glazing and polycarbonate sheets on the two sides. Occupiable rooftop, which would be a training and exercise ground, is made of a hydrotech system with permeable pavers, water drainage layer, and recycled rubber sheets.

Credit to Tina Han

Rear Render

Upham's Corner Library

A library acts like a memory device and diffuser of social knowledge, information and culture.

Individual Work

STUDIO PROFESSOR: Erica Cochran Hameen, Jeremy Ficca

SITE: Boston, MA

Library becomes a center for preserving cultural heritage, developing information resources, participating in social education, bringing help and connection to the community of upham's corner. At the same time, this institution will not stick to the traditional image of the library, it will deform and separate according to the space and function, transforming the library space into a brand new experience. Here, the traditional reading space and children's and teenagers' spaces are staggered up and down through corridors and staircases, and the elevated floor space connects the outdoor area with open reading and other activities, revealing a new combination of experiences that will allow the historic cemetery and the community to establish a true bond with the library.

Concept Collages

Front Elevation

Short Section 1

Short Section 2

Meta-Morphosis

Steel Necklace that construct the identity of city through its cultural, social, and ecological systems.

PROJECT PARTNER: Angela Yang

STUDIO PROFESSOR: Heather Bizon, Ala Tannir, Vicky Achnani

SITE: Pittsburgh, PA

The project envisions the transformation of Pittsburgh's urban landscape from 2030 to 2060. From the traditional steel industry to robotics, medicine, and agri-technology, the story unfolds in three key locations: a vibrant transportation hub, a refreshed research and development district, and an innovative community complex. The project challenges conventional notions of urban growth and decay, revealing a vibrant mega-community that seamlessly integrates living, working and recreational spaces. This transformative vision forms a compelling tapestry that redefines the future of urban living in Pittsburgh.

By imaging and setting an envisioned industrial redevelopment of Pittsburgh, and future population growth design studies and space inventories, identify and select housing, infrastructure, and activity types to be studied, deconstructed, and reconfigured. Again, trying to re-break down and reconsider the new composition and structure of the infrastructure, housing, and activities to be considered. Utilize digital collage strategies (geometric and textural overlays) in this phase to design a catalog of hybrid objects that redefine the typology (spatial, structural, material, contextual, scalar).

Svalbard

Manek Chowk

Hybird 1 Hybird 2

Hybird 1 + 2

Growing Process

Development on 3 Sites

Credit to Angela Yang

Morphosis

Among three sites, Herr’s Island is introduced. The island’s old factories and historic structures have been dismantled and replaced by new facilities. At Herrs island the aim is revitalizing this community as an entertainment complex for people after working in the strip district. The hybrid develops from the existing sportswear center near the riverfront and it continues to metabolize on the waterside, bringing docks and interactive gardens within the modular living spaces.the basic modules and frames from house NA and seed vault as a starting point to simulate the form and process of growth and extension of the system.

Growing Phase

Starting from the 12*12 scaffolding, the whole neighborhood becomes layered interesting spaces from the simple stacking at the beginning. On top of the scaffolding framework, I start to introduce solid spatial units to grow between the frames.These frames increase from the bottom up around the main branches and the living units begin to fill in and generate differential spaces, between private life and open activities with community engagement.

Room Growing Types

The core walkway and vertical core serve as primary circulation, while the open platform and minor stairs help to link between living units and half-open spaces. 12*12 frames become relatively private living spaces, some of which are connected to each other and some of which are misplaced, revealing different possibilities in the whole process of growth. To further differentiate open, half-open, and private spaces, we introduce the arc mesh frame to support it. The arc mesh spaces provide extra space for residents to relax, play, and enjoy connections with others. In this phase, we turn several arc spaces into open kitchens to welcome people living in different spaces to enjoy cooking and share experiences with others.

Long Section

Vignette

Lop Nur, XInjiang, China

41.725°N, 88.3588°E

The Ripple

4

The Last Nuclear Bomb Momerial Landscape Design.

PROJECT PARTNER: Isabella Shi, Tina Han

SITE: Lop Nur, Xinjiang, China

The project choose the nuclear test site of Lop Nor for a deep reflection and design, comparing nuclear war to a falling drop of analysis on the use of nuclear weapons.