Fei Xiong
Syracuse University Selected
Fei Xiong
Contact
Phone: +1 3156076300
Email: fxiong02@syr.edu
145 Avondale Pl. Syracuse NY, 13210
Syracuse University School of Architecture
B.Arch, 2020 - 2025
Study Abroad Program London (2023 fall)
Dean’s List(all semesters)
Relevant Courses
Design Studio, Advanced Building System, Structure, Architectural History, Architectural Theory, Drawing & Representation, Climate/Envirnment Analysis, Parametric Design, Photography
Education Profile
Experience participating in high-profile, large-scale commercial projects and supertall building designs
Solid understanding of facade and structural design
Ability to work in fast-paced environments, maintaining composure and delivering results under tight deadlines. Strong team coordination and communication skills
Expertise in structured feedback, project updates, and presentation skills
Strong spatial awareness and proficiency in representation techniques, including hand-drawing, diagramming, and rendering.
Extensive experience in physical model making, from small-scale to large-scale models, utilizing 3D printing, CNC milling, and woodworking techniques.
Design Skills
Proficient
Rhino, Revit, Vray, Enscape, Twinmotion, D5, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Microsoft Suite.
Intermediate Sketchup, Enscape, AutoCAD, ArcGlS, Grasshopper
Craft
Laser cutting, CNC Milling, 3D printing, Casting, Woodworking
Büro Ole Scheeren 5/2024-8/2024
Architecture Intern
Tencent’s new Headquarter in Shenzhen(SD). P48 - 49
- Responsible for the facade design of the Wing Building, including form adjustment, updating modularization, and developing strategies for sun shading, glazing ratio optimization, and ventilation.
- Developed parametric models for all Wing Building facades using Grasshopper.
- Conducted layout studies for the Wing Building, analyzing column grids, meeting, lobby, MEP, parking and retail space
- Developed South Entrance landscape design, including plaza layout, fountains, skybridges, and paving materials.
- Managed the 3D printing process for the project.
JD.com’s new Headquarter in Shenzhen(DD). P50 - 51
- Participated in facade design for VMU, focusing on ventilation hole density, mullion material selection, and glass material choices.
- Conducted design studies on balcony soffit solutions.
- Contributed to project updates presentations and document preparation for regular client meetings.
- Produced indoor and outdoor renderings and diagrams for the WAF China submission.
Third Year Studio Coordinator Assistant 8/2024 -12/2024
Course UPA / TA
- Designed the student work catalog, handling layout design, printing and binding, coordinating with professors from different sections.
- Coordinated a large-scale project exhibition for a 150-person class during the school’s Parents Weekend
- Managed the design, organization, and production of the junior year-end model exhibition.
Multilingual Narratives Research Assistant 7/2022 -10/2023
Research Assistant at The SOURCE
- Conducted transcription and translation (Chinese and English), performing linguistic segmentation and coding/ annotation of narrative data to ensure multilingual accuracy and consistency
- Collaborated and coordinated with different team members, organized participation in weekly meetings, and contributed to the review of final results.
Studio Tutor 8/2024 - Now
Experience Award
- Regularly coordinated with professors from different sections, facilitated feedback exchange.
- Supported students across various year levels in better understanding curriculum.
- Organized software training workshops, covering tools such as V-Ray, Enscape, and Rhino
Honorable Mentions - eVolo 2024 Skyscraper Competition
Second Prize - NYS Mass Timber Design Competition, 2023
Finalist -The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial Competition,The Buildner, 2021
Silver Prize - 22nd Asian Design Award - Cultural Space
Silver Prize - 22nd Asian Design Award-Ecological, Healthy and Sustainable
Bronze Prize - 22nd Asian Design Award - Culture, Building, Space
Exhibition
Everson Museum of Art, A Little Bit of Syracuse
As a member of the design team, I completed architectural drawings with Architecture Drawing Studio.
PROLOGUE
OMNIPOTENCE AND IMPOTENCE
"Modern Architecture died in St. Louis, Missouri on July 15, 1972 at 3.32 p.m."
-- Charles Jencks
In The Myth of Sisyphus , Albert Camus writes that one must continually struggle against the absurd, even though it can never be fully overcome. The meaning of architecture is much the same. Omnipotence and Impotence are not opposites but a coexisting paradox. What truly matters is accepting architects’ limitations and choosing to confront them. Architecture may not have the power to change the world, but it can transform the way people understand it. Impotence is not an end but a start.
Fei Xiong Syracuse University School of Architecture
01 "URBAN VEIL" - QUILT MUSEUM IN SENECA FALLS
Stories Behind the Stage Spring 2024, Instructor: Terrence Goode
02 "WALL FOR ALL" - PUBLIC LIBRARY IN BERLIN
Inhabitable Wall Fall 2021, Instructor: Gregory Corso
03 "PANOPTICON" - INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT IN NEW YORK A Metaphor of Power Fall 2022, Instructor: Elizabeth Kamell
04 "COLLECTIVE FARMING DEPOT" - URBAN FARM IN LONDON
On Coexistence Fall 2023, Instructor: Amber Bartosh and Vanessa Lastrucci
PROFESSIONAL WORK
Tencent Helix - Intern at Büro Ole Scheeren
JD.com's headquater - Intern at Büro Ole Scheeren
Climate Anaylsis and Optimization Micro Home Design Competition & Exhibition
01 "Urban Veil"
Stage for Invisibles
2024 Spring
Quilt Museum
Instructor: Terrence Goode
Site: Seneca Fall, NY
Collaborators: Pengfeiyu Chen
In this design project, we particularly interested in investigating the role of museums. We believe museums are places where people interact with objects rarely encountered in their daily lives. However, for most museums, this interaction is limited to visitors and lifeless "exhibits." Through investigations, we found that the process from collecting to displaying quilts is lengthy and complex. We believe that dynamic process holds the same value as quilt itselves. Based on this, we attempted to present hidden processs
The building acts as a stage, the protagonist is not only the quilts, but staff who do the conservation everyday. Simultaneously, we want visitors to experience the local urban context while exploring the exhibition. Based on this, we designed a unique tour pathway. This visitor path space neither belongs to the internal "stage" nor the external world; it's sandwiched in between.
"Back
of the house" to "Center of
the house"
Traditional art museums focus solely on exhibiting artworks. However, through our research, we discovered that the processes involved in transporting, storing, inspecting, and maintaining quilts are highly complex and crucial. We aim to turn these behind-the-scenes activities into an integral part of the museum's exhibition. This not only acknowledges the essential work of the staff but also serves an educational purpose for visitors.
Conventional Museum
Gallery
Staff Lobby Auditorium
Spiraling Upward - Main Circulation
Visitors move along a linear pathway that guides them through different levels. While experiencing various exhibitions on each floor, they also gain insight into the different stages of quilt preservation and maintenance. At specific points, the façade opens up to frame outdoor views, creating visual connections with significant landmarks in the city.
To the north and south of the site are two significant public spaces—the Women’s Rights Park and the People’s Park— both of which host numerous community gatherings for the town. The building is situated between two spaces, and is entirely elevated, allowing people to explore the building while maintaining the continuity between the two public areas. This creates a “transit hub” at the base of the structure.
The most striking structural feature is the heroic V-shaped concrete supports, which form a massive framework encircling the central service space. On the exterior, the façade and the visitor circulation path are also organized around this prominent structural system
Structure Logic Urban Transit Hub
Street-Side Facade Design - Luminous Mist
In this model, we experimented with the nighttime effect of the Kalwall facade facing the street, creating a mysterious yet gentle ambiance that invites people to explore.
Response to Irregular Site - Grid System
The site features an irregular shape, leading us to establish two grid systems, one of which is rotated by 20 degrees. Based on these grids, we developed overlapping, intersecting, parallel, and even Z-axis rotations, creating a dynamic facade effect. These effects are primarily concentrated on the street-facing side, where the building density is higher, subtly guiding pedestrian flow through or into the building. In the process, we also explored the components themselves, aiming to create more intriguing proportional studies.
Gallery and Conservation - “Floating Space”
The primary space of the building—the quilt conservation area—is organized around a central core that connects the various volumes. The visitor pathway unfolds around these spaces, leading them upward layer by layer. While viewing the exhibition, visitors can also observe the work of staff in the central conservation area, which is intentionally integrated as part of the exhibition experience
Exploring details with model
We constructed key architectural components in this design, such as the truss structure of roof skylights, ventilation ducts, drainage systems, and insulation, using various models and materials. We also tested the aesthetic effects of combining concrete, metal
Main View
02 "Wall for All"
An Inhabitable Wall
2021 Fall
Program: Public Library
Instructor: Gregory Corso
Site: Berlin
Individual Project
Walls were primarily defensive, divisive, impermeable and physical barriers to human movement. By their nature they have divided societies, blocked communication and created ‘them and us’ scenarios. The demolished Berlin Wall, the Great Wall of China, or Hadrian’s Wall are all cultural icons of global significance， the messaging and connotations surrounding the ‘wall’ in this context are all negative.
In this project, I used carving techniques to create public
Experiment - Composition
Le Corbusier once said that painting was his teacher. In the initial phase of this project, inspired by Purism and Cubism, I deliberately avoided considering any architectural elements.I focused solely on color, proportion, composition, and patterns. Simple shapes were rotated, rearranged, and overlapped; later, more complex forms and curves were introduced. There was no explicit purpose—achieving this sense of pure exploration was precisely my goal at this stage.
Translating Artistic Language - Leaning From Art
After completing the painting, I conducted a series of spatial analyses, focusing on elements such as positive and negative space, overlaps, geometric relationships, axes, background, and foreground. I aimed to preserve as much of the geometric composition I explored during the painting process as possible, while further enhancing its spatial characteristics.
Compositional study: drawing with acrylic paint.
Charles Edouard Jeanneret, Still Life
Exploration of Solid and Void - Volumetric Study
Starting with a solid block, I carved out various solid spaces within it to create functional voids. This transforms the entire wall-like structure into a piece of public infrastructure, with all functions organized around the wall.
Wall as Infrastructure - Landscape, Wall, Activities
Different types of spaces are assembled through a collage approach—interior, exterior, green spaces, paths, and plazas all revolve around the central wall, creating a rich and dynamic spatial experience.
Integration of Three Typologies - Wall and
The complex is composed of three types of walls: thick walls, within which I carved out various functional including servant spaces; thinner walls that guide define more detailed spatial divisions; and low walls far into the landscape, serving both as pathways movement and as seating elements, integrating activity space
walls: massive functional spaces, circulation and walls that extend pathways for directing into the public and Space
The generation logic of the terrain parallels that of the plan, both originating from studies of proportion and composition in painting. The subtle undulations of the terrain in section add richness to the spatial experience, guiding people through different zones—grasslands, pathways, activity areas, and landscapes—creating a dynamic journey across the site.
Land Art – Layers of Terrain
Integration of All Strategies - An “Unplanned” Plan
The entire plan originates from the composition of an oil painting. I spatialized the extracted compositional characteristics, employing techniques such as carving to create spaces within the walls. At the same time, I adopted a more freeform, linear approach to interpreting the initial compositional studies. Each massive wall can also be read as two linear elements. In the final design, I integrated these qualities, ultimately transforming a simple painting into a rich architectural space.
I created spaces between the massive walls, with the undulating terrain making the enclosed areas feel almost like caves. The second-floor spaces are relatively uniform, serving as the archive area of the library. In contrast, the ground floor features diverse spatial variations, functioning as a completely open public zone. Spatial Division - SectionAA’
Although people appear insignificant in front of the massive walls, the carving technique transforms these walls into infrastructures, mitigating their overwhelming sense of powerlessness. The undulating terrain naturally generates functional elements such as seating and steps, while bookshelves, chairs, and other features are seamlessly embedded into the walls.
Cave Experience - SectionBB’
03 "Panopticon"
The Eternal Balance
2022 FALL
Program: International Court
Instructor: Elizabeth Kamell
Site: NewYork
Individual Project
Architecture is not just a physical structure but also an abstract representation of power. From the perspective of architecture, the design, layout, and decoration of buildings respond to the social, political, economic, and cultural context. Throughout history, various architectural styles and types have reflected the authority and status of ruling classes in specific eras. For instance, the columned architecture of ancient Greece embodied the public spaces and collective decision-making of the democratic regime, while the grandiose bathhouses and arenas of the Roman Empire highlighted the opulence and authority of imperial rulers.
In this design project, I attempt to created a space that represents the modern system of power. Based on the theory of the panopticon, re-examine and uncover spatial power relations using symbolic methods. Rather than being merely a building, it is more akin to a schematic representation of power mechanisms reduced to an ideal form. It symbolizes a transparent society where the operation of power is clearly visible, and everyone, regardless of their status, can perceive this system. Their vision is unobstructed, allowing for public scrutiny and interaction of viewpoints.
Single monitor
The circular prison, or panopticon, constructs an environment centered around a single observer. The cells are brightly lit, while the watchtower remains shrouded in darkness. Here, architectural form bestows power upon the individual, positioning them as the embodiment of authority.
Multiple monitors
The most prominent feature of the modern legal system is that "order" reigns supreme over everyone, be it judges or ordinary citizens. Everyone is bound by this system, and simultaneously, everyone contributes to its preservation.
Concept Tanslation - We Come from the Wilderness
In this model, I metaphorically represent the establishment of modern human systems: on a massive stone symbolizing primitiveness and savagery, people have constructed what appears to be a sturdy scaffolding—a form of order. The institutionalized system disciplines everyone, represented by the identical blocks at the top. Through the contrast of structure and materials, I aim to express the concepts explored in my research.
Manhattan - The Construction of Order
New York epitomizes humanity's struggle against nature. On the island of Manhattan, the Dutch imposed a rigid grid based on mathematical logic, creating a precise and orderly framework. This is a quintessential example of the construction of a societal system: starting from wilderness, it evolved into a systemic structure that encompasses and regulates every aspect of the city.
Conceptual Model: We come from wilderness
Urban Response - Conversation With United Nation
The site for the courthouse is located directly opposite the United Nations headquarters. The UN building is defined by a massive rectangular volume, and I mirrored this geometric approach in the design of the international courthouse. A large urban plaza was carved out amid the dense high-rises, reinforcing the connection between the courthouse and the UN building while aligning with the geometric order of the city's grid.
Urban Axis
Contrast Between Purity and Reality - An Anomalous
From an urban perspective, I envision creating something anomalous—visually striking. A completely pure white, sculpture-like building elevated on peculiar stone supports, forming a stark contrast with New York’s intensely dense urban fabric. Functionally, it becomes a new kind of landmark, yet in a sense, it remains profoundly humble, returning space to the city.
Mirror of Culture - Power and Order
Architecture, as a direct expression of social culture, political systems, and economic structures, transcends the limitations of physical space to become a tangible manifestation of societal values and collective memory. This expression is particularly evident in public buildings, where form, function, and openness are imbued with meaning. Through symbolic forms, functional arrangements, and spatial inclusivity, architecture not only preserves history and culture but also shapes future societal understanding and value orientation.
Overlapping Circulation Visual Surveillance
The various sections of the courthouse are separated into individual volumes and placed on either side of a central public spine. This layout forces staff to traverse the atrium space during the course of a trial, making the entire process fully visible and subject to public.
Structural Monumentality - Stone
The columns of ancient Rome, with their intricate carvings and monumental scale, evoke a sense of permanence. I stripped away their decorative facade, leaving only their essence: a massive stone. This is where it all begins
Pre-Stressed Structure
With only two points of support, the structural design primarily relies on a specially customized I-beam to provide stability, reinforced with pre-stressed steel to counteract bending forces. Additionally, on the side supported by the boulder, two tension cables are anchored to the ground and the bottom beam on either side, maintaining balance and ensuring structural integrity.
Transparency - Plan Strategy
The central spine of the building is entirely open, serving as a public space. The various departments of the courthouse are divided into separate volumes, requiring staff to frequently traverse the public area. This design fosters a two-way visual dynamic, where both the public and the staff are mutually visible, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Main Plan
Spatial Rhythm
Visual
Along the Water Flow - Entrance
The entrance to the building is one of the supporting structures—a rectangular block. A sloped ramp guides visitors inside, leading them to elevators that take them to the central area of the building. A flowing stream along the ramp directs the movement of people, subtly guiding their path.
Ground Floor Plan
04 "Collective Farming Depot"
How we live together?
2023 Fall
Program: Urban Farm
Instructor: Amber Bartosh and Vanessa Lastrucci
Site: Highgate London
Collaborators: Yifan Shen, Yue Zhuo
The Collective Urban Farming Depot is conceptualized as a radical solution and a contested urban fantasy Through provocatively choreographing the food system and public participation on a limited site footprint, the project attempts to open up a discussion regarding London's food insecurity, machine production, and human relation to land.
The Farming Depot is an alternative system for the problematic urban food supply system, embodying our critique of the existing food system . It's also a postindustrial monument that nods to the industrial history of London. It is not considered a benevolent and utopian solution but rather an opportunity to radically reimagine the productive method for food, a basic necessity for human survival, in the context of technological advancements in the third decade of the 21st century
Water Storage Cylinder
Conveyor Belt
“Machine
Robotic Arm
Pedestrian Bridge
Temporary Market Plant Shelf
Machine, Life, Living - A New Way of Interaction
This complex introduces a new way of interacting with people—via a mobile app. Users can select the plants they want to grow through the app, and the system automatically assigns a suitable planting module based on the specific needs for water, sunlight, and humidity. The app also allows users to negotiate prices in real time and receive updates. When the plants reach maturity, a large crane-like robotic arm lifts the corresponding module and transports it to a temporary market at the base of the valley for sale, or directly delivers it to nearby restaurants.
Compared to the traditional allotment farming model, this app reflects a new era of interaction, allowing users to engage with the system virtually while maintaining physical distance . We believe this approach not only challenges traditional perceptions of architecture but also introduces a novel mode of interaction between people, technology, and space.
APP user interface
Internship - Büro Ole Scheeren
Tencent Helix in ShenZhen, Stage: SD, May 2024 - August 2024
My role: Responsible for the landscape design of the two main entrances on the south and north sides of the project, including planting areas, water features, fountains, paving, skybridge railings, and planters.
My Role: Responsible for modeling all facades of the Wing Building, including scene setup with vegetation, trees, and ground materials, and producing multi-angle renderings as part of the 50% project submission.
Internship - Büro Ole Scheeren
Tencent Helix in Shenzhen, Stage: SD, May 2024 - August 2024
My Role: Responsible for the mullion node design of the Wing Building facades across various scenarios, including the entrance, terrace, atrium, and roof terrace. Optimized facade design and modular systems based on floor plans, incorporating standardized calculations for ventilation rates and glass transparency areas.
Internship - Büro Ole Scheeren
JD.com New Headquarter in ShenZhen, Stage: DD, May 2024 - August 2024
My Role : Produced indoor and outdoor renderings and diagrams for the project’s submission to the WAF China competition, enhancing the visual presentation and design narrative.
My role: Followed up on the construction progress of the VMU, offering solutions for issues related to ventilation nodes and facade waterfall node design. Coordinated with material suppliers for sample selection, including mullion materials and glass curtain walls, ensuring material quality and design consistency.
Climate Anaylsis and Optimization
Advanced Building System Case Study Partner : Yunan Wei, Hancheng Su
Analyzed the Everson Museum's structural design using Climate Studio and Athena, focusing on daylighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort performance. Evaluated energy consumption based on construction materials and reconstructed the facade using Grasshopper for enhanced performance. My role: took the lead on the project, responsible for drawing detailed nodes, performing data analysis with Climate Studio, and managing the overall layout and evaluation
Previous Work - Micro Home Design
, Fall 2022
Arc222
Partner : Chenxi Li, Tairan Fang
Elevated Commons (2nd Place)
The SUNY ESF Mass Timber Design Competition, 2023 Partner : Yue
The primary design move is to create a functional, humble, but simultaneously monumental roofscape that extends the public space of the quad. Modulation of step height on the roofscape forms different spaces for study, seating for performances and social events, and roof gardens to collect rainwater . During winter, when the roof is covered by snow, it becomes a slope for informal snow sliding . In warmer times, the roof becomes huge bleachers for festivals and outdoor events. Library Roofscape
Zhuo, Ivan Shen
City Scripts - ARC307 Final Exhibition
As UPA, I was fully responsible for the design and production of the exhibition model
A Little Bit of Syracuse
Exhibition in Everson Museum of Art Partner : Zhirun
Meaningless Design - The Normal
In our design school, we were taught a particular aesthetic system that emphasizes ambition, historical context, and formal theory. If we were to view the city through this lens, we would find it filled with numerous chaotic, seemingly "valueless," and "meaningless" designs. However, in this project, we stroll through Syracuse, forgetting the aesthetic norms imposed by the institution, and instead, seek out those buildings that grow wild within the city's soil. They may not be famous, but they reflect the most authentic essence of Syracuse.
Huang
06 Made In Syracuse
Fei Xiong
Syracuse University
fxiong02@syr.edu +1 3156076300