Architecture Portfolio Academic Work by flora_zmr418

FRAME and FLUX

Within the Frame, Beyond the Flux

Framedby Mengru Zhao

Mengru Zhao

(+1)310-948-1696 | zmr2000@g.ucla.edu |

LinkedIn Profile |

Online Portfolio |

Los Angeles, CA, 90025

New graduate student from UCLA MArch program, with a strong foundation in innovative design, sustainability, and technical proficiency. Specializes in creating community-focused spaces that prioritize human interaction, activities, and shared experiences. Experienced in collaborative environments, delivering impactful architectural solutions through advanced tools and methodologies, with a commitment to meaningful and functional design.

EDUCATION

University of California, Los Angeles

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Current GPA: 3.8/4.0

Wenzhou-Kean University, Michael Graves College

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Graduated as Magna Cum Laude Final GPA: 3.9/4.0

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Architectural Intern | NKO Architects

Complete concept and formal design of a comprehensive art center project (Software: Rhino)

Los Angeles, CA, USA Sept 2022-Jun 2025

Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China Sept 2018-Jun 2022

Shanghai, China Jun 2024-Sept 2024

-Refine the overall concept and formal design of massing, conducted analysis of the site conditions, address elevational differences through design, organize functions and circulation based on the program requirements.

Complete parametric design of a city plaza complex project (Software: Rhino, Grasshopper)

-Think over the dimension of the standarized module, apply modular system on the curvature fomal design on the ground using parametric design by grasshopper.

Produce and update presentation visuals (Software: Enscape, Adobe Suite(Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)

-Simultaneously produce or update renderings, analysis diagrams for presentation use. Prepare presentation materials for periodic project review (Software: Microsoft Office(Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

-Organize and compile design concepts and detailed outcomes, summarize and edit word description of projects. INVOLVED IN PROJECTS

- LENGJUN ART CENTER, CHINA

- QINGDAO BAY PLAZA, CHINA

Architectural Design Assistant | Pin Architecture Studio

Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Design interior layouts and movable furniture for small-sized apartment (Software: Rhino, Enscape)

Jan 2021-Mar 2021

-Reorganize the interior space to provide flexible yet functional zoning through the use of movable furbiture.

-Customized movable furniture is designed for the layout and the client, including a storage shelf with a foldable sofa bed and a foldable desk.

Archive existing building (Software: Revit)

-Completed the modeling and documentation of an existed house.

AWARDS & ACHIVEMENTS

CO Architect Fellowship, UCLA, 2024

UCLA AUD Scholarship and Fellowships, 2024

Second-Class Dean’s Scholarship, WKU, 2021

First Place, 2021 Entering WKU Campus: University Threshold Design Contest

First Prize, 2021 Spring WKU Workshop Covid Futures: Idea Proposal

Excellent Award, 2020 Architecture, Culture and Agriculture: The Challenges of Urbanization

SKILLS

(Ordered by Proficiency)

3D Model: Rhino, SketchUp, Revit, Blender, Maya

Graphic: Adobe Creative Suite(Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), AutoCAD

Rendering: Vray, Enscape, Lumion, D5, Unreal Engine

Others: Verbal and Written Communication skills, Teamwork, Presentation

LANGUAGE

Video: Premiere Pro

AI: MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, Agisoft Physical Model: 3D Print, Handmake Microsoft: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

01_OBLIQUE TERRAIN

Comprehensive Design with Existed Building Structures

02_AUTHENTICITY IN FLUX

Adaptive Reuse at Historical Resort Site

03_DUALITY IN BOUNDARIES

OBLIQUE TERRAIN:

A daptive Reuse and Innovative Transformation of A Bowstring Truss

Comprehensive Design with Existed Building Structure

Location: 423-435 S Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Academic | Janurary 2024 - June 2024

Class: A.UD 414-415 | Grade A+

Group Member: Mengru Zhao, Xen Pei Hoi

Tutor: Georgina Huljich (Georgina.Huljich@aud.ucla.edu)

Oblique Terrain is an adaptive re-use project built upon two typical bowstring and mortar warehouse buildings. The project converts the existing bowstring truss warehouse into a highschool for Arts and Architecture.

To achieve the new program, the project re-conceives the existing ground condition as a plate that situates itself within the old. Our proposal adds a new basement as well as a second floor above the “plate” with partial mezzanine levels that improves and expands the existing structure from 15,000 sqft. to 45,000 sqft.

Formed by the alteration of a simple bow string truss, a diagonal “plate” creates a dialogue between new and existing by discretizing moments where both intersect, amplifying our local formal ambitions. By extruding, dividing, shifting, slicing and subtracting new and old masses, we create intricacies of interior, exterior, and in-

between moments when pinched and shifted.

The programs are organized so that dwelling spaces like studios are situated above the plane while spaces that require less lingering are below. For instance, the woodshop and library are located in the basement, programs such as cafe, and galleries are located at the entry level for more public uses. A courtyard is situated below ground and can be directly accessible via the ground floor exterior. The auditorium sits on top the diagonal cut of the building, emphasizing the slope of the configured truss profile.

The altered building appears in contrast to the surrounding streets. Standing brightly colored, within the neighborhood, Oblique Terrain becomes a beacon for attending students and potential anchor for the community as a green open space for the public.

STRUCTURE PROTOTYPE STUDY(INDIVIDUAL WORK)

EXISTING BUILDING STRUCTURE DIAGRAM

Duplicate the truss and flip one of the truss

Add structural joints to connect the two bays of truss

FORMAL AND STRUCTURAL STUDY OF TWO BAYS OF TRUSS (All by Mengru Zhao)

PLATE

Re-conceives the existing ground condition by creating a new connection between the segregated structures.

CIRCULATION

An open-air circulation along the plane connects the two sides of the building.

VOIDS

Creates natural light, ventilation and indoor-outdoor spaces for students.

AUDITORIUM

It is situated on top the diagonal cut of the building, emphasizing the slope of the configured truss profile.

STRUCTURAL DIAGRAM

All original bowstring trusses will be reused from the existing site condition and reinforced with metal joints. The altered profile would afford spaces of enclosure or cantilever depending on where columns are placed. The final truss also produces underbelly spaces that inform the exterior form. All existing steel columns will also be repurposed according to the new bow configuration. The existing Brick and Stone from the demolished walls will be salvaged neatly to prevent breakage. They will be cleaned of mortar and debris for reuse. Unusable masonry materials will be transported to recycling facilities where they can be processed into aggregate for new construction projects.

ACADEMIC

1. Open Studios & Review Spaces

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

2. Classrooms / Open Study Space

7. Special Project Lab

Auditorium SERVICES

Storage

BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN

ACADEMIC

2. Classrooms / Open Study Space

4. Library

6. Wood / Metal Shop

8. Spray Booth

9. Photography Room

ADMINISTRATION

10. Admin Spaces

11. Security Offices

12. Faculty Lounge

13. IT Office

PUBLIC

15. Gallery

16. Lobby / Entrance

SERVICES

17. Cafeteria

19. Receiving / Loading Dock

21. Storage

22. Mechanical Room

While the sliced plate is plugged into the building and intersected within the interior and other respectively at the two sides of the building. At some moments, the spaces formed cafeteria and so on. The massing profile is also

and exterior space, the new transformation of trusses and sliced plate are supported each by these elements become unique spaces for programs like auditorium, library, studio, curved by following the profile of truss structure.

CHUNK MODEL DIAGRAM

MENGRU ZHAO / XEN PEI HOI

AUTHENTICITY IN FLUX:

A New Chapter For The Loggia

Adaptive Melange: Repurposing Architecture, History and Landscape

Location: 423-435 S Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Academic | Spetember 2024 - December 2024

Class: A.UD 401 | Grade A

Tutor: Georgina Huljich (Georgina.Huljich@aud.ucla.edu)

The central concept focuses on reinterpreting and innovating the traditional Italian loggia typology to harmonize with the existing site. This reinterpretation aims to establish a meaningful dialogue between the historic vernacular architecture and contemporary human activities.

By drawing inspiration from the loggia’s defining characteristics—its openness, connection to the surrounding landscape, and role as a social space—the design seeks to integrate these qualities into a modern framework. The new loggias will serve as transitional spaces that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging engagement with Tuscany’s natural beauty and fostering community interaction.

The reinterpretation of the loggia not only honors its historical roots but also positions it as a dynamic space for flexible and inclusive community activities.

The project prioritizes preserving the site’s historical essence while introducing a fresh perspective that respects its cultural significance. Through this approach, the design not only revitalizes the site but also bridges the past and present, creating spaces that honor tradition while accommodating contemporary needs. This fusion of innovation and heritage reinforces the timeless relevance of Italian architectural principles in today’s context.

Indoor and Outdoor Boundaries: Solid Facade & Hard Transition Program and Activity: Fixed Functions & Enclosed Space

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BOUNDARIES: Solid Facade & Hard Transition PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY: Fixed Functions & Enclosed Space

Focus on the Main Villa and the Major Building that frame the exist open plaza Choose the area that connect to more possibity of openness

Focused on THE MAIN VILLA and THE MAJOR BUILDING that frame the exist open plaze. Choose the area that connect to more possibility of openness.

Open up the

Elinimate

Open up the ground between private Enrich

Elinimate

Populate

The design concept originates from observing an essential open space within the site, framed by the existing building’s hard enclosures. While these enclosures provide a sense of definition and structure, they also create a stark and rigid transition between interior and exterior activities and impose significant limitations by obstructing the diverse and expansive views in various directions around the resort.

In addressing these challenges, the typology of the loggia emerges as a compelling design solution. Rooted in Italian architectural tradition, the loggia provides a framework for enhancing spatial openness, visual connection, and functional flexibility. By carefully analyzing the site’s layout, the design focuses on three primary areas surrounding the open space. These areas are strategically positioned to centralize and amplify the role of the plaza, transforming it into a vibrant focal point that unifies the resort and reinforces its connection to the surrounding landscape.

By reimagining the loggia as a multifunctional hub—hosting events such as local markets, art exhibitions, workshops, and seasonal festivals—it transforms the resort into a vibrant cultural and social epicenter. This approach invites a diverse audience, blending tourists and locals, to engage in a shared experience of Tuscany’s rich traditions and contemporary creativity.

The project focuses on exploring the concept of binary, mainly manifested in three aspects: space, function, and materiality. By introducing two different types of structural walls, the enclosed wall and the glazed wall, a cross-over between space and function is achieved. Additionally, the different material properties of these walls present a stark contrast in light transmission.

The basic configuration of the building consists of three large volumes, connected by two linear chain-like corridors leading to different activity spaces. The intersection points also offer possibilities for the visual and physical accessibility of the greenhouse, thereby distinguishing the privacy levels of the three volumetric buildings.

SECTIONAL SERIES DIAGRAM

The corridor ramps bridge the spaces within and outside the building, as well as between different floors, mitigating the variations in height. Consequently, at various sectional positions, this creates a diversity of spatial relationships in the vertical dimension.

Location of Greenhouse

WALL TYPE DIAGRAM

Each space is composed of two types of walls, serving as the primary structural components that support the volume. Glazed walls use butter joints without steel frames to maintain the simplicity of the form. The variation of different wall types endows the space with more possibilities and experiential qualities.

Enclosed Walls

Glazed Walls

SECTION AA’

Within the three main buildings, there are four greenhouse gardens, each spanning two stories in height and featuring plants from different regions. The connection via ramped corridors allows visitors to sequentially experience various ecological environments and plant species.

27‘-5’‘

21‘-4’‘

-6‘-0’‘

0 5 10 15 20 30

SECTIONS BB’

The design of the ramps also mitigates the height differences between the three volumes, enabling visitors to smoothly transition from the site entrance to the second floor or the double-height spaces. This arrangement allows for the observation of plants and the experience of interior spaces from varying heights.

12‘-4’‘

CHUNK MODEL

Made with wood plates, cardboard, 1/16” transparent acrylic sheets, 3D print.

The entire model features two of the greenhouse gardens and one of the corridors. This corridor weaves through two main buildings, starting from the site entrance. It gently slopes through the first greenhouse, leading to the secondfloor indoor area, and then passes through the greenhouse again to reach another one of the second main building.

From the frontal elevation perspective, the model effectively showcases the interplay of the volumes and the different spatial atmospheres.

STUDY MODEL_1

Made with museum cardboard.

The glass curtain walls are left blank and represented by frames to emphasize the contrast between the Atwo materials.

Bird’s-eye view, experience the overall configuration and form of the main buildings and the interwoven corridors.

STUDY MODEL_2

Made with cardboard and transparent acrylic sheet.

Use the contrast of materiality to decide which wall could be transparent and observe the intersection between walls.

REIMAGINING THE TRACT: Balancing Shared and Private Spaces in Co-Living

LA House Design

This project is pursuing a co-living community with various potentials for the use of shared pavilions but still maintaining some privacy and individuality with a private garden and comfortable interior living space.

The project began with the study of five typical residential types in Los Angeles, from which design languages were extracted to achieve new housing designs at a higher density. “Tract” highlights the individuality between houses within a block, where each house has a front yard with a garage along the alley.

To increase density while also expanding public space, the garage is converted into a multifunctional room and the alley is repurposed as a communal street at the central axis of the lot site. This transformation is unique to the tract due to the detached composition of the garage along the alley.

Location: No Site Location, Typical LA Lot Academic | April 2023-June 2023

Individual Work in A.UD 401 | Grade A+ Tutor: Yara Feghali (yara.feghali@aud.ucla.edu)

COMMUNITY (KITCHEN, OFFICE, GYM, STUDY ROOM...

CONCEPT DIAGRAM

Originally, each tract house occupied a large site with a garage and front yard facing the entrance, and a back yard facing the living room on the backside. The strategy is to convert the garage into a communal room and densify the units into a large lot site.

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

The ten pavilions along the central axis work as different communal rooms, framing a shared community street which open to every resident to walk through and enter into their own properties. The parking is arranged together along the alley.

UNIT DIAGRAM

There are two 1200 units at the diagonal corner of the site, and the five 900 units and three 600 units are interspersed distribution.

GARAGE

B’

SECTION

Each unit is independent, adhering to fixed spacing proportions, thereby creating shadow on the side yard. Also, on the side where the staircases

RENDERING

Public sharing space along the central axis, also connect to the stone path towards the private entrance of each unit.

SECTION AA’

creating a dynamic rhythm. The cantilevered part on the second floor could make more staircases are located, there is a steep slope to create a pitched roof.

RENDERING

Each unit has a balcony facing the central public area on the second floor, allows for visual connection with public community life.

SEPARATE FLOWS, SHARED INSIGHTS: Art Brut Center for Healing and Engagament

Art Therapy Institution Based on Art Brut in China

As a niche art category in China, Art Brut has not aroused widespread recognition and understanding of the public, but it is particularly important to some social groups.

This project aims to reflect the conflict between Art Brut and mainstream art by designing a Art Brut association center based on art healing. Thus, the circulation and space are separated for two groups of people. While providing a painting place for creators (“patients”) and the public (“visitors”), it also enhances the public’s understanding and acceptance of Art Brut and enlightens the public to stimulate their innermost inspiration and creativity.

Location: Gongyi Xintiandi, Shanghai, China Academic | September 2021-December 2021 Individual Work in B.A. | Grade A

Structural Analysis and Regulation of Protected Building

The site is located in Shanghai Gongyi Xintiandi, a landmark for charity park carrying a century of charity history.

Due to the regulations of heritage architecture, those buildings are the third protective category, thus the façade, interior configuration, wooden staircase, and the roof structure should be reserved. Other structural elements should be modified based on construction principles. Therefore, I kept the exterior façade and demolished the interior columns.