Location: 1200 E California Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91125
The Resnick Sustainability Center is a mass timber home for bold climate solutions. The center stands as a vibrant nexus of innovation and collaboration, where experts from diverse scientific disciplines converge to tackle the world's most urgent climate and sustainability challenges.
Functioning as a maker space for scientific exploration, the center employs a smart core approach, situating all its core components to the sides, and flexible floors that optimize spatial planning through a universal grid and modular adaptability. This design strategy offers flexible open floors that accommodate various research areas including a biosphere engineering facility, a solar science and catalysis center, a translational science facility, teaching labs, and more.
The center's design promotes engaged social interaction. A multi-story connecting atrium, flooded with natural light, encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and the mass timber structure that frames it reinforces the building’s mission. Draped over the social spaces is a responsive skin – a dynamic facade of cold-warped glass with diagonal fins that enhances energy efficiency and optimizes natural light and thermal comfort, embodying the center's dedication to advancing sustainable building practices.
Positioned at the forefront of innovation, the center is designed to lead transformative solutions in climate and environmental sustainability, setting a new standard for sustainable architecture and research collaboration.
Responsive Skin
Sensors, energy generating, passive + active connected
Engaged Social Space
Vertically connected atrium, spatial diversity, public program, indoor outdoor connections.
Floors
Universal grid, High bay, Modular Plug and Play adaptability
Smart Core(s)
Components size / Capacity Prefabrication
A. Rooftop armature for integrate research
B. Storm-water management
C. Operable vents utilize atria as thermal buffer to lab spaces
D. Atria provides stack effect ventilation
E. Mechanical exhaust aids stack effect when required and allows for building air flush during off hours
F. Native and climate-adapted plantings
G. Reuse process water from experiments
H. Smart systems driven by sensor feedback loops
I. Data exchange that drives automated systems
J. Maximize daylighting deep into the floor plates and basement
K. Borrowed daylight from atrium to Labs
L. Algorithmically Optimized Solar shading fins reduce solar heat gain by 60%, reduce glare and increase daylight penetration
M. Low-E glazing achieves optimal energy performance
N. Rooftop PV for both research and building power production
O. Carbon Sequestration 50 carbon sequestering trees will be planted along with native, drought-resistant flora
P. Enhanced control of exhaust fans to reduce power consumption when not required
Q. Mass timber structure
R. Healthy and non-polluting interior finishes throughout
S. LED lighting and enhanced lighting control system (integration with BAS)
T. Direct evaporative cooling system to reduce mechanical chiller load
U. Utilize proximity of adjacent building to provide shading of south façade
Flex
ATRIUM STAIR - LEVEL 01 PLAN ATRIUM
PLANTER SECTION
PLANTER
DUBAI WATERFRONT TOWER (D3)
Size: 1,120,000 SF
Year: 2023 (Concept)
Client: EMAAR Properties
Role in Team: Competition Phase
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Category: Mixed-use | Residential | Commercial
This project involves the design of a flagship tower as part of a prestigious waterfront development. The aim is to create an iconic structure that not only enhances the district's skyline but also embodies innovation, sustainability, and a strong visual identity. The tower will serve as a central landmark, integrating various amenities and spaces that connect the building to its urban and natural surroundings.
Our design philosophy focuses on optimizing site parameters and incorporating sustainability principles. The tower's form and facade are designed to enhance views, maximize solar efficiency, and create a dynamic presence that reflects the spirit of the district. The design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, connecting the building to the natural environment.
The Oval scheme features a gracefully tapered form that rises towards a distinct crown, creating a sense of upward motion that complements the tower's elegant profile. The curved and faceted glass facade is meticulously designed to evoke the image of a billowing sail, enhancing the tower’s visual connection to the waterfront. The integration of expansive green terraces further strengthens this connection, creating a seamless blend between architecture and nature. This careful attention to form and detail establishes the Oval scheme as a visually striking and sustainable landmark, contributing significantly to the district's overall identity and appeal.
MASSING ITERATIONS
LYNDA AND STEWART RESNICK AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION CENTER (AIC)
This building, supported by a generous donation from Lynda and Stewart Resnick, reflects UC Davis’ deep commitment to addressing critical challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Designed in collaboration with CannonDesign’s sustainability and science + technology team, and built by Hensel Phelps, the facility will serve as a hub for innovative research and education.
The building features diverse classrooms and flexible laboratories dedicated to five key research areas: agricultural byproducts, water and energy efficiency, next-generation technologies, crop resilience, and expanding access to nutritious food. These spaces will support cutting-edge work in sensor and robotics prototyping, big data and AI, and molecular analysis.
As the Center for Agricultural Innovation, this facility will drive advancements in sustainable food production, nurture future agricultural leaders, and contribute to global efforts to balance food supply with environmental stewardship. The building is designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and long-term impact.
The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter at the University of Utah is a pioneering facility that integrates student housing, experiential learning, and entrepreneurial spaces, all focused on driving positive social impact. Designed in collaboration with MHTN Architects, this multidisciplinary hub brings together a diverse population of students, impact investors, policy experts, and entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to advancing ideas that can change the world.
The building offers dynamic and flexible spaces, including six floors of student housing, active collaboration areas, and quiet study cubicles. The first-floor Forum serves as a central gathering place where residents and visitors can engage in a wide range of activities, from speaker series to impact investing pitches. The design also emphasizes sustainability, incorporating passive thermal strategies, all-electric systems, and low-water landscaping to minimize the building's environmental footprint.
By housing the Sorenson Impact Center and the Business, Health, and Prosperity Center, the Epicenter creates a unique living-learning environment where students can collaborate with professionals to tackle global challenges. The facility's diverse programming and varied international dining options reflect the inclusive and innovative nature of the building, ensuring that it serves as a true nerve center for social innovation and lasting impact on the university and beyond.
ELEVATION
BRICK
BRICK
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-NORTHRIDGE (CSUN)NORTHRIDGE
CENTER REPLACEMENT (NRC)
BASIC NEED SUITE (BNS)
Size: 86,180 SF, 7,900 SF
Client: California State University, Northridge Location: Northridge, California
Role in Team: DD and CD Phase Year: 2026 (In Progress)
Team: KPFF, John A Martin, Pamela Burton, P2S Engineering
The Northridge Center Replacement (NRC) project involves demolishing the outdated existing facility and replacing it with a new two-story building of approximately 86,180 GSF. This new building will provide enhanced gathering, meeting, and lounge spaces to better serve the needs of the CSUN student body. Alongside the NRC, the Basic Needs Suite (BNS) is undergoing a 7,900 SF renovation to include both indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring a Food Pantry, Student Closet, and shared community space.
The NRC design aims to create a functional and modern environment that addresses the university’s need for versatile and inclusive spaces. The BNS renovation is specifically focused on creating a supportive environment for students, offering essential resources like a community kitchen and professional clothing shop, all within a refreshed and welcoming setting.
The NRC will introduce state-of-the-art facilities that align with the university's goals for student engagement and community building. The BNS, with its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, will provide a vital resource hub for students, reinforcing the university’s commitment to addressing student needs comprehensively.
Together, the NRC and BNS projects represent a significant investment in the university's infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. By providing modernized spaces and essential services, these projects ensure that CSUN remains a supportive, vibrant, and dynamic environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
FURNITURE PLAN
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
EMAAR PLOT B.007 TOWER FACADE STUDIES
Size: 485,000 SF
Client: California EMAAR Properties
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Role in Team: Concept Phase
Year: 2023 (Concept)
Category: Mixed-use | Residential | Commercial
This project involved a two-month facade study for an EMAAR residential complex. Our task was to develop facade surfaces based on EMAAR's standard floor plans, with flexibility to adjust window placements and balcony areas. The key requirements were that the window-to-wall ratio should be less than 50%, and the balcony area should not exceed 15% of the unit area.
The client desired a facade that clearly conveys the essence of residential architecture, emphasizing warmth and comfort, rather than creating a landmark building. Based on these guidelines, we developed and refined 10 design options, focusing on balancing aesthetic appeal with the functional constraints. the client selected two of the proposed designs for final detailed development, ensuring that the chosen facades met both the visual and practical requirements of the project.
FACADE ITERATIONS REFINED
Changsha Preschool Normal School, Changsha, Hunan, China
Wengyuan Urban Planning Exhibition, Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
Miluo Humanity Hospital, Miluo, Hunan, China
Wengyuan Community Center for Elderly, Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
Wengyuan Municipal Service Center, Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
Wengyuan Municipal Service Center, Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
During my time at Qingbo Studio, I worked on more than ten projects of different sizes, including single-family housing, residential, education, healthcare, mixed-use, cultural, and commercial. I was responsible for the design of four cultural projects and a single-family housing project. Three of the projects have been completed.
CHANGSHA PRESCHOOL NORMAL SCHOOL
Professional Works
Category: Education
Site: Changsha, Hunan, China
Role in Team: 3D visualization, Digital Modeling, Presentation
This project is a campus planning for a new campus of the university, including teaching buildings, administrative offices, library, and student housings. The main challenge of the project was that there were three large hillsides on the site. Hence, the proposal had to meet the specified area requirements and make full use of the topography and landscape. The concept of our proposal was to take full advantage of the landscape, to create a variety of intermediary Spaces to introduce the landscape into the building, and to encourage students to interact outside.
Ground FLoor
Level 2
EXTERIOR RENDERING | LIBRARY
EXTERIOR RENDERING | TEACHING AREA
EXTERIOR RENDERING | ENTRANCE OF TEACHING
Professional Works
Category: Mixed-Use
Site: Changsha, Hunan, China
Role in Team: 3D visualization, Documentation, Presentation, Graphic Design
The complex consists of three core towers and a bottom podium, with a total building height of 99 meters. The podium is for commercial space, and the three towers are for apartments. The biggest challenge of the project was how to maximize the business value of the bottom podium. Therefore, we analyze the business value of different streets and layout podium buildings according to various business values. We selected the optimal layout through a dozen rounds of program comparison.
Ground Floor Plan
MILUO HUMANITY HOSPITAL
Professional Works
Category: Healthcare
Site: Miluo, Hunan, China
Role in Team: 3D visualization, Presentation
This is a general hospital, including outpatient, inpatient, and emergency departments. The challenge of the project was to determine the entrance to the site. The three entrances serve different programs. Since four roads surround the site, we determined the corresponding building programs of each entrance according to the levels of different roads and then adjusted the building forms to adapt to the site boundaries
WENGYUAN COMMUNITY CENTER FOR ELDERLY (COMPLETED)
Professional Works
Category: Cultural
Site: Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
Role in Team: Research, Concept Design, Presentation, Documentation
This project is located in the old town of Wengyuan County, with a dense population and buildings, and the community lacks a place for people's activities and interaction. Therefore, we propose to make the building a community connector in the old town, encouraging and inviting residents to use public space. The biggest challenge of this project was how to deal with the height difference of 3 meters inside the site. We propose to adapt to the height difference of the site and create different levels of public activity space.
2
Level 4
Level 3
Level 5
Level
Professional Works
Category: Cultural
Site: Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
Role in Team: Research, Concept Design, Presentation, Documentation
The project consists of two parts, one is the administrative service center, the other is the archives center. The challenge of this project was to combine two different programs. Archives and administrative service centers overlap in some programs, such as reception centers and offices. Therefore, we arranged the public space with the same program on the ground floor. Two different parts of the second and third floors are separated by an aerial courtyard. Finally, these two parts are connected again on the fourth and fifth floors to serve as offices.
Ground Floor Plan
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
WENGYUAN URBAN PLANNING EXHIBITION
Professional Works
Category: Cultural
Site: Wengyuan County, Guangdong, China
Role in Team: Research, Concept Design, Presentation
Wengyuan County is famous for its rich orchids in history, so we plan to design the architecture with orchids as the theme. In this proposal, the building is divided into two parts. The base at the lower part of the building is modeled on the petals of orchids, with three different pedestals. The superstructure is like a stamen on top of a petal.
