Discovering my passion for architectural history and the preservation of architectural heritage.
Master’s training in architectural history and theory.
Curiosity about the Technologies and Cultural Adaptations driving architectural development.
Investigating how historical knowledge can be used as a tool to infer how technology drives and transforms architectural development.
Actively studying recent technologies such as programming languages, big data, robotic assembly, and AI-driven design.
My Goal:
To actively embrace the latest technologies and use history as a research tool to explore potential future developments in architecture.
I am Zhenxing Hong. Having recently completed my master’s training at Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, and about to receive my Master’s degree in Architecture, I am set to continue my architectural journey after accumulating years of practical experience and academic knowledge across these three regions. “ ”
Company Project: Guangzhou Restaurant Likoufu Group Meizhou Industrial Park 01.
Company Project: Wanfu Biotechnology Company Industrial Park
School Project: Dynamic Space & Time: Towards a True Mixed-Use Model
Workshop: Robotic Assembly and Modular System
School Project: Intergenerational Co-Housing Community
School Project: Guesthouse Renewal Design
School Project: Modernization Exploration of Taiwanese Indigenous Architecture: Churches
School Project: Historical Investigation and Reuse
School Project(Product Design): Automatic Warning Device
Competition: Under the Overpass 10.
Research Project(Conference Paper): Empowering Collective Housing with Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Collective Living 11.
Research Project: IoT-Based Smart City Parking Development 12. Ceramics & Painting 13.
Guangzhou Restaurant Likoufu Group Meizhou Industrial Park
This project involves the new industrial park established by Guangzhou Restaurant Likoufu Group in Meizhou City. The park comprises office buildings, dormitories, production workshops, and warehouses. During my internship at Guangzhou Zhonghong Architectural Design Co., Ltd., I was highly involved in the entire project cycle. My role as a design assistant included conducting site visits and research for the industrial park and production workshops, performing site analysis, and collecting data. I participated in scheme evaluation and comparison, addressing complex issues related to production processes and the functional layout of the park. Additionally, I was involved in drafting, modeling, rendering, and document preparation.
Year: 2018-2019
Location: Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Type: Company Project
Responsibilities: Research, Design, and Visualization
Status: Project awarded and completed
Building Program
1. Ground Floor Plan of Office Building
2. First Floor Plan of Office Building
3. Second Floor Plan of Office Building
4. Production Workshop Floor Plan
5. Ground Floor Plan of Dormitory
6. Floor Plans of Dormitory (All Levels)
Design Elements Translation
Traditional Building Courtyard
Traditional Building Sloped Roof
Lattice Window Elements
Gray-White Tone of Lingnan Architecture
Blue Modern Glass
Green Natural Environment
Wanfu Biotechnology Company Industrial Park
This project involves the new industrial park established by Wanfu Biotechnology Company in Songshan Lake, Dongguan. The park includes functions such as office spaces, research and development facilities, residential support amenities, and office buildings available for lease. In this project, I served as an Assistant Scheme Designer, responsible for site analysis, data collection, calculation of economic and technical indicators, and scheme evaluation to provide land acquisition proposals. I participated in scheme design, addressing complex issues related to the impact of underground public transportation tracks on building structural performance. Additionally, I was involved in drafting, modeling, rendering, and document preparation.
Year: 2020
Location: Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China
Type: Company Project
Responsibilities: Research, Design, and Visualization
Status: Completed
Design Methodology
STEP1 The current site conditions are good. How can we create a unique park?
STEP2 Introduce Triangle Courtyards 1 and 2 in the central area to enhance the spatial perception of the building's street-facing facade.
Scattered courtyards surround the site, with three major functional zones independently distributed, preserving parts of the lychee grove and the hillside terrain.
STEP4 Segment the building masses, with different functions assigned to separate, standalone zones.
STEP5 Apply different depth treatments to the building masses to meet space requirements and enrich the architectural layering.
STOP3 Cut the street corner to echo the form of the building on the left, creating a "Z"shape.
STEP6 Generate the final architectural form.
Site Plan
Ground Floor Plan
Dynamic Space & Time: Towards a True Mixed-Use
This project, completed in the Digital Design Unit of the Architecture Department at Technische Universität Darmstadt, explores changes in building internal systems when permanent architectural elements such as walls, ceilings, and columns become movable, and when construction machinery is integrated into the building itself.
In this project, I designed a system where robotics and modular elements are seamlessly integrated. This system allows the building’s space to be quickly reconfigured to accommodate different functional requirements as they arise. I investigated how current robotic systems can work in coordination and how material properties influence the design of modular unit systems. Based on this research, I selected CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) as the material and designed a robotic assembly system in collaboration with robotic swarms. Different scales of robots are assigned specific modules and tasks, such as transportation and assembly.
Year: 2024
Location: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
Type: School Project (Individual), Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany
Responsibilities: Research, Design, and Visualization
Status: Completed
Mixed-Use Model
This is an innovative architectural project designed to redefine urban living by seamlessly integrating multiple functions within a single, dynamic structure. This six-story building, each floor approximately 6000 square meters, is meticulously planned to adapt to the evolving needs of a bustling urban environment. The use of modular and robotic assembly technologies is central to achieving a flexible and efficient mixeduse model, ensuring continuous operation 24/7 throughout the year.
The building employs a modular design with components akin to LEGO blocks, which can be assembled and reconfigured quickly using robotic tech-
nology. This approach not only enhances construction efficiency but also allows for dynamic spatial adjustments to accommodate seasonal changes, events, and varying user needs.
Robotic Assembly and Modular System
Spatial Forms & Function
Robotic Construction Workflow:
Processing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Elements
This process involves the precise machining and shaping of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels to meet specific construction requirements.
Pre-assembly
Utilize robotic arms to assemble modular components into various module blocks.
Assembly and Disassembly
Building module blocks offer high flexibility and can be used for multiple design schemes. This means that when spatial needs or layouts (forms) change, the module blocks can be quickly disassembled and reassembled to create new spatial configurations or forms.
Robotic and Modular Database
Robotic Assembly and Modular System
This workshop was conducted at the Digital Design Unit of the Architecture Department at Technische Universität Darmstadt. As a precursor to modular design, the workshop focused on understanding the various types of robotic arms and how they work together. We learned to program robotic arms using Grasshopper.
Year: 2024
Location: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
Type: Workshop, Technische Universität Darmstadt
Responsibilities: Research and Visualization
Status: Completed
This diagram illustrates my research findings on how large robotic arms and small robots collaborate. Small robots are responsible for transporting goods and performing minor assembly tasks, while large robotic arms handle construction. The diagram shows their working coordination through their movement trajectories.
Robot Arm Control Logic
Combinatorial / Discrete Design
Set up Robotic Environment
Task / Motion Planning
Create Robotic Program
Simulation & Visualization
Robotic Arm Work Environment Simulation
Robotic Arm Construction Scenario Simulation
Robotic Arm Programming
Robotic Arm Assembly Testing
Top View Front View
Intergenerational Co-Housing Community
This project is a co-housing community designed specifically for both young people and the elderly, aimed at fostering interaction between different age groups and enhancing community vitality. The ground floor is designed as an open public space accessible to both community residents and the general public. These spaces include, but are not limited to, multipurpose halls, libraries, gyms, and cafes, providing areas for socializing, learning, and leisure activities, thereby injecting vibrancy into the entire community. The second floor and above are dedicated to private residential units for community residents. These units are designed to be comfortable and well-equipped, catering to the diverse needs of both the young and the elderly. The design not only offers convenient public facilities but also ensures the privacy of residents, creating a harmonious and dynamic living environment.
Year: 2021
Location: Taiwan
Type: School Project, Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Responsibilities: Research, Design, and Visualization
This project involves the renovation and expansion of an existing guesthouse due to operational demands. The project includes preserving the existing foundation where appropriate and expanding the building’s scale. The site is characterized by steep terrain and is located adjacent to the Li River. The design primarily follows the elevation changes of the site, focusing on creating courtyards to maximize landscape views while minimizing earthwork. Key and reasonable foundation positions are preserved, certain areas are demolished, and new structures are added based on future operational needs.
Year: 2018-2019
Location: Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China
Type: School Project, Guangdong Water Resources and Electric
Power Vocational Technical College, Guangzhou
Responsibilities: Surveying, Design and Visualization
Status: Completed
Modernization Exploration of Taiwanese Indigenous Architecture: Churches
This workshop was a design project focused on the Christian faith of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. As the team leader, I was responsible for managing an interdisciplinary team of students from various fields. As an architecture student, I needed to understand their wishes accurately and provide my own architectural insights to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Year: 2023
Location: Pingtung County, Taiwan
Type: Workshop (Group), National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Responsibilities: Team Management, Workshop Management, Design, Visualization
Status: Completed
1. Entrance
Lobby
Sanctuary
4. Multi-function Hall
5. Restroom
6. Equipment Room
7. Document Room
8. Backyard
9. Resting Platform
10. Front Courtyard Plaza
Historical Investigation and Reuse
This is a comprehensive historical survey and reuse design project focused on revisiting the ruins of Tainan’s ancient city. In this project, our team first conducted extensive historical research, using QGIS and historical maps for detailed analysis and conjecture. These tools enabled us to accurately understand the current state of the ruins and their historical evolution. Through our research, we successfully reconstructed the layout of the ancient city walls and tracked their changes across different historical periods. After the team survey, I was responsible for selecting a specific site for my design. This involved considering the historical significance and current condition of the site to create a design that respects the past while providing modern functionality. This project not only deepened my understanding of Tainan’s historical and cultural heritage but also enhanced my ability to collaborate within an interdisciplinary team.
Year: 2022
Location: Tainan City, Taiwan
Type: School Project (Group), National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Responsibilities: Historical Research, Design and Visualization Status: Completed
Investigation
Historical Investigation of Water Systems Investigation of Existing Buildings Land Use Condition Investigation
Historical
of the City Wall Ruins
After completing the historical investigation, I selected a promising site—this land likely contains well-preserved city wall ruins that are worth archaeological excavation and reuse. To the left of the city wall is a park, and to the right is a residential area. An interventionist design will facilitate interaction and connection between the two.
Scenario Diagram Site Plan
Section
Estimated Site of the City Wall Ruins
Automatic Warning Device
Year: 2019
Type: Product Design, School Project, Yunlin
University of Science and Technology
Responsibilities: Research, Design, Visualization, Model Making
Status: Completed
Design Motivation
When a car breaks down suddenly on the highway, it poses an extremely dangerous situation. Drivers placing warning signs at the specified distance often have to expose themselves to traffic, significantly increasing the risk of secondary accidents. This danger not only threatens the driver’s safety but also poses a potential risk to other vehicles. Therefore, designing an automatic warning device to replace manual placement of warning signs is crucial. This product aims to significantly reduce the probability of secondary accidents and enhance personal safety.
Design Objectives
Replace Manual Operation: The automatic warning device can replace the manual operation of placing warning signs by the driver on the highway, reducing the time the driver is exposed to dangerous environments. Enhance Safety: By using automated equipment to place warning signs, the device avoids the need for drivers to move around in traffic, thereby reducing the risk of secondary accidents.
Increase Efficiency: The automatic warning device can quickly and accurately place warning signs, improving the efficiency of emergency handling.
Improve Warning Function: Ensure that the warning signs are quickly placed at the correct position and distance to maximize the alert to following vehicles, thereby reducing the occurrence of rear-end collisions and other accidents.
Usage Scenario Diagram
Operation Diagram
Model Rendering
Under the Overpass
Year: 2021
Type: Competition (Group)
Responsibilities: Research, Design and Visualization
Status: Completed
“Under the Overpass" focuses not only on controlling the spread of pandemics, but also on reusing urban gray Spaces. The overpass is the hub of urban traffic, it is the channel for the virus to spread out, and it is also the channel for people in the city to communicate and commute. The space under the bridge in the city is often neglected by people and is a relatively negative place in the city. However, the intersection of Bridges provides a large space for the construction of temporary buildings in the city. Therefore, we superimposed the space on the bridge and under the bridge to provide physical and psychological shelter for people suffering from the epidemic on the basis of the control of the flow of people. The project is divided into four parts: epidemic detection station, patient treatment area, doctor and nurse workstation and vaccination area. The treatment area of the patients was completely isolated from the other three areas, and the severe patients were isolated from the mild patients to avoid secondary infection.
In terms of building materials, polyethylene film is used for exterior wall and interior to facilitate heat preservation and insulation. The internal frame is made of AIREX sandwich panels for easy transport and disassembly. In terms of exhaust ventilation, due to the low air pressure in the space under the bridge, there is relative air convection, so we adopt a natural air intake system without laying pipes and a power ventilation system. We purify the indoor air through the use of high-performance filter and activated carbon filter, so as to ensure the indoor air flow.
This is a competition entry with the theme of addressing the global COVID-19 pandemic. I utilized overpasses and their nodes as key transportation routes and employed prefabricated construction methods to develop the necessary infrastructure. The project defined four functional zones: [Doctor and Nurse Workstation], [Patient Treatment Area], [Epidemic Vaccination Area], and [Epidemic Vaccination Station]. These areas are designated for testing, isolation, treatment, and administrative tasks. Additionally, the testing section on the overpass facilitates rapid screening of passing vehicles and individuals to determine if they can continue their journey, thus playing a crucial role in controlling the city’s epidemic situation.
Site Selection
Doctor and nurse workstation
The workstations are cylindrical, enabling rapid patient monitoring and easy access to various areas for efficient management of the field hospital.
Patien treatment area
The patient treatment area is wrapped in a polyethylene film for thermal insulation and is constructed with a‘2 X 4’Airex sandwich sheet, completely isolated from the rest of the area. One volume can accommodate 55 beds and has a dedicated disinfection spray room and washing room.
Epidemic inoculation area
Vaccination area is set under the bridge, is a relatively private space to rise, not only to protect the privacy of the vaccinators, but also to ensure the production of vaccines and improve the speed of use of vaccines.
Epidemic inoculation station
The epidemic workstation, built on an overpass, can monitor the epidemic situation of passing vehicles in a timely manner, and can more effectively isolate patients and transport supplies, which is conducive to the epidemic control.
Empowering Collective Housing with Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Collective Living
(1) Department of Architecture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan
(2) Department of Architecture, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany
Type: Research/Conference Paper, 28th International Association Association People-Environment Studies, Barcelona, Spain
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the housing sector, from design and construction processes to the overall living experience. In collective housing, the integration of artificial intelligence technology is changing architectural spaces and reshaping how residents live together. This study aims to explore the role of AI in collective housing, particularly its impact on space utilization, resident lifestyles, interpersonal relationships, and property management. Initially, the study evaluates how key technologies influence collective housing development, such as elevators and reinforced concrete. It then examines the interplay between technology and sociocultural factors through urban case studies. Upon understanding technology’s role in various sociocultural contexts, the study then examines AI application cases to evaluate their potential opportunities to enhance living conditions in modern collective residences. Subsequently, the study develops methodologies for AI implementation in collective housing and assesses the significant social implications of such technologically advanced living spaces.
The findings indicate that AI positively impacts social relations in collective housing by enhancing neighborhood interactions, reducing conflicts, supporting individual aspirations, and contributing to equitable property management. These contribute to enhancing housing equity, an important aspect of social justice. AI also facilitates more flexible collaborative living in collective housing, bringing about higher efficiency through the flexible use of some units, moving beyond traditional private-public boundaries. The study suggests practical improvements for property management and occupancy equity in collective housing, aiming to create a more efficient and equitable living environment. Existing research typically focuses on how to improve residential design methods through AI or develop related algorithms. However, this study shift understands the value of AI in housing from a social perspective. In its conclusion, it reveals AI usage scenarios in collective housing, offering a perspective on understanding AI technology’s application in housing from a social justice viewpoint.
IoT-Based Smart City Parking Development
This project explores how to leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technology to further develop and manage urban parking spaces, aiming to improve parking efficiency in smart cities. Using Python as the primary tool, the project employs its web scraping capabilities and algorithms to determine the optimal parking spots.
Year: 2023
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Type: Research Project, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Responsibilities: Research, Coding, and Visualization
Status: Completed
Python Web Scraping for Big Data
Calculating the Optimal Parking Lot within a 15-Minute Walk (Visualized with Python)
