MINGRUI LUO Selected Works 2020-2024
M.S. Architecture and Urban Design Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation ml4986@columbia.edu
MINGRUI LUO 419 West 115th St. 63A Manhattan, New York City, NY ml1986@columbia.edu (347) 610-7288
Education Columbia University in the City of New York Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation M.S. Architecture and Urban Design 06/2023Shenzhen University School of Architecture & Urban Planning Bachelor of Engineer: Landscape Architecture 09/2018-07/2023
Scholarship 2020-2021 SED Landscape International Scholarship School of Architecture and Urban Planning Shenzhen University Awarded by SED International Landscap 12/2021
Work Experience Intern Institution of Urban Planning Design & Research. Shenzhen University 07/2021-09/2021 - Shekou Fishing Port Upgrading and Reconstruction Project Scheme Design International Competition Project commencement involves the initial stage encompassing site investigation, data compilation, and on-site research. Subsequently, the first stage unfolds with the expression of intent, spatial elaboration models, concept drawings, and intensified collaboration with the American design team. Transitioning into the second stage, the focus shifts to modeling and the creation of rendering drawings.
- International Competition for Conceptual Design of Shenzhen Tanglang Mountain Country Park City Viewing Platform In the initial phase: Site visit and analyze. The second stage: Identifying design intentions, analyzing drawings, and crafting design sketches. The third stage: refining design nodes, creating rendering models, and producing captivating renderings.
08/2022-10/2022 - Curatorial Project for the Shenshan Sub-venue of the 9th ShenzhenHong Kong Urban/Architecture Bi-City Biennale 2022 In the initial phase: Site research and develop detailed site schedules. The second stage: designing themes, planning exhibitions, and effectively coordinating exhibition plans with local governments and residents. In the third stage: Deepening of the design process, communication with exhibitors, and collaboration with various exhibition venues to execute government review plans and reports.
Skills
Language
Adobe Creative Suite | Rhino | GIS | Lumion | AutoCAD
Mandarin English
Content
01
Nature as Water Filtration
Nature-Based Water Purification Solutions for Coastal Wetland Park Design Team Work 2021.11
02
Cohesive Riverfront
GIS Based Roadway Asset Evaluation & Neighborhood Riverwalk Design Team Work 2022.05
03
Unbounded Bricolage
Reimagine Highways as Engines Propelling Community Engagement Team Work 2023.06
04
Unsung Heros
Street Public Infrastructure Redesign for the Informal Economy Team Work 2023.09
01 NATURE AS WATER FILTRATION
Nature-Based Water Purification Solutions for Coastal Wetland Park
Project Overview: Situated in China, Shenzhen stands out as a paradigmatic city experiencing swift development. In a span of fewer than 40 years, Shenzhen has transformed into a mega city boasting a population exceeding 20 million. The accelerated urban expansion has led to a heightened demand for land, and the implementation of land reclamation policies has triggered a cascade of consequences, including the downturn of the oyster industry, seawater pollution, and the depletion of mangrove forests. The project's design endeavors to tackle these issues conscientiously, presenting ecological solutions to confront the challenges posed by climate change.
Studio: Design of Shenzhen Futian Mangrove Ecological Park Team Work Team Member: Gan Peihan, Zhou Yin Site: Futian, Shenzhen, China Date: 2021.11 Instructor: Bian Wenjuan Contribution: site research, ecological design, analysis, design process, site design, rendering
Google Earth
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| Climate Change & Population Growth
| Shenzhen Bay Area Mapping
| Policy & Urbanization
| Pollution & GDP Comparison
| Fishery Industry History
drawn by Photoshop, Illustrator
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Nature-Based Water Purification Strategy Classes of activity and ecological types are differentiated by designing different registered zones; urban sewage will be filtered through a series of habitat layers and finally flow into the ocean. In addition, venues of various scales suitable for human activities have been set up to provide a large number of public activities and leisure and sightseeing spaces for the nearby communities.
[Hong Kong, Mai Po Wetland]
[City]
[Shenzhen Bay]
[Industrial Area]
drawn by Photoshop, Illustrator
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Site Plan
Kei Wai Fish Pond
Mangrove Protection
Kei Wai Fish Pond
Freshwater Wetland Oyster Farming
Community Park Brackish Wetland
Mangrove Oyster Reef Restoration
Oyster Reef Education
Floodplain
drawn by Photoshop, Illustrator
Zone
Defined different areas to control development and tourist activity levels according to coastal ecology and traffic.
Pathway system
The roads in the park basically follow the original road texture; different places for interaction with nature are set up along the way, such as landscape pavilions.
Water processing
The urban sewage introduced from the urban drainage system will go through a series of purification steps in the park and finally flow into Shenzhen Bay.
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Community Park
Educational & Eco Park
Section 1
Research & Observation Site
Section 2
Section 3
| Animal and plant distribution
Animals
Plant
Non-inundation Non-inundation zone zone
City City
( ) ( )
（ ） （ ） （ ）
Intermittent Intermittent inundation inundation zone zone
Water Water depth depth ≤ ≤ 0.3m 0.3m
Water Water depth depth ≤ ≤ 0.5m 0.5m
Water depth depth ≤ ≤ 1m 1m Water
Water Water depth depth ＞ ＞ 1.5m 1.5m
Sea Sea
| Nodes
Public Event Plaza
Waterfront Pavilion
Floating Bridge
Lakeside Amphitheater
Canopy Walk in Mangroves
Amphibian Observation Station
The square provides more activities for the residents of the community.
The pavilion provides shade for people, and people can play cards or go fishing by the lake.
Provide a walking path close to nature, and educate tourists about aquatic plants and tree species.
A suitable resting place, where people can watch the scene of birds hunting by the lake.
Elevating walkways to tree canopy level provides a more exceptional view of the landscap.
Eco-friendly animal observation station can provide ecological environment courses for student groups.
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Community Park
Educational & Eco Park
Research & Observation Site
rendering via Lumion; post-processing in Photoshop
| Theme Shop & Cafe
| Freshwater Wetland Boardwalk
| Bird Watching Tower
Taking advantage of the natural terrain of the original site, the building is embedded in it, so that the site is integrated with the natural site, rather than an abrupt existence. Bringing plants into the architectural space makes the boundary between inside and outside blurred and loses the original sharp boundary.
The freshwater wetland is a paradise for a variety of animals and plants. In order to allow people to appreciate this precious ecological type in the park, a floating boardwalk is set up to provide visitors with the opportunity to watch creatures up close.
The bird watching tower is set at the mouth of the river, which can have a good view of bird watching. At the same time, the building uses natural materials and is hidden in the woods, keeping a certain distance from the bird's predation area, which can reduce the impact on the birds.
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02 COHESIVE
RIVERFRONT
GIS Based Roadway Asset Evaluation & Neighborhood Riverwalk Design
Project Overview: Longhua District stands as the most densely populated zone for migrant workers in Shenzhen, characterized by numerous factories and high-density residential areas. Despite these surroundings, there remains an unmet demand for urban public spaces. By using GIS data analysis, the project design strategically outlines a greenway slow traffic system within the region, employing the superposition analysis method. The approach involves selecting representative blocks for thoughtful design and renovation, aiming to enhance the urban experience for the local population.
Studio: Planning and Design of Shenzhen Longhua Ring Park Belt Team Work Team Member: Wu Jia, Shi Qiujuan Site: Longhua, Shenzhen, China Date: 2022.5 Instructor: Xie Xiaohua Contribution: site research, GIS data analysis (team); site design, rendering (individual) and arrangement, analysis, design process, site design, rendering (individual)
Google Earth
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| Planning Strategy
Current Peripheral Green System
| City Development & Population Growth Existing Roadway and Transit Network
Proposed Greenway Network The existing greenway focuses on the connection of country parks, but there is a lack of greenway design organization within the city. Design try to use complete automobile traffic system to attach new greenway designs to enhance the connection between communities and form a greenway network.
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Roadway Asset Evaluation
| Alternative
Use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for GIS analysis, set the weights of the factors related to the construction of the greenway through expert scoring and superimpose to obtain a weighted score map, and finally combine with the existing greenway to plan a new greenway route.
| Reclassified Criteria
| Road Assignment Scoring
Topography
Topography
The location selection of the site is a combination of various factors, and the street with a higher comprehensive score is selected for design renovation and improvement.
| Evaluation Weight Distribution
Commercial Line
Elevation
Slope
Elevation
Slope
7.0%
7.0%
Accessibility
Overall Score
Accessibility
Waterfront Line
Road Accessibility
Traffic Station
Road Node
Road Accessibility
Traffic Station
Road Node
4.9%
9.8%
9.8%
Attractiveness
Attractiveness
Cycling & Scenic Line
Attractions
Water Area
Green Space
Attractions
Water Area
Green Space
12.0%
12.0%
12.0%
Usage Requirements
Usage Requirements
Cultural & History Line
Greenway Adaptability Evaluation Overall Map
Building Density
Public Facilities
Street Vibrancy
Analysis using gis tools, post-processing in Photoshop, Illustrator
Building Density
Public Facilities
Street Vibrancy
6.4%
6.4%
12.7%
Each factor is weighted and scored according to the weight of experts to obtain a general picture of the suitability score for greenway construction Site Selection
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Design Strategy
Site Plan
Layers
| Restoration
Tour Route & Nodes Before
After
Tour route Nodes
The channel was originally constructed of hard materials. After the reconstruction, the natural shape of the river channel will be restored.
| Connection
1 Corner Pocket Park 2 Rain Garden 3 Grand Ladder 4 Community playground 5 Bike station 6 Landscape bridge 7 Public toilet 8 Fountain 9 Hydrophilic steps 10 Riverside Dining Space 11 Commercial transformation space 12 Community Business Bridge 13 Waterfront Promenade 14 Riverside Community Stage
A.Corridor
Walking & Cycling Paths Before
Bike lane Pedestrian lane
After
Increase the connection between the street and the river bank, and create more activity space for pedestrians. B.River Bank Enterance
Spatial Connection Before
Bridge Visual corridor
After
Remove the fence on the river bank and add multiple entrances to the bank. C.Bridge
Planting Design Before
After
Arbor Shrubs
Some abandoned buildings were demolished, and bridges were built to lead to the opposite bank.
| Mobility
Before
After
Build more waterfront platforms to provide space for people to stay and relax.
Plan drawn by Illustrator, Photoshop
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| Ecological River
| Corridor
The existing river channel was widened to slow down the slope on both sides of the river channel; plants suitable for growth were planted to reduce runoff and filter rainwater; hydrophilic trails were set up so that people could get more space for activities and get close to nature during the dry season experience.
The use of corridors to connect the two banks of the river and connect the streets will make it easier for nearby residents to shuttle; the corridors will also weaken the original sightlines and encourage people to go to the streets and revitalize the commerce of this street.
| Bridge
| Public Space
rendering via Lumion; post-processing in Photoshop
The bridge provides a faster and safer way for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the river without having to compete with cars for road space; at the same time, it will also provide people with a unique viewing route and add fun along the way.
The space after the demolition of the abandoned buildings is transformed into a public waterfront activity space, where people can talk, work or daze on the big steps, while admiring the changing landscape of the river.
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03 Unbounded Bricolage
Reimagine Highways as Engines Propelling Community Engagement
Project Overview: The downtown connector, once emblematic of urban property use, is reimagined as a tool for social and physical cohesion in our urban design project. Originally designed to intentionally divide, especially impacting Black communities, it served as a stark reminder of historical oppression. Our intervention seeks to transform these long-distance physical connections and speedsegregated borders. By doing so, we aim to restore the vibrancy of human-scale activities, addressing the negative consequences of decentralization in economic activity and the oversight of Atlanta's unique locale. This project seeks to dismantle divisive urban structures, fostering inclusivity, and redefining the downtown connector as a unifying element that contributes positively to the social and economic fabric of the city.
Studio: Urban Design Studio II Team Work Team member: Susie Kim, Chealsie Nalvarte, Joanne Zhou Site: The Downtown Connector, Atlanta, United State Date: 2023.9 Instructor: Emanuel Admassu Contribution: site research(Team), diagram, rendering(individual) Google Earth
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Property & After Property In the After Property vision, we reimagine highways as more than mere traffic conduits; they transform into engines propelling community engagement, fostering localized synergies, and ensuring equal access for all. The aim is to reclaim these spaces, shifting the paradigm from large-scale urban infrastructure to human-scale environments that prioritize community well-being. By doing so, we address tensions arising from diverse scales and challenge carcentric ideologies. The redefined highways become dynamic commons, not just gathering spaces but arenas where people actively respond to the historical scars of separation.
Concept Diagram
This thinking transcends the limitations of traditional property usage, presenting a forward-looking vision that encourages social connectivity, inclusivity, and a profound reconnection with urban spaces.
Site Diagram
drawn by Susie
Existing Conditions Analysis
drawn by Chealsie
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Progressive Design Strategy
Clusters of Human Activity
In a post-vehicular landscape, our intervention starts as organic clusters of human activity, blending together to grow throughout the connector and spill over into the context. Supported by spatial interventions, we aim to dissolve the visible and invisible boundaries that the connector has put in place. By maintaining the structure of the highway as a way to face up to the violent history of the connector, we suggest simple potential interventions to rescale the connector to become for the human scale. This could be in the form of dissolving the edge, breaking or connecting the linear form, or connecting the height differences.
Reimagine Highway in After Property World
Section of Hotel District Part
drawn by Susie
drawn by Joanne
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Highways as Engines Propelling Community Engagement Collages of Reimagine Downtown Connector
drawn by Photoshop
Collages of Daytime Activities
Collages of Nightime Activities
In daylight, the downtown connector transforms into a hub of education with workshops on agriculture, local flora, and fauna. Lanes evolve into outdoor galleries, open-air kitchens, and areas of communal living.
drawn by Photoshop
drawn by Photoshop
As darkness falls, the same locale seamlessly transitions into a stage for live performances and music festivals. The dynamic multi-scalar transformation offers a platform for celebrating and revitalizing Atlanta's unique locale.
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drawn by Photoshop
Highway Bridge Renovation
A basic roof serves as a bridge, harmonizing context and height differences, while carving out a central lane invites light, nurturing interactions below. Rooted in community social and spatial needs, these strategic moves pave the way for the creation of markets, community gardens, and greenhouses. Beyond cultivating fresh produce, these spaces evolve into communal hubs, encouraging community members to gather, cook, and engage in shared activities. Through simple yet impactful gestures, we catalyze a transformation that transcends physical barriers, promoting a vibrant and inclusive environment for all.
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04 Unsung Heros
Street Public Infrastructure Redesign for the Informal Economy
Project Overview: Our initiative centers around exploring the Unsung Economies and the Hidden Vitality they infuse into the fabric of the Bronx. This grassroots economic network, often overlooked, presents various strengths. Notably, it exhibits an organic clustering tactic for enhanced mobility, serving as active agents in addressing the systemic food gap prevalent in the community. The project extends beyond conventional views of public space as solely accommodating transportation systems. We advocate for a holistic reimagining that includes tailored support for informal economies and small business owners. This involves the integration of accupunctural soft-infrastructure, creating a flexible and adaptable environment to nurture these essential economic activities.
Studio: Urban Design Studio I Team Work Team member: Angel Miguel Langumas, Sara Suan Paul, Shen Li Site: The Bronx, New York City, United State Date: 2023.06 Instructor: Nans Voron, Sagi Golan Contribution: site research(Team), site design, modeling, plan drawings (individual)
Google Earth
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Mapping:
Informal Economy
Strengths
Infrastructural
Infrastructural Challenges challenges
Community Engagement
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Prototypes: Prototypes: Accupunctural Infastructure Accupunctural Infrastructure
Supporting the Spontaneous Economies
STOP GO
LIGHT
Water Collection + Distribution Barricade
Barricade
+ Shade
+ Shelving
Pop-up shop
Temp. Storage
FASTER SET-UP TIME
MUTUAL AID
Fresh Drinkable Water
Street Traffic Pole
Accessible at Street Level
Traffic Light + Vending Tables
+ Water Storage
Under the elevated railway
Railway Structure + Seating + Tables
HAN
GIN
Bus Stop
G PR ODU
CTS
Pop-up shops
+ Communal Grills Bus Stop
Seating
+ Community Fridges EXHAUST FOR SMOKE
Water Piping Swing Platform Sizing: Scale Options
Electric Power-bank
Water Piping Drinking Machine GRILL Swings
low-cost modifications to existing NYC Infrastructures
For goods, products sale
Drinking Machine
Railway Structure + Swings + Water
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Street Expansion:
Community Fridge & Communal Grills
In the highlighted orange section, we propose an innovative street expansion, redefining bus stops to become multifunctional hubs, serving as community fridges and communal grills. This adaptive urban design envisions dynamic spaces where surplus food from nearby establishments, such as the fish market or crab bar, can be stored in the community fridges. Residents then have the opportunity to organize barbecue events using these communal grills. Additionally, vendors in need of ingredients for their culinary endeavors can access these shared resources, fostering collaboration. These clusters represent a paradigm shift in the community's food supply dynamics, mitigating waste and promoting shared experiences. As these spaces integrate into daily life, they become more than functional infrastructure—they are catalysts for social interaction, economic opportunities, and a more sustainable, interconnected neighborhood. The community fridges and grills symbolize a transformative approach, addressing both practical needs and fostering a sense of community cohesion.
drawn by Illustrator
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drawn by Angel
Street Market
By broadening the streets, we offer additional room for local fresh food vendors. This expanded space not only enhances their sales environment but also affords them increased protection from potential risks arising from fluctuations in weather and temperature. This also At the same time, the original landscape of the street has been changed to bring a better experience to pedestrians.
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Street Expansion:
Community Fridge & Communal Grills Discovering an untapped resource, we repurposed an underutilized off-street car park situated above a tunnel into a vibrant outdoor food market. Recognizing the potential dormant in this space, we envisioned a transformative project that not only addresses community needs but also enhances the entrepreneurial experience for vendors. To facilitate flexibility and convenience, vendors are equipped with easily assembled shadings, tapping into a water and power infrastructure cleverly integrated beneath the street lights. This strategic design not only minimizes setup time but also extends sales opportunities throughout the year, offering a dynamic marketplace.
drawn by Illustrator
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drawn by Angel
Night Market
Looking ahead, our vision is to transform this space into a night market, drawing people to this once-overlooked parking lot. Emphasizing the informal economy, our initiative aims to foster a supportive environment that amplifies the economic contributions of local vendors. By providing essential infrastructure and preserving the organic nature of these businesses, we aspire to create a sustainable and thriving space, a testament to the resilience and vitality of the informal economy within the community.
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Other Works Photography
Modeling
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