LUXIN ZHONG DEFINE REALITY
RE-
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO | 2021-2023 SELECTED WORKS
Portfolio Luxin Zhong
LUXIN ZHONG
(301) 338-3318 LUXINZ@UPENN.EDU lucyzhong.myportfolio.com Philadelphia, PA
M.Arch candidate with expertise in parametric design and fabrication, actively pursuing full-time opportunities starting Fall 2024.
Education
Master of Architecture - University of Pennsylvania | GPA 3.9 / 4.0 AUG 2021 - PRESENT | EXPECTED MAY 2024 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
- Certificate in Integrated Product Design - Jointly offered by School of Engineering and Applied Science, Wharton School and the Weitzman School of Design
- Relevant coursework: Daylighting Assessment, New Healthcare Architecture, Parametric Life Cycle Assessment, Real Estate Development
B.A. in Architectural Design - University of Washington | GPA 3.8 / 4.0 AUG 2017 - JUN 2021 | SEATTLE, WA
01 The Knot
Computational Prefabrication | Museum
- Cum Laude and Honors Program with Capstone Research Project on Affordable Housing and Design - Relevant coursework: Building Life Cycle Assessment, Site Planning, Computational Design Thinking, Community, Environment, and Planning
Work Experience
Research Assistant - Polyhedral Structures Lab, UPenn
02 Light-Kit House Computational Prefabrication | Housing
03 Music Box Modular| Adaptive Reuse | Housing
04 Professional Works Multi-family Housing Development
05 Other Works Computational Analysis
MAY 2023 - PRESENT | PHILADELPHIA, PA
- Proposed 20 design options, conducted structural analyses, optimized concrete 3D printing toolpath for feasibility, and produced images for a single-family house in collaboration with BTARCH+ - Developed Python+GH scripts and concrete 3D printing guidelines, which are for an NSF-funded robotic research project, with 5 fellow PhD and Postdoctoral researchers, and are currently employed in lab trials - Created models, drawings, and renderings for the ‘House of Future’ competition in collaboration with lab director and 12 members from 4 various labs and firms - Generated 3DGS models and diagrams for ‘Three-Dimensional Graphic Statics’ and produced research proposals that sourced future funding
Summer Intern - BLTa—A Perkins Eastman Studio MAY 2022 - AUG 2022 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
- Implemented 30+ massing and 10+ program studies for 20-person client meeting, one of which was chosen for further development - Organized a 2-day design charrette joint by Interior, Landscape designers, and consultants, which yield 10+ options for each of the 5 design questions in the project - Analyzed building codes and provided unit estimations with Revit and Excel - Drafted later adopted and newly contracted proposals for a multi-family apartment - Composed building and storefront facade designs with Rhino+GH and Enscape during the Design Development phase for a multi-family residential project - Conducted program and parking studies for convention center and hotel projects during the Schematic and Concept design phases
Teaching Assistant - University of Pennsylvania JAN 2022 - MAY 2023 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
- Instructed 12 students on Rhino+Gh and Enscape on a weekly one-on-one sessions - Reviewed and performed evaluations on projects for the Graduate student studio - Tutored 70+ student group’s learning of Revit in a Construction Technology course
Skills Softwares Modeling
- Rhino 3D - Revit - AutoCAD - SketchUp - Blender - Zbrush Graphic
- Adobe Photoshop - Illustrator - InDesign Video Editing
- Adobe Premiere - After Effect
Scripting
- Grasshopper - Python - HTML + CSS Analysis
- LadyBug - BHoM - Fusion 360 Rendering
- Vray - Lumion - Enscape - Twinmotion - Keyshot
Other - Photography - Wood-working and shop tools - Lasercutting + 3D printing - Sketching Leadership and Activities - M. Arch Student Rep. - UPenn
SEP 2022 - MAY 2023
- Member - UPenn Real Estate Club JAN 2022 - PRESENT
- Organizer - Urban Collective China SEP 2021 - MAY 2022
Languages - Chinese + Cantonese (Native) - English (Full Professional Proficiency) - Japanese (Intermediate) Extracurricular Activities - Summer Study Aboard Program at University of Copenhagen - Acapella Group - Tennis Club - Volunteering with RTP Block Builds
Awards
- First Place, 2022 Student Design Competition - Issued by BLT Architects - Winner, Hera Concept Accessories Competition - Realized and presented at Penn Charity Fashion Show 2022: Alter Ego - First Place, ‘Disrupt the Reflection’ Competition - Issued by UPenn - Publication on Pressing Matters 11 and Nomination for End of Year Show - UPenn SCAN FOR PERSONAL WEBSITE
Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
01 The Knot
Computational Prefabrication | Museum This design project explores the possibilities of cross-influences and decision-making through a series of experiments with the construction method, structure efficiency, digital structure simulation tools, form-finding, and spatial qualities. Moreover, the studio aims to use pre-fabrication and modular production to bridge the design and fabrication processes better, reducing construction waste. Our team focuses on using a single surface to cast concrete to reduce the waste of conventional formworks, utilize spatial depth to increase the structural performance of concrete shells, and develop modular columns and slab systems to be quickly assembled on site.
Culture Center, New York City SP 2023 | Structural Design Research Studio | Masoud Akbarzadeh+Yao Lu Team Work with Xiayu Zhao 3
Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
transitional slab
slab a-3
column base slab
Spatial Column
Post and Lintel
Arched Floor System
slab a-2
Wide Spatial Column 6m
slab a-1
Axon
column base slab b-3 slab b-2 slab b-2
3m
slab b-2
Elevation
slab b-1
Two basic column assembly
Spatial Column
Spatial Circulation
Circulation Core
Elevation
Axon
Spatial Enclosure/Lightwell
Basic column module routated for best stability
Post-tensioned floor system
Unit structural block
Complete structural assembly of whole building
This project started by exploring structural-spatial topology potentials of traditional Post and Lintel structure, and arranging them into a matrix. Each of the topology is then assigned a program that benefits from its spatial quality. Once the basic structural language is determined, we then moved on to develop specific types according to their structural performance.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
Bare slab Fusion result showing max force in red
Initial Mesh Karamba Result
Simplified Beam Curve
Run initial structural analysis, extract areas needed reinforcement from stress lines
Initial Mesh
Strached Mesh
Simplified Beam Curves
QuadRemesh Mesh
Result Mesh
Result SubD
Create SubD slab geometry using Python+Grasshopper
Final structure performance surpassing the bare slab with minimal amount of concrete added
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
4-column module units
The Knot Project 01
8-column module units
8-column module top floor
4-column module units
4-column module with column
8-column module with column
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
Radiant cooling and heating system embeded in the floor structure, tension cables running through slabs to tide the modules together
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
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Radiant heating and cooling embeded in floor system 2
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Climate studio analysis configuration 1: One atrium Legend 1. Museum store 2. Gallery 3. Public workshop 4. Rooftop green house 5. Office + Admin 6. Mechanical space 7. Highline Climate studio analysis configuration 2: Two atrium
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
The Knot Project 01
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
02 Light-Kit House Computational Prefabrication | Housing
The Light-Kit House redefines sustainable living in the UAE with its innovative design strategies. Featuring a lightweight floor structure, carbon-absorbing concrete, and advanced manufacturing techniques to minimize waste, this modular home offers versatility through configurable parts. Its design prioritizes energy efficiency through thermal mass utilization and electrified systems, while also incorporating an energy production strategy to sustain the house’s needs and provide surplus energy for community water solutions.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates SU 2023 | Polyhedral Structures Lab Team Work 11
Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
Arches have been a fundamental element of architecture for centuries, and they long to be recognized as both structural integrity and aesthetically pleasing. Research has shown that funicular floor system can minimize concrete use with similar structural strength. This project combines both as the basic architecture language, and proposed a high-performance, prefabricated, funicular floor structure.
The floor elements are mainly 2.5x2.5m prefabricated units assembled on either columns or structural walls. The structural walls are designed to resist the horizontal forces in the building and to transfer mechanical, electrical, and plumbing from higher floors to lower floors. The prefabricated structural floor is architecturally exposed.
Force analyzed in graphic statics
Kit of parts in 2.5x2.5m units
3D Printing Carbon-absorbing Concrete
Fundemental building structure with pre-fab modular funicular floor systems
The building structure consists of prefabricated floors and column systems. The floor modules are designed to have compression-dominant structural behavior, similar to vaulted geometries of domes and ancient Middle Eastern designs. The compression-dominant floor can reduce construction materials by 50% and thus significantly minimize carbon emissions and embodied energy of the building. The structure follows a 5x5m grid that can be stacked into two or three stories and take different configurations on the plan to accommodate various performance and design needs.
Type 1a: Wall
Type 1b: Column
Type 2a: Wall+Column
Type 2b: Column with opening
Type 3a: Column with center opening
Type 2c: Wall+Column with opening
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
By optimizing the design, mass savings are propagated to all the lateral and foundation systems of the structure, further minimizing the emissions and realizing dramatic savings compared to traditional processes. These elements are fabricated using 3D printing technologies in prefabricated settings to eliminate the need for formwork, a significant contributor to construction waste and inefficiency. To achieve a higher level of precision, the printed samples will be numerically machined immediately after robotically printed to produce smooth surfaces and precise connection points for assembly. This process, called the additive-subtractive process, minimizes the waste and the need for formwork for prefabricated parts.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
roof with multiple courtyards
Light-Kit House Project 02
open 2nd floor with perforated walls
open plan with column and walls
enclosed ground floor
wall orientation determined by program
complete model
The first floor’s openness facilitates the cross-ventilation, which allows residents to enjoy the sea breeze coming from the north-west direction. Moreover, the second floor’s 3D-printed lattice screens accept the wind and reject the warmed air through open roofs. This buoyancy-driven ventilation draws fresh air from outside while refusing warm indoor air.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
The concrete 3D-printed TPMS screen facades allow the air to penetrate through its perforated geometry. The CFD analysis validates its air permeability. Moreover, the speed of air gets faster when it passes the narrow pores due to the funnel effect. The lattice facade with optimized pore size not only allows natural ventilation but also provides residents with private living environments.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Light-Kit House Project 02
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Music Box Project 03
03 Music Box Modular| Adaptive Reuse | Housing
Rethinking collective housing and historical building adaptive reuse with the music context and history background.
American Bandstand Studio, Philadelphia SP 2023 | Housing Studio | Scott Erdy Individual Work
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Music Box Project 03
This project aims to create a communal environment for musicians to collaborate and live together while bringing in music-related professionals to assist in the production and distribution process. Musicians form bands, reside together temporarily to practice, collaborate on song creation with DJs and producers, brand their work with entrepreneurs, and then distribute their music using an iconic satellite dish while also performing live at the historic bandstand studio stage.
Physical model of the DJ House
DJ house in the original Band stand recording studio
Residents can stay on different levels throughout the day for events
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Music Box Project 03
The original building main structure and the famous entrance was preserved. Walls are removed in some locations for the addition of classrooms, temporary housing, recording rooms, and performing stage facing the plaza.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Music Box Project 03
The modular housing situated above the plaza fosters an affordable communal living ambiance, designed to inspire creativity while offering optimal views of the stage.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Music Box Project 03
The historic satilet also allow the community to broadcast their music to the whole nation while performing for the local.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Music Box Project 03
The leading DJ will have three different position: boardcasting up in the air, living in the clusters, and performing on the ceiling of the original band stand studio.
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Other Works Luxin Zhong
04 Professional Projects Philadelphia, PA | Multi-Family Housing | 2022 | BLTa (Perkins Eastman) Responsibility: Composed building and storefront facade designs with Rhino+GH and Enscape during the Design Development phase for a multi-family residential project, one of which was chosen for further development
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Other Works Luxin Zhong
04 Professional Projects
Philadelphia, PA | Multi-Family Housing | 2022 | BLTa (Perkins Eastman) Responsibility: - Analyzed building codes and provided unit estimations with Revit and Excel - Drafted later adopted and newly contracted proposals for a multi-family apartment
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Other Works Luxin Zhong
Where is the Light?
Parametric Building Lifecycle Assessment
Lighting Generator is a grasshopper plugin that creates a quick guiding solution for developing artificial lighting setups in interior design and architectural design.
This project analyzed the building lifecycle and carbon impact of the newly constructed Amy Gutmann Hall, which is Philly’s largest mass timber structure using BHoM and other research resources.
Parametric tool for indoor lighting design | 2023 | Teamwork with Ivy Song + Cheuk Ming Ng
Parametric tool for LCA analysis | 2023 | Teamwork with Xinan Feng + Sonakshi Sharma
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Portfolio Luxin Zhong
Other Works Luxin Zhong
Fashion In Arch 2022 | Teamwork with Wenny Tu
In this course, we take inspiration from Qipao, a traditional Chinese costume flat pattern, Chainmail, an ancient armor technique, patterns from Yingzao Fashi, a Chinese traditional architectural booklet, “Standards and models for architecture”, and Boning, a common clothing structure, understanding and combining them with architecture thinking, and finally turning our garment into reality with digital fabrication skills.
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