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Email: yuchen4@upenn.edu

Tel: +1-445-225-9891

Address: 3131 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SELECTED WORKS

MUSEUM OF MULTI-READING

University of Pennsylvania Studio - Museum Penn Design 501; Fall 2022

CANYON TO THE LIGHT

Competition - Collective House Spring 2023

BUBBLE WONDERLAND

University of Nottingham Studio - Kindergarten ABEE 2023; Spring 2021

GESTALT & PSYCHODRAMA THEATER

Modified from Alps Competition - Healing Center Autumn 2020

BREWERY MARKET

Modified from Competition - Market & Brewery Summer 2020

MULTIDIMENSIONAL ART HOUSE

University of Nottingham Studio - Collective House ABEE 2022; Autumn 2020

META PEACH BLOSSOM SHANGRI-LA

University of Nottingham Studio - Community Center ABEE 3055; Spring 2022

MUSEUM OF MULTI-READING

University of Pennsylvania Studio - Museum

Penn Design 501; Fall 2022

Instructor: Daniel Markiewicz

Site: Philadelphia, US

Building Area: 3,500 m2

Individual Work; Academic Work

This project seeks to re-establish the relationship between the building’s exterior with interior and encourage multi-reading. There is a disconnection between the original museum with the exhibitions that happened inside. The museum’s classical and unpretentious appearance is distinct from the dynamic paintings inside. So, in my project, I want to reconnect the external design with internal content. I use colorful reliefs with geometry composition to show features of modern art, which echo to the exhibitions inside.

The second point is based on a phenomenon that the artworks are often labeled with certain titles and descriptions, which limit people to understand them in different ways. In my project, I use reliefs as three-dimensional references while the patterns projecting on different faces as two-dimensional references to encourage multi-reading. These geometric lines not only appear on the elevations but also serve as references that help shape the layout, landscape, as well as internal spaces.

The geometric composition of the landscape is derived from the transformation of the reliefs on the facade, allowing visitors to feel a sense of familiarity as they roam. Thus, there is a feeling of immanence towards the building.

GROUND FLOOR

CHOISY

The relief geometric language of the building façade is also reflected in the ceilings and floors of the interiors, and the arrangement of the partition walls also follows these control lines. Some of the geometric forms are hollowed out, linking the different layers and thus producing a richer spatial experience.

CANYON TO THE LIGHT

Competition - Collective House Spring 2023

Site: Philadelphia, US

Building Area: 54,500 sqft

Group Work with Zhangfan He

The journey from being a refugee to finding stability can be like navigating a narrow canyon towards the light. The process is challenging, but integration between people of different races can make it easier by creating a more inclusive society. A canyon-like roof garden project can be a meeting place for people of different backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and understanding. The garden design can reflect the site’s cultural context, with a translucent curtain wall balancing privacy and publicness.

Overall, this project can contribute to building a more harmonious and diverse society where everyone feels valued and supported. By promoting interaction between different groups, we can create a space that respects the site’s heritage while balancing tradition and innovation. Through initiatives like this, we can help refugees and other marginalized groups feel more welcomed and integrated into their new communities.

The materials for the walls of the residential building respect the other buildings on the site and use red bricks, which are common in the area. The exterior double facade protects the privacy of the residents while demonstrating the theme of combining the old with the new.

The main entrance faces the main traffic center and serves to attract people. The open landscape at the entrance welcomes people into the public space on the gound floor. The gallery shows the history of local immigrants and helps visitors or residents of other places to understand the culture of immigrant groups.

The rooftop garden provides a platform for different groups of residents to converge together. The light and shadow effects created by the curtain wall materials provide the atmosphere of a meditative space. The walk from the narrow aisle to the spacious garden symbolizes the improvement of the living environment. When they stand by the edges, the elevated view allows people to look out over the city and envision their future lives.

BUBBLE WONDERLAND

University of Nottingham Studio - Kindergarten

ABEE 2023; Spring 2021

Instructor: Maycon Sedrez, Jing Xie

Site: Ningbo, China

Building Area: 2,500 m2

Individual Work; Academic Work

Located in the master plan of garden city in Ningbo, this building is named “Bubble Wonderland”. In this project, I want to design a kindergarten with unusual activity spaces for children to play freely and arouse their curiosity to explore the environment.

The concept is inspired by the bubbles, a familiar toy in children’s life. Sphere bubble shape has a feeling of centrality and belonging. The activity space of the bubbles emerges into the regular function rooms but the form creates a strong contrast. Just like the bubbles are colorful under the sunlight, this building should have rich space quality like a wonderland for children.

LEARNING SENSITIVE PERIOD ANALYSIS

The educator Montessori introduced theory of learning sensitive period to describe different key learning aspects in children’s different age spectrum. Combined with traditional Chinese three classes kindergarten mode, different programs are needed for each class to fit their education targets.

PROGRAM ANALYSIS

The playing installations helps children to explore spaces and learn about privacy by seek and find.

The variation of forms provides kids with corners for gathering to learn about relationship.

Stages in different levels help to explore more about identity and relationships in daily activities.

Cooperation tables provide tools for handwork and observation activities.

Little galleries with photos and paintings improve children’s aesthetic abilities.

Reading rooms are mainly used by elder children with better comprehension.

Playing in big groups to learn about collective rules.

The study spaces are more independent to learn about identity.

Children can play in small groups to learn about relationship.

The least degree of openness for junior class children to avoid safety issues.

More open spaces provide more opportunities to explore the nature outside.

CIRCULATION SYSTEM

The most open spaces for the eldest because they have better security sense.

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR

CENTRAL ACTIVITY SPACE 1F

INDOOR ACTIVITY + GALLERY CORRIDOR

Indoor activity area on the first floor has waiting space for the parents. The little gallery inserted can display children’s works for the visiting parents.

The coridor is open so people can see what’s going on in other spaces to ensure safety. Activity can also happen in the corridor to make it a space for interaction.

SPIRAL STAIRCASE PLAYING CORNER

The spiral staircase is covered by a spherical curtain to form a space for playing. The outside can be seen through the round shape openings.

A large play area in the corner allows children from various classrooms to gather here. The rounded corners of the room prevent children from being injured in collisions.

SECTION AA’

PREFABRICATED SKYLIGHT

Modular skylights have different sizes for different function areas.

PORCELAIN FACADE

Smooth facade material is suitable for overall atmosphere.

STEEL FRAME STRUCTURE

The frame of the spheres is inserted into the normal frame.

SECOND FLOOR

The top floor has more special function rooms which are more suitable for older kids.

FIRST FLOOR

The space features and programs in this floor are decided by the requirements of middle class chirldren.

GROUND FLOOR WITH LANDSCAPE

The ground floor has more service and management functions and is the openest to the outside.

EXPLODED DIAGRAM

GROUND FLOOR

WALL ROOF

MAIN CIRCULATION

Children & Teachers

Parents

SOUTH FACADE

Ready-to-lay Parquet Flooring Screed

Profiled Sheeting

Wood-Cement Particleboard Ventilation Cavity

Polystyrene

Plywood (Vapor Check)

Fiberglass Batt Insulation Plaster

Roof Membrane

Gravel

Synthetic Roof Felt Polystyrene

Vapor Barrier

Screed Laid to Falls

Reinforced Concrete Topping Trapezoidal Profiled Sheeting

GESTALT & PSYCHODRAMA THEATER

Modified from Alps Competition - Healing Center

Autumn 2020

Site: St. Moritz, Switzerland

Building Area: 6,280 m2

Individual Work; Personal Work

This building carries the function of psychological inquiry and treatment for children with mental trauma. It integrates two typical psychotherapy methods: Gestalt therapy and psychodrama therapy to propose a composite methodology including psychological exploration and treatment.

The whole treatment is mainly organized by typical psychodrama therapy proposed by psychologist Moreno. Different forms of theaters hold psychodrama shows in different themes in specific acting phases. In addition, the gestalt labyrinth is used in early-stage for preliminary analysis.

The Gestalt cycle experience helps to excavate the disordered links of the experience process. In this maze, a series of spaces are translated from these links to provide a complete exploring experience to amplify and analyze the deep thoughts of the patient in a spatial narrative way. A similar maze outside is open for the public to experience and enliven the atmosphere.

TREATMENT SYSTEM STRUCTURE

The whole process of the treatment follows what Moreno proposed in his psychodrama theory. The programs and spaces are designed specifically for these steps. Between the warm-up and action steps, a series of maze spaces are introduced for to help analysis the deep reasons for psychological disorders behind patient’s mind.

+ WARM-UP ACTION SHARING PROCESSING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The diagram shows the cycle experience to describe the normal complete experience.

Number 1-7 show different obstacles in different steps.

1. DESENSITIZATION

Block stimulus from the inner region.

2. INTROJECTION

Take everything from outer for granted.

3. PROJECTION

Transference or deny part of self.

4. RETROFLECTION

Repression diverts energy to the self.

KEY ELEMENTS OF PSYCHODRAMA & USERS ANALYSIS

5. DEFLECTION

Neglect or transfer inner/outer stimulus.

6. EGOTISM

Focus too much on self and thoughts.

7. CONFLUENCE

Integrate with others thus lose self.

GESTALT MAZE TYPES

The psychological types are transfered into spatial qualities. The spatial qualities are contrary to psychological features to stimulate the patient. Each obstacle is classified into three features to generate the 7 gestalt maze types.

1. DESENSITIZATION

KEY USERS

2. INTROJECTION

The psychological types by Jung can match obstacles to three dimensions: INTROVERSION EXTROVERSION SENSATION INTUITION

3. PROJECTION

THINKING FEELING

4. RETROFLECTION

CIRCULATION

PSYCHODRAMA ELEMENTS

The key users of this building are children, their relatives and counselors. They work as elements of the psychodrama treatment. Different elements have intersecting relationships and interactions in the whole treatment process.

THINKING

5. DEFLECTION

FEELING

EXTROVERSION SENSATION

INTROVERSION INTUITION

6. EGOTISM

7. CONFLUENCE

THEATER CONSULTANT FLOORS DISTRIBUTION

PROTAGONIST S SUBPLOT PROTAGONIST'S MAIN PLOT OTHERS' SUBPLOT REUNITE FINALE

SECTION BB’

ELEVATION BB’

ELEVATION AA’

SECTION AA’

The relatives of the protagonist will experience a mini maze on this floor.

PROTAGONIST'S PLOT OTHERS SUBPLOT

TERRACE

PAST THEATER

Having experienced the stimulation of the maze spaces, this child has the courage to face to her deep feelings. In the past theater, she will prove her growth by her performing.

WARM-UP THEATER

Warm-up theater is the first performing space in this center. Coming children can perform together and decide who is going to have the treatment first based on their performance.

The terrace receives different groups of people and serves as a transit point in the building, connecting to the service rest areas and also providing access for child to start his or her treatment.

BREWERY MARKET

Modified from Competition - Market & Brewery

Summer 2020

Site: Suzhou, Jiangsu

Building Area: 2,800 m2

Individual Work; Personal Work

The brief calls for a new market in the residential area in Suzhou. The site includes a cluster of traditional markets and the surrounding buildings are all typical residential buildings in China. Due to the planning index, costing control, and high turn-over of development, those buildings show the issue of uniform form, layout, and facade, making it difficult to create an attractive community space and dynamic business forms.

The new market should reflect the characteristics of humanization and digitalization to match the requirements of the new era. Futuristic technology can be introduced as a complement to regular functions. There will be composite functions and diversified vitality to encourage social interaction and activate the community life.

The site was originally a cluster of traditional markets located around a residential area, with sheds spontaneously scattered around.

Program reorganization was needed to create a uniform system to arrange the form and function.

BREWERY SCENES

This market includes the whole beer production process from growing wheat to selling beer. Each step is aimed to be linked with social activities to encourage people to experience brewing and have more social communication.

MATERIAL PRODUCTION PROCESSING & BREWING PRODUCTION SELLING

The site is surrounded by both traditional old buildings and modern high-rise buildings, both these two different lifestyles need to be taken into account to fit for different groups.

BREWERY PROCEDURE

Beer brewing has a series of procedures that have a great potential to combine with different functions to create new activities. Its logical sequence can also guide the spacial reorganization of the market.

This market has plantation which enables people to experience harvesting crops process while buying.

The brewery happens in various programs enable people to see the whole process from wheat to beer.

Beer selling is connected with amusement activities in the bar, making selling process more entertaining.

FUNCTION ANALYSIS

Preparation process and condition can be seen clearly.

Joining the making process is a new experience.

Large devices fit the atmosphere.

PREPARATION OF MALT FILTRATION WORT BOILING ADDING HOPS

Last steps are more suitable to combine with selling activities.

Some dangerous steps or require special environments should not be include in the visitor experience.

BOTTLING CLEARING FERMENTATION FILTRATION COOLING

AMUSEMENT DINNING RETAILING

People relax and see the brewery process in the traditional bar space.

In the old restaurant people site in front of the table and chat with others.

Bargaining in the semi-open space is part of the typical market memory.

AMUSEMENT DINNING RETAILING

Theater with AR and VR technology offers more immersive experience.

Robotic arm improves service and makes dining experience more unique.

Self-service retailing improves efficiency and fit the fast-paced future city life.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

The ground floor of is divided into two parts, allowing people to gather in the central courtyard, and also facilitating the shipping of materials. The large space on the ground floor is suitable for the brewery’s large equipment.

1: Brewery

2: Immersive Theater

3: Central Courtyard

4: Retailing

5: Supermarket

6: Restaurant

7: Food Stall

8: Parking Lot

PROGRAM SCENES

Based on the main functions, the scenarios in the market are divided into three main categories. The difference between traditional and futuristic use patterns can create different spaces for scenarios. PRODUCTION

PLANTATION

PERSPECTIVE SECTION AA’

COMMON RESTAURANT

The traditional restaurant promotes face-toface communication during meals.

WAREHOUSE

UNMANNED RESTAURANT

Conveyor belts speed up delivery efficiency and provide a fresh dining experience.

COMMON RETAIL

People can experience the joy of harvesting their own wheats in the open plantation. The market shares warehouses with the brewery to facilitate the flow of materials. The traditional retail allows cashiers and customers to communicate face-to-face.

FOOD STALL

The outdoor food stalls serve to liven up the venue and attract more people to the market.

UNMANNED RETAIL

Efficient unmanned retail is suitable for the fast-paced lifestyle of modern society.

BEER BAR

The bar sells freshly brewed beer and also provide various social activities for people.

The spatial sequence of the market is organized by different main target groups and specific functions. Accordingly, different entrances of these spaces are distinguished by various forms.

OPEN CIRCULATION

REST PLATFORM

The actors show on the central stage and the audience can enjoy the complete narrative. Both actors and audience are able to move freely and interact with each other. Open circulation enables visual interaction which enable people to know where to go. The resting platform provide a place to gather and has social interactive potential.

In the whole market, different lifestyles are going on at the same time and different people are interacting with each others. The visual interactions through the open and semi-open spaces encourage social intercourse.

The main groups coming here are divided into visitors, market workers, local elder people and young people. They can all find the spaces suitable for their special requirements and have targeted experience here.

Let’s take a picture for this market to share on social media!

want to experience new things with my friend!

I prefer quiet places. I just want to relax in the courtyard.

There are also many nice views from the shipping path.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL ART HOUSE

University of Nottingham Studio - Collective House

ABEE 2022; Autumn 2020

Instructor: Maycon Sedrez, Jing Xie

Site: Ningbo, China

Building Area: 2,500 m2

Individual Work; Academic Work

Monotonous forms of buildings compose the typical image of today’s old residential regions, which describes the feature of the site precisely. Art, as a precious treasure of the human mind, would play a role in enlivening people’s daily life.

The residential house of “Multidimensional Art” introduces a continuous art gallery to the residential part. It creates a sinuous exhibition route with the vision from different directions and heights. The gallery space varies in space qualities and is integrated into corridors and balconies of the residential units partially. It creates a close connection between art and life while ensuring the division of visitors’ and residents’ circulation.

The form and materials of residential part is consistent with surrounding buildings while the gallery use wood material to distinguish.

The overall shape in the plan of the galley spaces take the form of a swirling circuit.

From the section, the gallery spaces keep rising from the start to the end.

1: Reception

2: Roof Garden

3: Installation Showcase

4: Public Toilet

5: Central Circulation

6: Rooftop Restaurant

7: Unit Type 1

8: Unit Type 2

9: Unit Type 3

The gallery is continuously spiral and inserted to some residential block gaps.

RESIDENTIAL

The residential part has a central circulation shared with the gallery.

LANDSCAPE

Landscape between the blocks is composed of walking path, pool, garden considering accessibility.

BALCONY JUNCTION

Insulation glazing

LANDSCAPE AND FOUNDATION

ISOMETRIC SECTION

Setting block Door

Gravel drainage layer Drainage channel

Filter fabric surrounding coarse gravel

Perimeter drain system

Horizon-

Glazing bead connected with rubber gasket

frame

Steel C-channel attached to the wall and slab with anchor blots

TYPE 2: COUPLE + 2 KIDS

TYPE 1: COUPLE + 1 KID

Wood-based board

tal frame screwed with the board

Junction insertedin the insulation layer and screwed into the slab

Reconstituted stone coping Column

ROOF AND WALL

META PEACH BLOSSOM SHANGRI-LA

University of Nottingham Studio - Community Center

ABEE 3055; Spring 2022

Instructor: Alex Zipprich, Jing Xie, Jun Lu

Site: Ningbo, China

Building Area: 4,400 m2

Individual Work; Academic Work

The concept of this project derives from the traditional Chinese tale, Peach Blossom Shangri-la. It depicts a worldly place isolated from the human world. In modern society, the metaverse is also equivalent to a extra-mundane purgatory. This project aims to create a community center that would provide a new type of entertainment and social experience with the introduction of metaverse.

The story of Peach Blossom depicts specific spatial elements and spatial experiences, and this project will translate these characteristics to create an architecture that is open and integrated with nature. The traditional plot is interpreted by the Metaverse technology of the new era, the spirit and pursuit are carried to the modern world.

The chart simplifies the plants of the garden. The gray parts indicate how the exterior from the transition space is connected to the exterior of the building. People can walk freely between the different levels while enjoying the view of the garden.

This diagram shows how the circulation works inside the transition space. In order to make the spatial transformation not too abrupt, the interior is controlled by light as well as temperature changes, forming the sequences.

Warm+Bright

Walkable Land Green Land Cold+Dark

The overall landscape is divided into ground garden, semi-open garden and roof garden from bottom to top. The three gardens adopt a unified architectural language. They can walk through each other, while creating an interaction of views at different heights.

GROUND

TERRACE

I took part in the preliminary design process of this project. I was involved in experimenting with curved balcony and the entire podiums forms, as well as trying on materials and details.

OTHER WORK

XING DESIGN - Complex & Sales Office

Summer 2021

Site: Jinan, China

Building Area: 100,000 m2

Internship Work; Professional Work

WALL DETAIL DESIGN

The project uses large areas of glass curtain wall, which are divided into several different wall types altogether. I made a series of attempts to design wall details for different functions and overall forms. The whole working

process includes digital detail model making, rendering, detail drawing and final presentation text making. After creating these individual detail types, I collaborate with others to apply these types to the whole building model.

EXTERIOR FACADE DESIGN LOUNGE DESIGN

ORGANIC INTERIOR WALL DESIGN

I was also responsible for designing the interior based on floor plans provided. The interior design is characterized by a consistent organic language with various materials illustrated in the renderings.

The exterior wall is designed to use 3D print concrete modules with greening. I was responsible for modeling the facade and apply it to the whole building exterior. The rendering is finished with Enscape.

REVIT PROJECT

University of Pennsylvania - Office Building Construction Course; Spring 2023

Instructor: Franca Trubiano

Individual Work; Academic Work