Growing up in a family of architects, I was inspired by art and design from an early age. My education in architecture has prepared me to confront real-world challenges with innovative design thinking. Each project I undertake reflects the "tales of loss, fire, and faith" that shape my journey, reminding me that my work transcends mere construction; it serves as an emotional healing vessel, offering hope and resilience.
My internship experiences have sharpened my skills in urban planning and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a solid grasp of Grasshopper, I can effectively address a range of design needs, and I have also delved into augmented reality development. By utilizing digital technologies such as drone photogrammetry and BIM modeling, I enhance my design processes to meet diverse requirements. My deep love for architecture fuels my commitment to this field, even during its toughest moments. As I continue on this path, I am dedicated to discovering and amplifying my unique voice, aspiring to make meaningful contributions to the world of design.
CONTENT
Shen Chengzhi
BRIDGING TIDES
SHIPU CULTURE AND SPORTS CENTER
Individual Work
2024.5 - 2024.10
Shipu Town , Ningbo , Zhejiang Province, China
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Shipu Ancient Town, with its fortress-like layout and limited public spaces, faces modern challenges in adapting to contemporary needs. Though close to the city, natural terrain isolates the town, making access difficult. While the men spend half the year fishing at sea, the town becomes quiet, with tourists as the main presence and local women lacking sufficient leisure facilities. When the fishermen return, the town’s infrastructure struggles to accommodate the surge in activity, revealing the need for more public spaces.
This project, nestled along Shipu’s coastline, seeks to bridge the gap between urban and rural life, creating a harmonious environment where tradition meets modernity. The new design integrates Shipu's rich fishing heritage, with dedicated landscape zones for festivals, scenic viewpoints, and waterfront activities. At its heart lies the Cultural and Sports Center, a vibrant hub of community life that embodies the theme of "voyage." Its sail-like architecture opens toward the sea, symbolizing the town's maritime legacy while catering to the daily needs of both residents and visitors.
The center is a multifunctional complex, featuring three distinct buildings designed for a variety of activities—from competitive sports and fitness to cultural forums. These spaces encourage social interaction and active engagement. The blend of fluid curves and strong lines achieves visual harmony, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The center’s dynamic spaces, inspired by the natural forms of waves and hills, seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape. Beyond its aesthetic charm, the project enhances the connection between the city and the ancient town through carefully planned coastal paths, docks, and marine parks. The fluid architecture mirrors the rhythm of life in Shipu, where the tides bring both calm and vitality. By offering spaces for recreation, relaxation, and cultural exchange, the design fosters a deep sense of unity, all within the embrace of Shipu’s enduring maritime spirit.
Shipu Ancient Town Shipu Ancient Town, combining a fishing port, commercial port, and military fortress, is nestled between mountains and the sea. Its compact, layered layout, with winding steps and firewalls crossing alleys, embodies the charm of Jiangnan's ancient towns and the dynamic beauty of a mountain fishing port.
Marine Park
The
features
The coastal landscape connects the
Dynamic Spaces
By incorporating smooth, graceful curves, the design achieves visual harmony and balance, guiding the observer's gaze and fostering a dynamic yet elegant spatial experience. This approach creates a continuous flow of space, allowing movement and sightlines within the building to feel more natural and cohesive. Such spatial fluidity offers visitors a more comfortable and intuitive experience. By mimicking the forms of waves and hills in nature, the architecture harmonizes with its surroundings, establishing a dialogue
LAYERED LIVING
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The Layered Living project addresses the critical spatial and logistical challenges in the Beijiang Port area, where industrial, residential, and tourism functions coexist but remain disconnected due to barriers created by highways, railways, and inefficient infrastructure. As a critical logistics hub, the site experiences a unique blend of industrial activity and tourism, but poor transportation access and a lack of essential public services severely impact the livability for residents.
This project aims to remove these barriers and transform the port area into an adaptive, interactive community. Through the integration of AR and VR technologies, the design empowers residents, architects, and government authorities to collaboratively shape their environment. The modular system allows for flexible, prefabricated components that can be assembled and updated in response to evolving community needs.
The community’s interactive element is facilitated through AR plugins, accessible via a WeChat mini-program, where residents can scan QR codes on existing structures to enter a virtual design interface. This allows them to customize and construct new modules while evaluating other users’ creations. The feedback from these evaluations is continuously integrated into future updates, ensuring that both the physical environment and the needs of the residents are in constant alignment. At its core, the Layered Living project seeks to create a dynamic, evolving urban fabric that is responsive to both governmental policies and resident feedback. The use of VR for precision in module assembly and AR for real-time interaction enhances the community's ability to adapt and grow. By transforming barriers into opportunities for engagement and interaction, the project redefines urban living, creating a seamless blend of residential, industrial, and public spaces within the port area, all while fostering a deep connection between people and their environment.
2023.5 - 2024.10
Beijiang Port , Tianjing , China
BARRIER TYPES
STEEL MODUALR CONNECTION SYSTEM
GENERAY STAGE
STAGE 1 — REMOVE BARRIERS
STAGE 2 — INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION STAGE
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
In recent years, the frequency and severity of sudden floods have increased. On July 20, 2021, Zhengzhou experienced a devastating rainstorm that submerged homes, caused missing persons, and halted subway operations, with a tragic death toll of 398. Similarly, on July 29, 2023, Beijing was hit by another severe rainstorm, leading to 33 deaths, 1.29 million people affected, and significant property damage. As global warming and urbanization continue, extreme weather events are increasingly impacting urban areas, a trend expected to persist.
South Luogulane, one of Beijing's oldest neighborhoods, presents challenges for flood control due to its dense housing and blend of historical and modern buildings. The area's high population density further complicates flood mitigation efforts.
Amphibious architecture offers a cost-effective and low-impact solution for flood resilience. These buildings rise with floodwaters and return to their original positions when the waters recede. Utilizing buoyant foundations and mechanical equipment for vertical movement, these structures maintain stability through guide tubes or sliding chains, with utilities in retractable PVC pipes.
The project integrates low-cost amphibious architecture into South Luogulane, aiming to address housing issues without large-scale relocations. This approach preserves the residents’ lifestyle and cultural essence, while enhancing building quality. By balancing contemporary needs with historical preservation, the project reduces economic losses and minimizes post-disaster reconstruction. It fosters urban resilience and cultural heritage, providing a sustainable flood control solution for densely populated areas.
AERIAL CORRIDORS
REVIVING ROOTS
VILLAGE ECO-COMMUNITY HUB
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
This project focuses on revitalizing Lulin Village in Ningbo, where several critical issues have been identified: environmental degradation, the decline of the younger population, and a lack of social cohesion among residents. The village marketplace, one of the few remaining social hubs, offers a key opportunity for intervention.
As a central gathering place, it serves as an ideal "acupuncture point" for addressing the village's larger problems, offering a starting point to radiate positive changes throughout the community.
The project's primary goal is to establish a sustainable renewal model that repurposes aging buildings into multifunctional community hubs. By retaining the traditional marketplace as a core feature, the design aims to harmonize the need for higher residential density with the importance of comfort and livability. This is achieved by ensuring a balanced number of housing units while expanding public spaces that foster social interaction, cultural exchange, and recreational activities.
The design concept is inspired by the elements of "island," "ring," and "forest." These principles are applied to create a vibrant, green, and interconnected ecological community. The "island" metaphor reflects independent yet integrated living spaces, the "ring" represents circular and inclusive community interaction, and the "forest" symbolizes a commitment to environmental sustainability and the integration of nature into daily life.
Work 2024.8 - 2024.10 Lulin Village , Ningbo , Zhejiang Province, China
This new community is designed to attract a diverse population, particularly young workers from nearby industrial parks and tenants seeking improved living conditions. By addressing the needs for modern housing, enhanced social spaces, and environmental quality, the project aims to breathe new life into Lulin Village. The influx of new residents and activities will help stimulate local economic growth, reinvigorate social connections, and ultimately guide the village toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.
