V ANESSA Y ANG
Vanessa Yang
Cornell University, AAP, Ithaca, New York, USA
Master of Architecture (Professional), MArch Sep 2023 - Dec 2026
OCAD University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Bachelor of Environmental Design, BDes
vanessayang0416@gmail.com
Designing for a more Inclusive and Equitable world
Design in the built environment has the power to shape the world we live in, shaping not only the physical spaces we inhabit, but also the social, cultural, and political landscape. As designers, it is our responsibility to consider the impact of our work on society and to strive towards creating a more just and equitable built environment for all.
As the architect and social justice advocater, Bryan Lee Jr., stated, " The outputs of design justice are not only to repair for past injustices of the physical environment, but to make them fair in the present and remove barriers for the future. " Social justice in space design refers to the idea that all people, regardless of their background or identity, should have equal access to and benefit from the spaces we create. This includes ensuring that our designs are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
In this portfolio, I have compiled a selection of my personal architectural design projects that showcase my commitment to incorporating social justice principles into my work. Through these projects, I hope to demonstrate how I have prioritized inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in my designs. I also hope to inspire others in the field to also prioritize social justice in their work and contribute to creating a more just and equitable built environment for all.
WOMEN'S HOUSE
Sustainable community center design in Senegal to promote gender equality Group project, completed with Xujun Xu
Site Location: Baghere Village, Senegal
Personal contribution_70%
Women can be like spring rain. Natural, tolerant, gentle, moisturizing things silently, while the frame is like the earth, solid, nurturing everything in the world. We hope to create a concise and clear structural environment with an architectual atmosphere full of security and harmony. A place dominated by women does not exclude men from outside but allows women to feel freely dominant in this space, a site built for women and the appeal of women’s rights awareness.
This appeal is a voice for women and for local men to realize the importance of equal rights for the local social and economic development. She should be set up in a venue that can affect more people in the surrounding cities. The platform should consider the needs of local girls, mothers, professional women or female caregivers.
Straw rope binding
Wooden pillar
Cross-woven bamboo nets
Four bamboo tubes are tied horizontally, three long and one short Horizontal bamboo pipes Red clay rammed soil Soil smoothed surface
EMPOWERING WOMEN OF SENEGAL
The Women's House is aims to provide these women with not only a physical space, but also a sense of hope and possibility. We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive and pursue their dreams, and the Women's House is a place where they can find the support and guidance they need to do just that. We are dedicated to helping these women break free from the monotony of their current circumstances and discover new paths for their lives.
In the rapidly urbanising Shenzhen, China, there has been an influx of migrant workers from other cities. These people generally have to rent poor quality accomodations in dangerous areas. Architects have an obligation to protect the health, safety and welfare of any citizen through the spaces they design. However, the discrimination against marginalised people that pervades the built environment often ignores these commitments, damaging the minds and bodies of marginalised groups in society and acting as a silent instigator.
Through the design of architectural spaces, I hope to enable the redistribution of funds between different areas of the city to increase funding and resource support for these disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
URBAN VILLAGE
Re-imagining of migrant workers’ living conditions in China’s high-density cities
Individual project
Site Location: Shenzhen, China
The residents rent a basic unit of the house, while getting a share of the common public area among several other residents of the building.
They only pay for the cost of materials.
By constantly renting out houses, the number of units increases. As they rent more units, more infrastructure common areas will be requested and planned out by all residents.
TIn the design, the optimal solution is obtained from the solar radiation distribution map calculated by computation for different units arrangements - this achieves the maximum light surface.
he key to the design is the arrangement of the different functions of the units according to the intensity of the local sunlight (solar radiation), with the more exposed spaces being used for planting and drying and the less exposed spaces for equipment and storage. The living units are then placed in areas where the solar radiation is relatively moderate.
THE JOURNEY
Canadian Indigenous Cultural Preservation
Individual project
Site Location: Toronto, Canada
The forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples often results in a loss of cultural identity and a struggle to integrate into mainstream Canadian society. It also exacerbates existing issues such as limited access to education and poor living conditions.
This project was inspired by a chance encounter with a homeless Indigenous child on Toronto's Yonge Street. Through the use of city interaction design and AR technology, the project aims to educate and engage the public in the history and experiences of indigenous groups in Toronto. By bringing awareness to these issues and fostering a sense of community, to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Hello
The temperature now is minus one degree. I’m sitting on the icy road wearing my only clothes. My parents committed suicide after suffering from major depression. I have been wandering since I was 13 years old. I don't have a home, a place to live, nothing to eat, I'm in psychotherapy for depression, and my dream is to go to school.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS
15000B.C.
Humans enter North America from Asia via the Bering Strait.
7500B.C. - 1000C.E.
Indigenous people have their own culture, they set up permanent settlements, engage in farming, have complex social hierarchies, and build trade networks, etc.
Public Indigenous Boarding Schools 1828 - 1996
CANADIAN INDIGENOUS HISTORY AND CULTURE EVAPORATION PROCESS
CULTURAL HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1000C.E.
Began to conduct a large number of trade exchanges with European arrivals, and occasionally clashed over territorial issues..
1973C.E.
Queen Elizabeth assured Alberta Indigenous communities that their treaties would be upheld.
1997C.E.
The last federally-funded residential school in Canada were closed.
Today
Unable to resonate with their own identity, unable to integrate into mainstream Canadian society, became an outcast of the country.
INTERACTION PROCESS SCENE REAPPEARANCE
Through the application of AR technology in multimedia equipment, users will learn about the history, culture and related books and movies of aboriginal people in the interaction with the actual building. A series of digital experiences will "gamify" the way to obtain information and unlock more AR sites.
Historical buildings and specific locations within the city can be symbolized throughout the AR system. Participants can improve their collection completion by collecting historical objects under the aboriginal culture. In the process of urban exploration, the effect of digital media socialization is achieved.
Digital and social media can help people understand the stories of people from different faiths and communities who help each other even in the face of unknown difficulties. Digital media enables fans and enthusiasts to come together and formulate and complete tasks that interest them.
After unlocking all the locations in the downtown area, the user can finally obtain the key to the large-scale interaction site located at The Toronto Carrying Place on the west side of downtown Toronto.
Users can explore the ancient Indigenous trading route and nearby virtual villages through multimedia equipment and AR reproductions of the living environment, historical stories, festival dances, and ancient costumes of the aborigines.
HOTEL SPADINA
In "Delirious New York," Rem Koolhaas explored the experimentation of North American urban planning through layers of designs with different languages and historical backgrounds from different periods, resulting in a vertical utopian architecture. This project reflects this concept through various forms of exterior layering and a staggered interior. The bath, a social hub in ancient Western culture since ancient Rome, serves as a place for social activity in our building. As social animals, people in cities always establish various forms of social interaction. After the pandemic, people are more eager to restore physical connections. Our building serves as a social cohesive place, using the space as the primary tool for connecting and providing a relaxing and interactive social space for the busy downtown area of Toronto. The goal of the space is to meet the social needs of the surrounding communities.
Constructed in 1875, the Hotel Falconer was originally operated by Samuel Richardson and located on the northwest corner of Spadina and King Street West. In the 1950s, it had separate entrances for men and ladies. In the 1980s, the hotel hosted numerous well-known bands and served as a movie set. In 2009, it was transformed into an international youth hostel but only operated for five years. Throughout its history, this location has served as a vital public recreation and gathering place in downtown Toronto.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF "HOTEL SPADINA" SITE ANALYSIS SITE SURROUNDINGS
Participants wanted to find a place where they could relax their eyes and mind.
Architecture is a "living" witness to historical events, and its "regeneration" surpasses the charm of new buildings. As a building with both hotel and retail functions, it should showcase its unique red brick building facade and the echoes of its new architectural shape and history.
CUSTOMIZED BATH CULTURE
In order to highlight the difference in the transformation of the building, the attributes of the bathhouse will be emphasized in the future. People in the city may be eager to obtain a moment of tranquility, release stress, and give themselves a brand-new experience of five senses due to heavy work and study. In this historical building full of unique charm, the ancient bathing culture will be reproduced, attracting citizens and tourists in Toronto.
EXPERIENCE AND SCALE
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
The functions inside the baths will be divided according to different levels of privacy and experience. Starting from the central lobby, spaces with social attributes such as restaurants, bars and shops are opened. For the bathing space with strong privacy, the feeling of atmosphere and the sense of privacy of the participants are the main focus.
Take a bath
A long-term bathing space is not only about matching water temperature and equipment, but the user's five senses should be transformed in stages during the bathing process.
Bathing is a process of healing and acquisition of tranquillity, beyond serving the purpose of personal hygiene.
VIsion and audition
During the ceremony, it may be a relatively dim environment, slowing down or even completely relaxing the participants' time. Whisper conversations are guaranteed between multiple people.
Sense of ceremony
The sense of atmosphere and ritual of the indoor environment can be shaped by the lighting, smell and temperature of the bath. Different environmental contrasts such as warm light and cold light will affect the user's visual experience. The pebbles before entering and exiting the bathing area give users a unique touch.
Olfaction and smell
The combination of different materials inside the bathtub improves the experience of the participants.Through the friction of pebbles, massage stones and other materials, the purpose of relaxation is achieved. In the warm shower environment, participants have more possibilities to enjoy the diffuse such as spices and herbs.
SPIRAL STAIRCASE ATRIUM BATHING
The thick spiral staircase stretches the space longitudinally, and the thick concrete material echoes the atmosphere of history.The spiral staircase increases the possibility of people seeing each other.
The atrium with rich light and shadow provides a positive and friendly social space. The incorporation of natural light allows the historical building to breathe again, leading participants to gather and chat here. The space with a strong sense of enclosure brings people's sights together.
The main bath in the center of the heritage building boasts an arched outer wall that enhances the privacy of the public bath, allowing individuals to relish in the hot springs and socialize with friends, much like the baths in ancient Rome. The skylight from the super high ceiling infuses the space with a sense of sanctity and nature embracing.
Air Pollution Remediation Skyscrapers in Mumbai
Individual project
Site Location: Mumbai, India
Symbiosis is a mutually beneficial relationship between two different species in nature. Symbiotic skyscrapers provide energy and materials that are attached to the chimney and also absorb harmful substances. At first, the symbiotic skyscraper requires only a 3D printed ring, with printed materials provided entirely from combustion waste and plant fibers, starting at the bottom of the chimney and spiraling up and around.
As the symbiotic skyscraper grows, its ability to absorb harmful substances from the chimney increases, reducing its emissions. When it reaches its final form, the factory chimney will no longer emit harmful substances, achieving "carbon neutrality". At the same time, the waste heat from the chimneys will be used to create a natural greenhouse.
Concept:
This minimalist coffee table showcases the beauty of interdependence. Made by splicing two wooden blocks of the same shape in contrast colors, has a strong and sturdy structure.
The design of the table is inspired by the concept of two adjacent shoulders, giving each other strength and support. Like two partners working together, the two blocks rely on each other to stand tall and be functional. Alone, a single block cannot stand independently, but when they stand together, they create a much stronger and more functional piece.
This coffee table is not only a practical and stylish addition to any home, but also a meaningful and thoughtprovoking piece that celebrates the power of interdependence and partnership. It is a subtle yet powerful reminder that we are all connected and that our strength and achievements are often the result of working together with others.
These two artworks explore the themes of nature and climate change through a variety of materials and techniques. The first piece, based on a photograph I took in Xinjiang, China, illustrates the effects of soil erosion and desertification on the natural environment. It highlights the impact of human actions on the natural world and the mutual threat of the environment to the survival of life.
The second abstract piece portrays the evolution of the earth, from the formation of the earliest bodies of water, to the green plants nurtured by the natural climate, to the gradual drying and erosion of vegetation due to climate change and other factors. Finally, the earth emerges from atmospheric erosion, returning to its original iron red color. Faint black marks can also be seen, symbolizing the damage that needs to be repaired.
These works are not only about the past, but also about the present and the future. They serve as a call to action on the climate crisis and a reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world. The mottled and scarred surfaces of these artworks speak to the resilience of life and the importance of caring for it.
Toronto, Canada
On the shores of Lake Ontario, teachers of architectural technology from colleges and universities guide their students in building architectural installations as part of an annual tradition. Pre-pandemic, these installations drew large crowds with their impressive designs and innovative concepts. As future architects, these students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skills, making a meaningful impact on the local community.
Varanasi, India
Along the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, dense crowds gather for religious ceremonies almost every night. Men, women, and children reverently observe the rituals, filling the air with a sense of devotion and spirituality. The city of Varanasi is alive with the energy of these gatherings, creating a truly unique and memorable experience for all who witness it.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
I rented a bike riding in the countryside while traveling in Cambodia, I was struck by the impoverished living conditions in the countryside. The sight of malnourished children playing around small houses on stilts left a lasting impact on me and motivated me to make a difference.
Ifran, Morocco
Experience the scorching heat of Morocco through the eyes of a local school-age shepherd boy as he tends to his cattle under temperatures reaching a scorching 45 degrees. In this documentary photography, witness the resilience and determination of this young shepherd as he braves the elements to care for his animals.
FIELD WORK SAMPLE
Office Redesign, Drafting sample
FIELD WORK SAMPLE
Interior Projects Work Sample
In the spaces we shape and form, We hold the power to transform. To create or destroy, to uplift or ignore, The impact of our designs we can't ignore.
As designers, we bear a great weight, To consider the lives and fates Of those who will inhabit our creations, And to ensure equal access and protections.
Social justice in design, Is not just a trend or a feature, But a fundamental aspect of our work, To create spaces that are inclusive and just.
We have the opportunity and the duty, To design for the needs and values of every community, To create a built environment that is fair and equal, For all to thrive and feel integral.
We embrace this challenge with grace, And use our skills and talents to create a better place, For all to live and prosper, In spaces that uplift and empower.
Cornell University, AAP, Ithaca, New York, USA
Master of Architecture (Professional), MArch Sep 2023 - Dec 2026
OCAD University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Bachelor of Environmental Design, BDes
vanessayang0416@gmail.com