Architecture is not always just about architecture. It should be the elements that can be bridged with other fields of studies. During these bridging processes, the meanings and the significances of architectural designs can be expressed to the public.
I would like to explore the variable relationships between architecture and different studies, such as game design, virtual reality, filmmaking, human spirit, nature, city, etc. In such ways, architecture is not just about building design, and it can be re-defined based on the needs of contexts.
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Master of Science in Design (MSD-AAD) | GPA: 3.94 / 4.0 (Distinction)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Insitute, Troy, NY
Bachelor of Architecture | GPA: 3.67 / 4.0
Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA
High School Diplomat | GPA: 4.0 / 4.0
WORKING EXPERIENCE
UPenn Teaching Assitant | Philadelphia, U.S.
-MSD-AAD Program_Summer Workshop & Fall Design Studio
MABU Design LLC | New York, U.S.
-Food Lab, NY | AIA Honor Award
-Double Take, NJ | AIA Honor Award
- White Chapel Porject, NJ
-Red Wing, NY
-Cliff House, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
-90 Hudson, NY (Interior Renovation)
OPEN Architecture | Beijing, China
-Yichang Grand Theatre 2022 Competition
-Seaside Library and Community Service Center, Yantai
-A Digital Space Museum and Experience Center, Yantai
-Cloud & Mirror Library, Yichang
-Yichang Art Pier Rennovation, Yichang
-King Fahad Cultural Center(Renovation), Saudi Arabia
This adaptive reuse project transforms a vacant 14,500 s.f. warehouse in coastal New Jersey into a community arts center. Located in Long Branch, one block from the Atlantic Ocean, within a FEMA flood zone and urban redevelopment area, the project challenges traditional post-Hurricane Sandy redevelopment by viewing demolition as a productive rather than destructive process. It aims to stimulate growth in an area between an abandoned downtown and an active waterfront. The design involves phased demolition, disassembly, salvage, and minimal repairs, reconfiguring existing buildings and incorporating new structures. Salvaged materials, including 68,166 bricks and 243 timber beams, are repurposed to create a flexible space that reimagines architecture’s role in urban growth.
Original Program Arrangments
Spaces were simply divided into three types of spaces for use as a warehouse
New Arrangment_Option 1
The paths for deliveries of food and drink are blocked by equipment space
New Arrangment_Option 3
Guests have to go through bar areas & Not convenience for them to go to event space directly
Solar Covering Analysis (Rhino & Grasshopper)
New Arrangment_Option 4
Rmoving portions are based on sunlight coverage for the courtyard space (Level 1)
Arrangment
Exterior Courtyard (Night)
Exterior Courtyard (Day)
Original Warehouse / Pre-Renovated
Long Dinning Table
Courtyard Bench
Floor Slab
Courtyard Floor
Front Facade Wall
Bar Interior Wall
White Chapel Project / Post-Renovated
Double Take
Renovation - Warehouse - Office
2023 Design Project
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award MABU Design LLC.
The project is located at 1503 Bay Ave, Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The scope of work includes exterior and interior alterations to an existing primary structure, a new accessory structure, and general site improvements. A new site plan transforms what was an undeveloped lot into a multi-building complex with an integrated series of enclosed gardens and flexible work yards. The primary function of the new 2,000 SF program is the storage of commercial kitchen equipment. Storage, repair, and shipping activities are organized across a shared courtyard bookended by the old and new buildings. The main building doubles as a parttime showroom. Its key design feature is a public facade conceived of as an abstract, generic rectangle, with a blind entry door and no signage. It is compositionally clear, materially precise, but semantically blank. This building does not try to explain itself. It is just there. Offering up a blank stare. Inspired by the “deadpan” ethos of photographic documentaries of the “everyday”, such as Ed Rusha’s “26 Gasoline Stations”, as much as it is by the client’s desire for anonymity and modest budget, the new architecture is imbued with a “flat” affect that is both familiar and foreign. It aims to blur the line between what we understand as architecture versus not-architecture through the kind of attention that it seeks to engender - a “double take”.
1.Design of mailbox is integrated into overall design language
3. New material transition: gravel - concrete - white plaster wall
2.Ideas "Flat" & "Blank" shown through its retangular geometry
4. The shadow from greens filter strong light for meeting space
Food Lab
Outdoor Kitchen - Sustainability - Nature
2023 Design Project
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award MABU Design LLC.
The Food Lab is located in the forest area of north side of New York State. In order to provide the experience of natural connection for the user of this outdoor kitchen, the building is designed as an area that can be opened up and enclosed. During the seasons, like spring, autumn and summer, the user can open the doors and bring in the taste of nature as he is cooking in the building. The cooking area inside the building is elevated by metal grid platform, which is for respecting and preserving the original vegetations. At the same time, it creates an effect of bringing the nature into the building (inside out & outisde in). The backyard platform is designed to connect with the local oblique landscape. In this way, the freedom of circulation between the site and the building is provided for visitors and the user. The whole building is constructed with pre-fabricated materials. The building is covered with polycarbonate sheets with structures of metal frames. The material of polycarbonate is half transparent, which helps bringing the natural light into the interior spaces. It reaches the goal of being cost effective and energy saving for the user.
Sustainabiliy - Reuse the polycarbonate materials and strucutral elements from old green houses
Customized specific geometries of pieces
Take down the original strucutre and materials from old green houses
Terrace Deck View / East
Equipment / Infrastructure
Structure -
Reuse Structure Elements Food Lab Kits
Enclosure
Building Walls + Roofs
Structure - Terrace Deck
Terrace Deck View / South
New
Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Art
Culture - Musuem - Threshold
Instructor - Hina Jamelle / University of Pennsylvania
Sam Wu - Concept + Diagrams + Renderings
Qian Zhang (Partner) - Physical Model Fabrication
The project is located at 1 Chome-9-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan. This new museum is designed for displaying Islamic culture. The design is inspired by the Arabesque work from Islamic culture. The idea of “threshold” is extracted from an Arabeque pattern. The notion of a “threshold” in our project is pivotal, signifying the demarcation or transitional zone between two distinct spaces or volumes. It transcends a mere physical barrier, becoming a crucial juncture for perceiving and navigating spatial transformations. The manifestation of thresholds in our design is expressed through transition in materiality, volumetric displacement, and the modulation of natural light, artificial light and shadow.
Project site serves as a threshold from nature to city, from open areas to dense areas.
Extractions of Threshold Disciplines Detail Model Generation
Intersection Btw Threshold & System
Thresholds of different materials, depths and geometrical scales are found through detail model.
Analysis
The stucco decoration of a wall in the Nasrid palaces of Alhambra in Spain.
Railways
Rivers Green Spaces
1. Bar Hall
2. Former Dai-ichi
3. Seimeikan
4. Hibiya Public Hall
5. Otemachi Nomura
Unfolding Elevation Generation
Turning Corner
Turning Corner
Deepest & Thickest Structure Balcony Spaces
Deeper & Thicker Structure
Deep & Thick Structure
Flat & Thin Structure
Marunouchi 6th Street
Thickest Structure & Balcony
Thickest & Balcony Thicker
Thicker
Thick Thick
Thin & Flat Thin & Flat
Hitorical & Contemporary Spatial Analysis
Galleries
Galleries
Contemporary Sapces / Isometric Views
Contemporary Sapces / Side Views
Court of Lions
Court of Alberca
Court of Ambassadors Hall of Two Sisters Baths
Marunouchi 6th Street
Hibiya-dori Ave
Iridescent Offset
Contemporary Details - Facade Design Instructor - Viola Ago / University of Pennsylvania Sam Wu & Shiru Chen - Design + Model Fabrication
Iridescent Offset is a contemporary architectural design concept that incorporates materials and finishes that exhibit iridescence, creating dynamic visual effects. This approach leverages the unique optical properties of certain materials to produce surfaces that change color and appearance based on the angle of view and lighting conditions. The term “offset” in this context refers to the graphic and deliberate placement, and layering of these materials to maximize their visual impact and interplay with light. By applying iridescent materials at street turning points, the design helps to soften the perceived edges, allowing the corner to visually blend and shift with the changing light. The iridescent effect can serve as a gentle mediator between intersecting planes, guiding the eye smoothly around corners and contributing to a more cohesive street-level experience.
Physics Dropping In Blender / Chosen one (Last one)
Concept_Offset
And
Three Dimensional Offset
Project Graphic Generation & Preview Renderings
Midterm Physical Model
Offset Between Geometries
Shadow / Chosen one (Last one)
Offset Through Spatial Material Layers / Chosen one (Last one)
Robotic Paint Lines Extracted From Step Of Three Dimensional Offset
Final Model_Assembly Structural Layers
Final Physical Model_Twinwall
Thermal Formed Twimwall With Robotic Painting (Left) & Assembly Details (Right)
Twinwall Facade & Catwalks & Curtain Wall
8mm Twinwall
Iridescent Film
Painted Lines
Painted Lines
4mm Twinwall
4mm Twinwall
Handrail Glasses
Handrail Vertical Structures
Catwalk Bottom Rails
Catwalk Grating Panels
Iridescent Fabric
Zomm In. 3
Zomm In. 1
1. Rod Cap
2. 2" Long Steel Threaded Rod
3. 8mm Thick Twinwall
4. 3D Printing Rod Connection + Screws + Nuts
5. 2" Long Steel Threaded Rod
6. 4mm Thick Twinwall
Zomm In. 2
1. 1/2" x 1 Stainless Steel Standoff Cap 2. 4mm Acrylic Panel
3. 1/2" x 1" Stainless Steel Standoff Body 4. 3D Printing Acrylic Mount + Screws + Nuts
5. Shaft Collars + Screws + Nuts 6. 1' Long x 1" Heihgt Aluminum Bar 1. 10" Long Steel Threaded Rod
2. 3D Printing Rod Mount + Screws + Nuts
3. Shaft Collars + Screws + Nuts
4. 1' Long x 1" Height Aluminum Bar
Final Model Fabrication Processes
Robotic Arm Painting (Left) & Twinwall Thermal Forming (Right)
8mm Clear Twinwalls
Aluminum H-Bar Framing Structures
Urban Context Rendering
The facade design helps smoothing the hard edge of street turning corners
New York Stock Exchange Server Hub
Assembly - Density - Gradient
Instructor - Olivia Vien / University of Pennsylvania
Sam Wu - Design + Renderings + Model Fabrication
Lowie Long (Partner) - Design + Section Drawing
The facade design embodies a dynamic interplay of density and light, reflecting the concept of hanging structures with a purposeful gradient of openness. At the upper levels, the facade is densely arranged, utilizing closely spaced elements that create a shaded, protective environment for the server storage areas. This dense layer not only provides sunshade but also visually anchors the structure, emphasizing its suspended nature. As the facade transitions downward, the density gradually decreases, with elements becoming more widely spaced, allowing ample natural light to penetrate the open public spaces below. This design ensures that while the upper levels are secure and shielded, the lower levels are bathed in sunlight, fostering an inviting and open atmosphere. The overall language of the structure, with its hanging and suspended elements, reinforces the idea of a balance between light and shade, openness and enclosure.
Hanging structural language is applied to facade and interior
The spaces within the building are usually separated by walls and floor slabs for dividing up different kinds of human activities. This separation leads to the formations of two types of spaces, a private space and a public space. However, a complete separation of these two spaces causes negative effects toward the people’s life in the city, which is the lack of communications between each other during their daily life in a building. There is no connection between the ones who stay in the private spaces and those who are active in the public area. This problem happens in most of the big cities, especially in New York City. The solution that helps dissolve this dilemma is to study and utilize the design methods from the Hong Kong style interior urbanism. Mix of program types, free form of circulations and open format of spaces are the main characteristics of the Hong Kong style interior urbanism. These features are also applied to the design of the new server building for the New York Stock Exchange building, which may seem as a starting point for reformation of private spaces and public spaces within New York City.
Mech Canyon
Past - Renovation - Future
Fall 2020 / Instructor - Matt Burgermaster
The project is located in 7 4th Street, Troy, New York. The central warehouse was a food storage under the management of Albany County in the history. There were few debris fell on the amtrack line along the building in 2022, so the NY state government considered toring it down for safety reason. However, I think such action is to demolish the industrial culture that Albany community supposed to inherit from the history. The Industrial culture is replaced by financial culture as the business zones kept spreading. Therefore, it deserves a chance of “rebirth” in this modern era society. The rennovation, by reusing its existing structures, of the warehouse can make the building come into use for serving the community, such as providing spaces for education of mechanical skills and knowledge and activity spaces for reactivate the abandoned area.
More Information: https://wuziyuan98.wixsite.com/wuarchi/mech-canyon
The State University of New York (SUNY)
Industrial and mechanical cultures were thriving in the Albany regions
Programs ran by SUNY: art & social sicence schools in Albany & Lack of traditional mechanical programs
The train lines along the building was for delivering foods that fed the city for months
Albany - Rensselaer train station was located and built in Renssealer on the east side of Hudson River
Lost of mechanical l cultures was led by the spread of finanical investments turned regions into business areas
Debris fell from southwest wall of the building caused destructions to the Amtrack train lines
Large population increased in Albany county that is on west side of the Hudson River
Train stop in the building was abandoned
&
Theory Classrooms
State Government announced state emergency: stop Amtrak lines
Inconvenience for people in Albany to cross Hudson River to take train in Rensselaer
Less populations & activities happened arround in such industrial region
The owner went bankrupt
The central warehouse was abandoned
3. Diagonal roofs for increasing sunlight coverage of interior based on the sunlight changes throughout a day
1. Minimum lighting for original use of food storage Let natural light leak into the gaps between the building blocks
4. Diagonal vertical surfaces for increasing interior lighting coverage from the side of the building & Create view of canyon forms
Level 2 - Canyon Street
Afternnon sunlight leaks into street through the gap of “canyon” Scan graffiti
Fortified Port of Beirut
Port - Spirit
Summer 2021
Beirut Port Competition By INSPIRELI AWARDS
Instructor: Matthew Lopez
The Project is located at Port of Beirut, Lebanon. An explosion that was caused by 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate in warehouse-12 at the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. Many lives were lost; many buildings were reduced to hollow shells in seconds. The Lebanese authorities were looking for the designs that would offer opportunities of REBORN for this city and the country. According to the historical records, Lebanon has been through a lot of wars that caused the abruptions in the country, especially between the east side and the west side of the country. “REBORN” means to bring back the unification of Lebanese citizens for the future. It is the sign of FORTIFICATION that against the abruption and pain from the wars and the disasters in the past.
Rotated Afterbody Of The Building For Outdoor View Of The City
1. [Wound Phase]
1. [Fortified Phase]
1. [Recovering Phase]
4. Floating Roof Surface Responds To The Aqueous Environment
Viodance For East Side Provide View Of Sea From Memorial Park
View of Lobby
Riverside Vertical Apartment
Students - City - Hudson River
Spring 2020 / Design Studio 4 / Instructor: Erel Yael
The project is located in 230 River Street, Troy, NY. In order to respond to the situation of increasing population of incoming students in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institue (RPI), school administrators request to design a new apartment building for student livings. The administrators consider to make it a place for connecting incoming RPI students from all around the world and the local citizens from Troy. At the same time, they want to bone up everyone with the Hudson River, the mother river of New York, through this building more closely. Therefore, the design language, “interaction”, will be the focus throughout the whole design process, which includes the interaction between students and local citizens, the interaction between students and the Hudson River, and the interaction between local citizens and the Hudson River.
Kuma Ani East Side Auto Sales Enjoy Troy Spirits of Troy Uncle Mike’s
Ruck Manory’s
Paul’s Episcopal Church
Little Pecks
Troy Medical Plaza Franklin Square Inn Troy/Albany The Whistling Kettle
McAddy’s
Dunkin
New York Disc Gold Supply
Tara Kitchen Footsy Magoos
Birch Baked
Incite Apartments
O’Neil Apartments
Burns Apartments
John F. Kennedy Towers Senior Housing
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Campus
Private & Public Spaces
Student Apartments of Gengdan Institute The Metropolitan Apartments
Grønneviksøren Apartments
3. Cut-out & Rotate For Visual Interactions
5. Cut-out For City-River Interactions 7. Randomize For Balcony Interactions
2. Increase For Residential Livings
4. Cut-out For Ground Interactions
6. Bridge For Two-Side Interactions
8. Facade &Park Designs Finalized
Botanical Business Center
Nature - Work Zones
Fall 2020
Instructor: Florencia Vetcher
The project is located at 57 States Street, Albany, New York. It aims to serve as a way to bring connection among workers while providing a close connection to the botanical spaces that enhance the daylighting that is so important to the project. The design envisions a groundbreaking business center that seamlessly integrates nature into the urban environment. At the heart of this innovative design is a roof botanical space, a lush haven of vegetation providing a serene retreat for staff amidst the bustling financial area. This green oasis not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes wellness and productivity, offering employees a tranquil escape within their workplace. By harmoniously blending cutting-edge architecture with natural elements, the project aims to redefine the business center paradigm, creating a sustainable and inviting environment that reflects Albany's commitment to green urban development.
More Information: https://wuziyuan98.wixsite.com/wuarchi/botanicalbusinesscenter-ids
Analysis of One-Day Sunlight Changes
Analysis Of Green Roof Layers
Advantages of Different Roof Modes
Closed Winter Garden (Left) &
Detail Sections Drawing
Summer Garden (Right) Components Of Facade Connections
The enclosed roofs prevent the snow going into the interior spaces and prevent the heat loss for the people and the plants during winter.
The open roofs allow rain and wind going into the interior spaces and provide water and air ventilation for the people and the plants during summer.
Section_North Side Schematic Design Phase
Schematic Design Phase
Interior View Of Botanical Spaces
View From Botanical Space in Fifth Level
Exterior Street View Design Development Phase_ View from Broadway Street
Bennington Modern Art Museum
Museum - Nature
Fall 2019
Design Studio 3 Award & Archive Publication
Instructor: Marcus Carter
The project is located in 75 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont. The orginal Bennington Historical Museum is served for storing the historical art works and providing spaces for visitors to explore the local history. Yet the owner of the museum is looking for having a new museum that can display modern art works from his collections. He tends to set the site at peak of the hill, right next to the original museum. He is looking for a design that is fully immersed and fitted with the nature, which is the utilization of advantages of the existing landscape. The main reason for the requirement above is that he always persists with the point that the nature is the true original art he admires. Therefore, the Bennington Modern Art Museum is not just a place for displaying his modern artworks, but also an artwork itself that exists with the nature harmonious.
More Information: https://wuziyuan98.wixsite.com/wuarchi/bennington-modern-art-museum
RESTROOMS
RESTROOMS
RESTROOMS
3. Chunk Is Carved By Invisible Wavy Wind Shapes 2. Chunk is produced through two dimensional cuts of landscape shapes
4. Gaps & Atrium - Natural Sunlight Introduced
ROOF
Staff Offices
Roof
Other Works (Click Image/Link For More Info)
- Existing site analysis through site visit and photo documents.
- Research and analyze examples of camping house.
- Propose building massing designs in Rhino.
- Provide plan and section drawings by using AutoCAD.
