SIQI YAO Master of Architecture University of Pennsylvania Selected Works Contextualize / Cultivate / Create
ACADEMIC WORK
01/BOLOGNA - AFTER NATURE Arsenal Adaptive Reuse/ Open Civic Space
FA 2023 p.1-6
SIQI YAO finale@upenn.edu / (510) 610-9057
02/PHALANX New-York Historical Society Extension / Museum & Archives
SP 2023 p.7-12
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania Master of Architecture / 2021.08 - Present Expected Graduation: 2024. 05
03/ABOVE THE RAIL Railpark Renovation / Urban Market
SP 2022 p.13-16
University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Arts in Architecture / 2017.08 - 2021.05
04/CARVING CONCAVITY WORK EXPERIENCE
Hyperlapse Chamber/ Installation
FA 2021 p.17-18
WRNS Studio San Francisco, CA / Architectural Design Intern 2023.06 - 08
CannoDesign
05/SHAGRAA EIP Master Planning & Production / Eco-Industrial Park
UG SP 2021 p.19-23
Philadelphia, PA / Architectural Design Intern 2022.05 - 08
SGPA Architecture and Planning San Francisco, CA / Architectural Design Intern 2020.07 - 08
06/1901 WALNUT ST BIM Modeling with Revit / Office Building
SP 2022 p.24-25
AECOM Shanghai, China / Architectural Design Intern 2019.05 - 08
INTERNSHIP WORK
PROJECTS 2019-2023 Commercial / Residential / Built Project
p.26-28
Bologna - After Nature
Arsenal Adaptive Reuse
01/BOLOGNA - AFTER NATURE ADAPTIVE REUSE/ OPEN CIVIC SPACE FALL 2023 / UPENN 701 Studio / Instructor: Barry Wark Envisioning architecture characterized by stone figures rather than a global form, this project allows material assembly to influence space rearrangement during the building’s reconstruction. Inspired by weathered remnants in the Roman Forum, such as column capitals and marble decorations, these stones symbolize a fraction of the original structure— disassembled and repurposed after the fall of the Roman Empire. These stories emphasize a tradition of integrating components from older buildings into new constructions, highlighting a tangible connection to the past. The formal exploration focuses on environmental enmeshment, investigating ecological aesthetics, permissible degradation, and tectonics that support regenerative structures. Designing open civic space in Bologna, Italy, inspired by the city’s porticos, aims to address occupants’ needs and tackle ontological challenges arising from the environmental crisis.
Software Tools: Houdini, Rhino, Zbrush, Keyshot, Unreal Engine 5
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FA 2023 Upenn
Bologna - After Nature
Arsenal Adaptive Reuse
Quarry Stone Figure A
Quarry Stone Figure B
Quarry Stone Figure C
QUARRY STONE ‘FIGURES’ A set of quarry stone figures was crafted, becoming crucial and enduring elements, akin to the tensioned stone modules in the construction of Sagrada Família. Their geometry draws inspiration from building components
Quarry Stone Figure D
like beams, columns, windows, and footings. Importantly, they originate from potential connections—be it to bricks, wood slabs, or steel roof frames—affording flexibility in arrangement to shape diverse spaces.
Quarry Stone Figure E
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FA 2023 Upenn
Bologna - After Nature
Arsenal Adaptive Reuse
Network of Space: People engage in informal activities under the porticos, on viewing platforms, in semi-enclosed rooms, and along the water channels.
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FA 2023 Upenn
Bologna - After Nature
Arsenal Adaptive Reuse
Configuration 1 Diagram
Configuration 2 Diagram
Configuration 1 Render
Configuration 3 Diagram
Configuration 2 Render
Configuration 3 Render
Site Setion
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FA 2023 Upenn
Bologna - After Nature
Arsenal Adaptive Reuse
ARSENAL RENAISSANCE This proposal transforms a century-old arsenal factory in south Bologna, aligning with the city’s 2014 plan. Abundant in brick, wood, and steel, the site’s strategy prioritizes material preservation, green space, and a public walkway. Stone figures punctuate walkways, converging into a plaza beneath the former barrack, creating an architectural motif and open spaces extending into nature.
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FA 2023 Upenn
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EVOLVING PATTERNS The applied carved pattern on the stone figures, featuring linear cuts and triangular tessellation, adapts over time. Symmetrical linear cuts create surfaces for seeds, aiding shade plant growth. Triangular tessellation optimizes sunlight for vegetation. Both patterns support air and water flow. The stone figures evolve with space reconfiguration, embodying the passage of time and stories.
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Phalanx
New-York Historical Society Extension
Above the Rail | Beyond the Boundary
Siqi Yao ARCH 502 : Kevin Cannon, Ana Celdran
The viaduct is a ghost that drifts around the Callowhill neighborhood. One cannot obtain a clear picture of it because it is currently hidden behind the junkyards, branches, and fences. However, one can clearly sense its presence because it divides the site into two vastly different parts, architecturally speaking. There is a vibrant community for the artists to the west, where red brick buildings are covered by colorful graffities and advertisements. Whereas the buildings located to the east of the viaduct are plain, dilapidated, and even abandoned. The beauty of the art and the noise form the new construction sites cannot transmit beyond the viaduct. Everything stops by this invisible yet harsh boundary. I see communities as the foundations of a dynamic, interconnected network of services and relationships that position cities to thrive. To thrive, communities must be connected, resilient, healthy and motivative. The design goal is to bridge the two parts of the site and reactivate the spirit of the neighborhood. To approach that, an aggregation of structures shaped by the existing grids is placed above, under, besides, and on the viaduct. They will act as the extension of the existing facilities on both sides of the viaduct, bridging over the invisible boundary. Red brick and steel recall the industrial past while stained glass is added to represent the inspiring vision of the future.
02/PHALANX NY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXTENSION/ MUSEUM & ARCHIVES SPRING 2023 / UPENN 502 Studio / Instructor: Kevin Cannon Studio Partner： Flora Fei Confronting the storage space challenge at the New York Historical Society, our visionary extension project introduces an innovative solution — a state-of-the-art robotic verticle archive system. Beyond alleviating storage constraints, it introduces additional exhibition space and a pivotal observation deck with panoramic views of Central Park. This studio emphasizes technical aspects, delving into the facade and structural system. Expert consultants were engaged to provide valuable insights. The connected truss system is instrumental in achieving a slender and striking form. The double-skin aluminum panel facade serves as a sophisticated translation, seamlessly metamorphosing the traditional brick and marble facade into a modern, sleek aesthetic, harmonizing heritage with contemporary allure. Software Tools: Rhino, Grasshopper, Enscape, SAP 2000
1/8” Model: W 76th Street Entrance and the Vertical Archive System
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SP 2023 Upenn SCHEME 2
SCHEME 3
Phalanx
TRIANGLES: BEAUX-ARTS HARMONY Inspired by Central Park Way’s architectural context, our project’s triangular form is a nod to neighboring structures like the bell tower, The San Remo apartment, and historical Beaux-Arts office buildings, characterized by spiky roofs. We amplify this iconic feature, extending the architectural language while imbuing it with the functionality of observation.
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New-York Historical Society Extension
Phalanx
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New-York Historical Society Extension
SP 2023 Upenn
Phalanx
New-York Historical Society Extension
[ phalanx ] noun. 1 : heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks
noun. 2: a vertical robotic storage system; store
artifacts in a climate-controlled environment and deliver within a click in the online catalog
Facade Sections Left: Aluminum Panel Double Skin Detail 1″ =16′ Right: Floor and Roof Detail 1″ =16′
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SP 2023 Upenn
Phalanx
New-York Historical Society Extension
[ phalanx ] noun. 3: a leaning tower; situated on 76th St; point toward the Central Park Way & 77th St.
verb. 1: To phalanx can also mean to disrupt the
classical symmetry of the original New-York Historical Society building
Building Plans Top: Observation Deck Plan 1″ =100′ Mid: Roof Extension Plan 1″ =100′ Bottom: Ground Floor Plan 1″ =200′
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SP 2023 Upenn
Phalanx
New-York Historical Society Extension
Left: 3D Printed Physical Model with Laser-Cut Base 1″ =8′ Right: Unveiling Strength: Structural Analysis of Truss Systems
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SP 2023 Upenn
Above the Rail
Rail Park Renovation
Above the Rail | Beyond the Boundary
Siqi Yao ARCH 502 : Kevin Cannon, Ana Celdran
The viaduct is a ghost that drifts around the Callowhill neighborhood. One cannot obtain a clear picture of it because it is currently hidden behind the junkyards, branches, and fences. However, one can clearly sense its presence because it divides the site into two vastly different parts, architecturally speaking. There is a vibrant community for the artists to the west, where red brick buildings are covered by colorful graffities and advertisements. Whereas the buildings located to the east of the viaduct are plain, dilapidated, and even abandoned. The beauty of the art and the noise form the new construction sites cannot transmit beyond the viaduct. Everything stops by this invisible yet harsh boundary. I see communities as the foundations of a dynamic, interconnected network of services and relationships that position cities to thrive. To thrive, communities must be connected, resilient, healthy and motivative. The design goal is to bridge the two parts of the site and reactivate the spirit of the neighborhood. To approach that, an aggregation of structures shaped by the existing grids is placed above, under, besides, and on the viaduct. They will act as the extension of the existing facilities on both sides of the viaduct, bridging over the invisible boundary. Red brick and steel recall the industrial past while stained glass is added to represent the inspiring vision of the future.
03/ABOVE THE RAIL
BEYOND THE BOUNDARY RAILPARK RENOVATION / URBAN MARKET SPRING 2022 / UPENN 502 Studio / Instructor: Kevin Cannon The abandoned viaduct in Philadelphia is an invisible but harsh boundary that divides the Callowhill neighborhood into two territories: a vibrant artistIc one to the west and a dilapidated one to the east. Communities are the foundations of a dynamic and interconnected network that position cities to thrive. Therefore, they must be connected, resilient, healthy and motivative. The design goal is to bridge the two territories and reactivate the spirit of the neighborhood. To approach that, an aggregation of ‘bridges’ shaped by the existing grids is placed above, under, besides, and on the viaduct. They will act as extensions of the existing facilities on both sides of the viaduct, bridging over the invisible boundary. This project examines architecture as it exists in relation to the urban condition and offers an opportunity for conjecture and refiguration as the urban market might exist in a contemporary American setting. Software Tools: Rhino, Enscape, Keyshot
Collages: the Callowhill Neighborhood in Philadelphia
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SP 2022 Upenn SCHEME 2
SCHEME 3
Above the Rail
Rail Park Renovation
Plans Top: Viaduct Level Plan 1″ =200′ Bottom: +50’ Level Plan 1″ =200′
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SP 2022 Upenn
Above the Rail
Layers of Experiences: ground-level marketplace, viaduct-level park, and upper-level dedicated programs
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Rail Park Renovation
Above the Rail
Rail Park Renovation
EXISTING STRUCTURES
DISTRIC N9NE
design
recreational center
nightclub
MADE INSTITUTE
fashion runway
fashion design school
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
LOCATION 215
outdoor market
artists’ lofts
loft apartments
OUR BROTHERS’ PLACE
roof garden & rehab center
homeless shelter
PHIELD HOUSE & YOGA STUDIO
swimming pool & gym
sports facilities
THE VIADUCT TUNNEL
STREETS
greenspace extension
grid
Top: Runway View & Market to Viaduct Stairs View Urban Synergy: Integration with Surrounding Building Programs
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Bottom: Viaduct Park View
SP 2022 Upenn
Carving Concavity
Installation
04/CARVING CONCAVITY HYPERLAPSE CHAMBER / INSTALLATION FALL 2021 / UPENN 501 Studio / Instructor: José Aragüez This project is an exploration of aggregated polyhedra which forms an infinite field. Through iterating upon the original infinite polyhedra by applying transformations such as stretching and shifting units, a new and dynamic infinite field is produced. By cutting this field using curved faces and the chamber envelope, we created a series of anomaly pieces in the aggregation’s resulting form as well as finalized the separation of two materials to concstruct the hyperlaspse chambers: shrink wrap and wood. Software Tools: Rhino, Grasshopper, Vray
Immersive Rendering
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FA 2021 Upenn
Carving Concavity
Installation
Model-making Techniques
Hyperlapse Chamber
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FA 2021 Upenn
Shagraa EIP
Eco-Industrial Park
05/SHAGRAA EIP MASTER PLANNING & PRODUCTION Spring 2021 / UCB 100D Studio / Instructor: Logman Arja Situated in North Darfur, Sudan, Shagraa is a small village with limited resources and facilities. The proposed Eco-Industrial Park serves to connect resources and communities through synergistic relations flourishing at the micro and macro scale alike. Brick and pottery-making are traditional building material and long practiced craft in the village. The production plant design creates an integrative form of making that expands the local economy while taking advantage of surrounding resources to establish symbiotic systems. Combining traditional with modern methods of production lead to high productivity and diverse products, creating more jobs, and allowing for construction of other industries in the region.
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SP 2021 UC Berkeley
Shagraa EIP
Eco-Industrial Park
Eco-Industrial Park Master Plan
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SP 2021 UC Berkeley
Shagraa EIP
Eco-Industrial Park
Formal Inspiration: Kiln and Firing Pit
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SP 2021 UC Berkeley
Shagraa EIP
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Eco-Industrial Park
Production Plant Site Plan
Shagraa EIP
Eco-Industrial Park
Modular structures feature linear programs including harvesting clay, mixing it, molding it, baking it and painting it to make a pottery piece. The brick, pottery, and pigment industries cluster and enclose courtyards for the workers, supported by public facilities such as a community kitchen and a biodigester. Chimney-like skylights and perforated clay walls allow for daylighting, natural ventilation, and visual connections to the reservoir and the surronding landscape created by clay bricks left in the sun to dry. Tourists are invited to experience the charm of local pottery through hands-on demonstrations instructed by professional craftsmen.
Top: Ground Water Recycle System Bottom: Pottery-Making Display
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SP 2021 UC Berkeley
1901 Walnut St
BIM Modeling with Revit
06/1901 WALNUT ST REVIT MODELING SPRING 2022 / UPENN ARCH 532 Construction II / Instructor: Patrick Morgan, Ryan Palider This Revit model is the ground upon which all construction activities for advanced and complex multi-story buildings take place. The main components of this Revit model include foundations, structural core and frame, conveying and egress, envelope, HVAC systems, and detailing.
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SP 2022 UPenn
1901 Walnut St
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BIM Modeling with Revit
SP 2022 UPenn
South SF Lab & Office
Internship Work
INTERNSHIP WORK SOUTH SF LAB & OFFICE COMPETITION Summer 2023 / WRNS Studio / Supervisor: Raul Garduño, Tim Jonas, Gary Lee, etc Collaborated in a lab and office competition, constructing 1:50 physical models for multiple design schemes and stages, including the site model base. Contributed to the development of Lumion renderings, process diagrams, and elevation drawings, striving to articulate creative concepts in tangible forms.
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2023 WRNS Studio
The Giga Tower
Internship Work
Majilis Zone
INTERNSHIP WORK THE GIGA TOWER COMPETITION Summer 2019/AECOM Shanghai/ Supervisor: Bryan Chow, Huan Zhang, etc.
Apartment Zone 2
During my three-month internship at AECOM Shanghai, I engaged in the Giga Tower competition. Working on the concept design with 10 designers, I contributed to rendering, plans, diagrams, and facade detail Rhino models. My tasks involved testing diverse massing options and crafting in-house 3D-printed Apartment Zone 1
5.0
massing models, enriching the design exploration process.
MASSING STUDIES
WE FIRST DEVELOPED A SERIES OF ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTS TO TEST THE PROGRAM AND THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM.
Hotel Zone
KAFD-X INTERIM PRESENTATION 2
30 JUN 2019
3D-Printed Massing Models
Office Zone
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2019 AECOM
Starling Murmuration
Internship Work
INTERNSHIP WORK STARLING MURMURATION STUDENT RENTAL APARTMENTS Summer 2022/CannoDesign/ Supervisor: Carey Jackson Yonce , Zach Jones Parametric brick facade design for five deluxe student apartment buildings in the North Broad section of Philadelphia with the concept of starling murmuration; produce permit set drawings. 3D-Printed Sample
2026 N.15th
1943 N.18th
Parametric Brick Facade Design and Construction
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2022 CannoDesign
SIQI YAO finale@upenn.edu / (510) 610-9057 Contextualizing / Cultivating / Creating Understanding the essence of a place, weaving it into designs with attention to detail. It’s about crafting meaningful environments that resonate with the unique spirit of each location. 1803 N 18th St, Philadelphia，PA
AMC 12, Sunnyvale, CA
Quetzal Gardens, San Jose, CA
Brick Facade Design Permit Set
SD phase Facade Options Atrium Design Options
SD phase Facade Options Collabrate with Artist on Mural Design