2024Portfolio, Y.Z

YIRONG ZHANG

SELECTED WORKS

Yirong Zhang

Brooklyn, NY, 11217 yzhang71@pratt.edu (646) 328-8365

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DESIGN STUDIO TEACHING ASSISTANT

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, Sep 2023 - Dec 2023

- Mentored sophomore students in the intricate process of conceptual development, encompassing vital areas such as site analysis, client research, program evolution, and material representation;

- Cultivated a conducive learning environment by fostering open communication with students, offering unwavering guidance and support at every turn of their academic journey;

- Collaborated closely with faculty members to meticulously refine assignment sheets, optimizing comprehension and elevating the educational experience to unparalleled heights.

INTERIOR DESIGN INTERNSHIP

Marie Burgos Design, Brooklyn, NY, June 2023- Sep 2023

- Facilitated client meetings, honing the ability to discern and address clients’ unique needs and preferences with finesse;

- Shadowed professionals in real-world job site measurements and comprehensive site assessments;

- Acquired proficiency in the systematic creation of design concepts, leveraging innovative methodologies to bring visions to life;

- Gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of the ordering process, mastering the orchestration of product selection, sourcing, and procurement strategies;

- Delved into the entire process from meticulous ordering to quantity and quality control, culminating in flawless onsite installations;

- Spearheaded the creation of compelling design documents, meticulously crafting presentations to captivate and inspire clients;

- Demonstrated prowess in CAD drawings, leveraging cutting-edge technology to translate concepts into precise visual representations;

- Executed 3D renderings with precision and artistry, bringing designs to vivid, photorealistic life.

INTERIOR DESIGN INTERNSHIP

GMAID Hangzhou Guomei Architecture & Interior Design Institute, Hangzhou, China, May 2022- Aug 2022

- Spearheaded the ideation and development of conceptual and schematic designs for the exclusive lounge area at the prestigious Conrad Hotel Hangzhou, showcasing a visionary approach to luxury hospitality design;

- Played a pivotal role in curating a refined selection of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), sourcing and specifying elements that epitomize sophistication and elegance, elevating the ambiance to unparalleled heights;

- Collaborated closely with senior designers to contribute insights and support in the creation of sketches and plan drawings, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to exacting standards of excellence.

VISUAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

sensum, Hangzhou, China, Aug 2022- Current

- Spearheaded an independent fashion enterprise on Taobao, the forefront of China’s online retail place, demonstrating astute business acumen and a keen understanding of consumer preferences.

- Refined brand image and expanding market influence by contributing to the editing and design of compelling presentation decks;

- Elevated existing brand assets, refining every detail to ensure brand consistency and the authentic conveyance of core brand values.

SKILLS

INTERPERSONAL

Storytelling

Social Media

Organization Skills

Multitasking and self-studying

Communication and listening

TOOLS

Rhinoceros, SketchUp

V-ray, Enscape

Revit, AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suites

Google Drive Apps

Microsoft Office Applications

HONORS & AWARDS

ACCOR

EDUCATION

TECHINICAL

Physical Modeling

Hand Sketching

Site Analysis

Construction Drawing

Wood Sawing

Wire Knitting

Laser Cutting

3D Printing

LANGUAGES

English (Proficient)

Mandarin Chinese (Native)

DESIGN AWARDS 2024 TOP 10 FINALIST (In Progress)

PRESIDENT’S LIST

Spring 2024 - Fall 2021

Pratt Institute

Brooklyn, NY, Sep 2020- May 2024

BFA Interior Design, GPA: 3.65

RETAIL, ART, BAR, OFFICE

BIRD-TOPIA

Spring2024, Pratt Institute Interior Design Thesis, Instructor: Brendan Moran

Unveiling the New Urban Fabric for Neglected Citizens

Imagine the transformative impact of implementing these initiatives citywide. Picture a city where designated living areas offer pigeons sanctuary from the perils of urban life, shielding them from the chaos of traffic and ensuring their safety and well-being. In this urban landscape, pigeons continue to soar freely across the skyline, but as night falls and the city lights dim, they navigate effortlessly back to their homes, guided by the comforting familiarity of their habitats. It’s a vision of harmony between nature and the bustling metropolis, where every creature, no matter how small, finds its place in the tapestry of urban life.

Individual Work

[Highway cuts through natural habitats leading habitat fragmentation.]

[Zoos, which congregate animals together, are in fact isolating them.]

Pigeon Sight Pigeon Coop

Pigeon Platform

Place for pigeons to rest

Pigeon Nest

Place for pigeons to construct nests

Wire Mesh

Prevent reflections

Recycled Acrylic Panels

Catch droppings

Bamboo

Spport structure

Cedar Panels

Durable and weather-resistant outdoor furniture

Seating

Place for human to rest

Planting

Place to cultivate plants that entice pigeons to visit

To alter the prevailing practice of people feeding pigeons while they are grounded, this initiative seeks to restore pigeons’ natural foraging instincts. Unlike the past, when pigeons relied on their own skills to find food, this project aims to return that ability to them. By enabling pigeons to fend for themselves, they can become less reliant on humans for sustenance, thereby reshaping the dynamic between humans and pigeons. As a result, humans can witness pigeons soaring freely in the sky instead of seeing them confined to the ground, consuming human-provided food.

City containes multiple layers, with the ground surface primarily for human activities and the mid-to-upper levels for flying animals. However, conflicts often arise in public spaces when humans and animals occupy the same level. Therefore, to reduce aggregation, relocating pigeons to higher levels can achieve separation of circulation horizontally, while maintaining ecological balance vertically.

LIBRARY

The Arlington Library, adorned with nostalgic black-and-white photographs, is poised for a transformative redesign. Embracing inclusivity and vibrancy, the project aims to revitalize its classical charm. Through strategic spatial rearrangements and a focus on banned books, the library evolves into a welcoming sanctuary, celebrating intellectual freedom and unity through literature.

MATERIAL & FURNITURE

Warm tones and vintage furniture create a comforting sense of nostalgia, enveloping you in a welcoming embrace. The thoughtfully designed layout caters to visitors of all ages, ensuring a delightful and invigorating experience for everyone who steps through the door.

MAIN BOOKSHELF

KIDS READING SPACE

CHILDREN READING SPACE

FIREPLACE

SOFA SPACE

RESTING SPACE

BANQUTTE SEATING

INDIVIDUAL READING SPACE

PEER READING SPACE

GROUP READING SPACE

PRIVATR READING SPACE

UNISEX BATHROOM

STAFF OFFICE

BOOK STORAGE

CORRIDOR

EGRESS ENTRANCE

MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM

PUBLIC COMPUTING

READING ROOM CAFE

COMMUNITY SERVISE

AREA WELCOME DESK

Section A-A’

HOSPITALITY

The

Sofitel’s debut hotel in Strasbourg blends local heritage with French elegance, celebrating the brand’s 60th anniversary. Now, for this milestone, we’ve selected Quai de France in Shanghai’s French Concession, merging French ‘joie de vivre’ with the city’s contemporary vibe, creating a unique celebration.

Inspired by Sofitel’s candle ritual and French architecture, the hotel seamlessly combines Chinese lantern art with French elegance, catering to both traditional and Gen Z aesthetics. With a focus on guest well-being and cultural inclusivity, it aims to redefine luxury for the next generation. This landmark hotel not only celebrates Sofitel’s legacy but also represents its evolution. It’s a fusion of French heritage with Shanghai’s vibrant culture, promising unforgettable experiences for guests of all backgrounds.

Accor Design Awards 2024, Instructor: Christian Rietzke, (in progress)

Group Work: Yirong Zhang, Ziyan Wu, Yushu Zhuang, Yunyu Huang

light Beyound, Sofitel Shanghai Office

Gallery

Cafe

CAFE & BAR, CONSTRUCTION DRAWING

HOSPITALITY

Drawing inspiration from drift bottles, the primary focus lies in the design reminiscent of these vessels, serving as the central circulation hub—the elevator. The spatial flow of the entire design is intricately crafted to reflect geographical textures, accentuating the interconnectedness between the hotel, its guests, and the surrounding nature.

Spring2023 Pratt Institute Interior Design Studio III, Instructor: Anne Coggan

The Coal Office, Bagley Walk, London, UK, Group Work. All presented images were completed independently.

SHARED MARKET LAUNDRY RECEPTION & LOUNGE OFFICE ZONE SLEEPING ZONE CAFE LOUNGE SAUNA STUDY ROOM BATHROOM

GAME ROOM

KITCHEN & PANTRY DINING ROOM

OUTDOOR DINING PUBLIC STORAGE

BATHROOM

BEDROOM

ELEVATOR FIRESTAIR

OFFICE

The Office Project imagines an office landscape after the pandemic. Its central aim lies in spatial organization and material exploration, striving to cultivate cleanliness and organization in the workplace with enhanced cleaning materials. Additionally, it explores shifts in the work environment, integrating additional rest areas and adaptable spaces to cater to diverse and flexible work patterns for individuals.

RESIDENTIAL

In a fast-paced world, a teahouse owner in Hangzhou cherishes Chinese tradition and a healthy lifestyle. Despite dwindling interest from the younger generation, he blends tradition with innovation, creating a modern teahouse experience while preserving cultural heritage.

CONCEPT COLLAGES

BRANDING