Portfolio

The architecture aims to become a spark in a broken community. The bold futuristic form represent pride in the neighborhood and hope for a better tomorrow.

To avoid creating a hollow sculpture without function, the design started with the circulations, programs, and greenspaces.

Elevated gardens connect the building from the exterior, allowing public to enjoy a unique view of the rail tracks and the views beyond.

Programs are divided based on accessibility and noise. Different zones are connected through walkways with views to the gardens.

Ground floor utilizes the road in the middle as drop-off zone for either children, elders, or rented devices.

Second floor connects with a bridge and create a café with views of the city and the roof gardens.

Corners are opened to invite pedestrians, creating a plaza, amphitheater, and lawns for entertainment.

The architecture acts as a system inviting and bringing the community together, introducing unique experiences as an internet center for the future.

Openings of the building envelope are carefully chosen to balance views, natural light, and noise reduction.

Elements of industrial Chicago are implemented in structure and interior design.

Roof garden promotes community and growth, aiming for a brighter future.

Nothing is more beautiful than nature itself. Rather to conquer it, why not enhance it?

To hide the architecture within nature, the façade reflects the surroundings and trees into waving colors.

Building forms are stretched apart to create views and strengthen circulation experience. The lake and gardens can be glimpsed upon entering.

As seasons pass by, the beauty of nature becomes the beauty of the architecture.

The architecture aims to become a sanctuary for the people of Chicago, testing unique ways to allow users experience peace.

Building is elevated from ground to create a public pocket garden connecting the street corner.

By using holed steel meshes as façade, the users are protected from the noise and pressure of the city.

Selected views of exterior allow users to focus on within to find peace.

Garden on the ground floor allows the building to give back to the neighborhood, providing a corner of peace within the busy city.

The site sits across a future park in downtown Champaign, a town surrounded by flat fields of corns and infinite horizon.

To create flexible programs, stalls can be moved around to carve out new experiences.

Simple interior create large open space for the community. The East facade can be opened up to connect with the street and park.

Interesting experiences can be recreated, such as walking in a corn maze.

Interior tries to capture the abstraction of the local landscapes and views.

The project is located in downtown Champaign and aims to become a destination throughout the seasons, providing users comforting experience and connection to nature.

1st Floor: Porte Cochere, Lobby, Central Stair

2nd Floor: Restaurant, Lounge, Office

3rd Floor: Elevated Garden, Infinity Pool, Bar & Gym

4th – 7th Floor: Rooms, Suites, Roof-top Bar

Room interiors use natural materials, large glazing for views, and movable panels to hide the entry and restroom.

The elevated interior garden on the 3rd floor is the main attraction. It is open to both room guests and public. The controlled climate allow greenery in all seasons.

The brick-gap wall blocks the view at first, then surprises guests as they turn the corner.

Hotel guests may relax in suspended "nests", overlooking the garden beneath.

Different strategies were used to achieve a sustainable and natural environment. Stack ventilation, daylighting, and vegetation are central elements in the design.

As a Capstone Project, future studies regarding code, structure, and HVAC were done and implemented into the overall design.

Exterior façade "borrows" local and natural materials from the surrounding buildings.

The central atrium connects the building as a whole. Water wall and brick-gap wall diffuses the noise.

The project aims to promote connection to natural elements and to discover new possibilities for public spaces of a boutique hotel.

My travels has been the major source of inspiration. I learned: the power of architecture can only be fully grasped by physical experiences.

By visiting different masterpieces, I have new understandings for the use of light, materials, circulation and greenery in design.

Pencil-Sketch of Wood Detail — 2016

I will continue to learn and experiment different ways to make architecture become part of nature, improving overall well-being.