Selected work of Yiyang Liu Bachelor of Arts of UAL avaliu2002@gmail.com
01 OLYMPIC LEGACY REIMAGINED
Urban Transportation, 2024.11, Summerhill, US
Individual Work
02 SEAMLESS BORDER
Ecology Preservartion, 2024.06, Shenzhen Bay, China
Individual Work
03 THE BURIED SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Memorial Landscape, 2024.03, Handan, China
Individual Work
04 COEXIST WITH FLOODS
Urban Planning Project, 2023.12, Canarsie, US
Individual Work
05 OTHER WORKS
Drawings and Models, 22-23
School Work
Time: 2024.09 - 2024.11
Location: Summerhill, United States
Type: Individual work
The Olympic Games often drive significant urban changes, but low-income neighborhoods like Summerhill in Atlanta can suffer in the process. For the 1996 Olympics, many residents were displaced, and half of Summerhill was turned into parking lots, while promised infrastructure improvements bypassed the area. This project seeks to repurpose parking lots into community amenities, enhance recreational spaces, and improve residents’ quality of life. Additionally, a flyover will connect neighborhoods divided by the highway, with the space beneath transformed into a hub for community culture and art exchange.
The 1984 Olympics displaced many low-income Black and Brown residents without subsidies, leading to the 1992 riot after years of violence.
The 2012 Olympic stadiums were built in low-income areas of East London, causing residents to lose their homes and turning what was once East London into apartment unaffordable.
The 2016 Olympics displaced many poor residents from a slum, leaving venues abandoned and compensation unfulfilled.
The construction of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic stadium and accompanying parking garage caused dissatisfaction among summerhill residents.
Freed black slaves migrated to Summerhill in 1865 as the first residents after the Civil War. Immigrant Jews also moved here during the same period.
The Atlanta Olympics stadium was built west of Summerhill, displacing many residents. Afterward, homes north of the community were demolished for parking lots unusable by locals.
The Olympics often drive urban transformations, but low-income communities are frequently displaced. In Atlanta, the 1996 Olympics forced Summerhill residents to relocate, with half of the land turned into parking lots. For a community already struggling with poverty and limited vehicle ownership, these “Olympic legacies” proved largely useless, further reducing the area’s functionality.
of the Summerhill residents are African Americans
By 1950, Summerhill was in decline as the middle class moved to the suburbs, taking community institutions. Those who stayed had fewer assets and lower incomes.
There are so many parking lots, we don't even have that many cars parked there on a normal day!
1978
Slum clearance and transport construction in Summerhill led to widespread demolitions and a sharp population decline. Highway construction and stadium development displaced Summerhill residents and sacrificed community space.
2021
After the Olympics, the highway route has become more connected to more places without benefiting the residents of summerhill.
Summerhill is isolated by extensive parking lots and a surrounding highway system
The highway has a lot of routes but the road and public transportation connectivity within the community is weak, so it is not well utilized.
Time: 2024.03 - 2024.06
Location: Shenzhen, China
Type: Individual work
Shenzhen Bay, the boundary between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, reveals sharp contrasts between Shenzhen’s dense urbanization and Hong Kong’s well-preserved green spaces. This divide has led to pollution and ecological imbalances, threatening the bay’s mangrove ecosystem. To address these challenges, this project proposes artificial mangrove islands, a slow mobility system, and transition spaces that integrate natural ecosystems with urban areas. By restoring ecological balance and fostering cultural and environmental connections, the project aims to transform Shenzhen Bay into a model of sustainable restoration and cross-border harmony.
Shenzhen Bay, a border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, highlights contrasts in culture, density, and urban form. Rapid urbanization in Shenzhen has caused pollution, threatening the mangrove ecosystem, while Hong Kong remains greener but sparsely populated. This project aims to restore the bay’s ecology through artificial mangrove islands and a slow mobility system, blending natural ecosystems with urban spaces. It focuses on mangrove restoration, transition spaces, and reducing urbanization’s impact while fostering ecological and cultural connections.
The islands are able to spread out the direction of the ocean currents and do not concentrate all the pollutants on the shores of Shenzhen Bay. biodiversity and reduce pollution in Shenzhen Bay.
The original saline deposits at Shenzhen Bay’s edge have shifted to island edges, creating ideal salinity for mangrove growth.
Island and mangrove expansion has created vital habitats for birds, including endangered species, supporting biodiversity.
The mangrove forest on the edge of Shenzhen Bay connects the original urban greening deep into the Shenzhen city.
Tertiary slow traffic paths make it easy for people to navigate through the city’s green spaces.
The 5 main functions serve roles in connection, social interaction, education, entertainment, and transportation.
Parks, plazas, piers, and viewing platforms were added around walkways and greenery based on the 5 functions.
City Social Green Space Island Interactive Corridor Mangrove Wetland Interaction
Sunken parks provide recreational and social areas for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, while infiltrating the city with green ecology
The platforms extending from the city to the islands offer recreational views and connect people with diverse ecological elements and wildlife.
The mangrove path connects people with the wetlands, inspiring efforts to protect endangered mangroves and biodiversity in Shenzhen bay.
Community Convenience Path Connection to Hong Kong
Community trails promote green travel, while a Greater Bay Area exhibition bridges cultural differences between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Both the road bridge and sea transportation help connect Shenzhen and Hong Kong and increase opportunities for communications.
Time: 2024.01 - 2024.03
Location: Handan, China
Type: Individual work
In March 2024, a tragic case of school violence shocked society: 13-year-old left-behind child Xiaoguang was blackmailed and beaten to death by three classmates. His parents were absent, and he had been bullied for a long time without anyone noticing. His story highlights the plight of China’s 66.93 million left-behind children who are vulnerable to abuse. To raise awareness, I will design a landscape structure that reflects Xiaoguang’s emotions - oneliness, confusion, fantasies, and despair - providing an immersive experience that explores the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
Next Day
Xiaoguang's body was exhumed from an abandoned vegetable shed
Night
Xiaoguang's grandmother visited the bully's home twice to ask about his whereabouts.
16:10
Xiaoguang's money was transferred to the abuser's phone, and his WeChat account was blocked.
14:38 Xiaoguang appeared here sitting in the back seat of the abuser's scooter
This terrible incident of school violence has caused a national sensation. Not only because the murder was committed by three junior high school students, it exposed the dark side of human nature and demonstrated the increasingly serious but unnoticed school violence. It also revealed the plight of the children left behind in Handan because of its relatively backward economy. Their lack of family care and education has resulted in the distorted mentality of teenagers. Therefore, for the healthy physical and mental development of children, the situation of left-behind children needs more attention.
Hebei’s GDP per capita declines from northeast to southwest, with Handan’s 47,200 yearly GDP making it less affluent. Many residents work elsewhere, leaving behind many children.
14:00 Xiaoguang’ Grandfather talked to him on phone
Farmland in Handan
Much of Handan lies on the plains, with 60% of the surface being farmland. Villages scattered amongst the farmland.
is
This site is a very flat plain with essentially no ups and downs. There is also very little shade except for the house and planted crops. Therefore it needed to be made undulating by changing the terrain and planting trees to match the experience of Xiaoguang.
Xiaoguang’s school is the only middle school in the village, situated on the edge of an extremely dense residential area. As a result, foot traffic in this location is relatively high, and the fact that the school bullying took place at this school serves as a warning to visitors.
Digging down into the plains to create terrain, the downward grade allows water to pool and adds a sense of undulation.
The whole is divided into 4 stages, starting from the main entrance on left: loneliness, lost (path), fantasy, and despair. 2 Ground Function
Water and Terrain
The economy of this village is dominated by agriculture, therefore farmland makes up the majority of the area. As an area that has been flooded extensively in recent years, precipitation can have a significant impact on crops. I would like to build rain gardens to collect rainwater to irrigate the farmland and to minimize the damage of flooding to the village.
A water channel will be formed along the dug terrain. This aqueduct collects water that can be utilized in installations as well as to irrigate the surrounding farmland.
Underground Level Planting Trees
Digging down into the plains to create terrain, the downward grade allows water to pool and adds a sense of undulation.
Planting trees not only adds to the sense of disorientation and exploration, but is also an important step in building rain gardens and ecological restoration.
Underground Function
The underground mirrors the above-ground functions, with water sounds dominating the entire journey through the four unchanged stages.
Path Way
Winding and undulating roads give a difficult journey, simulating the twisting and turning trajectory of Xiaoguang's life.
The design is divided into two levels, above and below ground, with a staircase that travels through light and darkness.
Glass Ceiling
Light through the water and glass reflects the water ripples, giving a sense of unreal fantasy. Like the lure of friendship to Xiaoguang.
Waterfall
Water flows into the ground through a champagne tower-like device, and the difference in height creates a vibrant watery sound.
A stopping area at the water's edge can give tired pedestrians a break and still time to reflect on Xiaoguang’s event.
Waterfront Stop
Water Curtain
Water enters underground through lengthening curtains. The diminishing water sound symbolizes Xiaoguang's life coming to an end.
The tall, dense trees block sunlight and give visitors a sense of oppression, simulating Xiaoguang's lonely, oppressed life.
Trees
Water droplets enter the ground striking stainless steel discs of varying heights, resonating with the sound of Xiaoguang's dying heart beat.
Water Drop
Holes
Beams of light shoot into the underground space through holes dug in the ground. When people look up, they empathize with the buried Xiaoguang.
Underground water drain take the water from the ground and then irrigate the water into the large surrounding farmland.
Water Drains
Lost and Exploration
Light filters through the water into the dark underground, while the waterfall’s sound entices visitors with its beauty, drawing them further in.
Contemplation and Reflection
It's depressing to have only a dim light in the underground
Venturing deeper reveals dark, rugged spaces and the faint drip of water echoing the heartbeat. Sitting quietly evokes Xiaoguang’s despair of being buried alive.
Look, there's water dripping！
The water droplets also knocked against the stainless steel plate.
Time: 2023.09 - 2023.12
Location: Canarsie, United States
Type: Individual work
Canarsie, a predominantly low-income Black neighborhood in Brooklyn bordered by the ocean on three sides, faces frequent flooding due to inadequate urban drainage and its proximity to the water. These challenges significantly impact residents’ daily lives and financial stability. With climate change projected to increase flood risks, nearly half of the neighborhood could be submerged within the next century. To address these pressing issues, I have proposed a threephase plan: activation, connection, and prevention. This approach aims to improve residents’ quality of life, strengthen flood resilience, optimize community resources, and foster a harmonious relationship between the urban environment and nature.
Canarsie is an old black community. He is plagued by year-round flooding because of its location surrounded by the ocean on three sides, and a dilapidated drainage system, and many of the houses are damaged because of ill-conceived basement designs. However, the community and its residents are not well off financially, making it difficult to afford the financial strain of the flooding. At the same time the quality of life in Canarsie is poor, not only is there a high risk of flooding, but public transportation is poorly developed, and even too little recreational green space. As a result, this community is in dire need of rehabilitation.
80%
The Canarsie Indians lived by fishing and farming between Paedergat Basin and Jamaica Bay.
The Dutch purchased land around Jamaica Bay from the Indians to colonize the Canarsie region.
At the Civil War, railroads and ferry service were established, boosting industry and coastal resorts. Bringing in tourists also caused pollution, leading to the decline of Canarsie's fisheries.
Canarsie was rezoned after the end of World War II, and a large number of permanent housing projects were developed because of a chronic housing shortage and white flight.
Hurricane Sandy caused widespread damage and financial losses, while FEMA map updates made insurance unaffordable for low-income residents.
Because of climate change and sea level rise, the threat of flooding continues to grow for the Canarsie region. Half of the land is predictedto be flooded in 50 years.
Aboriginal people relied mainly on agriculture and hunting.
Test Point
Retail Corridor
Stores are centralized in the community center, but their limited size and variety hinder convenience for residents, especially during floods when the retail corridor fails to meet essential needs.
Dutch colonizers came from the sea and traded with the Aboriginal people to take over large tracts of land for development. Fishing
Fishing, uncontaminated by industrial waste, is also one of the main livelihoods and industries of the Canarsie Aboriginal people near the sea.
The outlets for urban drainage are concentrated in two narrow creeks, polluting the quality of the sea water
Canarsie Pier
Canarsie Pier remains popular with anglers, but urban development and pollution have depleted the oncethriving fishery.
The creek area, prone to flooding, houses the city’s drainage outfalls and includes an underused green space near residences.
Farmland and retail outlets make the resource-poor community more accessible and self-sufficient during floods.
Community corridors connect homes and increase interaction between residents and neighborhood vitality.
The micro garden and farmland add greenery, while the pedestrian trail connects the community to the creekside ecological zone.
Supply Station and Community Connection
Supply Station and Community Connection
Pedestrian Trial and Ecological Buffer
Pedestrian Trial and Ecological Buffer
DRAWING PRACTICES
2020-2022, Individual Works
Public Toilet, 2023, London, Individual Work
Public demand for clean public toilets is high, yet many fail to meet hygiene standards. To address this, I propose a sculptural public toilet design that contrasts with the old tunnel’s appearance. Its “one-way journey” layout and comprehensive facilities ensure users enter, use, and leave in a clean state. This design aims to provide a clean, convenient experience in both appearance and function within the dim tunnel environment.
Invisible Cities, 2022, London, Individual Work
In Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino explores society and humanity through fantastical cities. Beersheba, split between utopian ideals and infernal realities, reflects his view that the pursuit of perfection often leads to its opposite. In this project, I have made a model of Beersheba from my imagination, using text analysis, architecture, and real-life examples to examine Calvino’s interpretation of the world.
Bachelor of Arts of UAL, 2025
E-mail: avaliu2002@gmail.com
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