Dexuan Chen - Design Portfolio [2025]

Dexuan Chen Architecture portfolio

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CONTENTS ACADEMIC WORK 01 International Housing Studio: Maritime Dwelling

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Washington University in St. Louis Sam fox School Time: December 2023

02 Degree Project Studio: Tide of Industry

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Washington University in St. Louis Sam fox School Time: May 2025

03 A RETREAT FOR PAINTERS: Addition to The Salk Institute Studio

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Washington University in St. Louis Sam fox School Time: April 2024

04 The City at Stake: Elements and Agents of Urban Design in St. Louis

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Washington University in St. Louis Sam fox School Time: December 2024

PROFESSIONAL WORK 05 Mountain Villa: Hygge House

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Design with Frank Time: August 2024

06 Into Nature: Interactive, Learning Center Archisland Design Studio Time: February 2023

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01

INTERNATIONAL HOUSING STUDIO: MARITIME DWELLING

Academic Studio Individual Project Site: Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada Size: 84720 ft²

The International Housing Studio aims to enhance workers' understanding of how climate, society, and culture influence urban collective living. Workers will design housing that challenges conventional living and supports new family models and collaborative living.

The design process will encompass five scales: the interior of individual units, the transitional areas between private and communal spaces, the grouping of units, the neighborhood layout, and the broader city context. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of architectural design within an urban setting.

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is Atlantic Canada's largest city, famed for its historic Halifax Harbor and the iconic Halifax Citadel. This bustling port city, part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, has a rich maritime history and is undergoing significant coastal urbanization.

The 21st-century transformation sees new residential developments along its coastline.

Workers will explore this dynamic change, examining local geography and maritime traditions to design sustainable waterfront residences.

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THRESHOLD IMAGE The physical model photography primarily depicts the composition of the internal space of the Unit.

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SITE PLAN The site is located in the southeast of the plot, along the Atlantic coast, from where you can enjoy the view of the Halifax port city skyline across the sea.

SITE MODEL

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THRESHOLD IMAGE The physical model photography describes the transitional space from the corridor into the unit.

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Unit A

Unit B

UNIT A

UNIT B

FIRST PLAN 1/4’’

SECOND PLAN 1/4’’

FIRST PLAN 1/4’’

SECOND PLAN 1/4’’

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FACADE RENDERING

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN

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WALL DETAIL

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68.8°

21.9°

ROOF

54’-0’’

6 FLOOR

45’-0’’

5 FLOOR

36’-0’’

4 FLOOR

27’-0’’

3 FLOOR

18’-0’’

2 FLOOR 9’-0’’

GROUND

SECTION AA

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02

DEGREE PROJECT STUDIO: TIDE OF INDUSTRY

Academic Studio Individual Project Site: North St. Louis, MO Size: 162150 ft²

Located along the Mississippi River in a former industrial corridor north of St. Louis, this proposal reimagines manufacturing infrastructure as both a site of production and a civic interface. Sited on a triangular lot adjacent to active rail lines, the CLT Factory choreographs circulation and spatial organization in response to terrain and context. A new truck route bisects the site, separating industrial logistics from pedestrian access while guiding the placement of workshop, office, and service spaces.

At the heart of the project is a large-span workshop framed by exposed timber trusses and clad in cross-laminated timber panels—both structure and surface that reflect the factory’s own material output. Clerestory skylights and southwest-facing solar panels integrate passive and active strategies for daylight and energy use.

The office wing is set at an angle to the production hall, creating a public plaza that mediates between the industrial core and the surrounding landscape. This interstitial space offers a moment of openness in an otherwise efficient plan, extending the role of the factory beyond production toward community engagement. The project poses a contemporary question: how might architecture reframe industrial typologies in service of local sustainability, economic resilience, and public life?

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SECTION PHOTOGRAPH

WORKSHOP PHOTOGRAPH

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SITE PLAN

1 Handling and Preparation 2 End Jointing 3 Layering & Gluing 4 Pressing 5 CNC Cutting 6 Finishing 7 Cafe 8 Training Room 9 Lobby 10 Courtyard 11 Locker Room 12 Storage Facility

B

7

8

10

9

11 3

1 2

A

12

A

6 4 5

B

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GROUNDFLOOR PLAN

Section BB

GARDEN PHOTOGRAPH

Roof 52’-0’’

1 Floor 0’-0’’

SECTION BB

/4’’=1’-0’’

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MEETING ROOM PHOTOGRAPH

Roof 34’-0’’

2 Floor 17’-0’’

1 Floor 0’-0’’

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1

2

3

7

8

9

1

10

Roof 52’-0’’

Roof 52’-0’’

1 2 3 4 5 6

2 Floor 17’-0’’

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KEY: 1 Cross-Laminated Timber 2 Vapour Barrier 3 Insulation 4 Breathable Membrane 5 Battens 6 Accoya Wood 7 Sealing Layer 8 Metal flashing 9 Solar Panels 10 Steel Beam 11 Slats

1 Floor 0’-0’’

1 Floor 0’-0’’

Wall Detail

FACADE PHOTOGRAPH

1/2’’=1’-0’’

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2

3

7

8

1

2

3

7

Roof 52’-0’’

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9

10

Roof 52’-0’’

1 2 3 4 5 6

2 Floor 17’-0’’

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KEY: 1 Cross-Laminated Timber 2 Vapour Barrier 3 Insulation 4 Breathable Membrane 5 Battens 6 Accoya Wood 7 Sealing Layer 8 Metal flashing 9 Solar Panels 10 Steel Beam 11 Slats

1 Floor 0’-0’’

1 Floor 0’-0’’

Wall Detail

FACADE DETAIL 1/2’’=1’-0’’ 21

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03

A RETREAT FOR PAINTERS: ADDITION TO THE SALK INSTITUTE STUDIO

Academic Studio Individual Project Site: San Diego, CA Size: 17480 ft²

This proposal builds upon the vision of the unbuilt Meeting House at the Salk Institute

by Louis Kahn—a space imagined by Jonas Salk as a setting where great minds, such as Picasso and leading scientists, could converge in dialogue and discovery. Originally conceived as a residence for scientists, this expanded design introduces six new living units for artists, along with shared spaces that foster interdisciplinary exchange between the arts and sciences.

Located northwest of the Salk Institute, the project emphasizes the relationship between construction materials and core functions, using concrete and brick to express the individuality of each programmatic element. The meeting space is positioned at the heart of the composition, while six distinct artist residences unfold sequentially along the terrain, oriented toward the Pacific cliffs to form a series of interconnected viewing platforms. Engaging both land and sea, the proposal prompts a contemporary reflection on collaborative living, creative synthesis, and the architectural mediation between landscape and community.

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GALLERY

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B

C A

A

Entrance

C

BOTTOM PLAN 3/32’’

B

Ground Floor Plan

36’-0’’

27’-0’’

18’-0’’

9’-0’’

0’-0’’

Section AA

A-A SECTION 1/8’’

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INTERIOR The interior design of the gallery includes the walls, flooring, foundation, and various essential architectural constructions.

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A-A A-ASECTION SECTION1/4’’ 1/4’’

B-B B-BSECTION SECTION1/4’’ 1/4’’

A A B

B

B

B

A A

Studio Plan TOP TOPPLAN PLAN1/4’’ 1/4’’

BOTTOM BOTTOMPLAN PLAN1/4’’ 1/4’’

Studio Section

A-A A-ASECTION SECTION1/4’’ 1/4’’

B-B B-BSECTION SECTION1/4’’ 1/4’’

A A B

B

B

B

A A

TOP TOPPLAN PLAN1/4’’ 1/4’’

BOTTOM BOTTOMPLAN PLAN1/4’’ 1/4’’

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04

THE CITY AT STAKE: ELEMENTS OF URBAN DESIGN IN ST. LOUIS

Academic Studio Individual Project Site: Jeff-Vander-Lou, St. Louis, MO Size: 275,621 sqft The focus this year is St. Louis, Missouri, a representative historical American city that has grown and contracted in extremes that have been as racialized as financially exploitative. The studio will explore the spatial conditions of deurbanization that result from these extremes, along with the myriad agents and elements of their transformation (processes also marked by profound poverty, dispossession and structural inequality). The goal for this studio will not be to restore the city to a former density or traditional ideal, but to recenter social life and democracy through critical design that acknowledges and builds from what is there now.

Our goal is to model possibilities for the low density landscape that may empower people and place in new unexpected ways and with new urban typologies Urban design tasks will include programming and designing within a broader established formal and policy framework. Designs should respond strategically, sustainably, infrastructurally and innovatively. Designs will navigate both existing and future context/s; local and regional demands; sustainability urgencies and pressures of shrinkage and growth.

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characterized as a flat plain. Creating artificial elevation changes is a concept worth exploring, along with strategies for transforming the large vacant areas into open spaces accessible for both humans and animals.

University Primary School Institutions Library Education

Government Hospital

Living

Store Food

Communities Hope House Churches Employment

HOMELESS Hope House Health Center Food Bank Education Agencies

SYMBIOTIC

Library

NEW!!

BIRD

Tree House Terraces

Tree

Green Ways

Seed

Landscape

Landscape Habitat

Migratory

Greenways Rivers Greenway Bike Trails

URBAN HARMONY (POLICIES) REGION SCALE : 1” = 100’ 0

100

200

SUMMARY ABOUT TOPIC: Homeless Bill of Rights: No person's rights, privileges or access to public services may be denied because the person is homeless.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): It is intended to ensure the sustainability of populations of all protected migratory bird species.

Active Greenways (GRG), 2024 Existing Bike Trails (GRG), 2024

FOREMERLY RESTRICTED, NOW VACANT COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES

BIRDS OBSERVATIONS ACTIVITY RADIUS BUILDINGS,. 2023

PARKS, 2023 NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARIES, 2023

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FOOD

GOVERNMENT BUILDING

HOSPITAL

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MASTER PLAN

REGION SCALE : 1” = 100’ 0

200

100

Based on the analysis of the previous maps and stakes frame, the entire site will be re-planned as a unified whole, connecting parks in various locations and establishing a coherent logic for communication with the surrounding blocks.

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PARKS, 2023

Glass house

Road

Lake

Green space

Fruit Garden

Shrub

Landscape

Service Building

Ground Tile

Original House

Parking

Hope House

Sidewalk

RAIN GARDEN RENDERING

FRUIT GARDEN RENDERING 34

Based on the analysis of the previous maps and stakes frame, the entire site will be re-planned as a unified whole, connecting parks in various locations and establishing a coherent logic for communication with the surrounding blocks.

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05

MOUNTAIN VILLA: HYGGE HOUSE

Firm: Design With Frank Intern Work: Firm Completed Site: South Bend, IN Size: 1,624 sqft Year: 2024

During my internship, I worked closely with clients to develop floor plan designs that met their specific needs and project requirements. Collaborating with colleagues, I translated these conceptual layouts into precise digital drawings using ArchiCAD. In addition to floor plans, I contributed to the development of sections and wall details, ensuring that each drawing accurately reflected structural and material considerations. This experience not only strengthened my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of how design decisions translate into built environments.

The building houses a family of five, the young couple and their three children. The house follows an open plan layout floor plan – the living, dining, and kitchen are one space, yet the kitchen is tucked in, visually away from the living area. The laundry room and the pantry are designed right next to the kitchen to keep the utility's core spaces together.

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EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPH

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LEGEND PIR

LT-01: LED RECESSED FIXTURE

CO

XLT-01

LT-02: LED WALL SCONCE LT-03: CEILING MOUNTED LOW BAY LED

GFCI +42"

GFCI +42" GFCI +42"

LT-03

LT-04: CEILING PENDANT LT-05: LED WALL SCONCE

CEILING OUTLET FOR GARAGE DOOR OPENER

XLT-01: EXTERIOR LED WALL SCONCE 110V, GROUNDED DUPLEX RECEPTACLE OUTLET 110V, DUPLEX RECEPTACLE OUTLET WITH GROUND FAULT INTERRUPTER SYSTEM 220V, GROUNDED OUTLET

PIR

GFCI +42"

220V

WATERPROOF,110V, GROUNDED DUPLEX RECEPTACLE OUTLET WITH GROUND FAULT INTERRUPTER SYSTEM

GFI-WP

GFCI +42"

LT-03

GARAGE

CEILING OUTLET FOR GARAGE DOOR OPENER CEILING OUTLET FOR GARAGE DOOR OPENER

INTERCONNECTED COMBINATION SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR (PHOTOELECTRIC)

CD

ELECTRICAL PANEL

INTERCONNECTED COMBINATION HEAT DETECTOR

HD

MINI SPLIT CONTROL AND THERMOSTAT MOTION SENSOR LIGHT SWITCH

TV

TV OUTLET

3

GFCI +42"

LT-03

T

XLT-01

T

PIR

SINGLE POLE LIGHT SWITCH

HD CD

3

3-WAY LIGHT SWITCH DOOR BELL

LT-01

LT-01

3

BED 1

CD HD

4'-10 1/2" HD CD

1

3

RAISED HEEL WOOD TRUSS MUST LT-01 BE DESIGNED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR LOCAL LUMBERYARD DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT

LT-01

2

3

BATH 2

LT-02

LT-01

4'-8 1/2"

GFCIGFCI

D

220V 4

3

5

6

7

8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

LT-05

UP

HD CD

W

LT-01

4'-10"

DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT

5'

GFCI GFCI

GFCI

3

3

BED EXTERIOR WOOD TRUSS MUST BE 2 DESIGNED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR LOCAL LUMBERYARD

LT-01

3

WIC VENTED ROOF RIDGE

LT-05 LT-01

3 WAY SWITCH CONNECTED TO ATTIC FLOOR

2'-11"

4'-6"

4'

LT-01

LT-01

3

LT-01

3

LT-01

LT-02

4'

T

3 LT-04

GFCI +42"

LT-01

LT-01

LT-05

T

GFCI

1'-9"

TV

LT-02

3

4'-4"

MUDROOM

GFCI

3 3

4'

4'

LT-05

BATH TV

3 LT-04

4'-10"

LT-01

GFCI +42"

3

INSULATED CEILING

GFCI F

TV LT-01

LT-04

RAILING

DINNING ROOM

RESPECT STOVE MANUFACTURER'S CLEARANCE INSULATED EXTERIOR PATIO SLAB SUPPORTING ROOF MUST BE ENGINEERED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

LT-01

LT-04 LT-05

9'-1"

LT-05

BEDROOM 2

BEDROOM 1

TV

BED 3

达拉崩吧

+9'-11" ATTIC SUBFLOOR

LT-01

UTILITIES

GFCI +42"

ENTRY

3

GFCI

BRACED FLOOR JOIST AND SUBFLOOR LT-03

GFCI

LT-01

GFCI

9'-1"

3'-6"

DW HD CD

LT-05

HD CD

GFCI +42"

LT-01

LT-04

GFCI +42"

LT-04 RESPECT STOVE MANUFACTURER'S CLEARANCE

220V

BRACED FLOOR JOIST AND SUBFLOOR

LT-04

SCREEN PORCH

ATTIC

3

PANTRY LT-01

LT-04

3 3 DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT

GFCI +42"

POTENTIAL STORAGE AREA

LT-04

T

HD CD

LT-01

3'-6"

6'

LIVING ROOM SCREEN PORCH

KITCHEN

3'-9 1/2"

LT-04

GFCI

FLOOR MOUNTED DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT

WIC

HALLWAY

±0" GROUND FLOOR LEVEL

INSULATED MONOLITHIC SLAB ON GRADE WITH ADDITIONAL THICKENINGS SPECIFIED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

THERMAL BREAK AT SLAB EDGE

FOUNDATION DRAINAGE AS REQUIRED

ELECTRICAL PLAN

RAISED HEEL WOOD TRUSS MUST BE DESIGNED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR LOCAL LUMBERYARD

EXTERIOR WOOD TRUSS MUST BE DESIGNED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR LOCAL LUMBERYARD

RADON STUB EXHAUST

SKYLIGHT

INSULATED CEILING

POTENTIAL STORAGE AREA

RAILING

ATTIC BRACED FLOOR JOIST CONSULT WITH STRUCTURAL AND SUBFLOOR ENGINEER FOR STAIR OPENING REQUIREMENTS

BRACED FLOOR JOIST AND SUBFLOOR

BATH 1

BEDROOM 1

ENTRY

+9'-11" ATTIC SUBFLOOR

BATHROOM 2

9'-1"

BEDROOM 2

6'-8"

SCREEN PORCH

9'-1"

MINIMUM PER CODE

达拉崩吧

INSULATED EXTERIOR PATIO SLAB SUPPORTING ROOF MUST BE ENGINEERED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

±0"

GROUND FLOOR LEVEL

FOUNDATION DRAINAGE AS REQUIRED

INSULATED MONOLITHIC SLAB ON GRADE WITH ADDITIONAL THICKENINGS SPECIFIED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

SECTION

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THERMAL BREAK AT SLAB EDGE

EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPH

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VENTED ROOF RIDGE

SNOW GUARD IF REQUIRED AIR GAP AS REQUIRED BY ROOFING MANUFACTURER STANDING SEAMS METAL ROOFING

12 7

ROOFING FELT MUST BE APPROVED BY STANDING SEAM MANUFACTURER 5/8" ROOF SHEATHING

ICE & WATER SHIELD AS REQUIRED

BY LOCAL CONDITIONS FLASHING SUPPORT ANGLE FASCIA VENT™ NAILING FLANGE STARTER FLASHING BOX GUTTER FINISH TO MATCH ROOF MATERIAL ENSURE THAT SLOPE AND ROOF ALIGNMENTS ARE ADEQUATE BASED ON SNOW AND WATERFALL CONDITIONS

BRACES BETWEEN TRUSSES AS REQUIRED

VAPOR OPEN BLOWN IN INSULATION (R60) OR MORE IF REQUIRED BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS FASCIA VENT PLACED UNDER BOX GUTTER TRUSS FASTENING TO WALL MUST BE SPECIFIED BY A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

2 x 6 STUD WALL FILLED WITH R-22 INSULATION INSULATION MUST BE VAPOR OPEN IF USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RIGID INSULATION

TYPICAL BRACED FLOOR SYSTEM SPECIFIED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER CONSULT WITH STRUCTURAL ENGINEER FOR STAIR OPENING REQUIREMENTS

VERTICAL SIDING MUST BE ADEQUATELY SELECTED AND TREATED BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS

DRAINAGE PLANE ALLOWING WATER AND VAPOR TO ESCAPE

2-1/2" ZIP™ ZYSTEM WALL SHEATING AND INSULATION PANEL / AIR BARRIER (SEAL ALL SEAMS W/BUTYL TAPE) (R 12.5) CONFIRM WITH MANUFACTURER THAT AMOUNT OF RIGID INSULATION IS SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT CONDENSATION IN THE WALL CAVITY BASED ON LOCAL CLIMATE

PRESSURE TREATED SILL PLATE ANCHORED TO FOUNDATION AS PER STRUCTURAL ENGINEER'S SCHEDULE A CAPILLARITY BREAK MUST BE ADDED BETWEEN FOOTING AND SILL PLATE CONSULT WITH STRUCTURAL ENGINEER FOR HOLD-DOWN AND OTHER STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS

A METAL TERMITE/PEST FLASHING SHIELD SHOULD BE APPLIED BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS CONCRETE SLAB WITH REINFORCEMENT AS REQUIRED

COMPACTED PEA GRAVELS PATIO

LANDSCAPE EDGE BETWEEN SOIL AND GRAVELS

+ 0.00 FINISHED FLOOR LEVEL CONCRETE SLAB WITH REINFORCEMENT MUST BE SPECIFIED BY STRUCUTRAL ENGINEER

VERTICAL INSULATION ALONG EDGE OF SLAB ENSURE THAT INSULATION TYPE IS SUITABLE FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS

12 MIL VAPOR BARRIER CONSULT WITH MANUFACTURER FOR ADEQUATE PLACEMENT AND FASTENING

3/8" CEMENT BOARD COATED ON ALL SIDES OR EQUIVALENT AS REQUIRED INSECT BARRIER DRAINAGE PLANE

PLASTIC INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE USED UNDERGROUND IN AREAS THAT ARE PRONE TO TERMITE/PEST INFESTATIONS

WING INSULATION WITH VALUE AND LENGTH ADJUSTED TO LOCAL NEEDS

COMPACTED CRUSHED STONES

MONOLITHIC SLAB ON GRADE WITH REINFORCEMENT SPECIFIED BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

WALL DETAIL 41

FOUNDATION DRAINAGE AS REQUIRED

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INTO NATURE: INTERACTION, LEARNING CENTER

Firm: Archisland Design Studio Intern Work: Competition Site: Town of Chivonguene, Mozambique Size: 1470m² Year: 2023

The project is part of my architectural internship and originates from a European competition. It calls for design proposals to create a new learning center for the NGO Kurandza. The objective of this design is to establish a center where girls can feel safe and comfortable—a place for learning, playing, running, and discovery. The architecture should provide a dynamic environment that encourages interaction among the girls and with their surroundings.

The projects must utilize locally sourced materials, easy-to-build construction systems, and be self-sufficient in terms of energy. They should also respect local traditions and nature. Throughout the process, a licensed architect has provided guidance, analysis, and critiques. However, all drawings and physical models have been solely completed by me.

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Studying and living on open land, rainy days will affect the learning environment.

Lack of kitchen, can only eat bread and convenience food, can not be heated and nutritionally balanced.

The environment of the post-flood grassland is too homogeneous and only abandoned pastures can be seen.

Some of the buildings are in danger of collapsing, affecting the girls' lives.

1: INITIAL MASSING – Two rectangular volumes define the base form.

2. ANGLED CUTS – Sloped cuts create dynamic rooflines and circulation.

4. CURVED ROOF – Soft, flowing roof elements enhance the design.

5. SPATIAL REFINEMENT – Interior spaces6. FINAL FORM – Windows and openings open up with layered structures. optimize light and ventilation.

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3. STRUCTURAL FRAME – Diagonal supports and spatial divisions are added.

The room will have desks placed either in a circular format or

The kitchen’s purpose is for staff to eat their meals there and to

a traditional classroom with the teacher’s desk and chalkboard

also prepare meals for all the 200+ girls, they will eat outside on

in front. Girls will serve here as a space where they mainly live

mats or in the multipurpose room. The multipurpose room must

and study.

have enough space for a table of 10 seats and at the same time an open space for work.

The bathroom will be used by everyone, so it will be important

An area of the playground will be covered to shade the sun

that it is a nice size. It will have 2 adjacent private bathrooms for

during the day, as well as serve as protection from rain during

single use each.

the rainy season. In this space girls will be able to play, do physical activities, eating or taking lessons.

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ROOF SHINGLES

TRUSS

SOFFIT VENT TIMBER AIR SPACE WALL INSULATION WALL PLATE 2’’ X 4’’ STUDS

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This physical model photo demonstrates the operational mode of the structure, its basic materials.

The physical model photo from a three-dimensional perspective shows the use of materials in different functional areas and the differences in height levels.

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5 3

4

2

1

6

1

Ground Floor Plan

2

4

6

8

10M

N 1.Classroom 2.Kitchen 3.Multipurpose room 4.Bathroom

6

7

1

5.Storage room 6.Courtyard 7.Office 8.Viewing room

6

8

Second Floor Plan 2

4

6

8

10M

N

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Thank You!