My name is Indigo Chen. I am a second year architecture student at the University of Waterloo seeking a 4-month architectural co-op position from January to April 2025.
I believe architecture is fundamentally about humanity, that through our work we should be expressing the human condition in conjunction with the natural condition. My design practice investigates the user experience of the building through light and materiality. The other focus of my work is community driven design that acknowledges the needs of the occupants.
Thank you for considering me and taking the time to review my work. I look forward to hearing from you.
i38chen@uwaterloo.ca
CURRICULUM VITAE
Education
2023-Present Pursuing Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of Waterloo (UW), Cambridge ON
2019-2023 Regional Arts Program, Cawthra Park Secondary School (CPSS), Mississauga ON
Skills Summary
Leadership, Communication, Organization, Time Management
Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Team Work
2021-2024 NCCP Trained Gymnastics Coach, Kids SuperGym Mississauga, Mississauga ON
Volunteer Experience
2022-2023 Science Tutor, CPSS, Mississauga ON 2021-2023 Co-President, CPSS DECA Chapter, Mississauga ON 2019-2023 Treasurer, CPSS Visual Arts Council, Mississauga ON 2018-2021 Coach In Training, Kids SuperGym Mississauga, Mississauga ON
Extracurricular
2024-Present Co-Organizer, UW Architecture Bouldering Club, Cambridge ON 2013-2023 Competitive Dancer, Cutting Edge Dance Academy, Mississauga ON
Awards
2023 President’s Scholarship Entrance Award, University of Waterloo
2023 Aimee Wilkinson-Harris Award, Cawthra Park Secondary School
2023 Most Improved Coach Award, Kids SuperGym Mississauga
SALMON RUN
BRIEF
Using architecturally exposed steel, design a pedestrian bridge that establishes a purposeful connection over a body of water.
DESIGN
Inspired by the yearly salmon migration, Salmon Run joins the adjacent trails through imitation of the salmon’s upstream travels. The bridge not only links the two sides of the river but also connects the users to nature, inviting them to view the river and wildlife from a new viewpoint.
Analyze a library from anywhere in the world, how does the design cater to it’s users. Investigate how the function of a library adapts to suit its occupants
DESIGN
This case study looks at the Gaobu Book House by Condition_Lab and UAL Studio. The building is an unconventional children’s library that is built using the traditional craftsmanship of the Dong residents.
LOCATION
Gaobu Village, Hunan, China
COLLABORATORS
Asia Ahmed, Kate Dann
TYPE
Case Study
ARCHITECTS
Condition_Lab, UAL Studio
DATE February 2024
COURSE
193
INSTRUCTORS
David Correa, Di Tang, Igsung So, Isabel Ochoa, Linda Zhang, Rick Andrighetti
SKILLS
Rhino, Illustrator, InDesign
Built next to the local school the Gaobu Book House is located centrally in the Gaobu village. This allows it to be used by all generations while focusing on the education of the youth, providing a space for them to learn to read. The single staircase acts as both a gathering space and a point of circulation, giving the children a chance to engage with the space in a playful manner. Through a mixing of local and traditional architecture with a modernistic approach the building connects to the larger context while creates a space that honors the site and ancestral practice.
PINGTANRIVER
PENN STATE LAW
BRIEF
Through researching an existing law school discover what elements are crucial to a law school. How does the function of the building connect to its design.
DESIGN
This case study looks at the Penn State Law school’s Lewis Katz building, designed by Ennead Architects. Our analysis of the Lewis Katz building investigates the buildings relationship to its natural surroundings through its form and materiality. The building’s upwards slope reflects those of the Allegheny mountains whiles its sandstone facades connect to its roots in Pennsylvania.
LOCATION
University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
COLLABORATORS
Benjamin Norton, Sandra Raymond
TYPE
Case Study
ARCHITECTS
Ennead Architects
DATE
September 2024
COURSE
292
INSTRUCTORS
Amrit Phull, Brennda Reid, Di Tang, Joanne Lam, John McMinn, Marcin Kedzior, Val Rynnimeri
SKILLS
Rhino, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
THE BRICKYARD
BRIEF
Devise a new community library with an intentional connection to the surrounding community.
DESIGN
The brickyard connects to Cambridge’s history with factories by taking the appearance of a brick warehouse and contemporizing it. Through this act of modernization it creates a visual union between the old and new, this symbolises the library’s intent as a place of gathering and community.
LOCATION
Wellington & Main, Cambridge, ON, Canada
TYPE Library
DATE March 2024
COURSE 193
INSTRUCTORS
David Correa, Di Tang, Igsung So, Isabel Ochoa, Linda Zhang, Rick Andrighetti
SKILLS
Rhino, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Modeling
GALLERY
LOBBY & GALLERY
LOBBY & GALLERY
ADDITIONAL WORKS
CREATIVE WORK
A mix of oil, acrylic and sculpture work from 2022-2024