Our forebears used to seek refuge in natural caverns, constructed rudimentary shelters from mammoth hides, or wove shelters from the foliage that surrounded them. They were the quintessential designers, sovereigns over their domain, with the sovereign right to dictate the planning, construction, and personalization of their living spaces.
As centuries unfolded, the intuitive knack for design slowly transferred to the select few with innate skills and a penchant for creating not just functional, but also visually striking environments. The epochal milestone in this evolutionary journey of design was marked when the name of Imhotep graced the Step Pyramid of Djoser. With this act, architecture asserted its identity as an esteemed art form. The principles of geometry, in all their meticulous and graceful patterns, began to assert their majesty and sway within architectural creations.
My affinity lies with the disciplines of math, physics, and structural integrity – they are distillations of the universe’s underlying order. From the branching patterns of trees, we have gleaned the intricacies of fractal geometry; the spirals of sea snails have taught us about the golden ratio.
The foundational tenets of structure and geometry are, to me, non-negotiable. Devoid of these principles, architecture would dwindle to speculative musings, devoid of vitality and confined to the realm of ideas. It is the tangible application of these enduring principles that endows architecture with robustness, the power to stir the soul, and the resilience to withstand the testament of time. Structure is the crystalline form of natural laws, an objective allure that mirrors the potency of our collective wisdom and the elegance inherent in the universe’s design.
EDUCATION
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Expected in 05/2026
B.Arch: Architecture
Dean's List
• Cumulative GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Relevant Coursework: Environmental System, History of Architecture, Structural Systems, Building Technology, Architectural theory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Expected in 05/2026
Minor: Real Estate
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• Relevant Coursework: Managerial Accounting, Finance, City and Urban Planning, Principles of Real Estate, Real Estate Finance and Investments, Real Estate Developments
• Developed 10+ innovative design concepts for improved brand recognition and customer engagement in collaborative discussions.
Managed three design project renderings simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery.
• Developed two tools in Python to facilitate solar analysis.
• Completed two presentations of creative solutions to new zoning regulations, resulting in high client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
ECADI - Designer Suzhou, China • 12/2023 - 01/2024
• Led design concept for one 0.2-square-mile development, incorporating residential units, parks, and hotels.
• Utilized Grasshopper and Python for optimizing circulation pathways.
• Employed AI image generation tools, successfully creating over 100 initial concept images, with 8 selected for detailed development.
NOMAS 23" National Competition - Production Leader Ithaca, NY • 08/2023 - 12/2023
• Crafted and executed initiatives to engage and empower underserved minority groups.
• Tasked with 3D modeling and physical prototype creation.
RUAN
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• Python (Expert)
Rhino (Expert)
• Microsoft Office (Expert)
• Revit (Advanced)
• AutoCAD (Advanced)
• Grasshopper (Advanced)
• V-Ray (Advanced)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Advanced)
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• Regularly coordinated with various teams on weekly schedule to facilitate development progress.
Scope - Design Assistant Shanghai, China • 12/2021 - 01/2022
• Compiled and meticulously reviewed over 20 technical drawings, delivering precise design detail information.
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• Conducted comprehensive analysis of over 100 global projects and supplied architects with essential concept documentation.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
NOMAS 23' National Competition First Place
• Exhibition Curator: RESTORATIVE JUSTICE at Cornell University, Fall 2023
AFFILIATIONS
Prologue: Structure Study
Structure is not just the physical sustance that supports architecture. Itself is part of the design. In fact, I believe structure represents the most pioneer aspects of architecture that is associated with mathmatics, physics, and material.
This project is a research on Constitucion Library, designed by Sebastian Irarrazaval. I believe the best way to study architecture is to realize it on a large scale model, no 3D print, no lazercut, and that is what I did.
Pseudo Tree House
Structure in this project IS my concept. I was inspired by trees, more specifically, the big trees near cass park site. One important mathematical idea inspired from trees is fractal geometry. By its definition, fractal geometry is similar patterns recur at progressively smaller scales. The structure is a fractal geometry with recursion depth of 2.
There are five mezzanines inside. They are study spaces and class rooms. Below the left and right mezzaine, there are mechanics space and offices since they are close to entrances. Below the middle tree mezzanines are the bookshelves. The column that support these mezzanines are hidden inside the shelves so that the mezzanines should be flying visually, which helps me to enhance the transparency idea.
The Roof is designed to mimic the feeling of standing inside a forest with thick canopy, and there are small beams of light passing through the thick canopy. This means a lot of skylights for me. Now, the rules to place the skylights is naturally a result of the structure, there is a grid system, and sky lights are also following fractal geometry rules.
Pseudo Tree House
Pseudo Tree House
House for Chair Sitting
“Numerous renowned architects have a fervent interest in creating furniture, particularly chairs.” -A Signature, A Chair, A House.
My ambition extends beyond chair design; I envision crafting a house that serves as a gallery for my classmates’ chair creations. This contemplation led me to ponder the essential “point” of chairs: the act of sitting. Consequently, I have conceived a house not merely for chairs but for the experience of SITTING. Chairs are purposefully positioned before narrow windows that frame and accentuate selected vistas. To sit in one of these chairs is to immerse oneself in the extraordinary views that the site offers.
Ruan, Jiaqi
jr927@cornell.edu
House for Chair Sitting
The design eliminates internal walls to minimize obstructions and maximize views.
The windows are crafted in a slender form, serving as viewfinders that sift through the scenery, leaving only the most essential aspects visible. Moving through this house feels akin to strolling through a gallery, with each spot offering a unique viewing experience.
Ruan, Jiaqi
jr927@cornell.edu
Harmonious Horizon
Enfield’s farmland area has sextupled since the 19th century, resulting in a significant reduction in natural bird habitats. An article in “Biodiversity and Conservation” highlights the detrimental effects of agriculture on bird species.
Therefore, birds and nature have become a pivotal element in my design. The building is strategically placed at the southern end of the site, near the treeline.
I also aim to bridge the gap between food shoppers and locals seeking community engagement. My design facilitates movement from the food pantry to the community area with a deliberate sense of directionality.
The principle of ‘path optimization’—a well-studied psychological concept—suggests people prefer routes with fewer turns to save energy. My design embodies this principle, ensuring a seamless transition from the pantry to community spaces with minimal turns. Open courtyards and rotating panels create a versatile and interconnected environment, eschewing traditional walls. The design of the connecting corridors is inspired by the Ithaca Farmers Market, providing a sheltered yet open transitional space.
The roof, a key design aligns with the site’s natural contours and facilitating rainwater collection for irrigation. The roof includes birdwatching spots, a staffonly breeding area for endangered species, and small community gardens, emphasizing sunlight exposure.
Harmonious Horizon
I hope the project to be an envision of a future relationship between land and people living on it: that small community gardens will replace massive farms, that human could share some land with natural creatures.
InBetween
My design is located in Rome, Italy. The project is situated between the colosseum and the Temple of Venus and Rome alone the imperial way. It also surrounds the base of statue of Nero, turning it into a surface of water.
A grid system, inherited from the temple of Venus and Rome, is applied. It extends visual element from the temple, and multiplies the grid element.
The typology of my design inverts solid and void relationship. Columns are not solids, but voids in my design. They become openings and entrances to other spaces. A maze is created: it added freedom to circulation, while people are able to freely explore the space.
While people are free to explore the space, a navigation system is designed. It is made of three elements: water, light, and color. Water divides quiet space, office and library, from commercial area. skylights mark exhibition space.
LIGHT
CAFE WATER
LOBBY
COLOR
From elevations, the museum can be read as a bar code, void columns are revealed.
