Leo Xu | Architecture Portfolio from UTSOA

LEO CHENYANG XU 2025 2 025 UTSOA|M. U TSOA|M. A Arch rch

LEO L EO C CHENYANG HENYANG X XU U 2025 UTSOA|M. Arch

Work Volume 2025

01 Sense of Place Art Academy

02 The Incubator Urban Housing

03 Gentle Into the Dark Night Water Research Center

04 Arrival Asylum and Refuge Place

05 Between the Sky and the Earth Natural Science Center

06 Between the Rhythm Music and Arts Hostel

01 Sense of Place [2025] Art Academy Term: Vertical Studio 2, 6 weeks, Fall 2025 Instructor: Francisco Gomes Site: Tom Miller Dam, TX, U.S Individual Work

In this Art School project, the concept of a sense of place serves as the driving force behind the design. Situated beside the Tom Miller Dam in Austin, the site is defined by a striking contrast between the rigid, industrial rhythm and the fluid, organic presence of nature. This interplay of opposing elements forms a unique dialogue—a tension between structure and landscape, order and spontaneity. This unique relationship defined the identity of this place.

Recognizing this distinctive rhythm of the place, the project embraces and extends it, allowing the new architecture to weave itself naturally into the existing fabric. More than a static addition, it is designed to evolve, accommodating various functions over time. Yet, through all its transformations, one constant remains: its architectural rhythm—forever resonating with the site’s intrinsic relationship.

The architectural languege continue to resonate with the place as its functional uses changes Ultimately acts as an natural insert to extend the site languege

Model 1

Conceptual Sketches

Model 2

Final Model, 1/16 Scale Material: Basswood, Pine wood, Music Wire, Wood Glue, Aluminum Sheet

02 The Incubator [2024] Urban Housing Term: Horizontal Studio, Spring 2024 Instructor: Martin Haettasch Site: Austin, TX, U.S Individual Work

In this project, the formation of friendships and relationships is reengineered, fostering direct and indirect “familial” connections.

A strategic approach is applied through the vertical layering of diverse programs, each serving distinct functions. Isolated spaces provide opportunities for contemplation, while communal areas encourage social interaction. Social and cultural exchange is enhanced through the deliberate integration of programs within each vertical layer

Site analysis reveals the intricate interaction between the water and the structured grid system

A speculative diagram, inspired by Louis Kahn’s Olivetti Factory, explores the concept of a layered system, which emerged from this precedent study

The project serves as a crucial hinge, connecting urban elements while enhancing the lives of residents within this transitional space

Through spatial studies, each portion of the diagram reveals its inherently isolated or open nature, shaping the spatial experiences of residents as they move through the space

Conceptual Model

Final Model, 1/32 Scale Material: Basswood, 3D Print PLA, Paint

03 Gentle Into the Dark Night [2023] Water Research Center Term: Vertical Studio 1, 4 weeks, Fall 2023 Instructor: Elizebeth Danze Site: Blue Hole Regional Park, TX, U.S Individual Work

The Water Research Center project emphasizes the humbleness and humility of architecture. Like a gentle giant, it quietly settles by the fading Cypress Creek. The program is broken down into five smaller architectural elements, each with distinct yet interconnected physical characteristics. Their differences emerge as a response to the surrounding environment, reflecting a humble integration with the landscape. Ultimately, this architecture remains quiet in the presence of nature while fostering intimacy with the people.

The site analysis is based on the tectonic and stereotomic composition of the site. Starting from the bottom is a steep limestone cliff, as you move up, site materials transitions into native grass land and vagetations. And finally, the water.

The site’s natural landscape is struggling under the weight of drought, as if using its last breath to preserve the beauty it once shaped with strength. Any addition to this environment must remain quiet, small, hidden, and humble. Scenes of lanterns drifting silently across the water in the darkness emerge as a fitting response to this delicate condition.

Before reaching the final concept, two design solutions were explored.

Solution 1 involved masking the building to create a light and ethereal appearance through its external mass and materials.

Solution 2 proposed embedding the architecture underground.

However, the resulting environmental disruption and aggressive impact on the site contradicted the project’s core thesis, leading to its reconsideration

The final solution reveals the architectural forms, making them appear gentle through their interaction with the natural surroundings. Each structure has a unique “personality” based on its placement. Some are lifted from the ground, creating a floating, sculptural effect. The overall composition is contained to minimize disturbance

Carve

Raise

Adapt

They are gentle, intimate, and approachable.

Sometimes, architecture must be quiet and humble, like lit lanterns drifting slowly and gently into the dark night

04 Arrival [2023] Asylum and Refuge Place Term: Vertical Studio 1, 5 weeks, Fall 2023 Instructor: Elizebeth Danze Individual Work

This spatial creating exercise creates an asylum and refuge, a place that invites ease, reflection, and contemplation. Spaces of continuity and isolation are designed to enhance comfort and delight. The overall spatial relationships are crucial in maintaining a harmonious rhythm. By applying a mass-removal approach, simple shapes and cuts are used to create a dynamic and intricate spatial relationship.

Sometimes, the body of the piece is disassembled to be studied in parts or as a whole. The goal is to connect or isolate the spaces, making them either welcoming or, at times, intricate and hidden

It is meant to offer safety and protection to those who have journeyed across the world, conquering their long trek to find refuge in the asylum

05 Between the Sky and Earth [2022] Natural Science Cultural Center Term: Arch 4100, Fall 2022 Instructor: Ping Xu Site: Boulder, CO, U.S Individual Work

The sculptural expression is inspired by the elements of the universe: the moon, planets, and earth. It embodies the dialogue between the father sky and the mother earth through its form, elevation hierarchy, and spatial composition. This project seeks to evoke curiosity, foster engagement, and raise awareness about climate issues. The design carefully considers form, spatial composition, and programs to create both physical and educational experiences.

“The planets watch as Earth’s landmasses drift, collide with immense force, and fracture into pieces. A spectacle both beautiful and terrifying.”

Gesture to the sky

The opening eye

The Intertwine

Axon of the structual elements

Final Model, 3/32 Scale Material: Cherrywood, Frosted Acylic Sheets, Foam Core, Music Wire, Aluminum Stick

06 Between the Rhythm [2022] Music and Arts Hostel Term: Arch 3100, Spring 2022 Instructor: Ping Xu Site: Boulder, CO, U.S Individual Work

Its architectural form is inspired by the musical notes and staff. This project aims to provide a comfortable, productive, and fun environment for visitors. The goals of this project are to construct a unique sensory, and physical experience for people through form, movement, and spatial sequence.

After observing the relationships between the shapes of musical notes and staff, a series of steps of threedimensionalization was taken. Musical notes create unique spatial volume and Staff becomes the body outline of the hostel, seeking through negative spaces to capture volume.

Final Model, 3/32 Scale Material: Cherrywood, Basswood, Acylic Sheets, Paint, Foam Core, Music Wire, Aluminum Stick

Metabolic Destruction

The Remains

Sculptural Assemblage

Land Art

Term: Sculpture Studio Instructor: Richard Saxton Materials: Raw Pine Wood, Aluminum Pipes Individual Work

Term: Sculpture Studio Instructor: Richard Saxton Materials: Raw Pine Wood, Aluminum Pipes Individual Work

Inspired by the conflicts between humans and nature. As we grow and expand rapidly, civilization and nature clash. This project aims to raise peoples’ awareness of the struggle between nature and civilization.

Inspired by the 2013 Boulder flooding. Where approximately 4,000 of homes were damaged and 349 were destroyed. This piece is meant to raise awareness of how humans resist yielding to nature and its chaotic powers.

LEO CHENYANG XU 2025 UTSOA|M. Arch