SEED BANK FOR THE FUTURE

The proposed seed bank is a dynamic and sustainable architectural project that honors indigenous history by acknowledging our occupation of the land.

The goal is to create a landscape that gives back to the earth and respects existing site conditions while fulfilling the new requirements for the seed bank and providing convenience for visitors. Flow and continuity were essential concepts during the project’s early iterations, and the resulting design features an existing circle herb garden transformed into a community center. A new greenhouse is located in another circle, and other required programs surround them. The landscaped rooftop is designed to cooperate with existing trails and provide dynamic views for visitors, with private spaces for the respected programs and semi-covered open spaces between them for community gatherings or educational purposes. Forming a unique language that cohesively blends with the site. Overall, the proposed seed bank serves as a future-oriented architectural project that prioritizes sustainability, respect for the land, and functional requirements for the seed bank and its visitors.

Year: 2022, Academic

Project achievements:The Annual Publication University of Toronto

Location: Kayanase, Caledonia, Ontario

Upside Down

This project represents an innovative typology that challenges traditional house geometries and creates a dynamic and inspiring space for students. The building’s design promotes sustainability, functionality, and creativity, providing an optimal learning environment for students at the fine art and architecture school.

The institutional building connects the existing fine art building and architecture school, presenting a unique challenge of linking different floors at varying heights. To address this, the project takes inspiration from flipping traditional house designs and reimagining the use of arc elements. By using Boolean commands, the building’s design incorporates unconventional and exciting architectural forms that promote creativity and inspiration for the students. The project also prioritizes natural light and air circulation, with all sides of the building considered to maximize exposure. The building’s orientation ensures direct air exchange from the north and south and optimal sunlight angles for the light well. The double facade from both the north and south sides acts as a thermal layer to reduce sun gain while providing circulation pathways.

Year: 2021. Academic University of Toronto

Location: 61 St James Pl, Brooklyn, NY

SELF PORTRAIT: 2018

Design collectives/ Multimedia/ Academic Fall 2017 - Winter 2018

Instructed by Leigh Bridges, Shepherd Steiner, Erica Mendritzki & Daniel McCafferty

My goal for this series of work is to express myself through multiple mediums that reflect the vulnerabilities and struggles from my point of view, as a Chinese gay male living in Canada. Furthermore, delivers the fragilities and wishes from my minority group. One of many highlights from this series is the conceptual take on the self-portrait. For this series of work, strategies of marketing are well-planted. Instead of promoting any products or services, I aim to bring awareness to equality and the struggles of being a foreigner in western countries.

Chapter A: A IS FOR AVOCADO

Selected work from Self Portrait:2018 Typographic and Graphic Design

The goal of this project is to bring awareness of stereotype thinking. This selected piece is the tip of awakeness that ordinary Asian people experience in western society. The stereotype of Chinese doesn’t speak decent English, and the average Chinese doesn’t like avocado are reflecting how shallow our exception can reach before we get to know an individual and make a judgment.

Chapter M: M IS FOR MOUNTAIN

Selected work from Self Portrait:2018/ Photography

In many Asian countries, Men are described as mountains where women are lakes. It translates as women are supposed to follow and support their men. I, as a feminist ally, hate this idea. In this series of photography, I shine lights on the beauty of Asian females. Supporting each other, laughing with each other, and being the mountain for each other. This work defines my identity as feminist ally.

Chapter R: R IS FOR RIGHT?

Selected work from Self Portrait:2018/ Graphic Design

In this series of work, I meant to challenge and question viewers with these puzzle-like flags. I used the national flags of countries where same-sex marriages are legalized, as a drawing tool. Then, I collaged and recreated my own flags. They should be read as ‘R’,’ I’,’ ‘G’,’H’, and ‘T’. It was not literal. Hints, however, were given by the use of a QR code under each flag, and the complete list of countries next to the flags when they were exhibited. It was a serious and political question made to the audience, in a playful and gentle tone.