Neli Yuen | Selected Works | Fall 2023

NELI YUEN

Selected Works

Fall 2023

hello!

My name is Neli, and I am currently in my final year of undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture in Canada.

Having grown up in Hong Kong, I was always surrounded by buildings which seemed to touch the sky. This is one aspect which played a large role in sparking my passion for architecture. The other major aspect being anything but Hong Kong - travel. Because of Hong Kong’s location, I was able to travel to a vast array of countries and admire the architecture present there. Through educating myself on the climate and culture of the country, I was able to make connections between how architecture is affected by its location. In my studies, I hope to uncover more of these connections - how architecture is influenced. However, with the addition of how architecture can also be an influencer.

The following is a collection of my recent work from my time in architecture school. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

curriculum vitae

education

University of Waterloo, Ontario

• Candidate for Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies, 2024

• Achieved Excellent Academic Standing in all terms (GPA of 80%+)

• On Term Dean’s Honour List for 1B, 3A and 3B terms

King George V School, Hong Kong

• International Baccalaureate (2019)

key experiences

Architectural Internship at BDP Quadrangle, Toronto

Designed massing and ground floor options for various master plans

• Assisted in producing ZBA and SPA packages on tight deadlines, including plans, sections, elevations, detailed elevations, shadow studies, and bird friendly glazing calculations

• Designed, modelled, and presented facade options in Schematic Design stages

• Supported projects in Design Development and Construction Document stages through designing unit layouts, conducting structural reviews, and overall model coordination

Architectural Internship at ZGF Architects, Vancouver

• Worked in large interdisciplinary team on healthcare project in pursuit stage

• Supported projects in Construction Documentation stages through coordinating models

Architectural Internship at Hassell, Hong Kong

• Produced visualizations to be presented to clients

• Prepared presentation reports for client meetings

• Led clients on guided tours of the office and office exhibition

• Drafted detail drawings for Design Development stages

• Composed and post-processed visualizations for client meetings

• Created site analysis and concept diagrams

distinctions

University of Waterloo First in Class Engineering Scholarship | 3A Term

University of Waterloo Hong Kong Alumni Association Entrance Award

2012 - 2019

May 2023 - August 2023 | May 2022 - August 2022

• Selected based on academic achievement and community or high school involvement

University of Waterloo President’s Scholarship of Distinction

skills

Revit Rhinoceros Grasshopper Sketchup Enscape Lumion Affinity Suite

Illustrator

Adobe

January 2023 - April 2023

January 2021 - April 2021

• Digitally modelled surrounding site characteristics and existing buildings for competition entries

2019 - present 2019

2023

flux

Hot Springs Cove, British Columbia

Biomemtic Design Lab - Pavilions

Working in groups of three, this studio asked students to each choose a plant, abstract biomimetic principles, and transfer these into architecture. Through a hands on learning style, each group was required to produce working prototypes throughout the term.

Flux is a series of pavilions which combine the biomemtic principles taken from the milkweed, wild cucumber, and wild carrot plants. The structural frame houses two types of modules - snapping and hygroscopic. While the snapping modules harness kinetic energy from the wind, the hygroscopic modules open and close with changes in relative humidity.

Project selected to be published in Dezeen Magazine

December 2022 | In collaboration with Ulyana Bunina and Meaghan Roberts

Toronto, Ontario

Public Plaza

Transcend is a public plaza located on Center Island of the Toronto Islands. Tying back to the geologic history of the Islands as a moving sand bar, the project aims to explore the question: how can occupants understand they are engaging in the history and geology of the site? Transcend proposes evoking varied experiences through a series of gradients - overall, moving from an area of excitement and curiosity, to one of relaxation and reflection. This is supported by the architecture and vegetation which create spaces of enclosure and exposure and affect the microclimate in the area. The curved and intersecting paths at the beginning prevent occupants from seeing their destination immediately, creating a sense of discovery and anticipation. On the other hand, low lying topography at the end creates a sense of awareness and understanding.

August 2021

Toronto, Ontario shear library

Library+

Shear Library is a project which explores how a contrasting program of a makerlab can be incorporated into a library. The makerlab exists as an enclosed glass volume within the library, with the shape of this volume being determined by the act of the shear. Through shearing, the spaces within the simple volume of a box become manipulated, creating spatial diversity. A variety of views and sightlines are also produced, and are focused on encouraging library users to look into the makerlab. Occupants are inspired to enter the makerlab - a space of high-energy and hands-on production and collaboration, and an environment of the complete opposite energy to one of reading or studying.

April 2020

Brampton, Ontario bridging the gaps

Residence Complex

Bridging the Gaps is a mid-rise housing complex which aims to address housing as a human right through providing opportunities for age friendly and multigenerational living. Adjacent to an area of outdoor recreation, the complex acts as a community hub not only for its residents, but for the greater neighbourhood. It houses amenities for all ages and encourages intergenerational interaction. Aside from the provision of amenities, modular units with flexible interiors are proposed to address age friendly living. Typical three and four bedroom units can be reconfigured, as the idea of “home” changes throughout the residents’ time living at the complex. Furthermore, larger communal spaces are situated along main circulation routes, allowing residents to interact with one another easily and spontaneously. Overall, the ultimate goal of this project is to meet the needs of its residents at every stage of their lives.

April 2022 | In collaboration with Meaghan Roberts

professional work | Hassell