SOFIA YU ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Blendscape
USC Spring 2024
Instructor: Kevin Sherrod
Artist Residence
As the boundaries between nature and architecture blur, does the built environment evolve into a living organism, or does it dissolve into the landscape entirely, losing its original identity as nature reclaims it? Blendscape explores a camoflauging space through modular architecture, pushing the boundaries between natural landscapes and humanmade structures while highlighting the beauty of creating art within nature.
The module concept was originally inspired by a cheetah print, reflecting its integration with the mountainous location. To maintain the fluidity of the module, it was essential to emphasize seamless movement throughout the plan. This led to an exploration of various joinery methods for the module and an analysis of how each component functions structurally.
The drawing on the right provides a close-up of a module, highlighting its relationship with environmental elements. The strategically placed holes allow sunlight to filter through, casting dynamic shadows and creating areas of natural light. The biobased material of the module encourages plant growth, fostering a sustainable, living facade. Additionally, the holes facilitate passive ventilation, promoting airflow and reducing reliance on mechanical systems, contributing to the overall environmental efficiency of the design.
Shifted Views
USC Fall 2024
Instructor: Charles Lagreco
Multifamily Housing
Shifted Views reflects an interest in how architecture shapes both the user experience and how the building’s exterior communicates privacy or openness to those nearby. The moving louvers create an ever-changing facade, serving as shading and privacy screens that shift throughout the day. The unit layouts emphasize a gradient from public to private spaces, with balconies acting as flexible thresholds between them.
Multiple iterations of massing and unit placement focused on balancing privacy and accessibility. Early design stages also considered facade elevations with movable louvers and analyzed how adjustable walls influence the transition between private and public spaces.
Matrix Living
USC Fall 2024
Instructor: Charles Lagreco
Work-Live Housing
Matrix Living explores the intersection of modularity, sustainability, and spatial adaptability. Inspired by the precision of a grid, the design subtracts forms to create interconnected open spaces that promote natural ventilation and light, enhancing environmental performance. Each unit balances work and living environments, fostering a dynamic and flexible lifestyle that responds to contemporary needs. with
Design Evolution
Much of the design evolution for this project was driven by creating analysis diagram, differing from my usual process of relying on diagrams to guide design choices instead of starting with a clear concept and refining. it.
Amorphous
USC Summer 2023
Instructor: Jia Zhou Zhu
Parametric Design Through Grasshopper
This exploration of algorithmic design illustrates a shift in architectural design, where collaboration with technology fosters innovative outcomes. By engaging with the inherent unpredictability of the script, the project highlights the potential of computational design to inspire new architectural narratives and expand the boundaries of creativity.
Utilizing Grasshopper script, everyday objects were transformed into amorphous shapes. The script generated various parametric design variations based on the input objects. This approach enables a perspective on design that transcends traditional human thought.
Personal Work
2023-2024
Art is an outlet in which I explore and articulate my personal narrative. Working across photography, acrylics, charcoal, and oils, I engage with each medium to convey the depth of my creative expression. Each piece is a deliberate inquiry into the boundaries of visual storytelling, challenging both my technical abilities and my conceptual vision. My artwork is a reflection of my commitment to constant discovery of thought-provoking perspectives.
Photography
Photography
Pastel
Acrylic