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Architecture Portfolio

Song Yan Li | Selected works | 2022-2025

A junior architectural designer driven to shape meaningful architecture. Committed to environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and equitable design. Passionate about drawing and photography, with a focus on creating purposeful, lasting impact.

p 1 312 757 0656 e li.s.y@wustl.edu

Education

Sam Fox School, St. Louis, MO

Master of Architecture Candidate, 2025

Knox College, Galesburg, IL

Bachelor of Science of Environmental Science , 2022

Academic Experience

Architectural Intern, 2024 Future Firm, Chicago, IL

Graduate Teaching Assistant in Environmental Systems II, Present

Sam Fox School, St. Louis, MO

Graduate Research Assistant, 2024

Sam Fox School, St. Louis, MO

Graduate Teaching Assistant in Environmental Systems I, 2023-2024 Sam Fox School, St. Louis, MO

Photo Lab Monitor, Present Sam Fox School, St. Louis, MO

Teaching Assistant in Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, 2022 Knox College Environmental Studies Department

Social Media Manager, 2022 Knox College Study Abroad Office

Research Student, 2019 – 2021 Knox College Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

Activites & Volunteer Experience

Secretary, March 2019 – June 2020 Knox College Queer Trans People of Color Collective (QTPOCC), Galesburg, IL

Softwares

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

ArchGIS Pro Revit

Languages

Rhino 7 AutoCAD V-ray Enscape Climate Consultant

English (Native) Chinese Cantonese (Conversational); French (Basic)

Other Skills

Photography

Beginner in Wood-working Proficient in Model Making

Digital Fabrication: CNC, Laser Cut, 3D Print

Coastal Commons an elderly care center with food production in Hainan, China

Casa Climática Comunitaria a social housing project in San Juan, Puerto Rico

UnEarthed a multi-use art space in Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis

Community Helioplantarium a greenhouse in St. Louis Forest Park

Atelier Rémy Zaugg a technical exercise in modeling

Pistachio Bench a technical exercise in woodworking

Tilt Up Demo a research in concrete panels

SSCAC Facade Perforation a completed professional design work for Future Firm

Coastal Commons

Mixed Use, Fish Farm and Elderly Care Center Xinhui Village, Hainan, China

This project envisions a sustainable local farming practice that reconnects the Tanka (Surface Water People) community with their cultural roots. Beginning with an analysis of geographic threats to their livelihood, it translates their traditional construction methods and program adjacencies into a functional design. The goal is an intergenerational space where elders teach youth cultural food production, fostering economic resilience. The building’s grid mirrors the Tanka’s floating bamboo fish farms, with two elongated bars framing a preserved street corridor for markets and public activity, while a coastal plaza overlooks fish production. Three prefabricated concrete blocks, stacked programmatically, provide typhoon protection, complemented by a retaining wall for site stability. Climate resilience is ensured through floating pavers for drainage, wind turbines for energy, and passive cooling via metal mesh shading and tropical greenery.

Professors: Jose Ahedo

Individual Fall 2024

perspective collage render looking northward, Rhino 7, Enscape for Rhino 7, photoshop, illustrator

Hurricane Path and DEM map of Hainan, China, ArcGIS Pro, Adobe illustrator

physical massing model made from rockite and

aerial imagery of the Tanka House Boats

garden roof top plan with skylights and wind turbines , Rhino 7, Adobe Illustrator

community

exploded programmatic axon showing timeline sequence, Rhino

for Rhino

photoshop, illustrator

7, Enscape

market community floor plan with intermittent social programming for the young and old, Rhino 7, Adobe Illustrator

exploded technical section of the concrete block construction and curtain wall market facade, Rhino 7, Enscape for Rhino 7, photoshop, illustrator

perspective

render looking

from

collage

south

the market to the water, enscape for Rhino 7, Rhino 7, adobe Photoshop, adobe illustrator

technical section looking westward, Rhino 7, Adobe Illustrator

Casa Climática Comunitaria

Mixed Use, Multi-Family Housing San Juan, Puerto Rico

Casa Climática Comunitaria, a mixed-use, multi-family housing occupying a block of Eleanor Roosevelt neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and aims to provide passive strategies to adapt to the tropical climate, express the vibrant culture of the community, and connect with the its surroundings in form and material.

Prevailing easterly winds in cross ventilation, direct overhead sun, and park views were prioritized in consideration of unit organization. Proximity was employed as a strategy for moments of connection, security, and privacy. Louvres, layers and shading devices provide additional protection and security for residents.

Professors: Mónica Rivera

Individual Fall 2023

collage exterior context image, V-ray, Rhino 7, and Photoshop

section cut through kitchen, laundry, and public balcony, Rhino 7, Enscape for Rhino 7, photoshop, illustrator

site model images, 1/32” scale

front entrance to public sairwell, Rhino 7, Enscape for Rhino 7, photoshop, illustrator

threshold image from the laundry room looking towards the kitchen, 1/2” scale model

Casa Climática Comunitaria

UnEarthed

Mixed Use, Art Space Soulard, St. Louis, MO, USA

UnEarthed is an art production center and artist residence that investigates the characteristics and transitions between the productive, collective, and domestic programs. Attention was placed on height, lighting, ventilation, and acoustic insulation of the workshops and studios as well as the needs for encounter and privacy of the collective and private areas. Spatial relationships from the interior environment to the broader urban context was examined.

The building is located on a two-story slope with a shared alley space with soulard residence towards the southeast and two main roads in the north and south. Towards the south are commercial activites such as bars, brewery, and other nightlife. In the north, there are more residential spaces. Past the residential buildings east of the site is an elementary school. Far west is a Boys and Girls Club.

Professors: Eugene Bach, Anna Bach & Aaron Schump

Individual Spring 2023

collage exterior context image, V-ray, and Photoshop

roof plan and site plan, ArcGIS Pro, Rhino 7 and Illustrator

short section perspective model, 1/25” scale model

plan of

floor

artist residence, ArcGIS Pro, Rhino 7 , and Illustrator

detail technical section, Rhino 7, adobe illustrator

long section looking westwards

neighboring rooftop view of project model

short section looking northwards

aerial view of project model

Community Helioplantarium

Greenhouse Forest Park, St. Louis, MO, USA

Community Helioplantarium is a proposed 2500 sq ft greenhouse with a 1250 sq ft ancillary building that would include offices, bathrooms, and classrooms. The structure would be made entirely out of wood. Additionally, there are 40 32 sq ft community garden plots and 20 32 sq ft communal plots. Located in Forest Park, the greenhouse would be placed near the Jewel Box, an art deco structure of iron & glass, by William C. E. Becker and a baseball field.

The greenhouse development would provide an educational opportunity about plant and food growth while also providing an additional natural prairie-scape for the park.

Professors: Bruce Lindsey & Ryan Abendroth

Individual Fall 2022

1/2” scale physical

1/2” scale timberframe

night interior render

night exterior render

exterior ancillary building

hand drafted site analysis, mixed medium on vellum

model of greenhouse timberframe structure

site & roof plan, ArcGIS Pro, Rhino 7, illustrator, photoshop

floor plan, ArcGIS Pro, Rhino 7, illustrator, photoshop

Detail Section

0' 1' 3' 6' 12'

Glulam Beam

Glulam Column

CLT Louver Connector

Curtain Wall

CLT Vertical Louver

Metal Flashing

Corrugated Metal Flashing

Fine gravel

Concrete wall foundation

Gypsum

GluLam-Steel Column Connector

Insulation

Concrete Footer w/ capillary break

Drainage Pipe

detail section of ancillary building, Rhino 7, adobe illustrator

GluLam Truss Beam

Aluminium Gutter

Suspended Ceiling Structure

8’ radius water sprinkle

WAC Lighting Cube LED Pendant

Detail Section

Rubber Gasket and Curtain Wall Aluminum Frame

2’ x 2’ Floating Concrete Pavers

3” Tall Paver Pedestal

Cast-in-place concrete slab

Moisture Barrier

Concrete Slab on Metal Deck

GluLam Beam

1' 3' 6' 12'

1' 3' 6'

Glulam Beam Operable Window

Glulam Column

Curtain Wall

Curtain Wall Muillion

CLT Vertical Louver

CLT Louver Connector

Mulch and Custom ADA Planters

Rubber Gasket and Curtain Wall Aluminum Frame

Metal Flashing

Corrugated Metal Flashing

Corrugated Metal Flashing Metal Flashing

Concrete wall foundation Fine gravel

Gypsum

GluLam-Steel Column Connector

Insulation

Concrete Footer w/ capillary break

Drainage Pipe Insulation

Drainage Pipe

4’ SuncoGrow LED GrowLight

2’ x 2’ x 2” Floating Concrete Pavers

3” Tall Concrete Paver Pedestal Cast-in-place concrete slab

Moisture Barrier

Concrete Slab on Metal Deck GluLam Beam

Slab Insulation Gravel

detail section of greenhouse with diagram of ventilation, Rhino 7, adobe illustrator

Aluminium Gutter

8’ Diameter Essence HVLS Ceiling Fan

GluLam Truss Beam

DX VAV package AHU

Concrete

8’ radius water sprinkle

Rhino 7, Illustrator

Atelier Rémy Zaugg

a technical exercise in modeling St. Louis, MO, USA

Designed by Herzog & de Meuron in 1995, the Studio Rémy Zaugg is located in Mulhouse, France where it used to be an artist studio for Rémy Zaugg. It is a relatively simple building with a simple interior and facade. However, the details in lighting and sun exposure, gives this structure its unique quality. This quality also gives perspective on how artist’s work and what kind of conditions are most ideal for an artist’s creativity and production. To recreate this moment, students were partnered up to execute artist studio spaces.

Professors: Eugene Bach, Anna Bach & Aaron Schump Group: Elizabeth Muckstadt Fall 2023

Study: Atelier Remy Zaugg

1/4” scale section perspective model of a room in Rémy Zaugg’s studio

Pistachio Bench

a technical exercise in analog drafting and woodworking St. Louis, MO, USA

Benches are ubiquitous piece of urban and domestic furniture with a simple function: seating for more than one user, yet there is no site associated with the bench. This exercise was aimed at designing, drawing, planning, and making of a garden bench to explore concepts of usefulness, structure, assembly, and materials. It also served to introduce students to various skillsets including drawing, research, physical and digital model making. Throughout the bench making process, there consists of three people in each group.

The bench was conceived through an exploration of the curve and the idea of play. Seating can be a moment of gathering and communication. This bench aims to provide an intimate experience with oneself or with a friend.

Professors: Amela Parcic & Ryan Abendroth Group: Sam Scriba and Elizabeth Keblusek Fall 2022

photograph of the bench’s shadow

2”-1’ scale diagrammatic drafting of the bench on a 18 x 24” paper

Tilt-Up Demo

a design research with Tilt Lab, LAST Architects, and Prof. Pablo Moyeno Phoenix, AZ, USA

Using local materials in forming the panels, including soil and rock as formwork,the design celebrates the cuture and landscape of Arizona as part of the 25th Tilt-Up Convention and Expo. Working with Pablo, I was in charge of translating CAD drawings into a 3D model for photoshop renders and enscape renders to model the concrete panels prior to fabrication. The digital model was created to identify the center of mass, and dimensions through a series of sections. Later the fabricated panels were photographed by LAST Architects and photoshopped by me.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona @ Tilt-Up Convention and Expo 2024

Researcher/Designer: Pablo Moyano Fernandez and LAST Architects (collaborating partner)

Sponsor: TCA (Tilt-up concrete Association)

Contractor: SunTEC

Research Assistant/Renderer: Song Yan Li Fall 2024

photograph of the tilt-up facade panel, adobe photoshop

various views of the concrete panel, rhino 7, enscape for rhino 7, adobe photoshop

series of sections and center of mass highlight, rhino 7, adobe illustrator

SSCAC Facade Perforation

a completed professional design work for Future Firm Chicago, IL, USA

Known as a Chicago Historic Landmark and the oldest African American art center in the Unites States, Southside Community Art Center hired Future Firm to rehabilitated and expand the Black art hub. To honor this rich legacy, the principals and the clients had the idea of creating a building facade that would celebrate the pattern of nail holes found in their Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery, through a custom perforated exterior panel system. The nail holes created by previous generations of artists’ exhibited in the gallery is now part of a symbolic link to past in the exterior panel system. I was charged with resolving the translation of these nail holes into a design of a facade panel. Initially, a frottage rubbing was made of the nail holes and then scanned for analyzation of the density and composition of nail holes. Later, efforts to model natural lighting and arrangments of the perforations were made through grasshopper, ladybug, and enscape renderings.

Principals/Supervisors: Ann Lui & Craig Reschke Firm: Future Firm Summer 2024

Rubbings of the nail pattern holes in the Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery

Various Facade Iterations and Donor wall designs for the SSCAC exterior, rhino 7, grasshopper, enscape for rhino 7, revit, enscape for revit