Portfolio 2025

PORTFOLIO SPICA LIU

Selected Works from 2022-2025

TABLE OF CONTENT

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Lost And Found

Collective Homes

Stillness In Motion

Hospitality

Nomas Headquarter

Intern Work Sample

Light, Filter, Shadow

Public Common, Residential

Connection, Tranquility, Growth

Gentrification, Settlement,Redesign

Participate, Generate, Lightness

Gensler, AK, Perkins Eastman

Library+Theather | New York

Modular Housing | New Jeresy

Education, Meditation Facility | Hanoi

Legal Services, Hospitality | Pennsylvania

Mix-use, Headquarter | Detroit

Commercial, Healthcare, Hospitality

01 LOST AND FOUND Library, Theater, Public Space Studio 602 Team member: Song Zhang

Inside-out

Outside-in

Solid & Void

The objective of the project is to design a library incorporating a public theater, several rooms, and a peaceful reading space. Positioned adjacent to the corner, the reading area features a long display table, serving as a central focus for readers to peruse the shelves and immerse themselves in their selected materials. Utilizing primarily brick, the construction bathes the area in soft, diffused light. Conversely, the bookshelves are fashioned from wood, enhancing the project’s overall ambiance with a touch of natural warmth.

Overall, the design of the library embodies a thoughtful balance between functionality and ambiance, creating a welcoming and inspiring space where the love of literature can flourish and community connections can thrive. Whether visiting to attend a public theater performance, explore the diverse collection of books, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet reflection, patrons are sure to find solace and inspiration within its walls.

SECOND FLOOR PLAN @1/8

Library, Archive & Theater

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Sectional Chunk Longitudinal Section Longitudinal Section 01 Children Reading Area 02 Public Reading Area 03 Private Study Room 04 Research Lab 05 Library Entrance & Garden

The ramp system connects to three major spaces in the library: Private Reading Rooms, The Internet Archive, and The Library Archive. These spaces are located in the tower area, providing a place for patrons to look up and meditate.

SECTION @1/4

06 Multipurpose Room 07 Fabrication Lab 08 Theater Entrance 09 Theater 10 Library Archive

01 Library: Ways for Seeking 02 Archive: Points of Arrival 03 Commons: Hub of Gathering

Project 1:Lost and Found

Library, Archive & Theater

The Facade The facade showcases a gradient of brick, designed to bathe the interior in soft, diffused light, while wooden bookshelves introduce a touch of natural warmth. This juxtaposition creates a harmonious balance of engagement and tranquility. Curved openings invite light to pour in, highlighting the thoughtfully designed interior space.

Project 1:Lost and Found

Library, Archive & Theater

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PARAPET& ROOF DRAINAGE@1-1/2

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FLOOR AND BRICK FACADE@1-1/2

Street Level View: Entrace to Theater (Right) 01 Library: Ways for Seeking 02 Archive: Points of Arrival 03 Commons: Hub of Gathering

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GREEN ROOF AND BRICK FACADE@1-1/2

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DETAIL SECTION@1/2

01 Parapet & Roof Drainage 02 Brick Facade 03 Green Roof & Facade 04 Concrete Footing

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CONCRETE FOOTING@1-1/2

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Project 1:Lost and Found

Library, Archive & Theater

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Views From Library Archive The library consists of a series of ramps that frame the reading area and shelving units. Visitors have the option to stand or sit with shelving screens, which allows people to fully experience the dynamic space shaped by ramps and shelves.

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SECOND FLOOR PLAN @1/8

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Third Floor Plan, Site Condition 01 Public Reading Area 02 Indoor Atrium 03 Library Archive 04 Archive Staircase 05 Digital Lab

06 Meeting Room 07 Second Floor Balcony 08 Theater 09 Theater Entrance 10 Outdoor Garden

Project 1:Lost and Found

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3D Print & Laser Cut Model 01 Library Archive 02 Public Study Room 03 Horizontal Section Model

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02 COLLECTIVE HORIZONS HOMES Modular housing, Public Common, Residential Units Studio 601 Individual Project

The project started by conceptualizing room taxonomy and modular system, where a self-repeated pattern was projected into unit development and form floor aggregation. The resulting repeated pattern modules seamlessly developed a curvy bar shape, allowing rotation and combination between individual units.The overlap of two curvy bar shapes provide courtyard condition,create opportunities for views and openings, and also separate the entrance between resident and pedestrian who wants to enter the library. To enhance the project’s integration with the site and establish a connection with the library, the design occupied the roof of the library, creating an elevated space from the ground level. The roof can be used as a public gathering, connected with multipose room in the back of the library. Two modular curvy bars, characterized by their repetitive design, generate multiple openings, allowing sunlight to illuminate the interior spaces. The spaces between the shift of patterns(single loaded modular units) are designed as hallways that not only facilitate circulation but also offer captivating views. These hallways connect to roof balconies, generating public spaces that serve as communal areas for the residents.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

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Modular Units 01/ Units 02/2B1B Assemble 03/2B2B Assemble 04/Stacking 2B1B Modular Units The design began with the development of five distinct room types to address the needs of a living room with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and balcony. Through a series of assemblies, these rooms were combined to create shared living apartments using modular units, including studio apartments, 1B1B, 2B1B, and 4B1B configurations. With modular units, they can be assembled and connected in various ways, forming a continuous residential complex with a shared central hallway.

Floor Plans: Modular Unit and Hallway Top/ First Floor Plan Buttom/Thrid Floor Plan Each modular unit is configured in variations of 2B1B, 4B2B, and 1B1B layouts. Leveraging the geometric characteristics of hexagons and squares, some units feature shared balconies, creating communal spaces where residents can connect and interact. Additionally, the hallways include shared amenities such as storage areas, study rooms, and meeting spaces for residents on the same floor. The expansive green spaces provide areas for relaxation and recreation, offering a vibrant environment for the community to enjoy.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

Programs For the Public Common Analysis of Programs

Shipping For Modular Units There are several methods for transporting modular units to the site. A standard truck can accommodate a micro-unit or a studio space without requiring assembly. Thanks to the flexibility of the modular design, smaller components, such as single-bedroom modules, are packed onto trucks and assembled on-site. Once assembled, additional construction features, like the concrete arch façade, are added to complete the exterior.

Green Space

Program Puzzies

The design elements respond to the program distribution, which are made up by three parts: public facility for farmers/visitors, Semi public facility for farmers/residents and private housing for residents. Each programs fit into the form just like puzzies, creating visiual and physical connection to the audience. The pedestrians are welcome to visit any places on the program map and see the showcase of nature.

The Concept

Based on the increasing population in the Mechanics Ville and the lack of groceries store/markets in the area, the project tries to provide a

Playground

Classroom

Housing

Farm

Urban Garden

Urban Farm

Farmer’s Market

Form Development

By spreated the old facade into two parts, creating a new opening that contain the same size/feature of the orginal opening to break the symmetry of the old facade. With the openings, creating three different entrances, one for residential only, reaching to the other site though the structure and farmers market. The program diagram illustrate how the main massing was being spreated into market area and residential unit.

The void space in the residential area was been curved out whereas the market area on the right are maining void that wrap up with transparent material that will glow as a unit at night, creating a sense of space for the market.

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Adding a 20* 20 ft grids to the massing, using the void space in the residential area to frame balcony.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

01/Double-Height Balcony

Design a double-height space to accommodate a horizontal balcony, providing an elevated platform for a unique and expansive outdoor experience.

02/Private Arch Balcony Arrange identical units in a stacked configuration, utilizing arches to occupy the balcony areas and creating a layered effect with elongated arch windows.

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Children’s Reading Area

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03/Shared Arch Balcony 2

Library Entrance

Introduce staggered placement to the residential units, stacking them with pattern.

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

Residential Housing

Exterior/Interior Arch The modular unit construction commenced by connecting Superior Wall components with a pre-fabricated connector. Subsequently, a clip-on concrete facade was added, featuring a series of arches that introduced dynamic structural elements. The installation concluded with placing a Concrete Arched Roof Panel. The open arch columns facilitate setbacks and balconies for residential units. A comparable approach is also evident in the public common areas, where larger span columns support the foundational structure.

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

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Site Plan on Ground Level 01 Residential Entrance 02 Public Greenery 03 Urgent Care 04 Clinics 05 Staff Dinning Space

06 Pharmacy 07 Public Reading Area 08 Meeting Room 09 Library Entrance 10 Theater

11 Children’s Reading Zone 12 Sand Box 13 Outdoor Theater

Residential Housing

Project 2:Collective Horizon Homes

View From the Street Level Looking Toward Library

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Longitudinal Section Scale@ 1/32 01 Children Reading Area 02 Public Reading Area 03 Private Study Room

Eco-Community and neighborhood The open arch columns create opportunities for setbacks and balconies in the residential units. These shared, double-height or single-height spaces incorporate trees and eco-friendly elements, fostering sustainable community. The design promotes greenery and interaction, blending architectural functionality with environmental responsibility.

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04 Research Lab 05 Library Entrance & Garden 06 Multipurpose Room

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07 Fabrication Lab 08 Theater Entrance 09 Theater 10 Residential Area

03 Stillness In Motion Connection, Tranquility, Growth Instructor: Vo Trong Nghia Group Member: Changfeng Luo

The project is a meditation/educational facility combined with a research lab, designed to guide visitors through a journey of motion and stillness located in Hanoi, vietnam. The concept invites individuals to meditate not only through seated practice but also through movement, where walking itself becomes a form of meditation.

A continuous underground pathway weaves together the programmatic elements of thisjourney. Stairs and open-air gardens punctuate the circulation, gradually leading visitors toward the final destination: a serene meditation pavilion. Along this journey, spaces alternate between activity and pause, allowing participants to shift rhythmically between dynamic engagement and reflective stillness.

The classrooms are embedded gently below the landscape, curving organically with the terrain. Dynamic natural light filters into these spaces through a series of windows, creating an ever-changing atmosphere that mirrors the flow of time. Between classrooms, courtyards open into reflection pools and gardens, offering visitors a place to breathe, pause, and reconnect with the environment.

By blending pathways, courtyards, light, and landscape, Stillness in Motion creates an immersive experience that honors the balance between inner peace and mindful movement, serving both as a place for meditation practice and a hub for research into wellness and education.

Project 3: Stillness In Motion

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Motion & Stillness 01/ Sectional Model 02/Classroom Area 03/Meditation Center and Entrance 04/Library Roof This design transforms a linear passage into a sequence of spatial moments that support mindful walking and cultivate awareness. By dividing the straight corridor leading to the final meditation destination, the journey becomes more than just a path to visit/explore, it becomes a series of intentional pauses and transitions. Each segmented space gently encourages the walker to shift focus inward and become grounded in the present. Through subtle spatial cues with light, texture, proportion. The design promotes walking as a meditative act, making the motion itself a form of stillness.

Plan Scale 1:300 01 Meditation Entrance 02 Pathway Garden 03 Meditation Pavilion 04 Seating Area 05 Meditation Exist

06 Residential Area 07 Classroom Entrance 08 Research Lab 09 Staff Office 10 Library

11 Dinning Area 12 Classroom 13 Reflection Pool 14 Green Garden

Commerial, Public Facility

Project 3: Stillness In Motion

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01 Classroom 02 Pathway Garden 03 Multimedia Lab 04 Wind Tower

Longitudinal Section Scale@1/80: The Classroom 01/ Learning Tea Corner 02/Classroom Interior Each pair of classrooms shares a central wind capture, designed to harness natural airflow and promote passive cooling during the summer months. Constructed with locally sourced stone, these wind captures create a dynamic surface texture that refracts light and shadow while channeling breezes into the interior. This system not only reduces reliance on mechanical ventilation but also introduces a tactile, sensory quality, where the texture of stone and the movement of air together enrich the spatial experience.

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Project 3: Stillness In Motion

The Library The library is an open-air structure with a green roof, forming a courtyard that blends into the surrounding mountain landscape. It invites people to gather, pause, and reflect. The library also connects seamlessly to the pathway leading to the meditation center, allowing visitors to transition from meditation into a space for reading, contemplation, and quiet engagement.

Commerial, Public Facility

Commerial, Public Facility

Project 3: Stillness In Motion

Meditation Pathway

The meditation pathway unfolds beneath the ground, guiding visitors through a sequence of courtyards open to the sky.

These moments of openness punctuate the journey, offering light, air, and stillness before continuing deeper into the meditative passage. The contrasts of light within the tunnel evoke a sense of motion through meditation, transforming the act of walking itself into a contemplative practice. Filtered light passes through the pavilion’s structure, create unique experience.

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Longitudinal Section Scale@1/100: Meditation Space Meditation Pavilion

01 Meditation Exit 02 Private Meditation

03 Meditation Workshop 04 Meditation Pathway Toward Entrance

05 Couryard Garden 06 Pathway Light Filter

04 Hospitality: Looking into the Future Gentrification, Playful, Deconstruction Studio 502 Individual Project

An elderly Chinese immigrant who had recently arrived in the United States expressed, “I am new to this country and cannot understand English. I require Chinatown to buy essentials, seek medical attention, and translate English mail.” As a first-generation immigrant, They need a place to call home, where they feel a sense of belonging. The hardships of homelessness, poverty, and displacement that immigrants often face can have a significant impact on their mental health, and they frequently lack a support system to turn to for even the simplest things.

To address these challenges, there is a critical need for public education workshops that support the well-being of multigenerational and multicultural communities. These workshops can focus on strategies for cultural adaptation, healthy parenting, and stress management to provide resources and support to those who need it most. To create an environment conducive to these goals, a three-zone self-generated island design can be implemented, specifically designed to address and resolve the issues faced by new immigrants. Furthermore, the railway can be transformed into a green belt that connects each segment of the island. The central focus of this design is the establishment of a main local health center and legal services on a consolidated island. This island can be accessed through a series of ramps and walkways, providing people with a pleasant and serene environment for relaxation and meditation. Each level of the island can incorporate gardens or playgrounds, ensuring that the elderly can enjoy a fulfilling life without having to leave the railway area. The ramps and meditation spaces will also serve as connections between people and the programs that support their health and well-being.

Health Center, Immigration Services

Project 3: Hospitality: Looking into the Future

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ASSEMBLED ISLAND ll (EDUCATION+LEGAL SERVIES)

ASSEMBLED ISLAND lll (HEALTH+LEGAL SERVIES)

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Chinatown Railway Analysis 01/ Site 02/Creat Greenery 03/Major Massing 04/Connection To the Railway The design began by utilizing the abandoned railroad in Philadelphia’s Chinatown as an opportunity to create a series of platforms and assembly islands interconnected through the railway. The railroad was transformed into a green belt, providing a walkable space for the community and serving as a transitional corridor for residents moving between different healthcare facilities.

RAILWAY GARDEN

ECOLOGICAL PLAZA

(PUBLIC MARKET AND EVENTS)

(MEDITATION AND EXERCISES)

ECOlOGICAL MOUNTAIN (EXERCISES AND WELLNESS)

EDUCATIONAL CENTER

(ROOF FARMING AND LANGUAGE TRAINING

ASSEMBLED ISLAND I (HEALTH+LEGAL SERVIES)

The Courtyard of Health Center In Assembled Island I

Ramp Entering the Legal Services In Assembled Island II

Garden Gathering Space In Assembled Island I

Site Plan Render 01/ Healthcare Facility 02/Greenroof 03/Residential 04/Playground 05/Infrastructure The site plan rendering illustrates the relationship between three distinct assembly islands within the local context. Each island is designed with unique features and characteristics, such as educational facilities, healthcare services, and legal support. Residents of each island are encouraged to explore and access the other facilities connected by the green railway, fostering interaction and engagement throughout the community.

Narrative Diagram: Gentrification and Settlement of Philadelphia Chinatown

Health Center, Immigration Services

Project 3: Hospitality: Looking into the Future

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Assembly Island I: Health Center & Inpatient Depatment

Ground Floor Plan@1/32 The Health Center is seamlessly connected to the railway, providing convenient access for commuters. Its innovative design incorporates a garden on the roof, offering a tranquil and green space for patients and visitors to enjoy amidst the urban environment.

01 Assemble Island I 02 Legal Services 03 Health Center 04 Garden 05 Residential Area

06 Office 07 Market Space 08 Playground 09 Roof Farming 10 Playground

11 Entrance to the complex 12 Pavillion 13 Playground 14 Assemble Island III 15 Residential Area /01

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Health Center, Immigration Services

Project 3: Hospitality: Looking into the Future

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Meditation Pavilion: Railway Park

Assembly Island II: Health Center and Inpatient Department

Railway Renovation The Meditation Spot has been carefully designed to create a serene and contemplative area for visitors, fostering a peaceful environment. The incorporation of a ramp provides easy access, inviting visitors to approach and engage with the meditative space seamlessly. This thoughtful combination of accessibility and tranquility ensures that all visitors can experience the meditative atmosphere of the spot.

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01/ Green Belt Community 02/ Pathway to Residential 03/ Entrance to Facility

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N 05 Nomas Detroit Particiate, Generate, Lightness Instructor: Herman Howard Team Project

Located just outside o Brewster-Douglas H Located just outside of downtown Detroit, the former site of the connected from the Brewster-Douglas Homes seems destined to fail. Physically disconnected from the surrounding environment and its resources through through the construc the construction of the adjacent highways, a site rich in culture was abandoned. culture Previously, known as the “Motor City,” Detroit is receiving recog- was abandone nition as the “Bike City” due to its implementation of Greenways-Previously, known as corridors of land intended to facilitate connections between places and people. Logistically, the existing Midtown Loop and Dequinognition as the “Bik dre Cut would serve as points of connection for various modes of transportation including bikes, scooters, people, animals, and natural enways--corridors of resources.

Ultimately, the architectural design proposal aims to weavetween itself into places and peo the city’s infrastructural plans for the future of Detroit in order to and Dequindre Cut w create a fixed connection between the NOMA Legacy Headquarters and everything it represents. ious modes of trans animals, and natural r Ultimately, the archit into the city’s infrast order to create a fixe Headquarters and eve

Residential, Headquarter,Research Labs

Project 5: Nomas Detroit

Form Development

Program Distribution

Form Development

The site contain a great history of Detroit. Due to the lack of green spaces in the urban area, our team try to produce a complex that access both for bikers and pedestrians.The major programs include education center and the residential area located on norst and east side that circulated through a truss system. In the middle of the circulation loop, the nomas headquarters present itself with a unique beauty.

diagram 1a plant tube system

diagram 1b water collection system

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Work Sample: Gensler

Jingqiao Jingding Tiandi

Software utilized: Rhino, Revit, Enscape Participated in the Schematic Design (SD) phase and developed designs for sunken plaza.

Work Sample: Gensler

Revit Drawing Set

Work Sample: AK Architecture, Health Center 6

Software utilized: AutoCAD, Revit Participated in the Construction Document (CD) phase produced drawing for plan and interior elevation.

Work Sample: AK Architecture, Health Center 3

Work Sample: Perkins Eastman

Six Sense Hotel (Morocco)

Virginia Live! Casino

Software utilized: Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Participated in the Schematic Design (SD) phase and design integrations for villas and amenities.

Software utilized: Revit, Bluebeam Participated in the Construction Development (CD) phase by modeling the garage vestibule and parking.

Resort Site Plan

Casino Axon View

Standard Twin Villa

Garage Vestibule Plan Scale @1/32

Garage Vestibule 3D Side View

1 Bedroom Villa

Garage Vestibule Entrance Mullion

Garage Vestibule 3D Front View