Yalei Zhu +1 2158230066 +86 13222317099 3737 Chestnut Street Apt 1503, 19104 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, US
Master of Landscape Architecture
Architectural Association | London, UK
Master of Science in Landscape Urbanism
Thesis: "SFI Engagement in Green Belt"
Tutor: Eduardo Rico-Carranza, Jose Alfredo Ramirez Galindo, Clara Oloriz
Southeast University Chengxian College | Nanjing, CN
School of Architecture & Art Design
Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture
EMPLOYMENT
Southeast University Chengxian College | Nanjing, CN
Assistant of Landscape Architect
Assisted utors in the design draw ng and produce drawings for the Environmental Opt mization Design
Project on the Industrial Areas of Lianyungang-Zhengjiang-Huai'an-Yangzhou high-speed Railway S ations in Jiangsu province
AWARDS
The Sixth Bauhaus Award International Design Competition, Merit Award
"QiongYao Award" Belt and Road International Product Design Competition Finalist
13th Creative China National Design Art Awards, Merit Award
SKILLS
LANGUAGES
TRAVELS
Software: Adobe Suites (PS, ID AI, PR, AE) | AutoCAD | Civil 3D | Rhino | MAYA Vray Grasshopper SketchUP
Physical: Sketch | Watercolour 3D Printing | Laser Cut Photography
English (Fluent) Chinese (Native) Ch ina | Un ited St ates Un ited Kin gd om | D enma rk | S pa in | Fran
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| Vatican | Japan | Thailand
O1/ UX/UI Design: SFI Engagement O2/ Graphic Design: MAYA SKZOO- Felix Lee O3/ "Not" Fancy Park O4/ Shad"ed" Park O6/ Playscape O8/ Representations O5/ Drop 2 Home O7/ Mappings O9/ AutoCAD & Civil3D 10/ Other Works Skeches + Physical Models
UX/UI Design:
Engagement in Greenbelt
SKILLs
: ArcGIS, Figma, C4D, Adobe
Creative Suites(PS, AI, ID, AE, PR)
Site: London, UK
Team Work: AALU (2021-2022)
Instructor: Eduardo Rico-Carranza
Abstract:
In order to protect the edges of London's Metropolitan Green Belt from destruction, and with an understanding of existing UK policy SFI, our team actively explored and engaged different groups of people: farmers, students, visitors within the Greenbelt in an attempt to mitigage acute social tensions in an ecologically transformative way.
About Green Belt:
We calculated the corridor connectivity of the Green Belt and found it to be relatively weak, with a significant presence of debris. Additionally, our analysis of Buckinghamshire(inside GB) revealed that numerous schools and farms are located near the Green Belt.
Calculation of the Lowest
SFI Engagement Website for
Process: After analyzing regional policies and ecological connectivity in the Green Belt. We found the policy SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) offers government bonuses for improving ecological qualities like soil quality.
Based on that, we chose Buckinghamshire as our pilot site cuz the SFI pilot farm located here, meanwhile there are many schools and farms close to the fragmented green belt in Buckinghamshire, which could be our engagement groups.
Our goal is to create a platform to increase farmer participation, using SFI to expand open space management and gradually restore fragmented land in the Green Belt.
Game For Children
Children can learn some real and basic knowledgement when playing the game.
For Children
In the form of a brochure showing the experience children will have when they arrive at the farm
Visits in real farms for Children
Activity
Livestock Feeding
Open Space Registration for Farmer
For Farmer Farmers can upload information about the open space around their farms for better management.
For Casual Visitors
Visitors can also upload their own discoveries when they are not on a farmer-led tour.
by Yuanchang Liu
O2/ Graphic Design: MAYA
SKZOO- Felix Lee
Individual Work:
UPenn DSGN 1030/5005 (Aug. -Dec. 2024)
Instructor: Guava Rhee
Abstract:
From beginner to proficient in Maya, developing skills and building own models.
Model Reference:2023 MBC
Performance_White Love
"Not Fancy" Park
SKILLs: AutoCAD, ArcGIS,
Rhino, Adobe Creative
Suites(PS, AI, ID)
Site: Staten Island, NY
Individual Work:
UPenn LARP 6010 (Aug. -Dec. 2024)
Instructor: Catherine Seavitt
Abstract:
The North Shore of Staten Island, often seen as its “backyard,” struggles with pollution, disaster risks, and social vulnerabilities due to marine traffic and low-income conditions. To truly benefit the local community, I propose an approach inspired by the “BACKYARD” concept— focusing on practical, inclusive improvements rather than superficial beautification. Guided by “Not Fancy,” this initiative prioritizes genuine community needs, ensuring sustainable development without inviting gentrification.
SI Local\Global Maritime Shipping
Staten Island, a key East Coast shipping hub, hosts the Sandy Hook Pilot Station and several tugboat companies.
PLANs: Staten Island North Shore
Existing: Design Scope After Design: Flooding Season
Design Scope
Three major flood intrusion waterways were identified on the North Shore. Historical photos reveal that these areas were once spaces for water storage. Additionally, significant bare spaces in flood-invaded blocks, such as parking lots and excessive auto industrial areas, were noted. The design scope is positioned on a narrow stretch of waterway and the block behind it. Parking lots within these blocks could align with the idea of a backyard.
After Design: Non Flooding Season
Why Not Fancy?
Ruilding a "not so fancy" park could be a way to approach this, as Prof. Ellen mentioned-the sadness and history of the land can't be easily forgotten. The improvement of the area should be led by the local community rather than creating a design that appears fancy but deepens the separation between people and the land. Enhancing local engagement is key; it's not about achieving a fancy result, but about the ongoing process of daily change and the transformations that emerge from it.
Site Transformation: Strategies
Buffers/Ribbon
Mounds
Different sea walls control the extent of accessibility within the site at different times
Sea Walls
Community Backyard Section Maritime Backyard Section
The site is located along the Delaware river and, an area with a severe heat island effect. Additionally, the river serves as a critical migration route for American Shad. This design aims to mitigate the heat island effect and support the survival of the shad by introducing more shaded areas both for people and fish, and enhancing habitats through strategies such as topographic modifications and the creation of diverse landscapes.
PLANs & Planting
Fast-growing trees were gradually replaced and cut down to make seats
Early Succession& Climax Forest Trees
The series of plans illustrate the shifting shade throughout the day and the gradual increase in vegetation cover over time.
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Gradual Shore & Overhanging Trees and Bushes
On the Loops
On the Tree Mounds
On the Tree Islands
Undulating Grassy Ribbons Shelter
Lawn Shelter
Proximity to Tall Buildings
Islands or Sand Bars &Drop-offs & Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
Sunken Objects & Rock and Boulder Pockets
Piers, Docks and Pilings
Lily Pads for Fishes
Summer Green Shading Trip
Drop 2 Home
SKILLs:
Rhino, AutoCAD, ArcGis,
Adobe Creative
Suites(PS, AI, ID)
Site: Ontario, Canada
Individual Work: Jan. 2023
Abstract:
Although Canada Ontario has the one of the highest freshwater in the world, indigenous people living in remote areas like Kenora suffer from a chronic lack of access to store water. I have tried to use Kenora as a base to store water while mitigating seasonal flooding through three different strategies.
Raising the terrain and laying pipes
In addition to the cistern, rain and snow are collected by pipes
