Selected_Works_2025

Selected Works 2019-2025

ITERATIVE JOURNEY YU CHEN

Email: yuchen4@upenn.edu Tel: +1-445-225-9891 Address: 3720 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA

CONTENTS

01 / Universe Station: Journey to the Surreal

1 - 10

02 / Synergy Lab

11 - 22

03 / Bubble Wonderland

23 - 30

04 / Gestalt & Psychodrama Theater

31 - 40

05 / Professional Work

41 - 50

06 / Computational Design Work

51 - 54

Core 601 Studio: Education & Housing University of Pennsylvania, Fall 2023 Instructor: Scott Erdy

Core 701 Studio: Culture Lab University of Pennsylvania, Fall 2024 Instructor: Simon Kim, Logan Weaver

In the iterative journey of creation, each step unfolds as a testament to the evolving narrative of design, where every revision is not merely an alteration, but a step closer to architectural transcendence.

Undergraduate Work: Kindergarten University of Nottingham, Spring 2021 Instructor: Maycon Sedrez, Jing Xie

Into the Rabbit Hole Competition: Healing Center Competition Work, Summer 2024 ARCHIOL International Competition, Second Place

Revit Work Sample HKS, May 2023 - Aug 2023 XING DESIGN, Jun 2021 - Aug 2021

01 / Universe Station:

Journey to the Surreal

Philadelphia, United States

Core 601 Studio: Education & Housing University of Pennsylvania, Fall 2023 Instructor: Scott Erdy Building Area: 50,000 sf Individual Work

This project integrates campus and student housing, repurposing the existing 46th Street Station in Philadelphia. In the context of the post-pandemic world, remote learning has become increasingly significant. The key challenge, therefore, is to explore how to balance remote learning, in-person education, public spaces, and student housing. By incorporating emerging mixed-reality technologies, the project introduces a hybrid learning experience that seamlessly blends physical and virtual environments, challenging the traditional educational model.

Student housing is uniquely designed as individual virtual reality cubes. These cubes serve as gateways to diverse VR landscapes, significantly expanding the students’ learning horizons beyond the confines of traditional academic environments. Complementing this, the station’s central public courtyard, interconnected through a series of corridors, is outfitted with study pods that are infused with augmented reality capabilities, adding an AR layer to the educational space.

These housing units and study pods are intertwined with the station, offering a seamless, enriching educational experience to both the students residing there and the commuters passing through, ensuring that every transit experience has the potential to become a moment of learning and discovery.

Universe Station: Journey to the Surreal

University of Pennsylvania

3 2

9

10

2

3 6 4

7

8

4 5

2 11

3 1

Project 1: Single Dwelling Housing Unit The project’s prototype originated from a small single-unit housing. This project aimed to address the issue of limited and impersonal living spaces in affordable housing. By incorporating AR and VR technology, residents can customize their room experiences to have more sense of belonging. Mixedreality can also transcend physical boundaries, allowing residents to freely explore different places, thereby improving their psychological well-being.

1: Train Station Roof Garden 2: Residential Lounge 3: Mixed Reality Study Corner 4: Outdoor Mixed Reality Study Area 5: Mixed Reality Gallery 6: Administration Office 7: Multifunction Classroom 8: Ramp to the Roofgarden 9: Tutor Unit 10: Student Unit 11: Corridor with Screens

Typical Residential Level Floor Plan and Two Types of Living Unit Circuit Components 9 , 9

Virtual Reality Visualization

, 9 ,

Living Furniture Tutor Unit X 3, Area 729 sqf

3

Student Unit X 12, Area 486 sqf

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Universe Station: Journey to the Surreal

University of Pennsylvania

5

11 2

3

7

6

7

6

4

3

Residential Units

2 5

Educational Platforms

Traversing Skywalk Bridge

10

8 1

Train Track

Tration Station Entrance

1: Ticket Kiosk 2: Public Garden 3: Waiting Area 4: Train Track 5: Traversing Skywalk Bridge 6: Rooftop Deck 7: Outdoor Public Activity 8: Train Station Entrance 9: Train Station Facility 10: Outdoor Public Lounge 11: Indoor Public Lounge

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Train Station Platform Level Plan The station and waiting area’s design leverages the existing station structure, retaining the previous circulation layout. It has been transformed into a streamlined configuration that aligns with the overall aesthetic of the new building.

Existing Train Station

Interior of the Waiting Area

Train Station Public Activity

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This rendering describes the scene of passengers waiting for train in the train station. The transparent glass in the waiting area allows passengers to view the external screens, enabling them to engage in mixed reality activities while waiting for their transport. The curved design of the platforms also offers an aesthetically pleasing view for passengers in the waiting area.

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Universe Station: Journey to the Surreal

Louver Panels

University of Pennsylvania

Bonding Frame, Aluminum

Outdoor Mixed Reality Study Area

Unitized Frame, Aluminum Tubular Frame, Aluminum Adapter Frame, Aluminum Opaque Panels

Modular Living Unit

The facade was inspired by the Schuco system, consists of a series of lightweight aluminum frames.

Adjustable louvers ensure the privacy of residential units. These shape-shifting modules are distorted by sine function to create a curving pattern, echoing the railing design, while the periodic function ensures repetition for easy fabrication.

Schüco Parametric System

Residential Units

Outdoor Public Activity

Garden

Roof Garden

Waiting Area

Train Track

Train Station Lobby

The section reveals a rich scenario of simultaneous activities occurring across diverse functional settings. The upper residential units depict residential environments, while the lower station showcases public activities. Everything is integrated within the building, intertwining without interference.

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Core 601 Design Studio

Universe Station: Journey to the Surreal 9

University of Pennsylvania

Core 601 Design Studio

Universe Station: Journey to the Surreal

University of Pennsylvania

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02 / Synergy Lab

Los Angeles, United States

Core 701 Studio: Culture Lab University of Pennsylvania, Fall 2024

Instructor: Simon Kim, Logan Weaver Building Area: 50,000 sf Groupmates: Zhangfan He, Qinming Hou All renderings below are completed by Yu Chen.

Contributed to drawings & model making

The tar pits of La Brea preserve the energy of ancient life forms, and Culture Lab draws inspiration from this preserved energy. In a modern reinterpretation, it inherits the concept of energy transformation and regeneration, bringing it to life through architectural experiences.

Here, human presence—expressed through sounds and actions—is transformed into energy and movement. Inside a Faraday cage, the electromagnetic effects generated by people are concentrated, while outside signals are blocked. This creates a peaceful environment where visitors can reflect on the relationship between nature, technology, and energy in a space free of external distractions.

Therefore, in these “synthetic nature” experiences, people feel immersed in a cross-temporal dialogue between nature and technology, as if hearing the echoes of the spirit of the site.

Synergy Lab

University of Pennsylvania

Massing Study Iterations

Arduino Interactive System Design We designed an interactive device as prototype. Microphones in four directions collect sound signals and convert the sound level into electrical signals and transmit them to four corresponding electromagnets, attracting the bells to resonate. The building components are inspired by device components with the same logic.

These schemes all starting with raising the base to invite people into the site. They all emphasize the performance space and the Faraday cage in unique ways, resulting in a synthesis of separate programmatic forms. We ultimately chose the carved cubic form as it best integrates function and form while echoing the original building. The cut shapes also resonate with the site’s terrain, creating a strong connection between building and its context.

The geological features of the tar pits are used to create a similar visual effect through “magnetic soil.” The magnetic soil’s dynamic ripples can simulate the tar pits’ slow-flowing feeling while also being interactive, attracting people to experience the non-static side of nature. The magnetic soil serves as a representation of natural elements, illustrating how synthetic nature can mirror connections between humans and the natural world.

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Synergy Lab

University of Pennsylvania

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Ground Floor & Second Floor & Third Floor Plans

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5

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15

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1. Reception 2. Ticket 3. Exhibition 4. Coat Check 5. Restroom 6. Administration 7. Cafe 8. Loading Dock 9. Souvenir Store 10. Meditation 11. Performance 12. Backstage

A Faraday cage is an enclosure designed to block electromagnetic fields. It works by redistributing electric charges on its surface, effectively canceling electric fields inside. Our prototype installation also has a Faraday cage as envelope.

Since we are using energy collection device on the landscape to transfer energy produced by visitors into usable energy for facade moving , energy conservation is crucial. For

this project, the conventional metal frame Faraday cage is combined with electromagnetic shielding glass to prevent signal from escaping. The charging spaces also utilized wireless charging technolog y to transmit electromagnetic forces to supply the visitors, the feature of Faraday cage also ensure this function is shield and reduce energy loss.

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Synergy Lab

University of Pennsylvania

Roof 84’- 0“

Education 68’- 0“

Exhibition 52’- 0“

Exhibition 36’- 0“

Performance 20’- 0“

Lobby 0’- 0“

0’

17

5’

10’

25’

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University of Pennsylvania

Walking Meditation Charging Core Circumambulation, found across various religious and cultural traditions, symbolizes reverence, devotion, and the spiritual journey toward enlightenment or divine connection. While it often involves walking in a circular motion around a sacred center, many practices incorporate an element of ascension and descent, representing a physical and spiritual progression. The meditaion core introduces such movement to facilate visitors inner reflection and charge their minds.

Synergy 19 Lab

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Core 701 Design Studio

Synergy 21 Lab

University of Pennsylvania

Core 701 Design Studio

Synergy Lab

University of Pennsylvania

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03 / Bubble Wonderland N

Ningbo, China

Undergraduate Work: Kindergarten University of Nottingham, Spring 2021

Instructor: Maycon Sedrez, Jing Xie Building Area: 27,000 sf Individual Work

Located in the master plan of the garden city in Ningbo, this creatively conceived building is affectionately named “Bubble Wonderland”. This project is a bold venture to design a kindergarten that transcends traditional learning spaces, offering children unique areas to play freely and explore. It’s envisioned as a nurturing environment designed to ignite their curiosity and encourage exploration with wonder and enthusiasm.

Drawing inspiration from the simple, captivating world of bubbles, a favorite in children’s play, this concept emphasizes unity and a sense of belonging. The spherical shape of bubbles inspires the design of the activity spaces, which blend organically with standard function rooms, yet present an engaging contrast.

Echoing the way bubbles shimmer with vibrant colors in sunlight, the building is envisioned to provide a rich, dynamic space, creating a wonderland-like environment. The programs of this project is designed according to educator Montessori’s theory of learning sensitive periods of children. This space is filled with excitement and imagination, offering children an inspiring place to enjoy, learn, and grow.

University of Nottingham

Bubble Wonderland

Education

Accommodation

Multi-function

Children Management

Office

WC

Classroom

Staff

Circulation

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Reception Service

Restaurant

Outdoor Activities

4

Indoor Activities

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8 5

2

Parents

Circulation System & Programs for Different Groups JUNIOR CLASS 1

2

3

MIDDLE CLASS 4

SENIOR CLASS 5

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Detail

Rule

Space

Handwork

JUNIOR CLASS

SPACE

PROGRAM

Color

Privacy

Identity

Relationship

Aesthetics

Art

Montessori introduced learning sensitive period theory to describe key learning aspects in children’s different age spectrum. Combined with traditional three-class kindergarten mode, different programs are needed for each class to fit education targets.

MIDDLE CLASS

SENIOR CLASS

These installations encourage children to explore spaces and learn about privacy by seek and find.

Variation of forms provides kids with corners for gathering and to learn about their relationship.

Multi-level stages encourage children to explore their own identities and relationships.

Cooperation tables provide kids tools to make handwork and observe others.

Little galleries with photos and paintings improve children’s aesthetic abilities.

Reading rooms are mainly used by elder children with better comprehension.

Ground Floor Plan

1: Classroom 2: Teachers’ Office 3: Teachers’ Lounge 4: Infirmary

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5: Reception 6: Gallery 7: Trampoline 8: Kitchen

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INTERACTION

Kids play in a large group to better learn collective rules.

The study spaces are more independent to learn about identity.

Children can play in small groups to learn about relationship.

OPENNESS

The least degree of openness for junior class children to avoid safety issues.

More open spaces create more chances for these children to explore the nature.

The most open spaces for the eldest because they have better security sense.

Learning Sensitive Period & Spatial Analysis (Different Age Group)

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13: Multi-Function 14: Small Theater 15: Library 16: Pottery Room

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Second Floor

9: Dining Hall 10: Climbing Space 11: Indoor Activity 12: Dormitory

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Third Floor

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Undergraduate Work

University of Nottingham

Undergraduate Work

University of Nottingham

+ 34’ - 6“

+ 23‘

+ 11’ - 6”

± 0’

1. Indoor activity area on the first floor has waiting space for the parents. The little gallery inserted can display children’s works for the visiting parents.

2. The corridor is open so people can see what’s going on in

other spaces to ensure safety. Activity can also happen in the corridor to make it a space for interaction.

3. The spiral staircase is covered by a spherical curtain to

form a space for playing. The outside can be seen through the round shape openings.

4. A large play area in the corner allows children from classrooms to gather here. The rounded corners of the room prevent children from being injured in collisions.

1. Activity + Gallery

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2. Corridor

3. Spiral Staircase

4. Amusement Corner

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Bubble Wonderland

University of Nottingham

Prefabricated Skylight Modular skylights have different sizes for different function areas.

Porcelain Facade Smooth facade material is suitable for overall atmosphere.

Steel Frame Structure The frame of the spheres is inserted into the normal frame.

Second Floor The top floor has more special function rooms which are more suitable for older kids.

First Floor The space features and programs in this floor are decided for middle class children’s feature.

Ground Floor with Landscape

Main Circulation

The ground floor has more service and management functions and is the openest to the outside.

Children & Teachers

Ground Floor

Parents

Wood-Cement Particleboard 20 mm Ventilation Cavity 25 mm Polystyrene 50 mm Plywood (Vapor Check) 20 mm Fiberglass Batt Insulation 150 mm Plaster 20 mm Ready-to-lay Parquet Flooring 15 mm Screed 60 mm Polystyrene 40 mm Reinforced Concrete Topping 160 mm Trapezoidal Profiled Sheeting 55 mm

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Roof & Wall

Roof Membrane 15 mm Gravel 40 mm Synthetic Roof Felt Polystyrene 40 mm Vapor Barrier Screed Laid to Falls 65 mm Reinforced Concrete Topping 160 mm Trapezoidal Profiled Sheeting 55 mm

The section illustrates different scenarios in various programs, reflecting different degrees of privacy. From the most public station to the most private residential area, activities in different scenes occur simultaneously, enriching the space and making it more vibrant.

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04 / Gestalt & Psychodrama Theater

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Into the Rabbit Hole Competition - Healing Center Competition work, Summer 2024

ARCHIOL International Competition, Second Place Building Area: 67,500 sf Individual Work

This building carries the function of psychological inquiry and treatment for children with mental trauma. It integrates two typical psychotherapy methods: Gestalt therapy and psychodrama therapy to propose a composite methodology including psychological exploration and treatment.

The whole treatment is mainly organized by typical psychodrama therapy proposed by psychologist Moreno. Different forms of theaters hold psychodrama shows in different themes in specific acting phases. In addition, the gestalt labyrinth is used in early-stage for preliminary analysis.

The Gestalt cycle experience helps to excavate the disordered links of the experience process. In this maze, a series of spaces are translated from these links to provide a complete exploring experience to amplify and analyze the deep thoughts of the patient in a spatial narrative way. A similar maze outside is open for the public to experience and enliven the atmosphere. This approach not only aids in the healing process of the patients but also fosters a community understanding of children’s mental health challenges.

Gestalt & Psychodrama Theater WARM-UP

Into the Rabbit Hole Competition ACTION

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SHARING

PROCESSING

The diagram shows the cycle experience to describe the conventional complete experience. Number 1-7 show different obstacles in different steps.

1. Desensitization Block stimulus from the inner region.

2. Introjection Take everything from outer for granted.

3. Projection Transference or deny part of self.

4. Retroflection Repression diverts energy to the self.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

5. Deflection Neglect or transfer inner/ outer stimulus.

Introversion

1. Desensitization

Extroversion 5. Deflection

6. Egotism Focus too much on self and thoughts.

Thinking

7. Confluence Integrate with others thus lose self.

2. Introjection

The psychological types by Jung can match obstacles to three dimensions:

Feeling 6. Egotism

Introversion Extroversion

Sensation

3. Projection

Thinking Feeling Sensation Intuition

Treatment System Structure

Intuition

The whole treatment follows Moreno’s psychodrama theory. The programs and spaces are designed specifically for these steps. Between the warm-up and action steps, a series of maze spaces are introduced for children to explore to help analysis the deep reasons for psychological disorders behind patient’s mind.

7. Confluence

4. Retroflection

Gestalt Maze Types The psychological types are transfered into spatial qualities. The spatial qualities are contrary to psychological features to stimulate the patient. Each obstacle is classified into three features to generate the 7 gestalt maze types. The Gestalt maze design is inspired by these features.

Key Users

Psychodrama Elements

THEATER

CONSULTANT

PROTAGONIST'S SUBPLOT

FLOORS DISTRIBUTION

PROTAGONIST'S MAIN PLOT

OTHERS' SUBPLOT

REUNITE FINALE

Key Elements of Psychodrama & Users Analysis The design of the psychodrama performance stage refers to key elements proposed in the psychodrama theory. By analyzing the roles and functions of these users within these elements, the circulation of the psychodrama performance and program design is organized.

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Into the Rabbit Hole Competition

B’

Gestalt & Psychodrama Theater

Consultant A

Consultant B

Consultant C

Consultant D

2

A

5

Ⅱ

1

I. Warm-up Theater

→

II. Present Theater

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III. Past theater

→

IV. Future theater

A

Consultant & Psychodrama Theaters Four specialized theaters tailored to different phases of psychodrama therapy. They progress through the warm-up theater, then to the present, past and future theaters, participating in guided role-playing and dramatic representations. Consultant spaces are uniquely shaped for individual sessions and analysis. They visit there between each theater for performance reflection.

Ⅰ 4

9

3

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Ⅳ

6

7

A’

B

Ⅲ

1: Reception 2: Lounge 3: Backstage 4: Atrium 5: Preface 6: Office 7: Review 8: Garden 9: Open Maze 10: -1F Atrium 11: -1F Lounge 12: Gestalt Maze 13: Memory Gallery 14: Mini Maze

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B

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Ground Level Plan

B1 Level Plan: Gestalt Maze In this underground Gestalt maze, a series of spaces are translated from these links to provide a complete exploring experience to amplify and analyze the deep thoughts of the patient in a spatial narrative way. A similar maze outside is open for the public to experience and enliven the atmosphere.

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Gestalt & Psychodrama Theater

Into the Rabbit Hole Competition

Section AA’

Section BB’

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Gestalt & Psychodrama Theater

Into the Rabbit Hole Competition

Traversing Skywalk Bridge

I

IV

A

B

II

Public Experience Maze

C

III

D

Gestalt Treatment Maze

The child starts by seeing other children performing and inspired by them. Then, having experienced the stimulation of the maze spaces, this child has the courage to face to her deep feelings. In the past theater, she will prove her growth by her performing.

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ARCH 532: Construction

University of Pennsylvania

CONSTRUCTION COURSE; SPRING 2023 & SPRING 2025 (AS TEACHING ASSISTANT) Instructor: Franca Trubiano, Patrick Morgan, Ryan Palider This Revit work sample is from spring 2023 ARCH 532 Construction course. Students use Revit to build a multi-story commercial building from scratch and produce a comprehensive set of technical drawing in this course.

I’m also working as a teaching assistant for this course in spring 2025, providing student support during Revit teaching classes, answering questions and resolving software issues. I’m also helping Review and grade student assignments in Bluebeam.

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Internship Work

HKS

05 / Professional Work Internship Work Sample

Site Plan (Revit Work) My re spons ib iliti e s includ ed modeling the entire landscape and site areas, where I adapted the landscape according to buildings and circulations. I also adjusted height of the site and landscape to reflect the topography. In addition, I customized annotations and view settings for drawings according to customer requirements.

Rendering Provided by Outsource - For Display Purpose Only

HONGKONG LAND EXHIBITION CENTER & MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL - HKS

Shanghai, China

This mixed-use project is a part of the West Bund Financial Hub. My primary responsibilities included assisting with Revit modeling and drawing. I adjusted and remodeled in Revit based on preliminary CAD drawings of the site and landscape, I also contributed to InDesign layout, presentation preparation, Illustrator diagrams.

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B1 Floor Plan: Parking Space

Hotel Wall Type

In terms of layout, I organized the parking spaces and restrooms, creating custom furniture families as needed. For the technical drawings, I adapted rooms and annotations, created plans, sections and diagrams such as fire compartmentalization and area plans.

For the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in addition to Revit work, I also contributed to hotel facade analysis, modelling with Sketchup, and preparing presentation documentation.

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Internship Work

HKS

Case Study - Circulation Analysis The project’s architectural design is inspired by the folk houses of Yining. With clear outlines and uniform lines, the buildings are neatly planned to echo one another while maintaining unique identities, and key parts such as entrances and porches are highlighted. I contributed to the project’s early stages by researching and analyzing dual-hotel case studies in China and conducting regional feature studies.

Rendering Provided by Outsource - For Display Purpose Only Conceptual Exploratory Plans

CGDG XINJIANG BEAUTIFUL CHINA RESORT TOURISM YINING HOTEL - HKS

Xinjiang, China

I prepared extensive InDesign reports, created diagrams in Illustrator, edited and colored hand-drawn designs in Photoshop based on the design leader’s sketches, and assisted with SketchUp modeling. The image below is an example from another project, I modeled this existing building entirely by myself referring to PDF drawings.

Site Analysis & Project Overview This hotel project celebrates the rich history and diverse culture of Xinjiang. Inspired by traditional folk houses, its design features a “River Valley Courtyard” layout that blends traditional and modern elements, reflecting local lifestyles and Silk Road heritage.

The project emphasizes sustainability with green building concepts and modern technologies. Key areas like treeshaded arrival zones, mountain-view corridors, and cultural pathways connect the landscape with functional spaces, creating a harmonious and eco-friendly destination.

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Internship Work

XING DESIGN

XINGUANG VILLAGE - XING DESIGN

Jinan, China

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Wall Type Design

Organic Interior Design Utilizing Grasshopper & Enscape

I contributed to design of curved spandrels and the entire podiums forms. I designed, modeled and rendered various curtain wall types. I also utilized Grasshopper to randomly divide openable windows and keep the sub-pieces in the same size for easier fabrication.

For the sales office of this project, since it was a renovation of an existing building, I helped model and clean up the entire original building and helped model the exterior facade and draw sections. I was mainly responsible for the interior design, designing and adjusting the organic interior form using Grasshopper and detailing it in response to different functions and utilized Enscape for interior rendering.

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Internship Work

XING DESIGN

I was involved in designing of the initial geometric prototypes that contributed to the final design outcome. For the interior part I was involved in the initial interior design, mainly the lobby part space as well as the monumental staircase. I also contributed to physical model making, including 3D printing some conceptual models early in the project. For the more detailed interior chunk models, I helped with the modeling and production of some of the actual models.

BLUEPHA BIOFAB - XING DESIGN

Yangcheng, China

I contributed to the preliminary design process of this project during my internship. My work was mainly related to the design of interior elements and proposing some initial form prototypes as inspiration.

More info of this project can be found at https://www.archdaily.com/1005282/bluepha-biofab-xing-design

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The entire building was ultimately created as a small animation in the form of an RPG game, where each floor’s space was represented in pixel form. Each member of the design team had a corresponding character, with the cyan figure symbolizing my character, which can be seen sitting in some of the the public space.

Video vailable at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7N74mhbKT8

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ARCH 743: Form and Algorithm

06 / Computational Design Work

University of Pennsylvania

Hypotrochoid2 Self-Iterated Spirograph

Groupwork with Kai chen, Zhangfan He (All the contents showed were entirely created by me) Instructor: Ezio Blasetti

In geometry, a hypotrochoid is a roulette traced by a point attached to a circle of radius r rolling around the inside of a fixed circle of radius R, where the point is a distance d from the center of the interior circle. The Hypotrochoid is a commonly seen pattern form. In our project, we have transcended the traditional limitations of spirograph circular trajectories to explore the potential of generating geometric patterns with different parameters and paths.

2D Iterations In our two-dimensional experiments, we varied the size of the trajectories and the ratio of rotational speed. We also altered the angles of the curves to create diverse two-dimensional geometric prototypes.

import rhinoscriptsyntax as rs import math def hypotrochoid(R, r, d, theta): x = (R - r) * math.cos(theta) + d * math.cos((R - r) * theta / r) y = (R - r) * math.sin(theta) - d * math.sin((R - r) * theta / r) return (x, y, 0) def create_hypotrochoid(R, r, d, iterations): points = [] for i in range(iterations): theta = 2 * math.pi * i / iterations point = hypotrochoid(R, r, d, theta) points.append(point)

return crv curve = [] a = [] for i in range(laps): crv = create_hypotrochoid(R*2, r*2, d*i, iterations) scale_center = (0, 0, 0) scale_factor = [1.02**i, 1.02**i, 1.02**i] crvScaled = rs.ScaleObject(crv, scale_center, scale_ factor) crvRotated = rs.RotateObject(crvScaled, scale_ center, angle*i) curve.append(crvRotated) a.append(i)

crv = rs.AddCurve(points + [points[0]])

3D Iterations Path: Circle

Vector Visulization

Self-Iterated Moving from two dimensions to three, we explored the effects of circular trajectories and self-iterated trajectories.

This allowed us to create a series of distinct patterns. Embedded within these patterns is a blend of change, symmetry, and richness, showcasing the versatility and beauty of geometric designs.

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Computational Design Work

University of Pennsylvania

Rotation Pavilion

Groupmates: Xingyu Xie, Finn He, Chris Chen, Louis Huang Contributed to initial code optimization and fabrication code design

Grasshopper & Galapagos for prototype

Drawing from the traditional Chinese “wan” pattern symbolizing infinity, this parametric design emerges from lofting two ellipses at different rotation angles, with wind direction analysis via Dragonfly and solar optimization through Galapagos and Ladybug. I utilized OpenNest to design an auto-label, flatten and easy-retrieval code for fabrication.

Image to GPS Prediction CIS 519: Applied Machine Learning Groupmate: Kailun Wang, Yuner Zhang Contributed to data collection, model design and report writing

Input Images & GPS Sample

Wind direction & Shadow Range Analysis

We trained an Ensemble machine learning model for GPS prediction of input photos of a specified area in the Upenn campus. We trained and tested a variety of different models as well as schedulers several times. Finally, four sub-models were trained, and the final values were calculated as the output using the weighted average. The final validation RMSE was 26.57m, better than baseline’s 41m.

Initial Models & Schedulers Comparision

Fabrication (Detailed Fabrication Code Omitted)

StepLR

CosineAnnealingWarmRestarts

Validation RMSE by Different Scheduler

StudioRAP Workshop

During a week-long workshop organized by StudioRAP, we learned about clay printing using the ABB IRB120 robot The workshop covered the complete workflow from form generation to fabrication in Grasshopper, including output code generation and optimization.

Groupmates: Pouria, Zherui, Riddarth, Toto Contributed to design, visulization, fabrication

StepLR: 65.83m ReduceLROnPlateau: 62.12m CosineAnnealingWarmRestarts: 59.67m ReduceLROnPlateau

Data Collection Heatmap

Final Ensemble Model Design Input: 5980 Training Dataset, 100 Validation Dataset Size: [32, 3, 224, 224] Training & Validation

(Root Mean Squared Error)

Bagging Xception Model 1

Heatmap of Data Collected Spots by Folium

MUSA 550: Geospatial Data Science with Python Groupmate: Wenyi Zhang Contributed to coding & analysis

Xception Model 3

Weighted Average

(Deviation Based)

Xception Model 4

Final Coordinates (Latitute/Longitute)

Final Model Performance

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fsgLwimItQ&t=20s

Affordable Housing Analysis

Xception Model 2

We conducted a data analysis study and a series of interactive visualizations on affordable housing in New York City, exploring its correlation with the distribution of low-income groups and privately owned public spaces (POPS), and conducted K-Means analysis to explore the combined impact. The final results are assembled in the multi-page Quarto website.

K-Means Analysis Group and Cluster Visulization Clustering Analysis of Affordable Housing and Low-Income Population

We aggregated the predictions of four sub-models using a distance-weighted method. Each model’s prediction’s weight was determined as the reciprocal of its average prediction distance from the others, making models with closer consensus weight more. The normalized weights were applied to compute a weighted average, reducing the impact of outliers and reflecting the majority consensus. The diagrams show obvious improvement for the bagging model’s performance compared to the individual models.

Codes and Details Available at: https://sayyc4.github.io/yu_wenyi_final/

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Report available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlNCbIbOHA7P6myA9xNgqx7Ffm92CcQu/view?usp=sharing

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YU CHEN University of Pennsylvania Master of Architecture

Email: yuchen4@upenn.edu Tel: +1-445-225-9891 Address: 3720 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA