I am currently a fourth year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. To me, architecture is a mode of exploration, traversing between the historic, the contemporary and the future. Every building is a story left behind and a story to leave behind.
I hope to create thoughtful architecture that expresses the human condition of our era - a statement of societal values and ideologies that reflect the world we live in.
I’d love to expand my skills and knowledge, and I am looking forward to opportunities for learning. Please enjoy this curation of my work!
416-737-3599
yh3zhong@uwaterloo.ca Markham, Ontario
CURRICULUM VITAE
CONTACT:
416-737-3599
yh3zhong@uwaterloo.ca Markham, Ontario
SKILLS: digital
rhinoceros autocad revit enscape lumion grasshopper sketchup adobe illustrator photoshop indesign microsoft office fabrication woodworking model making
laser cutting
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Architectural Studies
University of Waterloo School of Architecture
Expected graduation 2025
PUBLICATIONS:
Lee, Sabrina, Gracey Zhong, Catherine Lian, and David Correa. 2024. “Climate-Responsive Hygroscopic Wood Bilayers Programmed via Laser Modification.” In Data - Driven Intelligence: Proceedings of the 42nd Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (ECAADe 2024). Vol. 1. 1st ed. 2 vols, 361–70: eCAADe and University of Cyprus, Department of Architecture. https://papers.cumincad.org/cgi-bin/works/ paper/ecaade2024_390.
EXPERIENCE:
Architectural Assistant - Giannone Petricone Associates Inc.
January 2024 - August 2024
• Collaborated on schematic masterplan proposals including graphical site plans, elevations, street sections and diagrams.
• Modelled and designed articulated building massings for masterplan renders.
• Revised architectural drawings and statistics per design developments.
Architectural Assistant - Parkin Architects Ltd.
May 2023 - August 2023
• Assisted in the creation and modification of construction document drawings to the stage where it would be issued for permit.
• Documented client VR meeting proceedings for required design revisions.
• Assembled all drawings for weekly in-progress postings.
• Designed program layout options for an internal office relocation.
Architectural Assistant - Curran Gacesa Slote Inc.
September 2022 - December 2022
• Formatted successful proposal documents for prospect projects.
• Collaborated on initial schematic design drawings for residential and multi-unit residential projects.
• Produced base drawings after site visit and measurement.
• Issued Change Orders and Certificate of Payment documents for projects already in construction.
• Maintained firm’s online presence through weekly website and Instagram updates.
• Performed general administrative functions.
Junior Designer - Sobotec Ltd.
January 2022 - April 2022
• Analyzed architectural drawings and structural details to design aluminum composite metal (ACM) façade panels.
• Calculated material efficiency and layout of panels for fabrication.
• Revised construction drawing sets for installation.
February 8, 2023
To whom it may concern,
It is with great pleasure that I write a letter of reference for Gracey Zhong. Gracey completed a four-month work term at CGS from September 2022 – December 2022. I was her supervisor for the duration of her work term, and worked closely with her on various projects.
Gracey’s responsibilities at CGS included developing design and working drawings, preparing promotional material such as content for proposals and fee letters, as well as website / social media updates. She gained experience in completing site measurements of existing buildings and translating these into cad drawings.
Throughout the time that I have worked with Gracey she consistently performed her duties and responsibilities with an excellent work ethic and a positive attitude. She works extremely well independently and under pressure, managing multiple deadlines and responsibilities effectively. Gracey thinks critically about her work, often solving problems independently, and seeks guidance and input where appropriate. Her contributions to the firm outweigh her experience level as she proved to be a dependable member of our team.
She is a committed, inquisitive, and driven individual and I have every confidence that Gracey will continue to thrive.
I’m happy to provide further information if required.
Regards,
Kyle Slote, M.Arch, OAA Principal
October 6, 2023
To whom it may concern,
Re: Reference Letter for Yi Heng-Zhong (Gracey), Architectural Internship
This letter is in reference to Gracey Zhong’s internship at Parkin Architects Limited. In her internship from May to August 2023, Gracey was a student architect and assisted our Grandview Children’s Hospital Team with the development of working drawings, management of document flow and preparation of meeting minutes.
We were very pleased in her performance and to have her participate as a part of our team and would welcome her back if she would like to return.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.
In collaboration with Sabrina Lee and Catherine Lian
The Wave is a proof-of-concept prototype of a self-actuating, climate-responsive wood facade that is inspired by the Northern White Cedar and its ability to resist movement along the bottom of its leaf by means of resin gland rigidity, as well as wood’s innate hygroscopic characteristics.
Utilizing a commericially available plywood product called ‘C4 PureBond Maple Plywood’ and laser-cutting techniques, this facade system introduces a novel, post-production strategy of efficient modification of curvature within the bilayers, including bi-directional curling in response to humidity changes.
The invisioned architectural pavilion is situated in Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where the facade system would be exposed to more drastic changes in humidity throughout the day. Due to the hygroscopic movement within the facade mimicing the crashing of waves, Copacabana was a fitting environment for the pavilion to emphasize and enhance the existing curvature found in the rolling mountains, crashing waves and the famous paved boardwalk pattern.
Resin Glands
Longitudinal Movement (negligible)
BIOMIMETIC
1/16” secondary layer
1/8” primary layer
1/16” secondary layer
MATERIAL COMPOSITION FOR DOUBLE-CURVATURE
FINAL PROTOTYPE
SHINGLE ATTACHMENT CONNECTION DETAIL
Shingle Unit
HSS Framing Member
Hollow Steel Tube
Protective Cap
Screw Cover
Screw Connection
Shelter and Rain Shedding
Natural Lighting and Ventilation
Humid Dry Flat
RE-ROUTE/RE-ROOT
Rhinoceros, Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop
In collaboration with Samira Ahmed, Jiadi Dai, and Edward Wu
As it stands, Pinebush is a flat concrete desert occupied by strip plazas, surface parking lots and automotive shops, with only 17 people living at the peripheries of the MTSA boundary. The Pinebush TOD site plan revitalizes and redefines the MTSA of Pinebush as a liveable and walkable neighbourhood that provides ample green spaces and affordable housing for immigrant families, while integrating the existing essence of the site as a commercial district.
The Re-root/Re-route complex will encompass the new transit station that combines current bus routes and the future ION stop, as well as house certain services and amenities that will help facilitate the immigration process by allowing residents to learn new skills while providing stable housing. Some of these include a grocery store, library and makerspace, gym and recreation centre, daycare services, and community kitchens and gardens.
The future of the parking level is considered through natural daylight from the skylight above, and thus it can be adapted for other programs down the line.
GREEN SPACE
FLOOD PLAIN
CREEK
MEZZANINE
SECTION DETAIL - COMMUNITY KITCHEN & GARDEN
PODIUM LOBBY
EAST STREET VIEW
AVIFAUNA CENTRE OF LEARNING
Rhinoceros, Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop
Siutated in Oak Knoll Park just northeast of Buttermilk Falls at the edge of the Hamilton escarpment, Avifauna Centre of Learning is a bird education centre that prepares and equips visitors with knowledge of the local bird species.
Due to the Centre’s Proximity to the Niagara Escarpment edge, there is a diverse range of species and ecosystems of interest. The Centre features program spaces to facilitate learning such as a library, gallery and a lab for both general use as well as professional research.
Experientally, the Centre offers different connection points with the birds, both up close and from a distance. The watch tower provides a view out towards the valley while the cultivated rooftop landscapes serve as a more intimate point of interaction as an ecological space that provides materials for nests and food sources for local species.
existing site conditions:
• parking lot
• tree clearing building footprint
• public wing and private wing
• green roof provides two habitat spaces
• observation tower located in tree clearing
• design language repeated MORPHOLOGY
ENTWINE
Rhinoceros, D5, Illustrator, Photoshop
In collaboration with Samira Ahmed and Jiadi Dai
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, this project aims to tighten the connection across the two communities on either side of False Creek. Spanning between Sunset Beach and Vanier Park, the proposed pedestrian bridge offers enhanced access to the downtown core as existing bridges on site are mainly used for fast-paced vehicular transit.
Inspired by the form of flowing waves and the mountainous backdrop that defines Vancouver’s landscape, the tied arch structure of the bridge weaves over the main circulation deck in a reflective undulating pattern. Along the bridge, viewing platforms encourage visitors to pause and appreciate the presence of the water and look towards new horizons.
Keeping in mind its key location in Vancouver’s waterfront as an important gateway to the city, a 12m underpass height is achieved to preserve boat and yacht ciruclation as well as other waterfront activites. Through design elements, Entwine intends to nurture new relationships to and across the water with an unobstructive and pleasant experience over False Creek.
SITE PLAN 1:20000
AESS SPECIFICATIONS:
• MAIN DOUBLY CURVED ARCH (AESS 4: CUSTOM SHOWCASE ELEMENT)
• CUSTOM CASTING MEMBER (AESS 4: SHOWCASE ELEMENT)
• SUPPORT ARCHES (AESS 3: FEATURE ELEMENT <6m)
• HIGH PERFORMANCE COATING ON ARCHES, HIGH GLOSS - SHOP APPLIED
• STAINLESS STEEL HEX BOLTS
DECK STRUCTURE
• UNDERNEATH ALL TYPICAL CONNECTIONS (AESS 2: FEATURE ELEMENT >6m)
• STAINLESS STEEL HEX BOLTS
• GALVANIZED STEEL WITH PAINT COAT
• WOOD DECKING
CONNECTION
• TOP CONNECTION TO ARCH
(AESS 2: FEATURE ELEMENT >6m)
• STAINLESS STEEL CLEVIS CONNECTOR
• CONNECTION TO DECK, VISIBLE
(AESS 3: FEATURE ELEMENT <6m)
GALVANIZED STEEL
1200 KING ROAD
Professional Work
Produced for Giannone Petricone Associates Inc. Architects Renders done by Office In Search Of...
A 121 acre masterplan project situated in Burlington beside Aldershot GO/VIA Station that aims to create a complete and vibrant community. A delicate balance of residential, retail, recreation, entertainment and pedestrian mobility through protected or envisioned green space creates a diverse mixed-use urban environment.
ALDERSHOT STATION
HWY 403
LAKESHORE WEST LINE KING ROAD
2400 DUNDAS ST. W
Professional Work
Produced for Giannone Petricone Associates Inc. Architects Aerial Render done by Office In Search Of...
Located in one of Toronto’s most connected neighbourhoods, 2400 Dundas is a complimentary set of mixed-use towers that provides much needed density for its transit nodes. Inspired by trees in nature and their swaying leaves, this project aims to invoke more playfulness in modern architecture with colours and textures.
