Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Shuang Chen is a talented architectural designer with a diverse portfolio of projects that showcase her passion for innovative design and attention to detail. With a professional background at Vector Architects in Beijing, China, Shuang was involved in the creation of the mesmerizing Connecting Vessel at the Venice Biennale 2018, where her work on the late concept design and material research left a lasting impression.
Currently, Shuang is an integral part of the team at Höweler + Yoon Architecture in Boston, MA, where her role as a core design team member for projects such as the Coolidge Corner Theatre Expansion, which received the 2024 Charles W. Eliot Award. Shuang’s innovative approach to architecture is highlighted in the Luxelake Neighborhood Complex design in Chengdu, China, of which the Lithos Wellness Center won the prestigious 2022 Architect Progressive Architecture Award. Her dedication to excellence is evident in her leading roles on adaptive reuse projects, memorial design, and planning proposals, where she oversees all aspects of the design process with precision and creativity.
In addition to her professional achievements, Shuang has been recognized for her contributions to the architectural community through exhibitions, awards, and publications. From showcasing her work at prestigious events like the ASA Experimental Design Competition, to being the recipient of awards such as the SNHU Memorial Landscape Space with Labyrinth and The Architect-Teamzero Award, Shuang’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing the boundaries of design, Shuang Chen continues to make a mark in the world of architecture, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and innovation that will inspire future generations of architects.
She speaks about her background in design, the most inspiring artists, and what’s next for the award-winning architectural designer.
How did you know you wanted to go into the architecture field?
My interest in architecture began with my experiences walking through cities and observing daily life during travel and daily routines. I became fascinated by how people interacted with the urban landscape and how public spaces and city infrastructure can influence and inspire people’s behavior. When I delve deeper into the architectural design process, I’m inspired by how it blends rationality with emotion and combines poetry with functionality, which perfectly aligns with my mindset. Architecture not only offers solutions but also serves as a profound means of expression.
What is an architectural designer and why do you love your job?
The realm of architectural design encompasses more than just creating new buildings; it extends to transforming urban environments, enhancing public spaces, preserving history, and shaping the future of cities. The design process usually starts with a comprehensive site analysis, taking into consideration cultural and geographical factors. This initial phase often lays the groundwork for the project’s central concept and critical ideas. After analyzing the data, we typically create several concept sketches and brainstorming sessions to test the massing that aligns with the study’s findings. An architectural designer can also interpret the design concept into construction specifics, and the detailed design is also a vital part of the design process. While one aspect of architectural design is about problem-solving, it embraces a creative and imaginative approach that integrates playfulness, aesthetics, and poetry, which I find to be the most intriguing aspect of architectural design.
Who is your biggest inspiration in design and art?
Allan Wexler is one of my most significant inspirations for architecture and art. His work often blurs the boundaries between architecture, sculpture, and design, focusing on concepts like spatial perception, everyday activities, and the built environment’s relationship with its users. His works challenge conventional thinking and redefine how spaces are perceived and interacted with. I really like his two table installations in New York, where several carved-out spaces within a big square table formed unusual settings and inspired unique social interaction.
Who is your design mentor and what did they teach you?
I’ve been fortunate to gain valuable experience in architectural design from a fantastic group of people during my professional journey. One of my mentors, Alan Plattus, who specializes in urban design, has been a significant mentor. While my primary focus has been building and space-scale design, learning from him has given me a broader perspective of architectural design. He taught me to consider architecture not as isolated structures but integral parts of larger urban contexts. His focus on urban design principles like placemaking, connectivity, and mobility has influenced my approach to designing functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that contribute positively to their surrounding urban environment.
Let’s talk about your award-winning project, “Lantern: A Multi-Sensory Dining Experience,” what inspired it?
The project imagines a provisional dining space for the Red Cross Fair at Lumpini Park in Bangkok. The design takes inspiration from Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, where every sense contributes to the allure of communal comfort and intimacy in a night market. The pavilion consists of light structures and fabrics intertwined with various sharing tables floating on the lawn like a lantern. The kitchen is located at the center of the pavilion and presents the cooking process as an exhibition for visitors, creating a sharing atmosphere for the diners. The hanging fabrics filter the light and soften the voices, composing a multi-sensory experience for collective dining and private enjoyment of the food. This project aims to provide a new dining experience with a whole spectrum of privacy and publicness, bridging traditional and contemporary urban life.
What is next for you in 2024 and beyond?
In 2024, I will keep taking on leading roles in several innovative design projects focused on adaptive reuse, sustainability and community development. In the meantime, I will advance my research on the dynamics of privacy and publicness within architectural spaces, seeking opportunities to implement these concepts in real-world environments. Looking ahead, I aspire to establish my own design studio, where I can continue creating transformative works that seamlessly blend artistry with architectural innovation.
What advice do you have for anyone getting into architecture today?
Remember to stay sensitive to your surroundings and the environment. Observe daily life and settings closely; understanding how people interact with spaces is crucial. Expand your knowledge beyond architecture by exploring art, sculpture, and other forms of creativity—these can provide unique inspirations for your designs. Integrating these elements into your work will enrich your designs and make them more responsive and meaningful to the communities they serve.
