Second Place Winner
Cloud Community—A Future Asian Community Reform
Design by
Yang Zhao
"A very complete presentation of a very livable Asian community. The apartment layout is unique and different from the current standard, which applies well to the problem it tries to target. However, the information technology mentioned in the project ,seems too relevant to current days, making it not the ideal for 100 years later. The architectural design is a good combination of vernacular and contemporary elements."
-Yimeng Teng
Yang Zhao
I graduated from Tianjin University with a bachelor’s degree of Engineering in Urban Planning and from Cornell University with a master’s degree of Architecture. I worked for BUZZ Beijing, STR NYC, Gensler Boston and SOM Chicago; currently I am working for Pfeiffer Partners Architects in Los Angeles as a Project Architect, majoring in theatrical and musical Architecture Design. I started my own brand UYANG Architecture in 2021, and already won several major international awards and publicized several articles and projects on Archdaily, Gooood, Archcollege, Archposition, etc. I am also a commercial pilot, flight instructor and an aviation business owner.
A seasoned professional with over years of experience in the Architecture and Aviation industries, I offer a proven track record in designing quality buildings, conducting safe and efficient flights & flight training, and creating meaningful connections with my clients. As a dedicated, responsible, and hardworking individual, I seek to deliver projects that have the potential to be both timeless, functional and deeply cultural; and I aspire to break the boundaries interdisciplinary as well as geographically. I believe culture and technology should join hand in hand, and we human beings should endeavor to pursue them unremittingly for humanity.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
What is your design philosophy?
Architecture should grow from and lead in the cultural context and becomes part of the history.
Can you briefly explain your understanding of the topic and the source of ideas?
Asian countries are generally still on the track of urbanization, which makes me think we should probably develop some residential high-rises that truly respect culture, history and technology, which will not only bring back the authentic social relationships but also take the most advantage of technology and make future living to be convenient and sustainable.
When and how you were first introduced to architecture?
I attended the Architecture School at Tianjin University in 2009.
What does architecture mean to you?
Architecture is the methods of everyday living, if we architects truly respect our values. I personally is attending a part-time MBA program, because I believe the value of Architecture should not be guided by clients but by architects themselves, so that design value is not just a follower of capital but the user and owner of capital. If we embrace technology, business and design value all together, we architects will play a much more crucial and impactful roll in term of evolving the methods of everyday living for human beings and societies.
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