Hi, I’m Jen Chenyu Zhang, an interdisciplinary designer/architect/storyteller. 
I design interactive experiences, using multi-medium platforms,  from a user-centered and empathetic perspective. 



Architectural
architectural, user-driven
architectural, humanitarian
architectural, tectonic
architectural, research
architectural, design
architectural, photomodel
research, analysis
urban design
fabrication

Multi-Media
video storytelling
interactive wearable design35mm
An Architect’s Handbook
The Invisible Cities
Boats In A Floating World
film photography
editorial
editorial
graphic



All visualsare original

unless otherwise indicated
A Tiny Library 
 in response to the declining literacy rates in rural China
Top 20 Entry to Volume Zero Tiny Library  Competition 2019
Collaborators: Susu Pan, Amber Peiying Han
2019





Background and Design Goal:
Situated near the rural mountains of Fujian Province in Putian City, the tiny library positions itself at the center of a 5000 people XiaBan Village. Inspired by the local traditional community housing Tulou’s circular geometry, fortified mud walls, and central courtyard, our design of a community library proposes a contemporary concept with the cultural responsibility of inheriting the local architecture to address the educational gap of declining literacy rates among both children and adult of this isolated community.



Form and Material:
Contrary to Tulou’s fortified facade that traditionally acted as a defense system, the inside of the thick mud wall is an open courtyard-style housing that celebrates the harmonious community of the whole clan. Our proposal reverses the architectural system of the Tulou, while inheriting the environmentally friendly local source material of rammed earth in the central sky well, the design reverses the original monolithic appearance of Tulou into perforated curved window with varying degrees of transparency, and offer an enigmatic learning experience for children and adults.

Children’s Play Area and Book Return Area on 1st Floor

Reading and Focus Area on 2nd Floor