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
Giant RISD  mass timber tower campus for art & design students
Rhode Island School of Design 
Collaborator: Kunyue Qi
2021


model by Jen Chenyu Zhang and Kunyue Qi

Project Design Goal:
This project proposes a new constructive building type using mass timber material, by re-organizing the currently dispersed RISD campus buildings all into one giant tower. The 24-floor tower will host all of RISD’s academic programs, up to 1 million square feet, at the Providence waterfront. The architectural and structural concepts were deeply influenced by the research on user needs among students from RISD’s twenty-one departments. 





Design Methods and Progress: 
The project begins by analyzing and categorizing mass quantitative data collected from the school’s official website. In order to study and design for multiple floors in an effective manner, we combined physical and visual methods in one medium, by building a large physical model with color-coded tools. This allowed us to map out a flexible open floor plan varying in positions of columns and walls, catering to different department students’ requirements for studios and workspaces.
 




model by Jen Chenyu Zhang and Kunyue Qi
model by Jen Chenyu Zhang and Kunyue Qi

Architectural Concept: A Gradient Structure
The project proposes a gradient transition of mass timber structural elements from glue-lam columns to CLT wall panels. Starting from column-based floors, CLT walls begin to shift off the column grid. The number of CLT walls begins to increase, releasing more columns, eventually creating an all-wall condition on the top floor. The gradient column grid creates a dynamic spatial transition from exterior to interior,  thinner at the edge and thicker in the middle. The transition in both horizontal and vertical directions brings different spatial opportunities for a sense of shifting in scale, orientation, and movement. 

evolution of transition from column-based floors to wall-based floor
gradient structural diagram of tower

Partial Building Section


The ground floor is completely open to the air, with the gradient structural columns, providing spaces for outdoor classrooms and RISD museum sculpture garden. It also connects with the adjacent grassfield and waterfront observational desk, providing opportunities to be part of the urban social activities.  


Spatial Quality and User Needs:
The design follows the four students, demonstrating how spatial quality shifts tailoring to the various user needs. The design of spatial qualities take considerations into students’ requirements for type of work, shop access, studio space, and co-working areas,