Architecture Competition MICROHOME / Edition #4 Honorable mention – Yuting Zhang

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "MICROHOME #4" competition – Yuting Zhang from United States!

Yuting Zhang from United States

I co-founded Studio Re+N in 2022 with a group of friends I met while studying at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. The studio is an expansion of my design practice in architecture and urban design, with integration of landscape design and new technology. Studio Re+N is a multi-disciplinary studio based in Boston and China and is deeply engaged with local issues of public space, history, identity, and space-marking. Our design aims at formulating spatial strategy from the urban and rural environment and its ever-changing condition: reinterpret the ‘Loci’ (Spirit of the place) with local social, economic, and cultural characteristics; innovate and reuse traditional local materials; revitalize the scenery in a specific time-space context by using modern design vocabulary and techniques; and encourage the audience to participate in the redefining of the space.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

I have been involved in a wide range of projects, from interior, residential, adaptive reuse, academic, institutional, mix-use to large-scale master planning. The current focus is on small to medium-scale adaptive reuse, installation, residential, and academic projects. 

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is a medium between the designer and the surroundings. Being an architect to me is being an interpreter, interpreting the cultural/economic/historical/social context, client’s request, public welfare, and balancing all the factors.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions is a great way to keep keen on design concept, make a strong statement of one’s own design philosophy, and present innovative solutions without many constraints.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Practice makes perfect. Do it first without overthinking