Interview with Yu-Hsing Liu | The Intersection of Eastern Culture & Western Styles

I am the head of Y.H. Liu Architect Firm + Professional Group of Design, a registered architect in Taiwan, and a graduate of the Department of Architecture at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am inspired by the fusion of Eastern and Western cultural backgrounds, creating unique and innovative ideas.

Due to the influence of my father, who is an architectural designer, I have been immersed in the world of architecture from a young age. Constantly exposed to his work and inspired by his creativity and dedication, I developed a deep passion for architectural design. His guidance and enthusiasm have shaped my career path and fueled my love for this field.

The firm primarily focuses on multifamily residential projects. Our main tasks encompass a comprehensive range of services, including land evaluation to determine the suitability and potential of the site, scheme design to conceptualize the project layout and aesthetics, and detailed design to refine and finalize the architectural plans.

We also handle the process of obtaining building permits to ensure compliance with local regulations. Additionally, our responsibilities extend to construction supervision, where we oversee the project to maintain quality and adherence to the design and guide on-site construction to ensure that all work is carried out according to the detailed plans and specifications.

Design is an integral part of my life, intertwined with my daily experiences. The residences we design aim to provide people with enhanced environments and spaces, enabling them to experience life to its fullest.

In our work, there is a seamless blend of design and life, where thoughtful architecture enriches everyday living and everyday experiences inspire our design. This philosophy ensures that each project not only meets functional needs but also enhances the quality of life for its inhabitants.

I do not impose limits on my design approach. I draw inspiration from a broad spectrum of styles, ranging from Classic to Modern, and I embrace the diverse fusion of Eastern and Western influences. This open and versatile mindset allows me to explore and innovate freely, creating unique and dynamic architectural solutions.

Whether it's blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics or harmonizing cultural nuances from different parts of the world, I am dedicated to crafting designs that are both timeless and progressive.

The quality of a design is not solely determined by its aesthetics or the size of the space. True excellence in design lies in its ability to fulfill the needs and desires of its users. A good design thoughtfully considers functionality, usability, and the unique requirements of those who will interact with it.

It creates environments that enhance the user experience, providing comfort, efficiency, and satisfaction. Ultimately, a successful design is one that seamlessly integrates form and function to serve its intended purpose effectively.

I draw inspiration from the surrounding environment, finding beauty and creativity in the natural world. The gentle flow of rivers and the meandering curves of riverbanks deeply influence my designs. These elements inspire me to incorporate dynamic, rhythmic lines into the façades of buildings.

By reflecting the fluidity and natural grace of these landscapes, I aim to create architectural designs that harmonize with their surroundings and evoke a sense of movement and life. This approach ensures that each building not only stands as a functional structure but also resonates with the natural beauty that inspired it.

Not only have my country and culture influenced my designs, but my time studying in Canada has also had a profound impact on my architectural perspective. The diverse experiences and unique insights I gained during my education in Canada have significantly shaped my approach to design.

Exposure to various architectural styles, innovative design philosophies, and a multicultural environment has allowed me to blend different cultural elements and design principles seamlessly. This fusion of Eastern and Western influences has enriched my work, enabling me to create distinctive, thoughtful, and globally inspired architectural solutions.

Winning this prestigious award is a tremendous honor for our team. It signifies not only our dedication and hard work but also the high standard of excellence we strive to achieve in our projects.

Receiving recognition from an international panel of judges is particularly gratifying, as it validates our efforts on a global scale and highlights the impact of our innovative designs. We are deeply proud of this achievement and are motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of architectural excellence.

This project is a multifamily residential development consisting of 15 above-ground floors and 4 underground levels, housing a total of 219 residential units. The design features a community formed by five buildings arranged in a cohesive and surrounding configuration, creating a harmonious and interconnected environment. The substantial scale of this project allows for a striking architectural presence, embodying the principle that "bigger is better."

This grand scale not only provides ample space for residents but also showcases an impressive and commanding aesthetic, making a bold statement in urban residential design. The expansive layout offers a unique opportunity to integrate extensive amenities and communal spaces, enhancing the overall living experience for all residents.

Challenges arise from various sources, including the client's expectations, market demands, construction site management, and the coordination of multiple government departments. It requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address all these aspects effectively.

We must ensure that the design meets market needs, complies with building regulations, and successfully transforms the lines on paper into real, tangible buildings. Balancing these factors is essential to deliver a project that satisfies stakeholders and adheres to legal standards while achieving the envisioned architectural goals.

Receiving this award and gaining international recognition has been an incredible honor for us. It has made us even more appreciative of every opportunity to design, motivating us to think more deeply about how to bring excellent design to the public. Each project becomes a chance to refine our approach, ensuring that we deliver innovative, thoughtful, and impactful architectural solutions that enhance people's lives and communities.

Design, design, and more design. It is the core of everything we do. Every project, every challenge, and every opportunity is rooted in our passion for design. We constantly strive to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, focusing on how each element can enhance functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. Our commitment to design drives us to continuously improve and evolve, ensuring that every space we create is not only beautiful but also meaningful and impactful.

The design industry will become increasingly diverse, innovative, and novel with the development of Artificial Intelligence. AI will enhance our ability to explore new design possibilities, streamline processes, and create more personalized and adaptive solutions.

This technological advancement will push the boundaries of creativity and efficiency, enabling us to deliver groundbreaking designs that were previously unimaginable. The integration of AI will not only transform how we approach design but also elevate the overall quality and impact of our work in the architectural field.

Boldly embrace and experiment with new and innovative ideas, while gradually savoring the timeless wisdom passed down through tradition. This approach allows us to balance cutting-edge advancements with the valuable lessons of the past, creating designs that are both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in established knowledge.

Entering school, we embark on a journey to acquire professional skills and theoretical knowledge essential for our field. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning, we build a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of our profession.

Transitioning into the workplace, we then immerse ourselves in practical experience, applying what we've learned in real-world scenarios. Here, we face the challenges and dynamics of the industry, gaining invaluable insights and honing our expertise through direct involvement in projects and interactions with seasoned professionals. This combination of academic learning and practical application equips us to excel and innovate in our careers.

Architecture is intricately intertwined with our daily lives, providing endless sources of inspiration. Everywhere we look, there are elements that can spark creativity. For example, the graceful forms and movements of animals can inspire fluid and dynamic structures. The unique shapes and growth patterns of plants can lead to organic and harmonious designs. Even mundane everyday objects can provide unexpected insights and ideas.

These diverse sources of inspiration, from the natural world to the artifacts of daily life, can suddenly ignite our imagination, leading to fresh and innovative architectural concepts. By closely observing and drawing inspiration from the world around us, we can create designs that are not only inventive but also deeply connected to the essence and beauty of everyday life.

Persistently striving with unwavering effort and determination, never losing sight of our goals. Through dedication and hard work, we push boundaries, overcome challenges, and continually seek to improve and innovate. This relentless pursuit of excellence drives us to achieve remarkable results and make lasting contributions to our field.