Interview with Tianyue Xiao & Siying Han | Duo Architectural Designs Seeking New Innovative Techniques & Trends

Tianyue Xiao: I'm an architectural designer at Woods Bagot’s New York office, specializing in the aviation sector. My most renowned project is the JFK Terminal 4 Renovation Project. I hold a degree in Architecture in Urban Design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and studied architecture with a minor in sustainability at Pratt Institute. My interdisciplinary background and involvement in projects of varying scales within the professional realm enable me to undertake more complex design challenges.

Siying Han: I'm an architectural designer based in New York, currently working at the New York office of Arquitectonica. I received my Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University Graduate School of Design; and my Bachelor of Architecture and Photography Minor from Pratt Institute, graduating with Honors. Originally from Shenzhen, China, my multicultural background motivates and facilitates my experiments in architecture, urban design, and photography.

We share a similar educational background and architectural design experience. Beyond both our academic experiences at Harvard University and Pratt Institute, we possess similar understandings of architecture and share expectations for future development within the industry. These factors lead to our collaboration.

With our shared background and growth pattern, we have collaborated multiple times on research and design projects since we were back in school. The exchanges and collisions of creative thinking derived from our individual learning and observing paths have always been our main source of inspiration for developing and creating designs.

“A Continuous Public Ground after the Party” is an idea we had during the COVID period when the social-economical environment had significantly changed. This profound transformation inspired us to rethink the forms of urban living in designated locales. In short, we both played important roles in the process of this project, from research and analysis in the early stage to the spatial planning and design visualization derived from our collaborative thoughts.

Rather than identifying ourselves as a “company” or “organization”, we are in a unique condition where we are both still learning and exploring through the “real” architecture companies we currently work at. For now, the combination between the two of us is better described as a “workshop” or “pool” where we constantly contribute our thoughts in visual, textual, or any possible forms.

We never want to limit ourselves in ways of thinking and making; however architectural and urban design have always been the apparatus for us to integrate with and keep up with constantly changing milieu, both tangible and intangible ones.

Great thanks to the judges of the TITAN Property Awards. We are deeply honored and grateful to receive the Gold Winner Award. This recognition is incredibly meaningful to us along the way in developing our experiments within the field. It is a great opportunity for us to view works and learn from excellent designers around the globe, through their fresh ideas and diverse understandings towards architectural design in real estate development.

We have learned from multiple trends that enhance the possibilities of design, such as sustainable design approaches through the use of recycled building materials. Design can play a critical role in refining our built environment, and we are glad to see groups of designers who share the same goal as we do.

As mentioned earlier, the idea of reimagining new modes of living jumped into our heads during COVID-19 (2020) when everyone was experiencing extensive time in isolation. The communal and recreational activities that used to be within reach suddenly became very distant.

“A Continuous Public Ground after the Party” is our response to this change. Despite its distinguishing character of an elastic image in relation to cultural, social, and economic potentials, Basel has been challenged with an imbalance in land use, particularly in its densification processes over the past 10 years due to a growing population and low vacancy rates.

Following the global pandemic, which significantly reduced demand in the exhibition and cultural industries that were once thriving (the “party”), we are looking at a ground that demands transformation and reimagination. While integrating commercial real estate components with the potential to stimulate economic recovery, we aim to maintain the public quality inherited from the Messe Basel exhibition ground.

We envision a new hybrid model that offers an innovative living experience elevated above “a continuous public ground” with a multiplicity of recreational facilities. This model seeks to immerse residents and surrounding communities in a vortex of pleasure, encouraging compulsive consumption and production within an even-limited footprint (for public health purposes).

Even though COVID, as a global pandemic, is no longer having a significant impact on us, the built environment we reside in requires new concepts of flexibility in response to any potential changes. We entered this project to raise awareness and advocate for more innovative place-making ideas that can address challenges such as climate change and public health, aiming towards enhanced resilience and sustainability in our living environment.

While we started the research and site analysis back in 2020, travel was very restricted at the time, and we were unable to visit/feel the site in person or connect with any potential user groups. However, we were fortunate enough to have our advisors for this project, whose office is in Basel, to gather as much information as possible for us to get started.

During the design process, we were mindful that the site location is surrounded by traditional European residential blocks, so we did not want the new residential complex to significantly contrast with the existing surrounding in scale. However, in the meantime, we aimed to break away from the traditional “enclosed” form by creating a new form that is inviting and breathable.

This challenge encouraged us to rethink the concept of “boundary” - between individual residents and residents as a collective; and between the residents and the surrounding communities. How will the hierarchy in the sharing system be incorporated into the spatial planning, at different scales, and with different degrees of flexibility?

Again, it was a great honor for us to receive the TITAN Property Award for a research-design project we put our hearts in for the past few years. Winning this award brings not only recognition for our work but also opportunities to exchange experiences and design strategies with a wide range of excellent participants within the field.

As we are constantly exploring and learning, we consider winning this award a catalyst for our professional growth, and future development. We are grateful for the feedback and critiques received and we are looking forward to new challenges along the way.

In our opinion, a “good” property design should be considered as an assembly - a balance achieved through, but not limited to, functionality, aesthetics, contextual integration, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. While refining the design iterations, sustainable design and innovative solutions should also be taken into account to maximize efficiency within the process and further long-term impact.

As architectural designers, we should take responsibility for helping to achieve urban resilience with pieces of our creative inputs and strategic planning. Each property design should be placed in a critical position within which closely impacts an individual’s daily life (micro); and at the same time essential to overall neighborhood and urban development (macro). We believe these factors are interrelated to each other, while they are subject to change according to the specificity provided by each locale.

As stated in the previous question about what we considered a “good” property design, as well as in the design concept of “A Continuous Public Ground after the Party”, our property design always aims for a high degree of adaptability. We prefer to develop our design strategies based on careful observation and understanding of the fabrics in which the project will reside.

We want our creative inputs to reflect our sensitivity towards the urban and social milieu while being able to accommodate changing needs and uses over time. Given the fast-paced changes and challenges in lifestyles, technologies, and demographics followed by foreseeable or unforeseeable events, we advocate for utilizing design as a tool to provide a resilient living environment at any scale.

First of all, both of us come from a family of designers, which exposed us to relevant knowledge from a very early age. Our passion for creativity has grown with us as we explore the world around us. Among all the creative fields, architecture stands out for its unique strength and its potential to shape the built environment through innovative approaches, profoundly impacting our everyday lives on multiple scales.

Beyond creativity, we have a desire to contribute to the socio-cultural environment we reside in, aiming to improve the quality of life, enhance functionality, and promote sustainability as we move forward. For us, design is a response to our sensitivity to constant change. Architectural design is dynamic, in a way that can incorporate cutting-edge technologies and materials. It is a rewarding experience for us to constantly explore innovations in tools for design processes and production/construction techniques.

“What I love about architecture is its capacity to hold things together - to build them together - even if they are not fully resolved, or remain in tension, or even in opposition.”

As of above, the complex essence and extensive possibility of architecture are critical drivers for our pursuit of this field.

From our training in architectural and urban design to the development of this entry project, we believe that what design is capable of producing never ends at its facade. With this perspective, we approach our favorite kind of design through a multi-faceted lens. Design, to use, is an assembly that thrives on interdisciplinary inputs and collaborations.

Our preferred design approach transcends mere aesthetics; it embraces functionality, sustainability, and social impact. Through its emphasis on site-specificity, the design tackles complex challenges, crafting spaces that resonate with individuals and communities alike. Whether it’s integrating innovative technologies, preserving cultural heritage, or promoting environmental stewardship, the design embodies the transformative potential of architecture and design.

Architecture is a complex discipline. During our research and design process, we prioritize a multitude of aspects, delving into various dimensions including functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and user experience. Our approach encompasses innovation and problem-solving, ensuring our designs are not only visually appealing but also impactful and meaningful.

By integrating diverse perspectives, we aim to create solutions that resonate with audiences, enriching experiences and enhancing the built environment. As far as we are concerned, only by considering all these possible aspects can our designs achieve depth and ensure architectural success.

With our multicultural background of spending our early years in South Coastal China and currently residing in New York, United States, we are always committed to sensitivity towards cultural values that can be embedded into any form of design research and practice. From our experience and observation in both countries, we tried to explore the possibility of design through the United States’ leading role in technological innovation and sustainability; as well as China’s rapid modernization alongside its cultural heritage.

For us, living in the U.S. immerses ourselves in a melting pot of cultures, fostering diverse experiments and innovations. With the potential, we can advance design with strategies that emphasize energy efficiency, adaptability, and resilience. While on the other side, China has substantial potential and capacity to execute complex and large-scale projects such as eco-cities and innovative public infrastructural systems.

The undergoing rapid urbanization also leads to shifts and growth in densities - painting a picture of futuristic skylines. Additionally, the richness of traditional Chinese cultural heritage provides ample value as design inspiration and a platform for innovative integrations.

We always aim at contextually relevant design processes, respecting and possibly incorporating cultural heritage from the locale as a key strategy. Because of our multicultural background, while they are very different from each other, we are constantly exploring innovative ways of combination in design - between old and new; traditional and modern; eastern and western through form, material, and technique.

We value design not only for its aesthetic and functionality but also for its potential to be culturally resonant and meaningful. It is our honor to address the past through our understanding while embracing the future, ensuring a timeless design.

With our academic and professional experience in the United States, we see potential and balance between creativity and innovation. Here, we have the foundation to think and practice design across multiple scales to ensure the design industry moving forward.

The pioneering use of new technologies in building design enhances efficiency, functionality, and user experience; while offering opportunities for energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials, as well as sustainable living systems. Broadly, comprehensive urban planning strategies and resilient urban development are constantly being studied and implemented to enhance adaptability to current and future challenges.

The evolution of real estate plays a pivotal role in architects' endeavors. We are deeply intertwined with the trajectory of real estate development, shaping the built environment to meet evolving societal needs and aspirations. Real estate not only provides us with opportunities to showcase our creativity and technical prowess but also serves as a canvas for innovation and sustainability. Collaborating closely with developers and stakeholders, we contribute expertise in crafting spaces that foster community, enhance livability, and leave a lasting impact on the urban fabric.

From the standpoint of architects, firstly, the real estate industry offers a wide range of opportunities. From residential homes to commercial complexes, and industrial facilities to urban developments, we are given the chance to explore the variety and diversity embedded within this industry. Each project presents unique values and challenges, allowing us to engage our creativity and expertise.

Secondly, the real estate industry plays a critical role in impacting communities. It serves as a platform for creating systemic spatial approaches for user groups, and the built environment. Whether revitalizing urban neighborhoods, providing affordable housing options, or developing sustainable mixed-use projects, the real estate industry offers opportunities to shape the physical and social fabric of communities in both the short and long term.

Last but not least, the real estate industry provides financial viability and resources, including insights into market dynamics and emerging opportunities. These factors support innovative architectural solutions that address the evolving needs and aspirations of individual users and communities. To contextualize design approaches, the real estate industry is capable of providing market research, economic indicators, and regional variations to enhance efficiency in design beyond functionality.

In our scope, within the next 5-10 years, the real estate industry will undergo significant evolution driven by technology and changing social dynamics. The growing smart technologies will optimize property management, while sustainable practices gain prominence. Demographic shifts will influence housing demands, leading to innovative solutions for diverse lifestyles.

Additionally, there will be a growing emphasis on flexible living spaces that adapt to evolving social environments. Virtual and augmented reality will transform property marketing, offering immersive experiences for buyers and investors. We believe those potential evolutions of the real estate industry with precise management will bring prosperity and enjoyment to any locale.

We are always learning and exploring. In terms of skill improvement, we should always stay sensitive and open-minded, recognizing that growth comes from a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches. This mindset is essential as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. At the same time, we should actively seek out suitable resources and strategies across various dimensions, including education, practical experience, active market engagement, and emerging technologies.

Additionally, it is important to remember that even within the same industry, each person may have different interests and areas of expertise. Diversity is a strength, as it allows us to learn from each other and gain new perspectives. We recommend trying different things and exploring various aspects of the industry, while continuously learning from these experiences.

By doing so, we can discover what resonates most with ourselves, develop a well-rounded skill set, and contribute more meaningfully to the field. Ultimately, constant learning not only enriches our professional journey but also drives innovation and progress within the industry as a whole.

The people around us have been the greatest source of inspiration in our journey as architects. Each interaction, collaboration, and exchange of ideas with clients, colleagues, mentors, and even those outside the field has shaped our perspective and fueled our passion for design.

From the resilience of communities facing adversity to the creativity of fellow architects pushing the boundaries of innovation, every individual has contributed to our growth and evolution as a professional. Their diverse perspectives and insights continually challenge us to think critically and empathize deeply for excellence in all aspects of our work. We are always eager to learn and explore.

As architects, our key to success lies in continuous learning, adaptability, and genuine empathy for others. We constantly seek new knowledge, innovative techniques, and emerging trends to refine our skills and enhance our designs. Adaptability is essential in an ever-evolving industry, where flexibility allows us to navigate changing landscapes and embrace new challenges with resilience.

Moreover, genuine empathy for our clients, communities, and collaborators is the cornerstone of our profession. By understanding their needs, aspirations, and concerns, we can design a building that truly enriches lives and inspires greatness.

We sincerely appreciate the recognition from the judging panel for our work and for providing such a valuable opportunity for designers within the industry to come together and exchange ideas. This acknowledgment is a testament to the dedication and passion we put into craft, and it serves as an inspiring affirmation of our efforts.

We extend our gratitude to TITAN for hosting this interview and creating a platform that celebrates design excellence. We aspire to utilize this opportunity to amplify the reach of our work and design principles, sharing our vision with a larger audience.

At the same time, we hope the design industry continues to move forward, embracing innovation and collaboration. It is through these collective efforts that we can empower every talented individual to realize their creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and enriching the world with diverse and impactful designs.