Interview with Yue Hu | Urban Design through Diverse Cultures Worldwide

I was born in Northeast China and have studied and worked across various regions in China and around the world. I hold a degree in Urban Design and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. My work spans projects in China, the US, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. I am deeply fascinated by the complexity of urban environments and how culture, economics, history, and human interaction shape cities.

My love for drawing began in childhood, and it naturally led me toward a career in design. As I pursued formal studies in the field, I discovered a deeper passion for creating designs that have a meaningful impact on the world around me.

I’m currently a landscape designer at WRT Design, an interdisciplinary firm based in the US. My work focuses on designing parks and open spaces along both the East and West Coasts, taking projects from concept design through to documentation. I have a deep passion for space-making and am also involved in streetscape projects and resilience design that addresses the challenges of climate change.

Design, to me, makes life more enjoyable and offers a fresh perspective on how I experience my surroundings. It’s everywhere—whether I’m exploring new cities, admiring famous architecture and landscapes, or decorating my own home.

My favorite kind of design is one that fits seamlessly into the local context while offering people new and engaging experiences. I believe that design should prioritize serving people’s needs over personal aesthetic preferences. At the same time, great design can introduce new ways of living, going beyond just fulfilling a functional purpose.

A good design is one that is humble and respects the voices of local people, as well as the culture and history of the site. It’s a space that people use and interact with consistently because the true life of a design comes from its users. An open space is never static; it evolves with the people who engage with it.

My design style is deeply rooted in exploring the history and culture of a site, drawing inspiration from its unique story. I also love creating playful experiences, whether or not I’m designing a space specifically for play. As someone who enjoys fun and engaging elements, I always try to incorporate moments of playfulness into my designs, adding a sense of joy and interaction.

My design process always begins with thorough research to understand the site and its context. From there, I focus on the experiences I want to create, then consider the rhythm and flow of different moments throughout the space.

China's rich history and cultural heritage, from traditional festivals to classical architecture and gardens, provide endless sources of inspiration for me. I’m particularly drawn to Chinese poetry, which we recite from a young age. Poetry often conveys emotions subtly by describing environments and spaces in a poetic, romantic way, blending the natural world with the poet's feelings. In my design process, I aim to evoke specific emotions and experiences, creating spaces that reflect this deep connection between environment and emotion.

It is a great honor to receive the 2024 NY Architectural Design Awards. This recognition makes my work more visible and encourages me to share my ideas more confidently. It also promotes my work to a wider audience, opening up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The project is located along the Maurice River in New Jersey and addresses critical issues such as farmland loss, stormwater management, and economic challenges faced by low-income communities. From regional to site scale, water is a connective thread, linking upstream and downstream, as well as people and farmland.

What makes this project unique is its role as a replicable model, offering integrated solutions. Since similar challenges exist in many regions, this approach can be applied to other projects, making it a scalable and forward-thinking solution.

The biggest challenge with this project was thinking and analyzing the problems at a regional scale while implementing the design at a site-specific level. It took time to determine the best solutions and locations.

Additionally, addressing the complex relationships between stormwater management, new farming methods, demographics, and tourism resources required extensive research. The challenge was to find a way to make these elements work together as a cohesive system that could create a positive cycle. This involved identifying connections between them and designing small-scale interventions that could serve as initial catalysts for long-term, sustainable growth.

Winning an award has been an invaluable experience for my career. It has encouraged me to grow into a more independent designer and has opened up new opportunities for me. The recognition has made my work more visible and allowed my voice to be heard in the design community. It’s also been a great learning experience, helping me stay connected with cutting-edge designs and learn from the work of others.

1. The ability to work across different sites and scales, which keeps the work dynamic and exciting;

2. The opportunity to engage with local people, understand cities deeply, and see the intersection of past and future in urban environments;

3. And finally, the rewarding experience of watching designs come to life and seeing people enjoy the spaces we create.

China, my home country, is home to many talented young designers, and over the past decades, there have been tremendous opportunities for innovative practices. The rich history also provides endless inspiration for design.

In the US, where I currently practice, the design process is shaped by well-established regulations and approval systems. A strong emphasis on community engagement and understanding local needs ensures that every project is both comprehensive and detailed.

Every industry experiences highs and lows, and I believe that in the next 5-10 years, both in China, the US, and many parts of the world, the pace of rapid development will slow down. This will allow for more focus on refined, thoughtful design and renovation rather than mass replication.

While some argue that computers may replace designers, I believe that if we effectively harness new technologies, they will make the design process more efficient, freeing us from repetitive tasks and enabling designers to concentrate more on the creative aspects of our work.

My advice is to understand that this field requires a continuous accumulation of knowledge and experience. Always observe your surroundings closely, and when you come across a good design, think deeply about the reasoning behind it. Be patient—it takes time to develop your own design style. And above all, stay curious about the world.

I recommend resources like ArchDaily and Landezine, which are excellent for learning about recently built projects and staying updated on current trends. Additionally, exploring the websites of design firms that interest you, as well as design schools, can help you stay informed about cutting-edge topics and techniques in the industry.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a movie scriptwriter and director one day.

My partner has been a huge source of inspiration for me. Working in a completely different field, he offers a fresh perspective on how to understand the world around us. It’s fascinating how everyone sees things in their own unique way. His insights have helped me question and challenge ideas I once took for granted, pushing me to grow both personally and professionally.

There isn’t a single path to success, nor is there one clear definition of it. For me, the key is following your heart. It helps you stay focused and find clarity when you feel overwhelmed by too much information.