All posts by Siyuan Zhang

Brooklyn’s 325 Kent, New York (SHoP Architects)

Brooklyn’s 325 Kent is the first building to be completed as part of SHoP’s Domino Sugar master plan. 325 Kent comprises 500 residential rentals. The residential floors step up in terraces from the east, forming a connection between the existing neighborhood, the taller Domino buildings that will be constructed along the shore, and the towers of Manhattan visible across the East River.

Contributing to the dramatic industrial character of the area, two specific formulations of sheet metals were chosen for the exterior—copper for the lower floors, zinc above. Each is perforated in a variety of patterns to create a rhythm of light and dark, open and closed, that enlivens the building’s surfaces and conceals 325 Kent’s mechanicals from view.

Barclays Center, New York (SHoP Architects)

Sited at a point where historic low-rise Brooklyn neighborhoods merge with the taller buildings of its booming downtown, Barclays Center was shaped by a responsibility to achieve balance.

The building’s sculptural façade is wrapped in alternating bands of weathered steel and glass. The scaled intricacy of the curving metal latticework creates a rich and dynamically textured surface, while the glass bands introduce a sense of lightness, opening the building to the surrounding city. The arena’s iconic exterior is built from 12,000 uniquely-shaped panels in weathered steel that recall the color and scale of adjacent brownstone blocks. With room for 18,000 guests to take in an anticipated 200 events per year, the building had to be efficient and durable, and it made the grade with a rugged weathered steel cladding and sustainability features that earned it a LEED Silver rating.

Midtown Center, Washington, D.C (SHoP Architects)

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Midtown Center is a 14-story mixed-use office, dining, and retail complex arranged around a large new public plaza. It is designed by SHoP Architects and completed in 2018.

The two towers are connected by three pedestrian bridges that extend 100 feet across the plaza below. Much of the ground plane is given over to smaller gathering places linked by public pathways and connect adjoining neighborhoods.

The building works to integrate with its environment—and honor local architectural traditions—through a unique glass-and-copper facade designed to slowly patina over time. This architectural expression optimizes solar shading while maintaining maximal daylight conditions for the workplaces within.

Benchmark Innovation Lab, Pennsylvania (SHoP Architects)

The Benchmark School is a private elementary school in Media, Pennsylvania. It was created by SHoP architects and completed in August 2018. This metal-clad Innovation Lab is set at an angle between a stucco-faced performing-arts building and another wing. Students see into the lab through the glass entry. The 2,200-square-foot glass-and-metal-clad two-story structure is tucked between two existing buildings.

The upper-level houses three spaces for middle-school pupils: two open labs separated by a sliding-glass partition for maximum flexibility, and a small triangular space (for messier projects) wedged between them behind a glazed wall. The extensive wooded grounds can be seen through the large windows on both levels of the upper-level labs.  A classroom for the youngest children is on the lower level. With butcher-block lab-style tables and counters along the walls for computers, the rooms include sinks, adjustable track lighting, power cord outlets that drop down from the ceiling, and whiteboard wall surfaces.

BIZZELL MEMORIAL library

This is the photo I took when I visited the library for the first time. I spent a lot of time studying in this library. I think our library really provides a wonderful helpful environment and resources for us. 

Personally, I really like the various learning equipment and venues in the library. It gives people a sense of space and security while creating a positive learning atmosphere. The appearance of the library is also very impressive at first sight. The castle-like buildings and the surrounding greenery give people an unforgettable feeling. I put it on the top 1 of my favorite places on campus.

Xinglong Tower

An ancient tower in my hometown, about 12 minutes by bike from my home. I have often passed by this tower since I was a child. At that time, it had not been fully developed, and people did not pay much attention to this seemingly ordinary building. This tower is called "tower on tower" because of its special shape. It is estimated that this tower has a history of 330 years. 

In the summer of 2008, the underground palace of the tower was stolen, and the locals learned from the news that there are many cultural relics in the tower.  It is now listed as one of China's national key protected cultural relics. The relics and inscriptions taken from the underground palace are of great value to the study of historical culture, Buddhist history, painting art, and production technology.

Hawthorne Bridge

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This is a bridge to downtown Portland Oregon. When I lived in Portland, I often took the Max (light rail intercity service) across the Hawthorne Bridge to downtown. The scenery on both sides of the bridge is very beautiful, and I always record videos every time I pass by. The scene after the rain is very charming. There are often many cyclists on both sides of the bridge. Sometimes max will stop for a while on the bridge. At that time, you can enjoy the scenery along the coast.

Crossing the bridge to the urban area, there are delicious Japanese restaurants and tranquil botanical garden. It's worth spending 2 or 3 hours here with friends on weekends.These are very fond memories of my high school.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza(DDP), Seoul South Korea

I have been to DDP three times. The first time was for sightseeing and art exhibitions. The next two visits were fashion week. I remember the first time I went there was in the evening. The weather was fine so the moon was clear and bright. The lights make the silver buildings more vivid. I had a great time taking pictures and walking with my friends. It is located in the city center with convenient transportation and excellent geographical location. 

DDP was designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo, the overlooking is a large curved building, a bit like a spaceship or ufo. If you are traveling to Seoul, a half-hour walk around DDP is also a good choice.