Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Zhuohui Gao

Personal Portfolio

Having traveled through different cities across China and North America, I realized that the buildings that convey the most emotion are tied to the local culture and environment. This realization was further solidified after studying Kenneth Frampton’s book Modern Architecture, and my interest in vernacular and localized architecture has become clear. In my view, architecture and urban design should reflect the uniqueness of its culture and inhabitants.Thus culture is always the prioritized factor I consider when starting a project. In Toronto, some buildings maintain their façade while incorporating new structures inside or on top. I find this interesting as it preserves history and heritage while adapting to new needs and functions. So I redesigned the Spadina hotel and I thought of using crystal structure to connect the old and the new building, infusing the building with innovation and modernity while preserving the historical elements. Studying abroad for a long time allows me to notice the huge contrast in lifestyle and values between Chinese and North America. This comes from the difference in cultures and ideologies, one being collective life and the other individual life, which causes them to seek a middle ground when living in different cultural contexts. Observing informal adaptations by Chinatown shop owners to the local environments, I thought there should be a new architectural and community model to support them. My Methera Valley Community Pavilion project and Parkdale Community Center project are also examples of the idea that architecture should serve local residents and needs while respecting local urban culture and lifestyle. My keen interest in localized architecture and urban design drives my eagerness to work in various new environments, understanding new urban cultures and lifestyles, and subsequently constructing buildings that support the local context and the broader urban structure. I aspire to probe deeper into postmodern urban design and the relationship between architecture, emotions, and culture. I am eager to learn new materials, technologies, and theories to support my concepts. In my four years of studying environmental design at OCAD, I acquired the skills to research sites and construct architecture relevant to the context. During my studies in architectural history, I learned about different architectural styles and genres, with Frank Lloyd White’s Prairie School design being the most influential. His buildings represented a culture, they adapted to the site and respected the local environment, and his vision is still very influential on today’s architectural and urban styles. In addition to creating designs to meet user needs and sustainable development factors, developing my individual style and evolving my design language is another focus of my future graduate study.