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Zhang Jinyu

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Interviews with Zhang Jinyu

Read the interviews with Zhang Jinyu: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Designer of the Day Interview

18 questions

I was born in China and started my architectural learning journey at South China University of Technology. I then started studying graduate architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I was born in China and started my architectural learning journey at South China University of Technology. I then started studying graduate architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. My career began with the end of undergraduate. I entered the Guangzhou IAPA company internship, and continuously participated in a series of design competitions and personal commissioned design. At the same time, his works have participated in many architectural model exhibitions. I have been exposed to design work from many different fields, and my design ability has grown. Years of study and practice made me more firm in the road of architectural design.

How did you become a designer?

The love of new things and the pursuit of quality of life made me understand that art and design can also strongly affect life. I hope my design can give more users benefits or reflection.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

My design style includes many reinterpretations of art. The public has no interest in the history of art. But my design can give them a sense of participation and identity. People and architecture, architecture and environment have never been an isolated topic.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

Emotions are cyclical. From the initial excitement of inspiration to the patience of advancing, these are the processes that each project must go through. I am often dissatisfied with my design and will often reflect on it and view my design in a comprehensive manner.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

As an architectural student who has stepped out of the traditional Chinese education system, he is now studying further in the rich artistic and cultural atmosphere of Milan. Careful observation and thinking of the living environment made me embark on the path of becoming an architect. I have tried many hobbies since I was very young, but only painting and art have remained until now. It is the persistence from the past to the present that shaped my future career plan.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

In the future, I plan to apply for a job in the United States. My experience of studying in Europe made me want to reach a more mature market.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

Believe in your interesting idea, and realize it, spread it.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Good work habits and communication are sometimes more important than design skills.

What is your day to day look like?

My day is usually short, and design and reading take up most of the time. I occasionally paint to express my emotions.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

It is a design that follows the development of technology. Design interprets new technologies in better ways, which is also the task of good designers.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Whether a good design is simple but perfectly solves the problem of the venue. Not an elusive result.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

The design doesn't seem to be fully mature. Even if it's completed, the building is still grown by him.

What is your biggest design work?

I used to work for a while at IAPA in Guangzhou, where I met colleagues with high ability. See more possibilities during the cooperation.

Who is your favourite designer?

Recently, Siza. His work represents the highest regional masterpiece. And as a young architect, his work has high learning value.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

The lifestyle of construction practitioners is more of a long-term work, which requires you to have a very high enthusiasm. The way I keep this passion is to record my interesting inspirations and read more at any time. Reading allows you to maximize your imagination, and the power of words is enormous.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

A mature process of work is necessary. It makes the completion of cooperation and design more efficient. But like-minded work colleagues are the core of the design.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I once participated in the project of the Singapore Elasticity Competition. The project location was set up in a flood-affected area in Indonesia. Poverty and environmental problems broke out in this place, and it was more difficult to update the design. I think the thinking of our young designers can enrich the views of the industry.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

In the process of participating in the competition, I learned to use more professional and thoughtful words to introduce my plan. Disseminating and explaining your own design is an important skill.

Design Interview

Floating Chip Library · 19 questions

It is more like a floating chip, an artificial cloud. But what is certain is that it brings great appeal to the community. An opportunity to become a city business card.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

It is more like a floating chip, an artificial cloud. But what is certain is that it brings great appeal to the community. An opportunity to become a city business card. Simple but changeable horizontal floors and transparent glass curtains are also a Mies style deconstruction.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

Those who enter the space can feel a beautiful expression of structure and space. The interaction between people and space achieves the goal of the highly flexible cross-cultural atmosphere.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

This award has given me a lot of encouragement. I will try to think about more design issues in this way.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

The project started in Guangzhou in April 2011 and was completed in March 2012.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

It was a group proposal.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

No company is currently in production for this design. I hope my design can be acquired.

What made you design this particular type of work?

It is an interesting academic project for professors. We participated in research and design and wanted it to be able to land.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

Christian Kerez's work, he innovatively combines structure and space. Introduce the right of structure to speak in architecture.

Who is the target customer for his design?

Community government may be our target customer.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

As a social occasion for the new community in the future, it is more like a platform, providing the most friendly rather than closed urban living room for citizens.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

The public space at the center of the community determines the quality of the community. The relationship between the traditional building surface and cities and streets is alienated and overly clear. The key to breaking closed social relationships is building flexible building skins.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Rhino, adobe, vary.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

The irregular skin, the absolutely open ground-floor and the roof garden are the impression of the library. The compact core box will store a series of books and new media information.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

I designed this project with my undergraduate students, and I developed the concept of this project to make it more mature.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

Suspended, but not supported, floor slabs were achieved in the optimization of the steel structure. It's a rethinking of technology and design relevance.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

The project is based on technology and wants to use the advantages of technology to maximize the liberation of reading space and the re-interpretation of urban publicity.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

The realization of structure has a decisive influence on the communication of concepts. The rationality and ductility of the steel structure need to be discussed.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

Recommendation from my friend.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

I explored the structural innovation and the future of architecture.

Design Interview

Coast Whale Chapel · 19 questions

It is a special trip. I have been distracted for a long time in this little black Icelandic beach. I hope I have a place where I can stare at this beach for a long time.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

It is a special trip. I have been distracted for a long time in this little black Icelandic beach. I hope I have a place where I can stare at this beach for a long time. This strong desire led me to start thinking about my plan.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

The focus is on how to arouse people's indifference to biological equality. People should not be arrogant. Whales are "wise men" in the ocean, and people are wise men on land. If I can create a metaphor that allows people and animals to blend together to feel the fate of the life community, then my goal is complete.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

This award has given me a lot of encouragement. I will try to think about more design issues in this way.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

This idea is long-lasting, but the design takes about a month.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

I was inspired by a trip, it was a personal proposal.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

No company is currently in production for this design. I hope my design can be acquired.

What made you design this particular type of work?

I like to think on foot in nature. This kind of thinking gave me a lot of calm power.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

The work of architect nicolás campodonico influenced my thinking, and it was my attempt to express the metaphorical nature of space and the educational value of design.

Who is the target customer for his design?

Probably a local traveler.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

It has the same small scale as most landscape buildings. At that time, it had design intentions beyond the function, which caused reflection.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

The naming of the design directly matches my thinking. The whale and chapel are the spaces I want to be one. Humans are always looking at problems from their own perspective. I simulated the shape of a whale, which allows people to think briefly from their consciousness.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Rhino, adobe, vary.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

He is a kind of thinking, which is more humanistic. At that time, he was in line with environmental thinking and also had certain commercial value.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

This is a single-person design, which I completed independently.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

The movable foundation structure adapts to the topography of the sandy beach and reduces the disturbance to Iceland's fragile ecological environment.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

The data does not particularly affect the design, if there is a possibility of landing. I will further deepen and study the local wind speed and the stability of the building structure.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

I face the challenge of having no customers. If this design is just one of my thoughts, it is very interesting. At that time, I hope it can be communicated to more people.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

Recommendation from my friend.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

My computer skills have improved and I hope to further study architectural performance.

Design Legend Interview

50 questions

I was born in China and started my architectural learning journey at South China University of Technology. I then started studying graduate architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I was born in China and started my architectural learning journey at South China University of Technology. I then started studying graduate architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. My career began with the end of undergraduate. I entered the Guangzhou IAPA company internship, and continuously participated in a series of design competitions and personal commissioned design. At the same time, his works have participated in many architectural model exhibitions. I have been exposed to design work from many different fields, and my design ability has grown. Years of study and practice made me more firm in the road of architectural design.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

The love of new things and the pursuit of quality of life made me understand that art and design can also strongly affect life. I hope my design can give more users benefits or reflection.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

No one will be forced to choose design, this is a profession driven by passion.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

I design architectural projects and also have some interior designs. I hope to be exposed to more green building design tasks.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

Focus on design issues. Most young people will be attracted by rich social resources. I hope I can create more resources instead of enjoying them.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

I think it's probably the time invested to make them different.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

Good design does not happen overnight. It requires teamwork and constant polishing. But the result is really strong and clear. A good design does not require too much textual explanation, it has moving power in itself.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Value comes from influence, and a good design comes from the cultural and economic influence of society. When social development radiates to design, design also reflects the needs of society. A high-quality demand is what we hope to see.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

I hope to design for the urban marginalized groups. Listening to their demands for living environment can improve social instability in some ways.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

My future home.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

My secret is to absorb more new knowledge, and many aspects of knowledge make your design not narrow, paranoid, and arrogant.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

I was influenced by many architects in Italy. For example, Gio Ponti, a multi-talented designer. His work reflects the excellent level and taste of Italy after the war.

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

Furniture design, an item that a person has to touch every day. Shows the needs of many human bodies.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

Interior design. The style of interior design is not just about people, it sometimes affects the city's interface and environment. It is a linked space.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

More contact with the excellent party, the excellent design on the ground is the good design.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

I may be a writer or a script creator. I like a complete story and word game.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

The design process defines the behavior of design. Our unique and professional way of thinking can make the living environment of human beings have the taste of the times. We live in the contemporary, understand the contemporary, and create the contemporary.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

I think it is my excellent teacher and the books I read. The inspiration for dialogue and words is huge.

What helped you to become a great designer?

It is the sense of responsibility of modern people, which may be a bit heavy. But design should not only be about beauty and function, but should be a cautious spirit.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

I often face my own excessive caution. I often question the power of design, but my enthusiasm for design has caused me to set off again and again to achieve better design.

How do you think designers should present their work?

We should cater to the development of advanced technology and be more intuitive and effective.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

It is a student dormitory project in Porto. I will engage in more sociological housing renovations and try to reinterpret the cultural heritage of some old times.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

Make my design more influential.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

People have high expectations for designers, but I hope that what I do is more practical and confronts social issues rather than escaping into the world of my own style.

How does design help create a better society?

As young architects, we have more time and newer knowledge. It should be used to transform knowledge and technology into powerful design forces.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

I am learning to program, hoping to build my own website and show my work systematically.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

Some academic research designs in schools, the concepts of these designs are interesting. Although most of them have not been put into practice, they reflect the growth of my thinking.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

The development of the Internet and new media has forced architecture to answer. Augmented reality technology makes people no longer need to go out to feel the city and space, we need to design more attractive works.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

It is necessary to alleviate serious urban environmental problems. I live in cities most of the time, and the process of urbanization requires more thinking.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

Usually from one month to one year, depending on the scale of the project.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

I usually look for inspiration from related text or film and television works.

What is your life motto as a designer?

More powerful, simpler and more beautiful.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Good design determines the trend, and poor design follows the trend.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Technology is the condition for implementing design, and the development of technology is also slowly innovating the concept of design. We need to always pay attention to technological reform.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

Usually bim system and parameterized software.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

These three elements are the basic components of the design, and they are combined through concepts. Different designs can strengthen one of them to impress people. My sensitivity to colors and materials makes me enjoy exploring many new possibilities.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

I do n’t want people to be confused about my design and do n’t know how to use it. The design full of doubts is not good enough for me.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

I will consider his future and growth.

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

Teamwork is necessary. If a partner is needed, I hope he can put forward a new point of view that is different from mine.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

Probably my boyfriend, we often discuss many issues that others seem boring. But the discussion process is very interesting.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

linArchitectural theory books, such as Changing Ideals in Modern Architecture, 1750-1950 by peter collins, such historical books made me think a lot about changes in the times.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Read more, learn more, and keep an interest in new things.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

The last human in the end of the world.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

Of course I am happy. But fame is not my life plan.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

I like colors with high brightness. A warm place in the south. Sweet food, spring and summer, no logo fashion.

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

I once interviewed the architect Pascal Flammer, he is very conservative and cute, we also sent him calligraphy from China.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

Probably the time I invested in it. Inspiration always appears during non-working hours, and we need to write down him at all times.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

I think I haven't become a great architect yet, but no doubt, I hope to design excellent buildings.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

Like I said, I still have confidence in the future, maybe humans will survive in a different form.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

My email cheetazhang@gmail.com

Designer Interview

40 questions

As an architectural student who has stepped out of the traditional Chinese education system, he is now studying further in the rich artistic and cultural atmosphere of Milan.

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

As an architectural student who has stepped out of the traditional Chinese education system, he is now studying further in the rich artistic and cultural atmosphere of Milan. Careful observation and thinking of the living environment made me embark on the path of becoming an architect. I have tried many hobbies since I was very young, but only painting and art have remained until now. It is the persistence from the past to the present that shaped my future career plan.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

My personal studio has just started, Studio Zhang will flexibly use the Internet as a working platform. Hope to be able to get more job opportunities around the world.

What is "design" for you?

To be precise, architectural design is not just a deliberate attitude, the expression of personal style, but also a positive reflection on social issues. The dissemination of personal ideas by designers needs to be more in line with the times. This is a problem that young designers must face.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I prefer projects with strong personal thinking. There are also buildings with strong locality. This unique design participates in the contemporary torrent. It seems to be a work worth discussing in the future.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Recently, I am concerned about American pop art. This unique modern art form has inspired me a lot.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It is a bamboo bridge in the countryside, a small town in my hometown. It is the first work designed to have a connection with society.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I tend to be light-weight and let people feel the progress of technology. The changes brought about by the light structure are in line with the contemporary complex and changing social problems.

When do you feel the most creative?

Maybe at night, I am used to working at night, which gives me more concentration.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

The innovation of the design, the degree of completion, and the relevance of the social city.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Emotions are cyclical. From the initial excitement of inspiration to the patience of advancing, these are the processes that each project must go through.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

I am often dissatisfied with my design and will often reflect on it and view my design in a comprehensive manner.

What makes a design successful?

I think the necessary conditions for successful design are mature teamwork and suitable design partners. They can make your design avoid falling into a paranoid situation.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Whether a good design is simple but perfectly solves the problem of the venue. Not an elusive result.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

It is undeniable that the role of the designer is not very large in social development. But every tiny light spot of thought can bring pleasure to people in a small part or even a small area is a great result.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

It is a design that follows the development of technology. Design interprets new technologies in better ways, which is also the task of good designers.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My most recent exhibition was one of my urban renewal designs, Chengzhong Village, Seoul, South Korea, Shenzhen Biennale. The next exhibition may be a design award-winning exhibition.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

My inspiration comes from a lot of learning, and words or film works give me a lot of inspiration.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

My design style includes many reinterpretations of art. The public has no interest in the history of art. But my design can give them a sense of participation and identity. People and architecture, architecture and environment have never been an isolated topic.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I currently live in Milan. But I come from a city in southern China, and the acceptance and freedom of design in southern China is even higher. A large number of young designers are freely pursuing better and higher quality design projects. It even produced a design style belonging to China.

How do you work with companies?

The operation of the company is mature. I went to many multinational design companies for an internship. I learned a lot from it.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Good work habits and communication are sometimes more important than design skills.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I usually start with a sketch, because this is the fastest way. More important is the accumulation of usual thoughts.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

My teacups, vases on the dining table, my floor lamp, my drawing pen, and my notebook are all things I use every day.

Can you describe a day in your life?

My day is usually short, and design and reading take up most of the time. I occasionally paint to express my emotions.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Believe in your interesting idea, and realize it, spread it.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The positive influence makes me more interested in observing life, and I often see many places that others overlook. The negative effect is probably that I have very little sleep.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Don't let people guess your design, make your design more powerful and clear.

What skills are most important for a designer?

The ability to accurately and quickly show the inspiration in the brain to the customer also has imagination.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Usually use professional architectural design software. There is also a series of parameterized auxiliary software.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Time management is important, so there is usually a detailed schedule. The cooperation of the team can also make more reasonable and efficient use of time.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It depends on the scale of the design. It ranges from one month to one year.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

Who do you design for, where do you design, and what changes does your design bring.

What was your most important job experience?

I used to work for a while at IAPA in Guangzhou, where I met colleagues with high ability. See more possibilities during the cooperation.

Who are some of your clients?

It is usually a commercial project and personal commission.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

Personal entrustment, because it allows me to use my mind more freely.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

In the future, I plan to apply for a job in the United States. My experience of studying in Europe made me want to reach a more mature market.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

Most of them are projects of yourself and friends. But also participated in the design task of too many people.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

One of my home interior renovations. Its scale is very small, and it is entrusted by the family. New furniture design based on my family's lifestyle is very interesting.

How can people contact you?

mailbox:cheetazhang@gmail.com

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

I think temporarily enough.

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Zhang Jinyu regarding Floating Chip Library comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.