Harvard GSD Master in Architecture II
Chuan Yin | Harvard Graduate School of Design | Tsinghua University Bachelor of Architecture
听听Chuan讲述他探索设计语言的历程：Chuan’s PinUp Webinar
听听Chuan讲述他探索设计语言的历程：Chuan’s PinUp Webinar
To become an architect
Through chats with Seth, Chuan found that he wants to become an architect. Seth then assigned him some tailored tasks, to push him to understand masterpieces in the field and reflect on his previous design.
“At the beginning, Seth asked me to set a clear goal. Then he started to push me to think about my architecture language. I had no idea about what he meant. But gradually, by reflecting on my design and talking with Seth, I got his points. Personal language is about how an architect interprets the world.”
Think about childhood
By thinking about childhood, Chuan realized that his aesthetic preference is rooted in his hometown, and he would love to design buildings in harmony with the local environment and culture.
“I’m from Qinghai, where the natural environment is beautiful and unique. Working with Seth, I’m able to be inspired by my past, and connect my experiences. It’s really helpful to think about these when you try to clarify your design language. How you grow may deeply affect how you perceive and interpret the world.”
Grow and learn
Chuan’s comprehension of architecture design has changed through his study and practice.
“At first, I perceived arch design as just creating beautiful buildings. Studying in Tsinghua for about 2 years, I started to see it as producing utility with aesthetic value. When I did my internship in KPS, I found it a complex task with tons of details. But after finishing my portfolio, thanks to Seth’s guidance, I consider designing a way of my personal expression, a process of deduction. There has to be clear logic behind each project.”
What’s my design language
Portfolio development is a process of self-reflection for Chuan. Seth had been pushing him all along the way, which was painful from time to time. But when his language was getting clear, everything in the design process seemed easier for him.
“Seth pushed me to think about my design language. It’s hard at the beginning. But as I reflected on my previous work, I started to analyze how I generated my designs step by step, which I hadn’t even noticed before. I struggled and was anxious in a certain period. As I gradually made it clear, I understood that the worldview of an architect will instruct his design. It’s like a clear clue.”
Seth as a mentor
Working with a mentor was an interesting experience for Chuan. “Not enough.” was the comment he got most.
“Seth’s comments are not clear for me at first. He never told me what is right, what I should do directly. Instead, he usually pointed me where it is not good enough. I had to think over every detail on my own and work out a solution. It’s tough, but worthwhile. His guidance pushed me to criticize my own work, without being influenced by his personal preference. I continually crashed and revived, and finally thrived.”
做一名建筑师
在与Seth的多次谈话中，Chuan逐渐发现自己想要成为一名建筑师。Seth给他布置了几份作业，让Chuan了解一些杰作，并反思他自己之前的作品。 “起初，Seth要求我设定一个清晰的目标。接着他就督促我去思考我自己的建筑语言。当时我对他所说的话简直一无所知，但渐渐地，通过和Seth的谈话，以及思考自己的设计，我开始明白Seth的意图。Seth说的个人语言，就是一名建筑师对世界的诠释。”
回忆童年
通过思考童年的经历，Chuan意识到他的审美偏好深深植根于他的家乡，他希望能设计出与当地环境和文化完美融合的建筑。 “我来自青海，那里的自然环境优美而独特。 在与Seth一起探索的过程中，我能够从过往的经历中汲取灵感，并与自己的经历项连结。 在尝试明晰你的设计语言时，考虑这些问题确实带来带来很大的帮助。 你的成长方式可能会深刻地塑造你，让你学会如何感知和解释世界。 ”
成长与学习
通过学习和实践，Chuan对建筑设计的理解发生了变化。 “起初，我认为建筑设计只是创造美丽的建筑而已。 但在清华学习了2年多后，我开始认识到建筑也具有实用价值。 当我在KPS实习时，我发现它是一项包含大量细节的复杂任务。 但是在Seth的指导下，在整理完我的作品集之后，我开始考虑设计一种我个人的表达方式，一种演绎过程。 每个项目背后必须有明确的逻辑。”
我的设计语言是什么
对Chuan来说，作品集发展是一个自我回溯的过程。 Seth一直在推动他前进，虽然时常感到痛苦。 但是当他的设计语言变得清晰时，设计过程中的所有困难对他来说似乎都变得不值一提了。 “ Seth促使我思考我的设计语言。 一开始的确很难， 但当我回顾以前的作品时，我开始分析我是如何设计的，这一点是我以前从未注意到的。 我挣扎了一段时间，并且为此感到焦虑。 当我逐渐弄明白时，我意识到建筑师的世界观将引导他的设计，就像一条清晰的线索。”
作为导师的Seth
对Chuan而言，与Seth一起工作是一次有趣的经历。 Seth对他的作品似乎总给出负面评价。 “还不够。” 是Chuan听到的最多的评价。 “一开始，Seth的评价对我来说不是特别清晰。 他从不告诉我什么是对的，我应该直接做什么。 相反，他会指出哪里还不够好。 我必须自己考虑每个细节并找出解决方案。 这个过程挺难的，但很值得。 他的指导促使我在不受他个人喜好的影响下去批评、修改自己的作品。 我不断地崩溃又不断地成长，最终有了显著的进展。”