Portfolio

This project aims to establish a landed community kitchen—an essential building block in constructing an agroecological urbanism— as a means to reconcile the contradictions between contemporary food production chains and ecological imperatives. By fostering public awareness of and participation in issues such as food poverty, food justice, and food policy, it highlights the importance of alternative food systems and seeks to reshape the structure of the contemporary food landscape.

Unlike non-landed community kitchens, a landed community kitchen is directly linked to and supplied by an agroecological farm or growing space. This connection is crucial: it grounds the kitchen in the principles of land and agroecology rather than in the dominant retail sector, which relies on exploitative agricultural prices to “extract” value from producers. In doing so, the landed model resists extractive logics and demonstrates a more equitable, sustainable way of organizing food relations.

In this project, I begin to figure out how the community kitchen (or public kitchen) and analyzing both historical cases and contemporary landed examples in London to identify how such infrastructures adapt to user needs, reconstruct spatial practices, and relate to policy contexts.

Next is the reconstruction phase, apply this methodology to the design of Northern Lily, a landed community kitchen in Manchester, envisioned as a multifunctional public infrastructure that integrates education, environment, community activities, a public market, and a food hub.

Finally, the expansion phase synthesizes these outcomes into a methodological handbook, intended to inform and support future community-based initiatives.offering guidance for other communities seeking to foster sustainable and equitable development through community-based food infrastructures.

Project at Architectural Association School of Achitecture

Research and Data Analyse

The map above brings together all the information from the research and attempts to identify a pattern—based on the study of community kitchens, it analyzes how the theoretical deconstruction adapts to user needs and subsequently reconstructs the space. This chart was created in an effort to explore a common methodology.

This right map of London’s alternative food system was developed based on our investigation of four community kitchens. It illustrates the specific functions of different organisations as well as the interconnections and networks among them.

Using GIS, I analyzed the relational networks of several typical landed community kitchens in London. These networks include organizations that supply food, landed gardens, funding bodies, and

service providers etc. The aim is to figure out what kinds of support a community kitchen requires within the urban food system network. In addition, I incorporated the specific characteristics of different

community kitchens and added data visualization basemaps— such as London’s food poverty rates and income data— overlaid with the distribution of institutions, making the relationships more intuitive.

Considering that funding is a crucial factor in the establishment and maintenance of community kitchens, I collected financial data on community kitchens worldwide, particularly within the capitalist context. By researching and compiling data on funding flows, I created an Excel spreadsheet to organize the statistics and used Grasshopper to produce visual diagrams of these financial flows.

Design

In the design phase, I mainly focused on the use of biobased materials to support Northern Lily, a company based

in Manchester, in developing sustainable functions for both indoor and outdoor spaces, along with providing future

planning proposals. During the preliminary research, I also assisted Hackney School of Food by creating a plant map.

Gis Analyse of the Alternative Food System

alternative food system map

TakingManchesterasanexample,weoverlaidfoodpovertydatawiththelocationsof existingalternativefoodsystem (AFS)organisationstoassessspatialsuitability.Theresultsrevealcleargaps—areaswithhighlevelsof foodpovertybut littleornopresenceof suchorganisations.Brownfieldsiteswithinthesezonesholdthegreatestpotentialforbridging thissystemicgap.

Withaserviceradiusof 500meters,allAFIscombinedcurrentlycoveronlyabout9.67%of thecity’stotalarea.

ValueAssignmentTable(UsingManchesterasanExample)

FoodPoverty(Range:5–33,689) If foodpoverty>28,000→ Value=5 If 21,000<foodpoverty≤28,000→ Value=4 If 14,000<foodpoverty≤21,000→ Value=3 If 7,000<foodpoverty≤14,000→ Value=2 If foodpoverty≤7,000→ Value=1

DistancetoBrownfields(Range:9,992–0)

0<distance≤750(≈10minuteswalking)→ Value=0

750<distance≤1,500→ Value=1

1,500<distance≤2,250→ Value=2

2,250<distance≤5,000(≈20minutesbybus)→ Value=3 distance>5,000→ Value=4

I also developed a toolkit that, through GIS-based analysis at the urban scale, identified suitable sites in Manchester for the construction of community kitchens. This serves as a guide for establishing an alternative food system with the potential for comprehensive future coverage.

alternative food system map

Food porverty map of Manchester with the 500 meters servence range of the Alternative Food Institutions (AFIs)

Map with the value of establishing(AFIs)

Defin exact location of the AFI

Beyond the Capitalism

A communal kitchen is a shared space where local residents can come together to prepare, cook, and grow food collectively. The primary aim is to provide a place for people to access fresh, nutritious meals. These kitchens can serve multiple functions, including fostering community engagement, promoting sustainable food practices, and supporting local food production.

More than just a cooking space, communal kitchens often offer educational programs on nutrition, sustainability, and cooking techniques. They help residents learn to grow their own food, cook healthy meals, and reduce reliance on external food supply chains. They also create a space for cultural exchange where different traditions and recipes can be shared, strengthening social connections and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

Communal kitchens are not only places where food is prepared, but also public infrastructure that helps reconnect residents to local agriculture, reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, and create a self-sustaining ecosystem where food production and consumption all occur within the same community.

We hope Tesco can gradually transform into a community activity center centered around the concept of a Communal Kitchen over the next thirty years. This would not only ensure the organic quality and safety of food but also safeguard local residents' food sovereignty from the influence of capital interests.

COMMUNAL KITCHEN

FIG1,MORNINGLANEPEOPLE’SSPACEbrochure, encouraginglocalresidentstojointhecommunity transformation

The Tesco

Tesco E9 6ND is located in the middle of a residential area and is an important shopping mall in the

FIG2,Hackneycommunitydevelopmentworkshop, residentsparticipatinginthediscussion

FIG4,LocationanalysismapofTesco，MorningLane anditssurroundingareas

“Foxesarepartofthe communitytoo”

“IfthereisnoparkingI wouldbetoolazyto walktoshop”

The site consists of a single building a Tesco supermarket) surrounded by an excessive amount of hardscape in the form of parking spaces allocated to the store. Even during peak times observed at the store, less than half of the parking lot is utilized. Our research revealed that most shoppers are weekend residents, predominantly from middle-income or lower-income brackets.

Due to the site's open nature ( low-rise structures and height restrictions ) it experiences frequent public access. It is conveniently accessible by public transportation with Hackney Central train station and the adjacent Morning Lane bus stop nearby. The terrain is relatively flat with only a few uneven surfaces that cause stagnant water puddles to form.

We can see there are several schools around this area and lack of activity areas for students, we believe that part of Tesco can be the communal kitchen.

If the site were to be transformed into a public kitchen, we envision it as a shared space where local residents can come together to prepare, cook, and grow food. The primary goal would be to provide a space where people can access fresh, nutritious meals. These kitchens could serve multiple purposes, including fostering community engagement, promoting sustainable food practices, and supporting local food production.

In December we attended a workshop at the Hackney Central Library about the future redevelopment of Morning Lane. During the session, several residents shared suggestions regarding Tesco. Some mentioned, "There are a lot of foxes around the community," while others said, "I wouldn't shop here if there were no parking lot." Most attendees agreed that Tesco plays a significant role in meeting their daily shopping needs.

YEAR YEAR

5

The site is currently occupied by a Tesco supermarket and a parking lot, with limited greenery apart from a few street trees. Most of the surface is covered in concrete, creating a somewhat artificial environment. The parking lot is underutilized, with only half of the space regularly in use. Inside the Tesco, while there is a high demand for fresh produce, it occupies only a small portion of the shelves. Given the overcrowding of supermarkets in the area, this Tesco location is not essential, suggesting potential for transformation into a more community-serving space. In the first phase, part of the parking lot is converted into an agricultural planting area, restoring the natural ecosystem previously covered by concrete. The concrete is reused as stepping stones, reducing waste while balancing aesthetics and functionality. As the supermarket shrinks in size, the community gradually reduces its dependence on external supplies of fresh vegetables, focusing instead on locally produced greens. Through the initial restoration of the land, community agriculture is emerging as a local source of

and fostering a more sustainable

10 YEAR

15 YEAR Since the land requires time to recover, phase two introduces planting pools. These pools not only provide the community with fresh vegetables and nutrient-rich crops, but also offer residents the opportunity to learn about and participate in agricultural activities. The diverse range of plants grown in these pools enriches t

p s restore the soil’s ecological function, preparing the ground for the future planting of trees.

In phase three, trees and carrots are introduced. Trees not only provide shade and beautify the landscape, but also increase fruit production for the community. Carrots, thanks to their ability to be harvested multiple times a year, ensure a constant rotation of crops, maintaining a steady supply of vegetables for the community. The diverse crop selection not only enriches residents' diets but also strengthens food self�sufficiency, reducing reliance on external sources.

20 YEAR

In phase four, the glass walls of the supermarket are removed and replaced with an interactive green space. This space, with rotating green walls, effectively connects the indoor and outdoor areas, eliminating physical barriers and enhancing the interaction between people and nature. Moreover, the introduction of vertical planting techniques reduces spatial waste, allowing more plants to grow in a limited area. The removal of the glass walls not only increases interaction between residents but also further integrates green spaces into the daily lives of the community, promoting sustainable development.

30 YEAR

In phase five, the area closest to the roadside is transformed into a community garden, and the parking lot disappears entirely. This garden offers residents visual enjoyment and a space for recreation. Fruit trees are relocated from planting pools back to the restored land, symbolizing the gradual recovery of the local ecosystem. Residents can now not only meet their own needs for fresh fruits and vegetables but also provides surplus produce to nearby schools, integrating into the local food supply chain. The community garden is not just a place for production but also serves as a center for social interaction and community activities, supporting cultural exchange and sustainable growth.

Reciprocal Landscapes

Anglo American is a multinational mining corporation whose operations span various sectors, including base metals, platinum, diamonds, coal, and logistics. However, its mining activities worldwide, particularly in South America, are frequently accompanied by significant environmental and social issues.

In the Quellaveco copper mining project located in the Moquegua region of southern Peru, Anglo American redirected the local Asana River, channeling it underground to facilitate mining operations. This action not only disrupted the river’s ecological functions but also resulted in pollution. Meanwhile, the mine’s tailings dam has continuously expanded as mining waste (tailings) accumulates, with its water level projected to surpass the height of London’s The Shard. To accommodate this increasing pressure, the dam has been repeatedly raised, substantially heightening the risk of catastrophic failure.

This phenomenon is not unique to South America but reflects a broader pattern within the global mining industry regarding environmental and social responsibility. While the global energy transition aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, multinational corporations like Anglo American, in their pursuit of a sustainable development image, continue to prioritize profit over meaningful commitments to ecological preservation and community welfare.

This project seeks to critically examine the environmental, community, and global food security impacts of Anglo American’s mining activities. It aims to explore pathways for intervention and the implementation of sustainable development practices to achieve ecological accountability and social equity in the mining sector.

The Anglo America

Anglo American is a multinational mining company headquartered in London. Its operations include the production of base metals, platinum, diamonds, gold, copper, and nickel, as well as coal, logistics, maritime transport, financial investments, iron ore, thermal coal, and metallurgical coal. Anglo American’s mining activities in South America have caused significant issues for local communities, including water and land pollution, an increased frequency of geological disasters, and fatalities resulting from tailings dam collapses. However, the company has demonstrated a lack of social responsibility in addressing these problems.

Anglo American’s Revenue in Comparision to Taxes Paid in Host Countries and Community Investments

Financially, Anglo American generated nearly $23.2 billion in revenue, yet its tax contributions and community investments in host countries amounted to only $1.465 billion—merely 6.3% of its revenue. While this analysis sheds light on the flow of capital, it also highlights the indifference of companies like Anglo American toward environmental and social responsibilities.

The global energy transition, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and addressing climate change, is reshaping industries worldwide. However, large corporations have historically accumulated wealth by exploiting labor, food, energy, and raw materials, often failing to deliver on

their promises of genuine sustainability. For example, companies like Anglo American have sought to rebrand themselves as champions of sustainable development, portraying themselves as part of the solution to environmental challenges. Yet a closer examination of their operations reveals a different

reality: these corporations continue to exploit local communities, degrade ecosystems, and prioritize profits over meaningful environmental or social responsibility. This exposes the stark gap between their public relations efforts and their actual practices.

Global Scale Cartography Flow of Capital from Anglo America’s Mines to it’s Headquarters in London

The Quellaveco Mine

FIG27， ExpansionofTailingdamofQuellavecoMine

The Quellaveco Mine has a tailing dam, whose gradual expansion can be observed through satellite imagery. Unfortunately, the dam is located in a rainwater runoff area, posing significant issues for downstream communities, such as heavy metal contamination. This greatly endangers the survival of downstream flora, fauna, and human populations.

Quellaveco Mine, located in the Moquegua region of southern Peru, is a large-scale copper mining project and one of the largest copper mines in Peru and globally. It is estimated to contain 1.1 billion tons of ore with a copper grade of 0.55%.

Since 2017, Peru has been among the world’s top ten fruit exporters. While Chile remains the primary exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, Peru has caught up with other major suppliers such as Ecuador and South Africa. Grapes, blueberries, and avocados are the main drivers of Peru’s fruit exports, followed by steady growth in citrus and mango exports. In 2020, the United States and the 28 EU countries accounted for more than 75% of Peru’s exports, while China, Hong Kong, and Canada each accounted for about 5%.

The potential pollution caused by tailings dams poses a growing threat to global food safety, further compounding the issue.

The proportion of land area affected by the tailing dams collapse

Cartography of Heavy Mental Pollution of Plants in

Agricultural Area

From Andes to Sea

Quellaveco redirected the local Asana River to facilitate mining activities, channeling the river underground in the mining area. This has disrupted the river's ecological functions and caused pollution. Meanwhile, Quellaveco's tailings dam continues to expand as mining operations generate more tailings. The water level in the dam is rising steadily and is set to surpass the height of The Shard. To address the increasing pressure from tailings storage, the dam itself is being raised, significantly heightening the risk of a dam collapse.

In the Bay area, below the agricultural region, leaked tailings have gradually formed a deposit where wetland vegetation has begun to grow. Due to its proximity to farmland, this has severely polluted local crops and poses a serious threat to the safety and health of the local population.

Potential height of the tailings dam in the future

Tailings Dam

Tailings

Created on top of tailings deposits

Tailings

Flower of Life

The Saffron Production and Processing Industrial Park is envisioned as an integrated solution to revitalize the local economy, mitigate unemployment, and safeguard the community from potential hardships.

Pampore has a rich history of saffron production, serving as a vital pillar of the local economy. However, recent years have seen challenges emerge, including a decline in summer monsoon rains, leading to reduced precipitation and a subsequent downturn in saffron production. This has further hampered the already sluggish local economy.

In order to address potential social issues, such as terrorism, stemming from economic challenges, it is imperative to enhance the local saffron industry. The aim is to minimize the impact of uncontrollable natural factors on saffron production. The proposed Saffron Production and Processing Industrial Park is designed to meet this critical need.

Using QGIS and data collected from online sources, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of Pampore’s geography, land use, urban functional zoning, socioeconomic challenges, tourism and agricultural resources, as

well as the growth requirements and seasonal cycle of saffron cultivation. This research informed the development of a preliminary design strategy.

Building upon the saffron growth cycle, the architectural design organizes spaces and circulation paths tailored to different user groups, ensuring that the programmatic layout responds both to ecological rhythms and to social needs.

Season In spring, every thing revives and herdsmen begin a new round of grazing.

Saffron Processing DEC. FEB OCT. NOV.

Blooming Season

The scenery of Kashmir during the saffrons blooming season is very beautiful, attracting many tourists to visit and experience saffrons picking with farmers

Based

The harvested saffrons are sent for processing, and tourists will also experience the saffron processing process with local residents.

Return to River

The Saffron Production and Processing Industrial Park is envisioned as an integrated solution to revitalize the local economy, mitigate unemployment, and safeguard the community from potential hardships.

Pampore has a rich history of saffron production, serving as a vital pillar of the local economy. However, recent years have seen challenges emerge, including a decline in summer monsoon rains, leading to reduced precipitation and a subsequent downturn in saffron production. This has further hampered the already sluggish local economy.

In order to address potential social issues, such as terrorism, stemming from economic challenges, it is imperative to enhance the local saffron industry. The aim is to minimize the impact of uncontrollable natural factors on saffron production. The proposed Saffron Production and Processing Industrial Park is designed to meet this critical need.

In the preliminary research phase, on-site surveys and field investigations were conducted to analyze the current living conditions of finless porpoises in the Qiantang River, their ecological requirements and interspecies relationships, as well as existing conservation

strategies. The scope of study was then narrowed to focus on the specific threats facing porpoises within the Qiantang River basin, with particular attention to the unique brackishwater environment formed by the mixing of freshwater and seawater. This provided a critical

foundation for determining the project site.

On the theoretical level, habitat theory and bio-based architecture were examined and subsequently integrated into the design process.

Flower Park

This program is located in Xinjian Village, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China. Xinjian Village is situated in a valley near the sea. Historically, the villagers here lived a life of fishing and farming.

The rural revitalization strategy for Xinjian Village involves developing a distinctive tourism economy. However, the conventional rural revitalization model , which appropriates the unique local culture to give it a specific meaning rather than recreating the local cultural significance, has made tourism in Xinjian Village boring and perplexing for visitors.

I want my design to offer visitors a unique experience and create a space that connects tourists with villagers and fosters connections among villagers themselves. My chosen location is the flower fields in Xinjian Village, which are currently disorganized and chaotic. In my preliminary research, I delved into the local culture of Xinjian Village, including fisheries , agriculture, villagers' art, and tourism.

These cultural elements are deeply rooted in nature, leading me to formulate a design strategy with the goal of "natural healing." I plan to convey the emotions of the landscape by constructing various interactive elements with nature to help people achieve mental and physical relaxation.

at CUZ

Xinjian Village is located in Dinghai District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. Over a decade ago, the village underwent renovations for the development of tourism.

However, due to the inability to

attract tourists, the economic development in the village has gradually stagnated. The young people from the village have sought opportunities elsewhere, leading to weakened connections among the residents. I feel that

something needs to be done to strengthen community bonds, attract tourists, and revitalize the economic prospects of Xinjian Village.

From the perspective of emotional experience based on user activities and corresponding moods, the

design focuses on the combination of flowers to convey color, shape, and fragrance. This stimulates

various visual and emotional interactions, providing users with a multidimensional spatial experience.

Waves, Nostalgia and New Homes

The design of the seaside park aims to promote mutual understanding between the Chinese and Javanese peoples and to develop tourism in Semarang.

The address of this program is Semarang, Indonesia. Semarang is the only city in Indonesia named after a Chinese figure, the maritime explorer Zheng He. Throughout history, many Chinese immigrants have moved to Semarang, established by Zheng He.

However, ethnic conflicts persist between the Chinese and the local Javanese people. I aim to convey through landscape design that this city was built collaboretively by two ethnic groups, emphsizing the need for harmonious coexistence rather than mutual animosity.