Dongqi Chen: HM of the Market 2.0

+ Dongqi Chen 🇨🇳

Honourable Mention of the Market 2.0: Circular Economy Hub

Portfolio: https://www.non-a.com/members/dqchen/portfolio/

1) Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Dongqi Chen is an innovative professional specializing in the fields of architecture and visualization. His work is characterized by a deep exploration of alternative connections between the place and occasion. Chen is a dedicated architectural designer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Chicago, where he engages in a diverse portfolio encompassing cultural and commercial projects. Notably, he is an honored member of the Metropolis Future 100 and is recognized for his prolific contributions, which have been featured across various prominent platforms.

2) What inspired you for the Market 2.0?

When it comes to the injustices in this world, architecture is a powerful means of intervening in conflicts and alleviating the current situation. The market, as a place for fair exchange of material and information, is a highly symbolic example for the solution of architecture.

3) Can you describe any particular challenges you faced during the design process and how
you overcame them?

The theming of the market. I don’t want it to be overly romantic or to avoid the harsh reality of the site in a surreal way. Choosing a theme that aligns with the local characteristics of the circular economy, while providing practical solutions, also addresses the competition’s emphasis on placemaking.

4) How do you think your educational background or professional experiences influenced your winning design?

Both my academic and professional experiences taught me to focus on material. Materials are the most direct impressions on the users. And also critical in the visualization of competitions.

5) What advice would you give to students or young professionals looking to excel in architecture competitions?

I would suggest starting with digging deeper into the on-site situations. Certain researches can play an important role throughout the process.

6) What are your future aspirations in the field of architecture?

I would love to travel to all the places where the projects I was involved in were built.