An Interview With Architect Yang Fei Of Field Object Lab - The Jury of Tree House 2024 Architecture Competition

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our jury member of the Tree House 2024 Architecture competition.

We’re delighted to speak with "Yang Fei", the founder and director at "Field Object Lab", an architecture and landscape design studio based in Boston and New York City, United States. He earned his Master's degree in Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, where his work was nominated for the 2020 James Templeton Kelley Prize. His designs have garnered notable recognitions, including the Architizer A+Awards and the Architecture Master Prize.  

For three years, Yang served as a project designer at Kohn Pedersen Fox, where he contributed to high-profile projects including the 11,650,000 sq. ft. HKUST Guangzhou Campus, the 528-meter-tall CITIC tower in Beijing and other large-scale urban developments. His career also spans practice in Boston, Shanghai, and Beijing. 

Yang sees architecture and space possess the capability to transcend the physical realm and awaken deep contemplation, ideas, memories, connections, and emotions among those who experience it. With this philosophy at the core, Field Object Lab undertakes projects that aim to create spaces that resonate with individuals, and leave a lasting impact.

We're excited to speak with him about his perspective on the field of architecture and their expectation from the participants of the Tree House 2024 Architecture Competition. For the purpose of this interview, he would be referred to as YF in responses, however, Volume Zero is referred to as VZ.

YF- Some of my favorite projects are adaptive reuse projects that breathe new life into existing structures while addressing contemporary social needs. One notable project is Symbiosis, which recontextualizes Kenzo Tange’s Kagawa Prefecture Gymnasium to address Japan’s aging society. The most exciting part was transforming the brutalist structure into an intergenerational living space. Adding a ring-shaped senior housing and integrating a senior center and daycare within the gymnasium fostered socialization and improved mental health for both the elderly and children. The terraced playground and translucent canopy created inviting spaces, balancing the original aesthetics with modern community needs.

Another favorite is A Field of the Ordinary at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris. The project’s unique appeal was in challenging traditional perceptions of "Exoticism" by introducing a "field" of native French trees amidst exotic collections. This created a contemplative and healing experience, mirroring the recovery from historical colonial impacts. Seeing visitors engage with the space in unexpected ways and fostering a deeper connection to the site's history was incredibly rewarding.

These projects showcase how adaptive reuse can preserve historical value while addressing contemporary challenges, creating spaces that deeply resonate with their communities.

YF- One of my most challenging projects was Maison Sedimentation in Montreal. This renovation of a historic townhouse involved overcoming several significant obstacles.

The topography of the sloping plot required careful design to ensure structural stability and accessibility while preserving the building’s historical integrity. Montreal's extreme weather conditions also posed challenges, necessitating advanced insulation and climate control solutions for year-round comfort and energy efficiency.

The structure itself needed reinforcement to meet modern safety standards without compromising its historical character. Working within these constraints while respecting the building’s heritage was a delicate balance.

YF- My advice to young architects is to embrace and leverage the power of technology, for example AIGC. I believe AI has immense potential for design exploration, allowing quick experimentation and refinement of ideas. However, it's essential to bind this technology with your unique design sensibilities. Use it as an ally to enhance your vision and streamline processes, not as a replacement for your creativity.

YF- For Tree House 2024, I expect proposals that emphasize the profound relationship between people and nature, creating spaces that are both inspiring and refreshing. I would love to see designs that integrate seamlessly with the natural environment, promoting sustainability while capturing a sense of freedom and adventure. The spatial experience could be immersive, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors to nurture and heal occupants. The goal is to craft sanctuaries that inspire wonder, rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, and provide a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty.

YF- Often, structural elements are overlooked in favor of aesthetics, but it’s crucial to create a design that is both functional and harmonious with its natural surroundings. The key challenge I found is developing a structure that is lightweight, seamlessly integrated into the environment, and preserves the health and integrity of the woods. This requires innovative thinking and careful selection of materials and construction techniques.

YF- My approach would incorporate modular and kinetic elements, allowing the structure to adapt to various needs and functions, whether as a retreat, workspace, or social hub. The design would prioritize natural light, sustainable materials, and thoughtful spatial layouts to promote well-being and a deep connection to the environment.