Yujie Weng
Yujie from the University of Auckland
We are starting our first amazing work of the year —Yujie Weng from the University of Auckland!
Yujie shared the Centre for Appropriate Technology & Development (CATD), which he designed during D6. Read on to find out more!
KIA ORA, Yujie - What has been your favorite project so far? And Why?
My favorite piece in my portfolio is my Design 6 project, where we were tasked with reconstructing a series of architectural spaces for the Centre for Appropriate Technology & Development (CATD), a government-run training center in Fiji. Our goal was to create architecture that addresses Fiji's subtropical environment and frequent cyclones while providing spaces for the community to gather, sleep, work, and eat.
D6 CRIT
In the early stages, we conducted extensive research on natural materials such as earth, mud, bamboo, and stone, which allowed us to understand the strategies of these materials and their potential use in modern architecture. We also explored Fiji's climate, traditional architecture, and culture, learning how the people of Fiji live and what the core values of their culture are, in order to create architecture that honors both them and the land.
All of this research and exploration culminated in my final design: a gathering hall and dining space that embodies the Fijian cultural identity. By using traditional elements and materials, the design creates a communal space for gatherings, rituals, dining, and social interactions. Inspired by the Drua canoe and spirit houses (Bure Kalou), the hall fosters resilience and community while preserving cultural values within a flexible, climate-responsive, and symbolic structure.
What was your biggest challenge in your design journey, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my design journey, and for many others, is time management. By the end of a project, I’m always wishing I could have had more time to achieve a higher level of completion. The way I’ve learned to overcome this is by breaking down the work into small parts and listing them week by week. I keep track of my to-do list to ensure I make steady progress and never leave things until the last minute. However, since we only have one semester for each project and there are other things to do in our lives, it’s sometimes necessary to accept the imperfections in the outcome. It’s about finding a balance between striving for excellence and knowing when to move forward.
Have you learned any new skills or techniques that significantly improved your projects?
I wouldn't necessarily call it a new skill or technique, but during my third year, I had the opportunity to practice a lot with model-making. This is a crucial skill because models communicate so much about the space itself. Having a physical model enhances the design process—it allows you to rely less on renders and drawings (for example, I only had four drawings for my Design 6 pin-up). More importantly, a model enables physical interaction with the materiality and light quality of the space, which helps to convey the experience of the design in a more tangible and impactful way.
With your use of various mediums, such as realistic renders and physical models, how do you use them to convey your design concepts?
This is an interesting question. While many people may know me in the studio for my realistic photoshopped renderings or the models I create, these are the tools I find best for presenting the outcome of my design. What I enjoy more is using pen and paper to quickly jot down my ideas—sketching, scribbling, and making abstract lines to see if I can form a space from them. Sometimes, I even stack these drawings up, drawing over and over on butter paper to gradually transform abstract forms into a more defined architectural approach. Playing around with models is also very helpful—casting, cutting, and weaving. It allows me to feel the texture of materials or test out possible structures that those materials could create. I then sketched based on the physical models. In the early stages of design, I'm more focused on physical things that I can touch and manipulate, as this hands-on approach helps me better understand the spatial and material qualities of my ideas.
What advice or suggestions would you give to fellow students?
Enjoy the process of designing and making, and create spaces you’d love to be in. Focus on crafting designs that are interesting, emotionally engaging, and comfortable. Think less about saving the world with architecture. Be bold, trust your instincts, and remember to take breaks—eat, play, and sleep. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you step away and let your mind recharge.
