Interview with Zhang Jinyu

Zhang Jinyu ("ZJ") interviewed on Wednesday, 6 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

ZJ : I was born in China and started my architectural learning journey at South China University of Technology. I then started studying graduate architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. My career began with the end of undergraduate. I entered the Guangzhou IAPA company internship, and continuously participated in a series of design competitions and personal commissioned design. At the same time, his works have participated in many architectural model exhibitions. I have been exposed to design work from many different fields, and my design ability has grown. Years of study and practice made me more firm in the road of architectural design.

How did you become a designer?

ZJ : The love of new things and the pursuit of quality of life made me understand that art and design can also strongly affect life. I hope my design can give more users benefits or reflection.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

ZJ : My design style includes many reinterpretations of art. The public has no interest in the history of art. But my design can give them a sense of participation and identity. People and architecture, architecture and environment have never been an isolated topic.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

ZJ : Emotions are cyclical. From the initial excitement of inspiration to the patience of advancing, these are the processes that each project must go through. I am often dissatisfied with my design and will often reflect on it and view my design in a comprehensive manner.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

ZJ : As an architectural student who has stepped out of the traditional Chinese education system, he is now studying further in the rich artistic and cultural atmosphere of Milan. Careful observation and thinking of the living environment made me embark on the path of becoming an architect. I have tried many hobbies since I was very young, but only painting and art have remained until now. It is the persistence from the past to the present that shaped my future career plan.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

ZJ : In the future, I plan to apply for a job in the United States. My experience of studying in Europe made me want to reach a more mature market.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

ZJ : Believe in your interesting idea, and realize it, spread it.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

ZJ : Good work habits and communication are sometimes more important than design skills.

What is your day to day look like?

ZJ : My day is usually short, and design and reading take up most of the time. I occasionally paint to express my emotions.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

ZJ : It is a design that follows the development of technology. Design interprets new technologies in better ways, which is also the task of good designers.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

ZJ : Whether a good design is simple but perfectly solves the problem of the venue. Not an elusive result.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

ZJ : The design doesn't seem to be fully mature. Even if it's completed, the building is still grown by him.

What is your biggest design work?

ZJ : I used to work for a while at IAPA in Guangzhou, where I met colleagues with high ability. See more possibilities during the cooperation.

Who is your favourite designer?

ZJ : Recently, Siza. His work represents the highest regional masterpiece. And as a young architect, his work has high learning value.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

ZJ : The lifestyle of construction practitioners is more of a long-term work, which requires you to have a very high enthusiasm. The way I keep this passion is to record my interesting inspirations and read more at any time. Reading allows you to maximize your imagination, and the power of words is enormous.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

ZJ : A mature process of work is necessary. It makes the completion of cooperation and design more efficient. But like-minded work colleagues are the core of the design.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

ZJ : I once participated in the project of the Singapore Elasticity Competition. The project location was set up in a flood-affected area in Indonesia. Poverty and environmental problems broke out in this place, and it was more difficult to update the design. I think the thinking of our young designers can enrich the views of the industry.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

ZJ : In the process of participating in the competition, I learned to use more professional and thoughtful words to introduce my plan. Disseminating and explaining your own design is an important skill.

Zhang Jinyu Profile