Exploring Design’s Depth: A Conversation with Xuechen Chen, Founder of X.C Studio

Hi, I'm Xuechen Chen, an architect and designer based in New York. I was born in China and earned my B. ARCH degree from Pratt Institute. Following that, I pursued an M. Design degree at the University of Pennsylvania, delving into the theoretical and conceptual aspects of design. My background has significantly influenced my perspective, fostering a deep appreciation for the cultural and social dimensions of architecture.

Drawing inspiration from diverse urban environments, I am particularly intrigued by the relationships between cities and the nuanced experiences of their connection to their surroundings. This multidimensional background is the cornerstone of my design inspiration, blending technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to the cultural richness, social impact, and intricate dynamics of urban life.

Recently, I founded my own studio, X.C Studio, in 2020. Over the years, I have contributed to several leading architecture firms, and my work often explores the intersection of architecture, culture, and innovation. My designs have been internationally recognized, including multiple awards such as the MUSE Gold Award.

Becoming an architect and designer felt like the natural path for me since I was young. When I was growing up, I always had a deep appreciation for art, and witnessing the urban reconstruction process in China strongly influenced my personal aspiration of becoming an architect. By observing the disregard for cultural and human aspects in the reconstruction, I recognised the power of creativity to extend beyond purely function or aesthetics.

It resonates deeply with our human experiences, emotions, and connection to the urban landscape. Balancing both function and aesthetics in my designs, I aim to blend creativity with practicality, reflecting the evolving urban relationships and my dedication to purposeful design.

X.C Studio, which I founded in 2020, focuses on creating thoughtful and innovative designs that span architecture, product design, and cultural installations. As the principal designer, my work is deeply rooted in contextual analysis, aiming to enhance the cultural and civic value of every project.

This venture allows me to channel my passion for architecture into a more personalised and specialised approach, focusing on projects that contribute to the civic and cultural fabric of our communities. This new endeavour represents a meaningful step in my career, enabling me to bring a distinctive vision to the forefront of architectural design.

Design, to me, is the art of problem-solving. It’s a process of understanding needs, constraints, and aspirations to create something that is not only functional but also emotionally resonant.

I gravitate toward designs that seamlessly blend aesthetics and utility, particularly those that have a strong narrative or cultural significance. They challenge conventions and inspire new perspectives.

A good design solves a problem effectively while resonating emotionally with its users. It’s timeless, sustainable, and rooted in its context, enhancing the human experience.

The Folding Boat emerged from the concept of adaptability and exploration. Inspired by origami, I wanted to create a design that is both functional and symbolic, representing resilience and the spirit of discovery, communication and connectivity.

The sloping typology of the site and the intricate beauty of origami-inspired the Folding Boat. I aimed to capture the elegance of folded structures while ensuring practical functionality in their design.

Absolutely. Growing up in China has deeply influenced my design philosophy, particularly the emphasis on harmony with nature and the interplay of tradition and modernity.

Winning the 2024 London Design Awards is a deeply personal achievement and such a deep pride for both myself and my projects. It's not just a recognition of my hard work; it's a validation of my passion for design. This honour serves as a personal motivation for me to continue exploring. It's a reminder that and encourages me to infuse even more effort into the future projects.

The Folding Boat is a transformative design that pushes the boundaries of the conventional notion of a static object. Its innovative structure and cultural symbolism made it a fitting candidate for the London Design Awards, celebrating excellence in design.

The primary challenge was achieving structural integrity without compromising the lightweight and foldable nature of the design. The different integrations of materials are also a challenge. Luckily, we had help from different experts who helped us to find solutions for them.

Winning this award is not only a valuable recognition of my design efforts but also a powerful source of self-motivation. This acknowledgement definitely encourages me to push more creative boundaries and strive for excellence in future projects.

Professionally, it could hopefully open doors to more exciting opportunities and collaborations. Overall, this achievement fuels my passion for design, and I look forward to making a lasting impact on the evolving landscape of architecture and creativity.

Creativity, Diverse Challenges, and Passion.

The Folding Boat’s fusion of functionality, sustainability, and cultural storytelling distinguishes it from others. Its innovative structure and symbolic essence make it a unique contribution to design.

I am confident that the booming wave of technology will significantly shift our design approach towards a more technology-oriented direction, emphasising AI, AR, and VR. There are already numerous tools available to support this transition, and I firmly believe that we are only at the beginning of this transformative journey.

Stay curious and open to learning.

Surrounding yourself with a community of creatives is invaluable.

The Folding Boat’s design was partly inspired by my childhood fascination with paper boats and the dreams they carried on water.

My parents have been a great inspiration, instilling in me the values of perseverance and creativity. In the design world, Zaha Hadid’s fearless innovation deeply resonates with me.

Always keep questioning and challenging norms.

I would like to thank the London Design Awards for this incredible recognition and extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey. It’s a reminder that design has the power to connect, inspire, and create a better future.