HCCH Studio is an architectural firm based in Shanghai, established in 2018 by Hao Chen and Chenchen Hu. The founders are both Harvard GSD alumni with Master’s degrees of Architecture in Urban Design and hold Bachelor’s degrees in architecture from Tongji University. The firm integrates architecture, interiors, and public art, focusing on innovative design practices that promote environmental and societal well-being. HCCH Studio is known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture to create impactful, sustainable designs.
What inspires you?
Seeing, reading, and traveling constantly inspire us: to see the neighborhood where we encounter daily life; to read about emerging architecture and art worldwide; to travel to landscapes far away, historic buildings that survived today, and the works of architects we admire.
What inspired you to become an architect?
The golden age of China’s real estate just became history. It was the financial crisis when we graduated from college in 2009, and many of our peers either changed careers or considered leaving the industry. We chose to work as architects because of our original passion. It stems from our teenage years: architecture has a stronger visual focus than engineering and more rationality and objectivity than art. Of course, becoming an artist would also be wonderful. Artistic creation can be spontaneous, and artists probably don’t require too much excessive reliance on others than architects—this is something we often admire about artists.
What is HCCH Studio’s design philosophy and key influences and how did these evolve?
Big cities like Shanghai, where we grew up and lived, and ones where we studied, such as Boston and Vienna, have shaped us. We learned to find inner peace and joy within the intricate networks of big cities. This has also led us to favor complex design challenges—the more complex they are, the more they spark our creativity and inspiration.
What is your favorite project and why does it stand out?
To be honest, we don’t have a single favorite one. After all, architecture is always a project of regret—each one has its share of shortcomings, and these are often only noticed by the architect. If we had to say which project stands out the most, it would be the Twisted Brick Shell. The design subverts the common tectonic of brick construction, and seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional materials, creating a bold fusion of styles.
What is your favorite architectural detail?
For us, a favorite detail doesn’t need to be extremely refined—we prefer one that is unconventional. For example, in PRISM, polycarbonate panels are stacked horizontally with edges exposed. The panels are offset on their edge one to another, which helps to avoid aligning material while generating a visual effect recalling masonry. The plastic masonry is lit from within, amplifying its shiny and floating materiality and futuristic atmosphere.
Do you have a favorite material?
No, we enjoy working with different materials—brick, plastic, aluminum panels, and membranes are the ones we frequently use. We hope to have opportunities to explore the potential of ordinary materials and innovative tectonics. We are also very interested in contemporary techniques such as 3D printing. For example, we used 3D-printed plastic for one of our installation projects, and we have also designed 3D-printed concrete projects. However, in China, no client has yet dared to let us experiment with unconventional forms.
What is your process for starting a new project?
Most of our projects are located in Shanghai. Recently, the Shanghai government released a policy that halts the development of new commercial land, making developers focus on adaptive re-use projects. As a result, most of the projects in the city center we encounter are renovations. Our feelings about these projects are quite mixed—unlike new buildings, where the design of form can be more free, adaptive re-use is more about listing a series of problems and finding the best solution. Aside from relying on intuition on-site, we are skilled at organizing the constraints and finding breakthroughs.
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your designs?
Creativity and practicality are not contradictory. We always seek creativity based on practicality, so there is no need to balance. We have great respect for the brief and the client—this is the duty of a professional architect. Not all creative ideas require higher costs. Of course, not every project aligns perfectly with the client’s vision, but we always communicate thoroughly with them and, within the constraints, create possibilities that we believe are valuable.
What role does the surrounding environment play in your architectural projects?
Architectural design is a work based on physical space and the tectonic of materiality. The surrounding environment serves as both a container for our work and the work itself.
How do you approach working with clients to understand their needs and visions?
Currently, all our clients are in the same location as us, so we communicate face-to-face frequently and thoroughly. Of course, human diversity means that the communication cost varies for each project. We respect each individual and start to design to meet the client’s needs.
What architectural trends or movements do you find most inspiring?
Historic trends or movements are outdated. We find that what is happening now or in development is far more inspiring. Current developments bring vitality to spaces while retaining an element of mystery that makes us curious about the future.
What new directions or architectural innovations is HCCH Studio currently exploring?
We enjoy trying different types of architecture, but we never describe HCCH as experimental architects. The term “experimental” tends to scare off most regular clients, and we are not a team that is solely focused on researching cutting-edge technologies. The Yangtze River Delta, where Shanghai is located, is a culturally and economically developed area with a rich tradition of craftsmanship as well as being the most industrialized region in China. Our interest lies in studying local culture and finding contemporary expressions within globalization.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects?
First, discover yourself—understand what suits you and what you are looking for. Architecture is an ancient profession that has experienced glorious times, and fortunately, it will not disappear. We believe that creating novel forms and spaces on Earth is a wonderful and valuable endeavor, and we hope you think the same.
