Yuchen (Derek) Liu
Student Architect, Spatial Researcher & Inclusive Interaction Designer
Biography & Architectural Statement
“My architectural pursuit began not with blueprints, but with a fascination for structural tension — why the stone ribbing of a medieval cathedral evokes transcendence, while the neon concrete chasm of a cyberpunk megastructure evokes alienation and longing. Architecture is the physical vessel of collective belief.”
Yuchen (Derek) Liu is currently an 11th-grade student at Lexington High School in Massachusetts, following foundational training in mathematics and fine arts at Shanghai Shangde Experimental School. His primary academic and prospective field is Architecture, where he explores the deconstruction and hybrid synthesis of Gothic spatial mechanics and cyberpunk futurism.
Beyond physical model prototyping, spatial lighting tests, and publishing his original book Awakening Architecture: Beyond Cyberpunk, Derek's original physical architectural sculpture was auctioned at the 2026 New England Music Festival Charity Gala to fund cancer research, covered in a television broadcast feature by Boston Asian Radio & TV (BARTV).
Simultaneously, Derek demonstrates proven interdisciplinary engineering and leadership: in tech, as Design & UX Lead for CARE (Cinema Access & Rendering for Everyone), he secured U.S. National Innovator Challenge (NIC) Winner and Live Finals Nominee honors; in leadership, he led Team 29 to capture the sole championship Excellence in Presentation distinction at the Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC).
Monograph: Awakening Architecture: Beyond Cyberpunk
Authored by Yuchen Liu. Published by Island Books (June 2026). An architectural theoretical monograph exploring post-industrial spatial philosophy, spiritual sanctuary, and human identity.
“At a time when algorithmic optimization risks erasing human intuition, Yuchen Liu's 'Awakening Architecture' offers a rigorous philosophical antidote. By colliding the sacred soaring ribs of medieval cathedrals with the dystopian grids of cyberpunk cinema, Derek crafts a lucid manifesto for emotional sanctuary.”
Theoretical Core & Chapters
Synthesizing cinematic spatial languages with architectural history, Derek argues that speculative futures require more than utilitarian efficiency—they demand spatial transcendence. In the cold neon-rain megastructures of Blade Runner, Dune, and Elden Ring, space consistently exercises emotional mastery over human inhabitants.
The book formalizes the concept of 'Awakening Space'—breaking synthetic alienation through tectonic translucency, lightweight hybrid frameworks, and poetic shadow control, reinfusing the essential 'shine of humanity' into speculative habitats.
Physical Models & Spatial Light Experiments from the Book
Gothic-Punk Prototype Iteration 03
Laser-cut timber and acrylics deconstructing Gothic flying buttresses.
7-Stage Light Experiment
Observing chromatic refraction and shadow dissipation to validate theory.
Dune & Blade Runner Spatial Concept
Digital concept art exploring corporate towers and ritual sanctuaries.
Explore Derek's Core Academic Domains
Each domain is presented in an independent dedicated page. Click below to inspect in-depth models, videos, and credentials:
Architecture & Spatial Tectonics
Gothic-Punk spatial models, light & shadow tests, monograph 'Awakening Architecture', hand drawings, drone telemetry, 9-page portfolio reader & PDF download.
Inclusive Technology: Team CARE
As Design & UX Lead, led React/TS front-end engineering for adaptive cinema accessibility, WCAG 2.2 AA standard, U.S. NIC Winner & videos.
Honors, Leadership & HCBC
Harvard Crimson HCBC sole 'Excellence in Presentation' winner, Team 29 field records at Harvard Yard, NIC certificates and honors matrix.
Structural Deconstruction: Tectonic Rigor
Reconstructing Gothic flying buttresses and ribbed vaults with industrial cyberpunk fragmentation. Physical model incorporates laser-cut acrylics, tensile cords, and chromatic films.
Awakening Architecture: Beyond Cyberpunk
Authored by Yuchen Liu, published by Island Books (June 2026). Explores post-industrial spatial philosophy, algorithmic order, and emotional sanctuaries across Blade Runner, Dune, and Elden Ring.
CARE: Cinema Access for Everyone
Intelligent accessibility streaming player designed for low-vision, deaf, and elderly viewers with dynamic balancing and WCAG 2.2 AA conformance.
Harvard HCBC: Sole Presentation Honor
At Harvard Crimson Business Competition, Derek led Team 29 to capture the sole championship award evaluated on poise, clarity, and collaborative agility.
