Soochow University | China
Dr. Nan Yang is an accomplished architect, researcher, and educator whose work bridges contemporary architectural innovation with vernacular tradition and sustainable design. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (2010–2012) and the University of Liverpool (2012–2014), both with First-Class Honours and RIBA Part I accreditation. He later completed his Master of Architecture at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (2014–2016), graduating with an excellent thesis score of 9/10. In 2024, Dr. Yang obtained his fully funded Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Liverpool, conducted at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Dr. Yang holds multiple professional certifications, including LEED AP BD+C (2017), Shanghai Intermediate Architectural Engineer (2020), and RIBA Chartered Architect (2021). His professional experience spans leading international design institutions such as MVRDV in Rotterdam, NTYPE Design in Chengdu, and architectural practices in Guangzhou, Kunming, Suzhou, and Shanghai. Since 2017, he has been a partner at Pingjie Design, while also serving as a design consultant for Shanghai Hengtai Architectural Design Consulting (2019–2024). In 2024, he joined Soochow University as a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Fellow. He has extensive teaching experience at Soochow University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China Academy of Art, and other top institutions, contributing as a design tutor, guest critic, researcher, and visiting scholar. Dr. Yang’s research focuses on contemporary vernacular architecture, adaptive construction, rural revitalization, spatial design, and emerging building technologies. His academic output includes numerous journal articles published in Architectural Journal, Sustainable Cities and Society, Huazhong Architecture, and other leading outlets. He has also contributed to international conferences, book chapters, and collaborative research projects, including studies on adaptive architecture and rural settlement design. He holds a utility patent for a 3D-printed component structural system. Dr. Yang’s design works and research have been showcased internationally, including at V2 Institute (Netherlands), Synthetic Lab (France), Huddersfield University (UK), Design Shanghai, and Suzhou Design Week. He has received over 40 awards such as the UIA-Hope Cup First Prize, Forbes China “30 Under 30” honoree (2021 cover figure), Active House Award, FA Young Designer TOP20, and multiple national design competition honors. Actively engaged in academic and professional communities, Dr. Yang serves as chief editor of UniDesignLab, editorial board member for several journals, competition juror, and mentor for youth rural development programs. His work continues to shape innovative, culturally rooted, and socially responsible architectural practices across China and beyond
Featured Publications
Yan Hainan, Yang Nan, Xiong Yimei (2018). The influence of the spatial characteristics of urban green space on the urban heat island effect… Sustainable Cities and Society
Ma Jiexin, Chen Fangbing, Chu Jianfei, Yang Nan (2018). Eutropia. City·Environment·Design, 12: 24–29.
Wang Jun, Chen Xing, Yang Nan (2020). Cultural Industry Development in Taohuawu… Huazhong Architecture, 38(01):83–86.