YUANYUAN YUKI CAO
PSOA25’ Post-Professional
RISD23’ BArch + BFA



ART

01 Crystalized Planes
02 The Livings
03 Upon Fingertips

ARCHITECTURE

01 Communal Housing for Martina Bustos
02 The Growing Slits
03 Flip Library
04 Atomic Apartment in Vacant Office
05 Futuristic Campus
06 Reinventing Four-sided Courtyard
07 Sea-salt Harvesting Factory
08 Time to Come Home!

FABRICATION

01 Amorphous Brick
02 Systems of Enclosures
03 Vaulting Walls

TECHNOLOGY & URBANISM

01 A City-walker’s Manual For Elderly
02 Re-imagining Tang Dynasty
03 Play!

Information
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Time to Come Home!Year: Spring 2024
Instructor: Lyndon Neri
Role: Group Work with Austin Hsu
Site: Guizhou China
“回家啦!” (Time to go home!) acts as a potent, three-word magical spell, deeply etched into the soul of every Chinese individual, evoking warmth and delight for the fortunate. Yet, for the less fortunate, this phrase transforms into a heavy burden, a curse that underscores the disparities between experiences, casting a shadow over what should be a universal sanctuary of joy. 

Through our design, we aim to reconcile with the land, honoring its past while paving the way for a future where every resident can say “回家啦!” with a genuine sense of belonging and joy. This project is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about building a home that embodies the spirit of resilience, unity, and pride—a sanctuary where the people of Guizhou can stand tall and reclaim their history, transforming their scars into casted badges of honor.













Team 5
Team 9



Limited by the land’s poor nutrient content, locals turned to cultivating resilient crops like peppers and tea, giving rise to a preference for spicy foods—a testament to the region’s enduring resilience. This history of exploitation and neglect by successive Chinese governments, from the Han Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, left Guizhou largely self-governed, its architecture reminiscent of fortresses as communities sought to protect themselves from higher grounds. 

Our project envisions more than just a transient haven for tourists; we aim to create a place where the people of Guizhou can truly feel at home, proud to share their heritage. Our design transcends the concept of a simple tea-hotel resort, envisioning a space that prioritizes the needs and pride of its inhabitants over the fleeting pleasures of visitors. In designing not for the transient but for the permanent, we embrace the deep scars of separation and suffering that mark Guizhou’s history. 

We strive to transcend the historical narrative of exploitation and neglect, transforming it into one of empowerment and pride. Our mission is to dismantle the cast of inferiority that has shadowed the hearts of Guizhou’s people, fostering a space where history is not erased but cherished.






















©YUANYUAN YUKI CAO
yc0361@princeton.edu
PSOA25’POST-PROFFESIONAL/RISD23’BARCH+BFA
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