Biography

Dr. Gao is both a scholar and an architect who operates at the intersection of academia and professional practice. He has established himself as one of leading scholars in China for pioneering computational methodologies in architectural design and research. His expertise lies in synthesising data-driven digital design with material-informed physical fabrication, advancing architectural solutions that reconcile measurable performance with intangible socio-cultural values within urban contexts with extremely high-density. 

Dr. Gao’s research and design practice focus on achieving balanced socio-economic and environmental sustainability for highly complex urban projects. He addresses future uncertainties inherent in rapid development, generating innovative design concepts through rigorous investigations into the interplay of spatial value, programmatic planning, commercial viability, and operational potential within specific project contexts. His work is theoretically grounded in the development of Deep Design for Empathetic Architecture – a PhD thesis deeply rooted in Oriental intellectual traditions. This approach harnesses the inherent propensity of space and form to evolve, emphasising adaptability and resonance throughout a building's lifespan amidst hyper-complex conditions. 

His practice-oriented research critically examines the application of computational design across disciplines to address tangible challenges in shaping future human habitats. This scholarly leadership is further evidenced by significant curatorial contributions, including the 'Contemporary Chinese Architecture Exhibition' (London, 2012), the exhibition design for the 'Synergy & Symbiosis' China Pavilion at the 2014 Venice Biennale, and co-curating Unplugged for the 2021 Shenzhen-Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Architecture & Urbanism (Pingshan). Dr. Gao’s standing in the field is marked by numerous prestigious international design awards. He is a Founding Council Member of the Digital Architecture Design Association (China) and served as Program Director of the AA Visiting School in China from 2010. 

Education 

· 2019.12–2024.6 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology，Higher Degree Research in School of Architecture and Urban Design, PhD

· 2003.09–2005.6 Architectural Association School in London，Design Research Laboratory in Architecture and Urban Design, M.Arch

· 1997.09–2002.6 Tsinghua University, School of Architecture , B.Arch 

Professional Experience 

2025.4- now, Institute of Future Human Habitats, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Architecture and Urban Design, Associate professor 

2020.10-2025.3 Institute of Future Human Habitats, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Architecture and Urban Design, Adjunct Associate professor 

2020.10-2025.3 Shenzhen E+iDEA Architectural Design Ltd., Founding Partner, Principal Architect 

2017.9-2019.8 Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Senior Lecturer 

2010.1-2017.8 Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Assistant Professor 

2008.9-2009.8 Cystal Digital Technology Ltd., UK, Architectural Director 

2007.9-2008.8 AA School in London, UK, Design Tutor 

2005.4-2008.8 Marks Barfield Architects, Architectural Designer

Current Courses 

· Architecture Design Studio, M.Arch1 

· Introduction to Modern Architecture (Foundation Course) 

· Final Design Thesis of M.Arch

Research Interests 

Prof. Gao research focus is Architectural (Digital) Design and Intelligent Making upon Engineering Information Platform. There are three sub-directions under this research focus: 

 1. Deep Design for Empathetic Architecture (Theory for Design Practice) It explores the invisible forces shaping architectural form, integrating them into practice through philosophical, technological, and cultural research. This approach fosters creative, socially valuable design in response to China’s rapid urbanization. The theory has been presented at academic forums including RMIT’s Asian Urbanism and Architecture course and Shenzhen University’s Contemporary Architectural Frontier Lecture Series. The related doctoral dissertation was selected for inclusion in RMIT’s book Practice Research. The Asian City, featuring 19 standout projects from 12 years. This work has received multiple design awards, and in 2022, the Empathetic Architecture concept guided the co-curation of the Pingshan sub-venue Dawan Unplugged for the Shenzhen/Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale with architects Liu Xiaodu and Richard Hsu. The exhibition was later selected for the China Artists Association’s inaugural Public Art Exhibition. 

2. DfMA and Intelligent Making Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is key to transitioning construction into productization, using smart manufacturing to reshape the industry. This research rethinks current architectural practice and embraces intelligent industrialization through Industry 4.0 and digital design. It combines mass customization and open-source design with traditional Chinese timber wisdom to reinterpret product design concepts—modulus, modules, combinatory variation, performance—enabling innovative product development that integrates design and manufacturing. Outcomes include the Yidian series (Shanghai Lüe Hai Group) and the CARI series (TransFor Space Tech). Yidian is China’s first fully reversible building system using oriented recombinant bamboo and all-mortise-tenon structure, enabling rapid, eco-friendly assembly without trace. 

3. Big Design Based on Digital Engine Platform The Digital Engine Laboratory develops human-centric, industrialized digital platforms to support cross-industry development, product R&D, and creative engineering. Through humanities-driven technological research, it focuses on system innovation design, smart manufacturing, and sustainable construction across diverse typologies. The lab integrates modular architecture, dynamic resource allocation, and AI collaboration to enable multi-scenario creative workflows. It aims to build an intelligent tech ecosystem for digital production while exploring cross-industry applications—in gaming, film, fashion, automotive, architecture, and urbanism—and expanding digital engine technologies into human habitat design and industrial manufacturing. The goal is to create replicable, scalable frameworks for creative industrialized production.

Awards and Honors 

2025 Final Shortlisted, WAF (World Architecture Festival) Completed Buildings – School, Heping Middle School. 

2023 Excellence Prize, Architecture (Professional), A&D China Awards and Trophy Award, Fengdong Football Park, in Best Communal Space Category. 

2023 Gold Award, CRED AWARD 2022-2023 (Future Projects), Xián International Football Center (Co-designed with ZHA). 

2023 Gold Award for Learning Space Design, Asia Educational Environment Design Awards, HEPING Experimental Primary School LONGHUA SHENZHEN.

2022 Gold Medal, Architecture (Professional), A&D China Awards and Trophy Award, eKontrol High-tech Park, in Best Workplace Category. 

2022 First Prize, Chong Qing Tongji Xiehe Hospital (Province Level Significant Project), in collaboration with Southwest Architecture Design Institute. 

2022 Design Excellence Shortlisted for Final stage, China Award by WAF (Future Projects), Luohu 1+1 Cultural Complex. 

2020 Gold Medal, A&D Architecture Trophy Award 2020, Vanke Cloud Deign Commune, Office Category. 

2020 First Prize, Xián International Football Center International Design Competition, Selected as the final winner, co-designed with Zaha Hadid Architects.

2019 First Prize, Chengdu Metro No.6 Line Station Design, Selected as the final winner, co-designed with HCD Beijing and Guang Tian Ltd. 

2019 Second Prize, Shenzhen Children Hospital International Design Competition, Co-designed with HCD Beijing and BIAD Ltd. 

2018 Second Prize, Chengdu Nature and Science Museum International Design Competition, Co-designed with Zaha Hadid Architects 

2014 Top Prize, “Super City” International Competition, Competition Promoter: Urban Planning Land and Resources Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, eMerging Sci-Garden City, ), in collaboration with Huahui Design Co., Ltd. 

2014 40 Under 40, Award under The Architecture Category, Recognizing High-flying Design Talents of Today & Tomorrow in Asia, organized by Perspective Magazine. 

2014 First Prize, Design Ideas Competition for Preservation Corridor for Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Remnants, Competition Promotor: Civil Engineering and Development Department, Architectural Services Department, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Engineers, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, The Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design.