We’re delighted to speak with "Chenchen Hu", founding partner of HCCH Studio. He received a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Tongji University in Shanghai. Before founding HCCH Studio, he was Chinese representative architect of Abalos Sentkiewicz Arquitectos in Cambridge and assistant partner of Atelier Deshaus in Shanghai.
HCCH is founded by Hao Chen and Chenchen Hu in Shanghai, 2018. Focusing on multi-disciplinary practice of everyday life, their work covers architecture, interiors, and public art. They try to push the boundary of discipline and norm, by exploring specific, innovative, and challenging action, to inspire lasting positive environmental and societal engagement.
We're excited to speak with him about his perspective on the field of architecture and his expectations from the participants of the
Tiny Library 2025 Architecture Competition. For the purpose of this interview, he would be referred to as CH in responses, however, Volume Zero is referred to as VZ.
Twisted Brick Shell Concept Library
Twisted Brick Shell Concept Library by HCCH Studio
VZ- What are some of your favorite projects/projects that you worked on? (What were the most exciting parts about it)
CH- Projects in extremely natural settings are attractive to us, like the ecological infrastructures upon the sea of Shanghai. After all architecture is a man-made space offering safety and comfort for human beings. These projects are tiny tests jumping out of the boundaries of our comfortable zones, totally exposed to the grand nature.
VZ- What has been your most challenging project? (What were the challenges faced with topography, local climate, structure, clients, people, etc.)
CH- The twisted brick shell. The subversive tectonics of brick structure was the great chanllenge, giving the low budget and less experienced workers.
Renovation of a Hoffmann Kiln
Renovation of a Hoffmann Kiln by HCCH Studio
VZ- What would be your word of advice for all the young budding students and architects who are looking to make a mark in this professional world?
CH- Work solid, imagine bold.
VZ- What are you expecting from the proposal and the participants for the Tiny Library 2025? Example: Concept, Spatial Design, Site-Selection, Functionality
CH- I'm looking forward to bold and creative designs that challenge the way of reading in physical space.
Renovation of Shanghai Relay Factory
Renovation of Shanghai Relay Factory by HCCH Studio
VZ- Is there any aspect of the brief that appeals to you the most or do you find it the most challenging? Example: Area restriction, Spatial Adaptability, Functionality, and The overall experience of a Tiny Library.
CH- The balances between the pragmatic and the imaginative could be interesting.
VZ- Explain your perspective when designing a Tiny Library in today's day & age. Example: How would you approach this?
CH- I guess the minimum space for a library could be a set of table and chair that allow a single person sit and read. There are many directions. It can be super lightweight, or foldable and wearable, etc.
Login with Google 
Login with Facebook 
