Alex Ching-Chen Liu

Alex Ching-Chen Liu (he/him) is a Taiwanese registered architect currently pursuing the Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University GSAPP.

Building upon a solid foundation in architectural practice, his work approaches architecture as an act of integration—engaging urban context, site history, and environmental conditions to reorganize the relationships between built space and human activity. Prior to joining GSAPP, he worked as a senior architectural designer at JJP Architects + Planners, one of Taiwan’s leading firms, contributing to projects including industrial adaptive reuse, office complexes, and university laboratory buildings. Through both built and speculative work, he continues to explore architecture as a tool for addressing environmental and social issues.

Beyond architectural practice, he actively explores graphic and visual approaches to representing design ideas. Through drawing, photography, publications, and mixed media, he continues to challenge conventional modes of architectural representation.

Education
Columbia University GSAPP (New York)
Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, 2025-2026
National Cheng Kung University (Tainan, Taiwan)
Bachelor of Architecture, 2016-2021

Experience

Columbia University GSAPP (New York)
Teaching Assistant for Architectural Drawing and Representation I & II, 2025-
Student Photographer, 2025-

JJP Architects + Planners (Taipei, Taiwan)
Senior Architecture Designer, 2022-2025

Zhaoyang Architects (Dali, China)
Architecture Design Intern, 2019-2020

AMBi Studio (Taichung, Taiwan)
Architecture Design Intern, 2018

Publications

Among Things, B-SIDE(Columbia GSAPP), 2025
Production Editor

The Ideas of Ordinary Objects, Studio Tngtetshiu, 2020
Research Contributor

License
Registered Architect of Taiwan, 2024-

Contact
Email / alexchingchenliu@gmail.com
LinkedIn / Ching-Chen Liu
Instagram / alexdoublechen

© Alex CC Liu 2026

Hsinchu Cultural and Creative Museum

Year
2022-

Project Type
Professional Work (JJP Architects + Planners)

Design Phase
Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents

Site Location
Hsinchu, Taiwan

Project Architect
Joshua Jih Pan (FAIA), Yen-Chih Tseng

Team Member
I-Li Mao, Ping Chen, Luke C.Y. Chen, William Chen

Award
2022 THE PLAN Award (Renovation / Future) - Shortlisted

Project Website
Hsinchu Cultural and Creative Museum Renovation and Expansion (ROT)

How can architecture balance memory and innovation to reshape city’s cultural landscape?

Inspired by the concept of "Cloudy Hills," the design preserves the traditional architectural essence while incorporating steel structures to achieve a lightweight and airy aesthetic in pure white. This approach seamlessly integrates new spatial volumes and functions, molding the form and character of the Hsinchu Cultural and Creative Museum with a fresh perspective on urban living and spatial dynamics.

In a three-person team, I was responsible for concept drawings, design development, BIM modeling, and detailed drawings throughout the SD, DD, and CD phases.

From Warehouse to Cultural Hub
Originally a Japanese colonial-era warehouse with a distinctive arched roof, the building had fallen into disrepair. Through public–private revitalization, it will be integrated with nearby cultural sites to form a new cultural and artistic district—housing retail, exhibitions, dining, and creative offices as a hub for innovative industries in the urban science park.

Existing steel structure

Demolished!

Low impact extension

Shifting upper volume

Enliven the facade with boxes

Reconnecting public spaces

Section Detail of Old–New Relationship