Alex Ching-Chen Liu

Alex Ching-Chen Liu (he/him) is a Taiwanese architect currently pursuing the Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University GSAPP. His work explores architecture as a continuum bridging past, present, and future, with a focus on adaptive reuse, urban regeneration and climate consciousness. Before joining GSAPP, he was a senior architectural designer at JJP Architects + Planners, one of Taiwan’s leading firms, where he contributed to a wide range of projects, including industrial adaptive reuse, office complexes, and sustainable laboratory designs. Beyond architecture, he is also an passionate photographer, using the lens as another medium to explore space, memory, and everyday life.

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, 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

License
Registered Architect of Taiwan, 2024-

Contact

Email / cl4735@columbia.edu

LinkedIn / Ching Chen Liu

Instagram / alexdoublechen

© Alex CC Liu 2025

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