Alex Ching-Chen Liu

Alex Ching-Chen Liu (he/him) is a licensed architect in Taiwan and holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University GSAPP.

His work approaches architecture as an act of integration, engaging history, culture, and the existing fabric of cities. Across academic research and professional practice, he explores how existing infrastructure and urban conditions can be reimagined to enable new ways of living, with a particular interest in adaptive reuse.

Working across drawing, photography, publication, exhibition, and installation, Alex brings a multidisciplinary approach to communicating design ideas and continues to challenge conventional modes of architectural representation. He also teaches at Columbia University, where he remains actively engaged in architectural education.

His work has recently been exhibited at AIA Los Angeles and longlisted for the ArchDaily Student Project Awards.

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

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners (New York)
Architectural Designer, 2026-

Columbia University GSAPP (New York)
Teaching Associate II, 2026
Teaching Assistant for Architectural Drawing and Representation I & II, 2025-2026
Student Photographer, 2025-2026

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

Exhibition

WILDLANDS: Stories From the Wildland Urban Interface, AIA Los Angeles, 2026
Exhibition Design Lead
Climates ↔ Models ↔ Images, Prime Produce, 2025
Participating Artist

NCKU Thesis Summer Exhibition, Online Exhibition, 2021
Exhibition Installation Team

Publication

Among Things, B-SIDE(Columbia GSAPP), 2025
Production Editor
Ephemeral Conditions, B-SIDE(Columbia GSAPP), 2026
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)

Site Location
Hsinchu, Taiwan

Team
Joshua Jih Pan , Yen-Chih Tseng, I-Li Mao, Ping Chen, Luke C.Y. Chen

Project Role
- Developed building permit documentation
- Produced presentation diagrams for client meetings and award submissions
- Coordinated MEP, structural, and façade engineering systems
- Contributed to detailing including floor plans, staircases, and façades
- Produced BIM-based construction documentation

Award
2022 THE PLAN Award - Renovation/Future - Shortlist
2023 International Architecture Awards - Honorable Mention

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

Reactivating abandoned warehouse in city edge.

Inspired by the concept of "Cloudy Hills", the design preserves the existing warehouse while introducing lightweight white steel structures to create an airy and contemporary spatial character. New volumes and functions are carefully integrated with the old structure, allowing memory and innovation to coexist. Through this dialogue between old and new, the Hsinchu Cultural Museum is reshaped as an evolving cultural landscape, offering a renewed perspective on urban living and spatial dynamics.

Existing steel structure

Demolished!

Low impact extension

Breaking down main volume

Enliven facade with boxes

Connecting open spaces

Main Section

Creating Dialogue between Old and New
At the junction between the new and existing structures, the design goes beyond basic waterproofing details to create a dialogue between old and new. Beneath the cantilevered volume above, a mirrored ceiling is introduced to reflect the existing roofscape and surrounding environment. A framed opening is also created at this transition, allowing visitors to experience this unique visual relationship between the two structures.

Construction Site Photo (taken in July 2024)