Feng Deng | Architecture | Innovative Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feng Deng | Architecture | Innovative Research Award

Associate Professor | Tongji University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feng Deng is an Associate Professor at Tongji University and a National First-Class Registered Architect specializing in sustainable architecture and low-carbon urban-rural development. Her research integrates green buildings, nearly zero-energy housing, rural revitalization, and adaptive spatial renewal through GIS-based analysis and quantitative morphology. She has published more than 40 indexed academic papers and authored several influential books on ecological architecture and shared design. According to available Scopus data, her publications have received over 60 citations with an h-index of 2, reflecting growing international recognition in sustainable architectural research.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feng Deng earned her PhD in Architectural Design and Theory through a joint doctoral training program between Tongji University and Technical University of Munich. Her academic training combined architectural theory, ecological design, sustainable construction, and urban planning methodologies. She also qualified as a National First-Class Registered Architect in China, strengthening her integration of academic research with professional architectural practice. Her educational background established a strong interdisciplinary foundation in energy-efficient architecture, spatial planning, and sustainable urban-rural development.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feng Deng has served as Associate Professor, Graduate Teaching Coordinator, supervisor, and corresponding author at Tongji University since 2018. She teaches architectural design and supervises interdisciplinary research connecting energy-efficient buildings, spatial resilience, and rural landscape renewal. She has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects related to nearly zero-energy residential buildings and sustainable renovation strategies. Her professional experience also includes architectural consultancy, sustainable construction research, and collaborative projects integrating GIS analysis, landscape gene theory, and rural heritage preservation.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feng Deng is recognized as a National First-Class Registered Architect and serves as an Expert Committee Member of the China Association of Building Energy Efficiency. She has successfully led several nationally funded research projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, highlighting her contributions to green buildings and carbon-neutral architectural development. Her scholarly achievements include publications in high-impact journals such as Energy, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Energy and Buildings, demonstrating strong academic influence in sustainable architecture and low-carbon urban research.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feng Deng focuses on interdisciplinary research in green buildings, nearly zero-energy residential systems, passive houses, low-carbon cities, and sustainable construction. Her recent work emphasizes rural revitalization, spatial resilience, modern timber structures, and preservation-renewal strategies for “Shanghai-style Jiangnan” villages. She applies GIS spatial analysis, adaptive zoning, quantitative morphology, and landscape gene theory to address conflicts between heritage conservation and functional renewal. Her research contributes innovative frameworks for energy-efficient design and resilient urban-rural environments supporting sustainable regional development.

Publication Top Noted 

Quantitative Morphological Resolution of Preservation–Renewal Conflicts for “Shanghai-Style Jiangnan” Villages, China
Year: 2026
Citations: 1
Authors: Zhenyu Li; Mengying Tang; Qi Liu; Yichen Zhu; Feng Deng

A LSTM-model Based Approach for Long-term Forecasting of High-rise Residential Building Integrated Photovoltaic System
Year: 2025
Citations: 4
Authors: Feng Deng; Tianhang Wang; Wanting Tao; Jo Darkwa; Yilin Li

Research on Parametric Design Method of Solar Photovoltaic Utilization Potential of Nearly Zero-Energy High-Rise Residential Building Based on Genetic Algorithm
Year: 2022
Citations: 62
Authors: Huilai Wu; Feng Deng; Hongwei Tan

Evaluation on the Thermal and Optical Performance of a Double Skin Facade with a Semi-Transparent Phase Change Material Blind System
Year: 2025
Citations: 3
Authors: Yilin Li; Feng Deng; et al.

Christa Reicher | Architecture | Outstanding Contribution Award

Prof. Christa Reicher | Architecture | Outstanding Contribution Award

Professor | RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Prof. Christa Reicher is a distinguished architect and urban planner recognized internationally for her expertise in urban design, cultural heritage, and sustainable spatial development. As the holder of the UNESCO Chair for Cultural Heritage and Urbanism at RWTH Aachen University, she plays a leading role in bridging academia, practice, and policy-making. She has contributed to shaping urban development strategies in Germany and Europe through her leadership in research institutes, advisory boards, and policy initiatives. Her work reflects a consistent dedication to the integration of cultural heritage into contemporary planning, making her a leading figure in resilient and future-oriented urbanism.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education Background

Prof. Christa Reicher studied architecture and urban planning at RWTH Aachen University and ETH Zurich, two of Europe’s most prestigious institutions for architectural education. She earned her diploma with distinction from RWTH Aachen, which laid the foundation for her academic and professional career. Her education combined theoretical knowledge with practical exposure to international urban planning challenges. Early on, she demonstrated a strong interest in connecting urban design with cultural, historical, and social contexts. This academic foundation equipped her with the interdisciplinary perspective that characterizes her later work in sustainable planning, urban heritage conservation, and spatial development strategies.

Professional Experience

Prof. Christa Reicher has built an extensive professional career in academia, practice, and advisory roles, marked by leadership positions at top universities and governmental institutions. At RWTH Aachen, she directs the Institute for Urban Design and European Urbanism and has shaped interdisciplinary graduate programs. She has advised German cities such as Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund, as well as international urban development projects in Zurich, Vienna, and beyond. Her leadership extends to serving on high-level commissions, advisory boards, and expert panels, where she has influenced heritage management, high-rise developments, and post-industrial transformation strategies, including her pivotal role in the Rhenish Mining District transformation.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Christa Reicher has been honored with numerous prestigious appointments and memberships that recognize her contributions to urbanism and heritage. She holds the UNESCO Chair for Cultural Heritage and Urbanism at RWTH Aachen, underscoring her global recognition in these fields. She has been appointed to influential advisory boards by federal ministries and city governments, reflecting her expertise in both cultural heritage and sustainable planning. Her membership in renowned professional associations such as the German Academy for Urban and Regional Planning and the Association of German Architects also highlight her status as a thought leader and respected practitioner in architecture and planning.

Research Focus

Prof. Christa Reicher ’s research focuses on the intersections of cultural heritage, urban design, and sustainable development. She investigates how historic urban landscapes can inform future-oriented planning, contributing to resilience and identity in cities undergoing transformation. Her studies address pressing challenges such as structural change in post-mining regions, the integration of cultural values into planning, and adaptive strategies for urban sustainability. By combining theoretical frameworks with applied case studies, she advances interdisciplinary approaches to urbanism. Her research contributes to global discourses on heritage management, urban resilience, and the sustainable transformation of cities and regions in response to contemporary challenges.

Publications Notes

  • Spatial strategy process 2038+ in Rhenish Mining District and the consideration of the intangible cultural heritage
    Published Year: 2025
    Citation: Not yet cited

  • Towards a Fluid Planning Approach in Germany: An Option for Social Fragmentation?
    Published Year: 2025
    Citation: Not yet cited

  • Heritage Impact Assessment Index Within Urban Development Context: The Case of Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan in Iran
    Published Year: 2024
    Citation: 3

  • Building block of a resilient model region
    Published Year: 2024
    Citation: 1

  • Future Landscape – Perspectives and Conservation Approaches
    Published Year: 2024
    Citation: 1

Conclusion

Prof. Christa Reicher has established herself as a leading authority in urban design, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. Through her academic roles, advisory positions, and research contributions, she has significantly influenced policy-making, planning practices, and scholarly debates in Germany and internationally. Her ability to merge heritage preservation with innovative urban strategies sets her apart as a forward-thinking planner. Holding the UNESCO Chair at RWTH Aachen University, she continues to shape the discourse on cultural heritage and urban resilience. Prof. Reicher’s career embodies a balance of theory, practice, and policy, ensuring lasting impact on urban planning and design.

Mr. Hao Zhou | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hao Zhou | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student, Nanjing Tech University, China

Hao Zhou is a dedicated graduate student specializing in Architectural Design and Theory at the School of Architecture, Nanjing Tech University. With a keen interest in school architecture, his research focuses on the impact of architectural design and spatial configuration on the functionality and safety of educational environments. He has received significant recognition for his work, including the prestigious First-Class Scholarship twice and has published research in renowned SCI-indexed journals. Hao continues to explore innovative solutions that merge design theory and computational techniques to enhance school architecture. 🏛️📚

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education Background:

Hao Zhou is currently pursuing his graduate studies in Architectural Design and Theory at Nanjing Tech University. He has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and was awarded the First-Class Scholarship two years in a row, showcasing his dedication to his field of study. His passion for architecture and design has driven him to explore cutting-edge research areas related to school environments and public spaces. 🎓📐

Professional Experience:

Hao is a graduate student at Nanjing Tech University, where he contributes to research projects in the field of architectural design. His most notable involvement is with the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province (2025), where he is exploring the relationship between architectural design and educational space. He also participated in projects that enhance the computational design approach to improving educational environments. 🏗️🔍

Awards and Honors:

Throughout his academic journey, Hao Zhou has been awarded the prestigious First-Class Scholarship twice consecutively, recognizing his exceptional academic achievements and commitment to his studies. His research paper was published in Buildings, a highly regarded SCI-indexed journal, and he continues to contribute significantly to the field of architecture. 🏅🎖️

Research Focus:

Hao Zhou’s primary research focuses on the role of architectural form and spatial configuration in school design. He seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for safety-oriented campus planning while applying computational design approaches to enhance the functionality of educational spaces. His work aims to create environments that foster safety, comfort, and effective learning. 🏫🖥️

Conclusion:

Hao Zhou stands out as a promising young researcher in the field of architecture, particularly in the realm of educational space design. His work combines academic rigor with practical applications, making significant contributions to the improvement of school environments through innovative design principles. His dedication to research and his continuous pursuit of excellence mark him as a leader in the future of architectural design. 🌟🔨

Publications:

Impact of Public Space in Primary and Secondary Schools Based on Natural Visibility Ratio. Buildings, 15(9), 1472. Link to article
Cited by: No citations recorded yet.