Ye Min (architect)

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Ye Min, also known as Michelle Yip (Chinese: 叶敏), is a Chinese architect with a PRC Class 1 Registered Architect Qualification. She has a preference for working on community projects and being well known for her works in Chengdu and Guangzhou.^[1] Her architectural interests primarily revolve around artistic design rather than construction drawings. She places a strong emphasis on the functional aspect of architecture, which she considers to be its core essence.^[2]

Academic Pursuits in Architecture[edit]

Ye's decision to pursue architecture was influenced by both her family background and her educational environment. Her exposure to construction sites, builders, and architects came from her mother's employment in the infrastructure department of the South China University of Technology.

During her school years, Ye had a close friend, He Jing (Chinese: 何菁), for six years, whose father, He Jingtang (Chinese: 何镜堂), was a renowned architect in China. Conversations with her friend provided Ye with a deeper insight into the architectural profession.^[3]

As the Chinese college entrance exam approached, Ye, like many of her peers, faced uncertainty in choosing a major. Although initially inclined towards a science-related field such as wireless communication or electronics, she encountered resistance from her father due to his belief that scientific research was too demanding for women.^[3] Ye's parents preferred a stable profession with enduring relevance, such as medicine or architecture, given the rapid technological advancements.^[3]

In 1990, Ye became a student in the Architecture program at the South China University of Technology, embarking on her journey of studying and exploring the field of architecture.^[3]

While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Ye experienced a period of uncertainty due to academic challenges. Her introverted nature made it difficult for her to actively participate in presentations and performances. ^[3]However, by her final undergraduate year, she began receiving recognition from her professors, which heightened her appreciation for architecture and reinforced her decision to pursue further studies in the field.^[3]

Guided by Professor He Jingtang, Ye refined her architectural style by integrating structural practice with architectural philosophy. Her approach shifted towards creative problem-solving rather than designing purely for formal aesthetics.

Professional Trajectory in Architecture[edit]

Navigating a predominantly male-dominated industry, establishing a successful career as a female architect posed significant challenges. Ye Min recalled that only a minority of her classmates were female during her student years.^[4] Upon completing her postgraduate studies, the already limited employment opportunities for women in design firms further diminished. Many firms were hesitant to hire female architects, presuming that they might prioritize marriage and family in their mid-twenties.^[4] While some female architecture graduates pursued careers in real estate, Ye returned to architecture, driven by her genuine passion for design over financial considerations.

In 2006, Ye co-founded FEI Architects, named after the Chinese character "扉" from Tao Te Ching, signifying a gateway.^[5] The name also embodies Functionality, Elegance, and Infinity. ^[6] In 2007, she established FEI Art, the oldest private non-profit art institute in South China,^[1] dedicated to transforming architecture into borderless communities.

Ye's primary research areas are Derivatives and Symbiosis of Contemporary Art and Architectural Design, and Sustainable Development in Architecture;^[7] while her research topics focus on:

• The Philosophical Perspectives of Artists and the Methodology of Architects^[7]
• Integration of Contemporary Art into Local Architectural Creation^[7]
• Management of Cultural and Creative Industries and the Dissemination of Architectural Culture^[7]

One of her notable projects, the Zi Ni Twelve Portals Borderless Community in Guangzhou, embodies her core principles of borderlessness, local engagement, and practicality.^[6] Ye's design process follows a linear flow, enabling comprehensive control over the project from façade to interior, thus minimizing subcontractor involvement.

Her architectural prowess has gained recognition both within the Chinese community and on the international stage. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ye earned a spot on the 2020-2022 RIBA China Architect 100 list. It is noteworthy that out of the eight female architects on the list, three are partnered with male architects.^[8] Ye believes that distinguishing between male and female architects is a societal bias rather than an individual matter. For her, the design process holds greater value than mere success.^[9] Presently, she serves as a professor at The Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, focusing on the integration of art and architecture, a departure from the mainstream emphasis on structural science.

Notable Works and Awards[edit]

• In 2006, "Yida Building," recognized as an Outstanding Model Project in Guangzhou, received the 15th APIDA Excellence Award for Interior Design in the Asia-Pacific region, the 7th China International Interior Design Biennial Exhibition Excellence Award, and was exhibited at the inaugural "South China Young Architects Exhibition."^[7]
• In 2009, "Fei Art Gallery," awarded the 4th "Mei Hui GRG Cup" Excellence Award.^[7]
• In 2010, "Mingquanju State Guesthouse," awarded the 4th "Mei Hui GRG Cup" Excellence Award.^[7]
• In 2011, "Fangsu Space," received the 3rd Zhaichao Award Excellence Award and the 9th Biennial Exhibition Gold Award.^[7]
• In 2012, "Xinghai Concert Hall Renovation," received the 10th Biennial Exhibition Gold Award and was nominated for the 2014 CIDA China Interior Design Award.^[7]
• In 2013, "Fei Architecture Office Renovation," received the 10th Biennial Exhibition Bronze Award.
• In 2022, Ye was selected as one of The RIBA China Architect 100 programme, indicating an international recognition.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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