Ao. ArchLab was established in Shanghai in 2020. "Ao" refers to the inner room or the most hidden space within a building. During the Song Dynasty, there was a passage that said, "Those who enter the inner room can explore the profound; those who climb the dangerous peaks can begin to gaze into the vastness." The term "奥室" (Aoshi) still appears in today's language.

At Ao.ArchLab, our design philosophy and work are based on a unique understanding of space. We focus on the impact of specific architectural elements such as scale, function, and materials on people's behavior and emotions within a space. By experimentally exploring the relationship between the human body and various forms within the space, with the core of human experience in mind, we create spaces and environments.

With a mindset of exploring the unexplored possibilities of architectural space, we consider the reflection on spatial theory, the experimentation with materials, and construction methods as important components of our design approach. The results of these open-minded reflections and experiments are embodied in our practices, which include installation works, interior design, and architectural design.





Principal Partner





Ao Yang



B.S. Architecrure, Tsinghua University

M.S. Architecture, Tokyo University

Worked for Kengo Kuma & Associates (Tokyo Office)

Currently as the Principal Architect at  Ao. Archlab

yangao@ao-archlab.com







   






Principal Partner





MJ Zhan



B.A. Growth and Structure of Cities, Bryn Mawr College 

M.S. Historic Preservatioin, Columbia University  

Worked on the renovation of the Wukang Building

Currently as the Principal Partner at Ao. Archlab

mj.zhan@ao-archlab.com