Hangchuan Wei

Hangchuan Wei

Ph.D. Candidate, Architectural Researcher and Designer

Posts by Collection

portfolio

publications

Environmental-driven Massing Based on Machine learning

Published in DC I/O 2025, 2022

This article provides an overview of a generative framework embedded with a ML approach to apply CFD in building design, finally results on a building massing with a balanced wind environment at the early stage of architectural design.

Recommended citation: Wei, H., Adilenido, Y., & Beckett R. (2022). Environmental-driven Massing Based on Machine learning. Design Computation Input/Output 2022. https://doi.org/10.47330/dcio.2022.eqad1156
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Programming bilayer structures in 4D-printed hygromorphs by tailoring porosity in macroscale

Published in CAADRIA 2025, Tokyo University, 2025

The study investigates the impact of macroscale porosity on deformation in 4D-printed hygromorphic bilayer structures, focusing on applications in building envelopes.

Recommended citation: Liu, Y., Wei, H., Colletti, M., & Grigoriadis, K. (2025). Programming bilayer structures in 4D-printed hygromorphs by tailoring porosity in macroscale. Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA).
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Probiotic Design Interventions for The Indoor Microbiome

Published in Towards Integrative Design Symposium, Innsbruck University 2025, 2025

this study integrates computational design methods to facilitates the conceptualization of probiotic surface design interventions. It develops a probiotic ceramic tiling system whereby environmentally informed toolpaths, textures and geometrical articulations, act as niches to support probiotic microbial communities based on computational design.

Recommended citation: Wei, H., Scott, W., Hoenerloh, A., Leyton Dominguez, A., Nair, S., & Beckett, R. (2025). Probiotic Design Interventions for The Indoor Microbiome. Cambridge Open Engage. doi:10.33774/coe-2025-pzt7t-v2 This content is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed.
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Environmental-driven Making: Clay 3D Printing Instructed by Airflow Data

Published in CAAD Futures 2025, Hong Kong University, 2025

This paper is developed primarily using Houdini, where CFD data continuously informs the generation of geometry, tool paths, and 3DP instructions. A customized slicing tool and G-code generator are implemented to produce G-code programs responsive to CFD data. Unlike conventional 3DP practices, this integrated approach enables the production of environmentally responsive surface textures, establishing a continuous link between environmental factors, design generation, and digital fabrication.

Recommended citation: Wei, H., Colletti, M., & Beckett R. (2025). Environmental-driven Making: Clay 3D Printing Instructed by Airflow Data. CAADFUTURES 2025. https://doi.org/10.25442/hku.29350490.v1
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Bio-spatial Tectonics

Published in Design Mycelium: Exploring the Design Potential of Fungi (Routledge) [forthcoming], 2025

A book chapter examining bio-spatial tectonics in the context of mycelium-based design, exploring the design potential of fungi within architectural and material design frameworks.

Recommended citation: Beckett, R., Whiteside, C., & Wei, H. (2025). Bio-spatial Tectonics. In Crawford, A., & Dessi-Olive, J. (Eds.), Design Mycelium: Exploring the Design Potential of Fungi. Routledge. [forthcoming]

talks

Environmental-Driven Making: Clay 3D Printing Instructed by Airflow Data

Published:

[Abstract:] Digital fabrication is often regarded as a distinct materialization process, separate from design, resulting in a disconnection between digital models and their physical making. This paper introduces a generative framework for environmental-driven making using ceramic 3D printing (3DP). The study examines the plastic deformation of 3DP ceramic and integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation data to regulate deformation within the design. This approach generates surface textures with different roughness that can potentially influence the bio-receptivity, through which it creates niches for microbial colonization while also contributing to aesthetic considerations. The framework is developed primarily using Houdini, where CFD data continuously informs the generation of geometry, tool paths, and 3DP instructions. A customized slicing tool and G-code generator are implemented to produce G-code programs responsive to CFD data. Unlike conventional 3DP practices, this integrated approach enables the production of environmentally responsive surface textures, establishing a continuous link between environmental factors, design generation, and digital fabrication.

Probiotic Intervention — Probiotic Cities Symposium

Published:

Speaker at the Probiotic Cities Symposium at UCL, presenting Probiotic Intervention — a computational design and ceramic 3D-printing framework for shaping the indoor microbiome through bio-receptive surfaces.

AD Biodesign in Architecture (Vol. 96.1) — Launch Panel

Published:

Panellist at the launch event of AD Biodesign in Architecture (Architectural Design, Vol. 96.1), with Rachel Armstrong and Richard Beckett. The panel discusses biodesign as an expanded field of architectural practice — bridging microbiome science, materials, and computational design.

teaching

Design Tutor

Postgraduate teaching, University College London, the Bartlett School of Architecture, 2023

-Teaching Bio-digital design theory, methodology and instruct design projects, in Research Cluster 7. -Instructed project BioCorbel won silver medal in Autumn Show 2024; Project B.L.U.R won gold medal in Autumn Show 2025.

Ongoing - Architectural Design Skilling Tutor

Postgraduate course, University College London, the Bartlett School of Architecture, 2024

Teaching M.Arch Architectural Design, a postgraduate course with 16 students, covering the following topics: Generative Design in Houdini, Machine Learning, Digital Architecture.

Ongoing - Postgraduate Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant, University College London, the Bartlett School of Architecture, 2025

To support M.Arch Urban Design studios, deliver digital design skilling sessions, assist assessment and reviews, mentor students with research-led design communication.

Workshop Instructor - DigitalFutures 2026: Artificial Co-Habitat

International Workshop, DigitalFutures 2026, Tongji University, 2026

Co-proposed and co-instructed a 9-day international workshop at DigitalFutures 2026, Tongji University, exploring how generative AI can assist the design of clay-3D-printed green infrastructures, integrating ecological intention with computational fabrication.