Rising as a luminous figure in the realm of architecture, Qiwei Li has quickly captured the spotlight with his remarkable contributions to architectural design, scholarly research, and beyond. This talented designer has proven his extraordinary skills through his exceptional work and profound insights, infusing fresh inspiration and innovative ideas into the industry.
Li's article "City Show" stood out in UED magazine's competition and won an excellence award. UED magazine, short for "Urban Environment Design," is a prestigious journal in the field of architecture approved by the National Press and Publication Administration, jointly sponsored by Liaoning Science and Technology Publishing House and the School of Architecture at Tianjin University. Recognized as the first stylish and interdisciplinary professional magazine in China’s architectural industry, UED is included in both the "China Academic Journal Comprehensive Evaluation Database" and the "Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database." Its high-quality content and unique perspectives make it highly esteemed among professionals and enthusiasts in the architectural industry. UED has been recognized as one of China's top 100 media by the People's Daily Research Institute and was awarded the title of "China's Most Beautiful Magazine" by the China Periodical Fair. The magazine has published 147 issues, with a circulation of approximately 12,000 copies per issue, reaching readers in over 40 countries and regions. The excellence award that Li's work received from UED magazine's competition showcases the high professional standards and artistic value of his contributions, affirming that his unique insights and exceptional writing skills are widely recognized within the industry. Li’s groundbreaking article "City Show" earned him the prestigious UED Excellence Award, marking him as a leader in innovative urban design.
Winning an excellence award in the UED field signifies the recognition of a designer's or team's design capabilities and innovative spirit. Such awards indicate:
● Recognition of Design Ability and Innovation: Winning an excellence award in a competitive field highlights the exceptional performance in design concepts, innovation, and practicality, earning high praise from the judges.
● Industry Acknowledgment: UED competitions and awards hold significant industry recognition. Receiving an excellence award means the work has substantial influence in the design industry, bringing reputation and opportunities to the winner or team.
● Positive Impact on Future Development: Winning an excellence award in the UED field positively influences the future career of the individual or team, helping them build a better reputation in the industry and potentially attracting more collaboration opportunities and project invitations.
Therefore, winning an excellence award in the UED field is a testament to the high design ability and innovative spirit of the designer or team, providing significant positive momentum for their professional development.
"City Show" has been lauded on such a prestigious platform for its insightful exploration, providing readers with a brand-new perspective on our urban environment. In the article, Li employs a unique perspective and sharp insight to thoroughly analyze various problems and challenges in urban design, proposing his own innovative insights and solutions. His article not only has strong professionalism and academic value but also reflects on and critiques current urban design practices. In the article "City Show," Li presents to readers the essential qualities of an ideal urban environment and explains how to realize this vision through innovative design concepts and methods. This award-winning article is poised to become an important reference and inspiration in the field of urban design, providing valuable ideas and inspiration for the industry. The authority of this award and its organizers highlights the significance of Li’s achievement. His work is now part of UED's collection, distributed globally, with an estimated circulation of 12,000 copies per issue, reaching over 40 countries and regions. His original design concepts are widely disseminated and studied within the industry.
Li's contributions to architectural education are well demonstrated in his influential paper, "Exploring the Diverse Educational System in the Master of Architecture Program at the University of California, Berkeley," published in The Architect. As China’s most academically weighty and influential architectural journal, The Architect has been a cornerstone in the field since its inception in 1979. Managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China and published by China Architecture & Building Press, the journal is recognized as a Tier 2 scientific publication and one of the 20 certified architectural journals by the Ministry of Education's Degree and Graduate Education Development Center. Li's study, featured in this prestigious publication, highlights the success of UC Berkeley’s master's program in fostering diverse architectural talents through interdisciplinary and practical skills training. By offering valuable insights for Chinese architectural colleges, his research underscores his significant impact on architectural education, further solidified by its inclusion in China’s leading academic platform for architectural theory.
Alongside his contributions to architectural education, Li has also engaged in significant cultural and architectural projects, most notably his involvement in the Chinese National Pavilion at the 15th Venice Biennale of Architecture. The Venice Biennale, first held in 1895, is regarded as the world's premier showcase for contemporary art and architecture, standing alongside the Documenta in Kassel, Germany, and Art Basel in Switzerland as one of the most influential events in the global art and architecture scene. With a history spanning over 120 years, the Biennale is a cornerstone in the world of architectural and academic discourse. The theme of the Chinese Pavilion at the 15th Venice Biennale of Architecture, "Design by the People, Tao in Daily Life," reflects Li’s dedication to integrating traditional culture with modern design. This prestigious project, led by chief curator Liang Jingyu, brought together a diverse team of architects, landscape architects, fashion designers, and artists to create exhibits that harmonize traditional culture, sustainable development, and societal needs. Their work was in response to the Biennale's overarching theme, "Reporting from the Front," introduced by Alejandro Aravena, the Pritzker Prize-winning chief curator. Li’s participation in the preparation of this pavilion and his inclusion in the exhibition catalog underscore his role in shaping a dialogue between tradition and innovation on one of the most esteemed stages in the architectural world.
Li's remarkable achievements stem from his profound professional expertise and relentless dedication. With a solid theoretical background, a wide international perspective, sharp analytical skills, and a profound passion for design, Li stands out in the field of architectural design and research. He embraces a people-oriented and sustainable approach to design, skillfully merging traditional culture with modern technology while emphasizing social responsibility and humanistic values in his work. He has not only achieved outstanding results in design practice but also has in-depth exploration and contributions to theoretical research, education, and teaching. Li has won widespread acclaim and recognition in the industry with his comprehensive professional expertise and outstanding work performance. He is celebrated as a leading figure and a visionary force in the field of architectural design in China.
In addition to "City Show," Li made a significant contribution to the architecture and AI application section of the book "Mastering Midjourney with One Book." Midjourney is an independent research lab dedicated to exploring new media and expanding human creativity. Operating with a small, self-funded team focused on design, human infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, Midjourney has 11 full-time employees and a group of outstanding advisors, including David Holz, the founder of Leap Motion and a researcher at NASA, as well as technical experts from well-known technology companies such as Apple, AMD, Tesla, and Intel. Midjourney helps people break through the limitations of thinking and stimulates creativity and imagination by developing innovative technologies and tools.
Li’s contributions to "Mastering Midjourney with One Book" reflect his distinctive insights in the field of design and creativity, leveraging cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of architectural design. In the architecture section, he delves into how to leverage Midjourney’s tools and resources to turn creative ideas into reality, providing practical tips and case studies. This section not only highlights Li's expertise in design and creativity but also showcases his keen insight into cutting-edge technology, making it a valuable resource for architects and designers looking to innovate. Li's section, 5.5, was particularly well-received. The book was a bestseller on Dangdang and garnered rave reviews on Douban, further establishing Qiwei's reputation for excellence.
Following the success of his publications, Qiwei Li has continuously developed new AI models applied to architecture. He founded Super-Workflow.com, an educational platform offering paid architectural courses to over 500 students annually. His original AI-driven teaching methods have been widely recognized, creating significant commercial value and transforming both the architecture and education industries. His innovative approach to education ensures that his teachings are applied in practical settings, benefiting students and professionals alike.
Furthermore, Li's achievements and contributions demonstrate the dynamism and innovative spirit of the new generation of young designers. His unique creative thinking and commitment to social responsibility have brought fresh energy and momentum to the architectural field. Li has proven with his own practical actions that with dreams and persistent dedication, one can realize one's ideals and create unlimited possibilities. The development of ArchGPT will enhance learning for architecture students by providing AI-driven insights and real-time feedback, democratizing access to high-quality education, and supporting professional development. Practicing architects will benefit from ongoing education, ensuring they stay updated with the latest trends and best practices. This will lead to a more skilled workforce, improving the overall quality of architectural practice in the U.S.
