Chao Chen

LEED AP BD+C, Licensed Architect
Associate Principal, Cultural and Civic, Shanghai

Born and raised a few blocks from our Shanghai Studio, Chao has spent his 15 years experience split between the US and China. Educated at Tongji University in Shanghai, and the University of California in Los Angeles, Chao has left his mark on significant projects in both locations.

Leading the Shanghai studio’s Civic & Cultural practice, Chao oversees some of the practice’s most significant projects. The Shenzhen Energy Ring, the world’s largest waste to energy power plant has been led by Chao from competition win in 2015 to completion in 2022.

With rich experience in Theatre design Chao is leading the Green Heart Opera House project in Tongzhou, Beijing, expected for completion in 2023, as well as the West Bund Grand Theatre, a new build riverfront performance theater on Shanghai’s West Bund.

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On the site of Shenzhen Energy Ring with collaborating architect Jesper Gottlieb, Shenzhen, March 2016
Alongside his work in Cultural & Civic, Chao has extensive knowledge of adaptive re-use and has led a number of renovation based projects for the studio.
Huairou Incubator Lab Campus (2020 - 2022)
Beijing, China
Huairou Warehouse (existing pre 2020)
Beijing, China
Conversion of a former Cement Plant into a Boutique Hotel & Civic Center (2017-2018)
Beijing, China
Decommissioned Cement Plant (1992 - 2015)
Beijing, China

Chao's Featured Work

Beijing Vanke Times Center
Work
Beijing Vanke Times Center
Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Shenzhen Energy Ring
Work
Shenzhen Energy Ring
Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Beijing Performing Arts Centre
Work
Beijing Performing Arts Centre
Beijing, China