USC School of Architecture student Win Aung ‘24 has been named to the prestigious 2024 Metropolis Future 100 List, recognizing the top graduating architecture and interior design students in the United States and Canada.

Win is a graduate student in the Master of Architecture program, and is graduating this year. "It is such an honor to be recognized as a top graduating architect student by Metropolis," stated Aung. "Having my portfolio acknowledged is a remarkable achievement, and I am excited to see what the future holds after graduating in May."

Aung submitted his portfolio to the Metropolis Future 100 List, and it was his standout project, "The Urban Activator," that ultimately secured him a spot on the list.

The Urban Activator

Situated between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, The Urban Activator project takes inspiration from the growth behavior of the Aragonite crystal responsible for coral growth.

“Taking inspiration from coral reefs, the project aims to stimulate the city’s pulse through an unconventional urban architecture initiative,” explained Aung.

Aragonite, under ideal conditions, forms into perfect hexagonal shapes until various environmental factors like water vapor and heat are introduced. The inverse correlation between crystal growth and water vapor defines the project's core concept.

As a result, the geometric forms closer to the shore (with less interacting water volume) are larger and house programs with greater spatial requirements, such as an auditorium, parks, and playgrounds. The uniqueness of each form creates a distinct spatial experience.

Designed to synchronize with nature, The Urban Activator includes a coral nursery as an underwater program promoting marine life. Visitors can observe the nursery through an aquarium tunnel before circulating upwards to explore additional programs.

“The project serves as a living organism promoting coral growth below the water while also providing a park habitat above the surface,” said Aung. “The users approach the site through an aquarium tunnel and circulates upwards. The spatial experience throughout and along the way brings awareness to the importance of marine ecology.” 

“I drew inspiration from architects like Tadao Ando, Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid while working on The Urban Activator,” said Aung. “I now find myself influenced by Lebbeus Woods, Tom Wiscombe and Thom Mayne. I am always learning and looking for ways to expand my creativity, design, and skillset.”

Cities in Cities Studio

The Urban Activator was a project from the USC School of Architecture's "Cities In Cities" studio led by Dora Chi. This studio challenged students to confront an urban architecture project offering a different perspective than the conventional approach – to question the role of the modern Agora located on a "No Man's Land" – the ocean.

Students were tasked with creating architecture that exists on the friction between the man-made environment (the city of Los Angeles) and the natural landscape (the ocean). They addressed essential topics that form public spaces, transportation networks, cultural spaces, food, sustainability (wind and shade), temporary event spaces, and spaces for urban accidents.

A Love for Design

Born in Yangon, Myanmar, Win Aung is an aspiring architect and developer with a keen passion for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. He is currently pursuing dual master's degrees in architecture from USC School of Architecture and real estate finance from Fordham University.

"Through architecture, I am a student of design and construction, and through real estate finance, I am learning the numerical execution of a successful development," said Aung. "As a merit scholarship recipient from both universities, I consider myself a lifelong learner and continue to pursue knowledge across disciplines."

Aung holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architectural Design from James Madison University, Class of 2020. Prior to his undergraduate studies, he spent a year in Guangzhou, China, pursuing a Chinese Language & Literature Certificate at Jinan University.

"Being exposed to different cultures and disciplines provides me with a unique approach to different challenges," explained Aung. "I look forward to finishing my master's degree at USC School of Architecture and putting into practice all of the valuable expertise I have received here."

See his full portfolio of work here.

 Related Links: Master of Architecture