Urban Design + Architecture Portfolio

PORTFOLIO

Urbanism + Architecture

Selected Work 2017 - 2025 KENG SHU DIMITRI JAO

CURRICULUM VITAE

CONTACTS

Keng Shu (Dimitri) Jao

Skåne, Sweden

Mobile : +46702970397

E-mail : itsdimitrikjao@gmail.com

Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrijao

EDUCATION

LANGUAGES

2022/052023/06

WORK EXPERIENCE

Assistant Architect

hap+4creative, Taipei City, Taiwan

Concept development, architecture design, regulation review, reporting to Project Manager.

Area of expertise : architecture/landscape design, 3D modeling and rendering.

2023/092025/06

MSc. Sustainable Urban Design

Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Focus of studies : Urban Design

2021/042022/04

Language student

ECC Japanese Language Institute, Tokyo, Japan

Focus of studies : Business Japanese, Social Science

SKILLS

2019/092020/01

Exchange student

Tohoku Institute of Technology, Sendai, Japan

Focus of studies : Environmental Design / Architecture

2015/092020/06

BArch. Architecture

Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan

Focus of studies : Architecture

2020/062020/09

Assistant Designer

Full House Interior Design, Taipei City, Taiwan

Assisted in floor plan/layout design and construction management, reported to Senior Designer.

2019/062019/08

Design Intern

Coelacanth & Associates, Nagoya, Japan

Supported a team of 3-4 in architecture competition, 3D modeling and physical model making, translated design process into English/ Japanese.

2018/062018/08

Design Intern

Coelacanth & Associates, Tokyo, Japan

Supported a team of 3-4 in architecture competition, 3D modeling and physical model making. Communicated in English and Japanese.

2016/082016/09

Assistant Designer

ArchiBlur Lab, Taipei City, Taiwan

Supported a team under artist Rain Wu & Eric Chen’s project for Taipei Biennial 2016. The construction of the installation art took at least one and a half months and involved 10 volunteers. Project “Collectivism” eventually included in Sharjah Biennial 2017, United Arab Emirates.

01. METROpolis

Individual Master Thesis, 2025

New York City, USA

02. UPWARDS

Individual Academic Project, 2024

Reykjavik, Iceland

03. KALEIDOSCOPE

Individual Academic Project, 2024

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

04. CRISSCROSS

Individual Academic Project, 2023

Gothenburg, Sweden

05. RETHINKING BJÄRRED

Group Academic Project, 2024

Lomma, Sweden

06. A PARK IN BECOMING

Group Academic Project, 2023

Copenhagen, Denmark

07. NOSTALGIA: SAISEI

Individual Bachelor Thesis, 2019-2020

Tokyo, Japan

08. SOCIAL HOUSING

Individual Academic Project, 2018

Taipei City, Taiwan

09. VISITOR CENTER

Individual Academic Project, 2017

New Taipei City, Taiwan

INTERIOR DESIGN

Group Academic Project, 2024

Lund, Sweden

Professional Project, 2020

Taoyuan City, Taiwan

Professional Project, 2019

Shanghai, China

Transit-Oriented Strategies for Sustainable Growth in New York City

TYPE / Individual Master Thesis

LOCATION / New York City, USA

SITE AREA / 40.82 ha

YEAR / 2025

New York City’s outdated transit and zoning systems limit equitable growth. The proposed Interborough Express (IBX) would repurpose the LIRR Bay Ridge Branch to connect Brooklyn and Queens without entering Manhattan, improving access in underserved areas. This thesis examines how the IBX, paired with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), could boost housing, job access, and economic development. By analyzing transit expansion, zoning reform, and sustainable planning, the research offers strategies to foster a more inclusive, connected city.

AXONOMETRIC VIEW

MASTERPLAN

SECTION AA

DETAILED PLAN -

RENSEN VILLAGE PARK & SCHOOL

C4-3T / R6T

Total FAR : 5.5

Commercial FAR : 1.0-2.0

Residential FAR : 3.5-4.5

Max Building Height : 36M

Stories : 8-10

DETAILED PLANTHE STRIP

C4-4T / R7T

Total FAR : 8.0

Commercial FAR : 2.0-3.0

Residential FAR : 5.0-6.0

Max Building Height : 48M

Stories : 11-13

DETAILED PLANBROOKLYN TERMINAL MARKET

C6-2T / R8T Total FAR : 10.5 Commercial FAR : 3.0-4.0

: 6.5-7.5

: 60M

Stories : 14-16

C6-3T / R9T

Total FAR : 13 Commercial FAR : 4.0-5.0 Residential FAR : 8.0-9.0

Building Height : 72M

Stories : 17-19

DETAILED PLANINDUSTRIAL HYBRID ZONE

FAR : 3.0-4.0

Building Height : 32M

: Up to 8

UPWARDS

Landscape Shifting Toward the Future

TYPE / Individual Academic Project

LOCATION / Reykjavik, Iceland

SITE AREA / 85.70 ha

YEAR / 2024

Located near Reykjavík, Keldur has been overlooked for decades due to a car-centric development mindset. Nevertheless, its hilly terrain and scenic vistas offer growth potential. This proposal aims to transform the area into a bustling urban hub, alleviating strain on Reykjavík’s downtown. It seeks to redefine Keldur as a vital food production and knowledge dissemination center, addressing future challenges. Keldur will evolve into a dynamic urban space by fostering economic growth and innovation, offering sustainable solutions to urban development pressures.

SLOPE

FARMING PROCESS

Market Green Produce Center (Mobility House)

BLOCK TYPOLOGIES

CENTRAL PLAZA

KALEIDOSCOPE

Modular Blueprint for Urban Evolution

TYPE / Individual Academic Project

LOCATION / Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

SITE AREA / 76.18 ha

YEAR / 2024

Near Kawe Bazaar, a new football pitch will anchor a vibrant, mixed-use hub connecting both sides of Old Bagamoyo Road. Surrounding it, mid-rise apartments will align with the natural terrain, with communal spaces between blocks for gatherings and local trade. A seasonal stream may become a green park, enhancing livability. The northern area will support incremental, affordable housing near an informal neighborhood and local businesses, fostering integration and economic opportunity.

DETAILED

PLAN - HIGH RISE NEIGHBORHOOD

FLOOR PLANS

Type A

- 7 to 12 Storey

- 6 to 10 Units per floor

- Studio / 2 BR / 3BR

Type B

- 7 to 12 Storey

- 4 to 6 Units per floor

- Studio / 2 BR / 3BR

Type C

- 7 to 12 Storey

- 4 to 6 Units per floor

- Studio / 2 BR / 3BR

Type D

- 4 to 6 Storey

- 4 to 6 Units per floor

- Studio / 2 BR / 3BR

Type E

- 4 to 6 Storey

- 2 to 3 Units per floor

- Studio / 2 BR / 3BR

Type F (Incremental)

LAYOUT FLEXIBILITY

Family Members Increase

Members Decrease

CONSTRUCTION SCHEME

Precast

MATERIAL

Precast Concrete Column (500x500mm)

Precast Concrete Beam (300x500mm)

Precast Concrete Slab (2500x5000mm)

Bricks  (CMU / Hollow / Burnt Clay / Mud)

Steel Roofing Sheet

Hard Wood Panel (Door / Window Frame)

Soft Wood Timbers (Camphor / African Mahogany)

INCREMENTAL HOUSING PROCESS

Ground Floor (25m2)

- Common Room

- Toilet

- Kitchen

Ground Floor (37.5m2)

- 1BR

- Common Room

- Toilet

- Kitchen

Ground Floor (50m2)

- 2BR

- Common Room

- Toilet

- Kitchen

Ground Floor (50m2)

- 2BR

- Common Room

- Toilet

- Kitchen

First Floor (12.5m2)

- 1BR

- Toilet

Ground Floor (50m2)

- 2BR

- Common Room

- Toilet

- Kitchen

First Floor (25m2)

- 2BR

- Toilet

Ground Floor (50m2)

- 2BR

- Common Room

- Toilet

- Kitchen

First Floor (37.5m2)

- 3BR

- Toilet

CRISSCROSS

Within & Between Neighborhoods

TYPE / Individual Academic Project

LOCATION / Gothenburg, Sweden

SITE AREA / 45.01 ha

YEAR / 2023

Göteverksomradet, which has long been in the spotlight, is marked by abandoned warehouses and giant shipyards that serve as reminders of a bygone era. With Karlstaden specializing in housing and Lindholmen Science Park dedicated to innovation and education, Göteverksomradet's future will center on sports, art, and creativity, transforming it into a dynamic, multifunctional space that preserves its unique identity. This master plan is set to establish Göteverksomradet as Gothenburg's new cultural hub, catalyzing local business and engagement while fostering a deep sense of cultural continuity.

PROGRAMS

DETAILED PLAN - WATERFRONT PLAZA DETAILED PLAN - CULTURAL PLAZA

RETHINKING BJÄRRED

An Urban-Suburban Extension

TYPE / Group Academic Project

LOCATION / Lomma, Sweden

SITE AREA / 4.25 ha

YEAR / 2024

MASTERPLAN

A PARK IN BECOMING

Opportunities for Vacant Landscape

TYPE / Group Academic Project

LOCATION / Copenhagen, Denmark

SITE AREA / 82.55 ha

YEAR / 2023

VISION “FOUR HILLS“

Pravestensbroen

Pravestenen Syd

Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia)

Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)

European Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

NOSTALGIA: SAISEI

Redefine TOD Project

Located on the west side of Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho is a commercial district with a nostalgic atmosphere that has its roots in the black market formed after WWII. Today, approximately 150 izakayas and restaurants are crowded into this small strip of land, giving the district a unique texture and making it a popular spot for both overseas tourists and locals.

This project proposes a new kind of transit-oriented development (TOD) that honors the district's heritage while embracing the needs of a modern city. "Saisei" (再生), meaning "rebirth" or "regeneration" in Japanese, captures the project's core intent—to revitalize the spirit of Omoide Yokocho without erasing its history. Rather than replace or sanitize the area, the design integrates new mixed-use functions into the existing urban texture, creating a layered environment supporting continuity and evolution. The resulting complex acts as both a connective transit node and a cultural landmark, preserving memory while enabling new possibilities. By weaving together transportation, commercial use, and historical continuity, the project seeks to create a resilient, adaptive urban node that enhances connectivity while celebrating the rich urban fabric of downtown Tokyo.

TYPE / Individual Bachelor Thesis

LOCATION / Tokyo, Japan

SITE AREA / 2218 m2

YEAR / 2019-2020

PROGRAM & DESIGN PROCESS

The core architectural concept was centered on the idea of a neighborhood as a social place where interaction between people is encouraged through the use of scale. Under this mindset, 50% of the existing storefronts will be preserved, and the other 50% of the original street will be relocated to the upper floor. The newly designed shopping street will be divided into two parts, each sharing a platform that functions as a stopover and social space.

To maintain the visual experience of strolling down a narrow street in urban Japan, the regenerated shopping street, along with the original stores, will be connected by a series of ramp systems while also providing panoramic views of the city.

This diagram shows the analysis process on both physical and psychological levels, exploring the possibility of creating a nostalgicically-inspired future while maintaining a similar sense of scale. In the space mainly determined by the layout of counters and bearing walls, the frequency of interaction between people will gradually increase due to the slightly crowded physical environment. By breaking up and rearranging these spatial sequences, the user experience from the past can be adapted and integrated into a new environment.

EVOLUTION

ISOMETRIC VIEW

SOCIAL HOUSING

A Melting Pot of Characteristics

Located in the heart of a historic district of Taipei, the site lies on one of the city’s famous revitalized areas that has seen an increase in the demand for mixed-use office spaces and new housing projects in recent years. This project aims to design a scheme that encourages an active urban lifestyle with affordable apartments for young couples and families, while also addressing the complexity of the urban context.

The surrounding area, known as "Dadaocheng," was established in the late 1860s. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, this area was an important center for commerce in Taiwanese products such as Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, and oolong tea. During the Japanese colonial period, the authorities introduced the concept of western urban planning, building modern infrastructure and drainage systems that laid the foundation for the cityscape we know today.

From the 1960s to the late 1980s, Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth. Many historical neighborhoods in this area were demolished and turned into large commercial complexes. After protests from local residents, the surrounding area was finally designated as Taipei's first historic preservation zone in 1995. Although many colonial-style houses were lost forever to bulldozers, around 70% of Dihua Street - the oldest shopping street on the island - was preserved.

TYPE / Individual Academic Project

LOCATION / Taipei City, Taiwan

SITE AREA / 472 m2

YEAR / 2018

Land Use

Average Travel Speed (Daytime)

Average Travel Speed (Nighttime)

Being one of the earliest developed neighborhoods in the city, the Dadaocheng area has suffered from ineffective public spaces and severe traffic congestion. Despite these issues, this part of Taipei has experienced a population influx since 2010, largely due to the influx of young people and newly married couples attracted by the relatively low rent in the old town.

Population of Datong District

Age Demographics of Datong District

Issue

INFRASTRUCTURE

PROGRAM & DESIGN PROCESS

Placing balconies inside the building to reduce the visual impact on the alley. Adding balconies on the other side facing the main street provides more characteristics.

The core concept for this project was to create a sense of intimacy, a social place where contact between people is promoted. During the design process, an office and a co-working space were added to explore how the local community can participate in local business.

The ground floor was designed as a multipurpose space suitable for a wide range of activities created and defined by the locals. The open space also functions as a corridor, allowing people to access the back alley from the main street, bringing life into the inner courtyard. The facade design reflects its surroundings, featuring various types of bricks in the same color scheme as colonial-style buildings. The roman arches and classic window niches create a vivid expression and add depth to the facade.

APARTMENT LAYOUTS

VISITOR CENTER

Innovative Life by the River

Tamsui is an old urban district in northern Taipei with a rich history and a thriving neighborhood. Located on the edge of the old town, the site is surrounded by public service buildings and city-owned land. The project aimed to enhance the riverside's characteristics and, at the same time, introduce new community services and open spaces towards the city.

The old town of Tamsui developed alongside the Tamsui Harbor. Located at the northern tip of Taipei, it became a focal point for trade on the island. By the 1900s, most of Tamsui Harbor's operations had moved to the newlybuilt Keelung Harbor. Nevertheless, with a growing population, Tamsui rose as a local administrative and cultural center, being granted township status in 1920.

With the completion of the Taipei Metro Red Line in 1999, Tamsui has become a trendy tourist destination. While the influx of tourism has created demand for businesses, leading to a local economic boom, the increase in commerce has put enormous pressure on the existing infrastructure of the surrounding areas. In 2017, the municipal government published a strategic plan focused on improving the urban environment. According to this plan, vehicles will be banned from entering the town center, and a new tram light rail system will be introduced, to be constructed from 2027 to 2030.

TYPE / Individual Academic Project

LOCATION / New Taipei City, Taiwan

SITE AREA / 5854 m2

YEAR / 2017

Tamsui Presbyterian Church

Mackay Park

Tamsui Art Center

Chunghwa Telecom

Tamsui Service Center

Tamsui Police Department

National Taxation Bureau

Tamsui Branch

Taiwan Power Company

Tamsui Service Center

Repurpose

PROGRAM & DESIGN PROCESS

Building Setback

Setbacks from both sides create more urban space and increase flexibility.

Dynamic Structure

Using trusses brings more characteristics to the building, making the visitor center itself a tourist spot and a local icon.

Function

Besides a visitor center, an art gallery with a cafe and a restaurant were added, along with some community services such as a public gym and a local kayak club.

Landscaping

Reshaping the waterfront and creating a new plaza

community.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Throughout the design development process, the view from the riverside and the surrounding area took precedence. As a result, the staircases function as spectator seating with a direct connection to the river. On the side of the building, a semi-public courtyard is protected from wind and has good sun conditions, allowing for recreational activities. By reshaping the layout of the pier, a small inner harbor was created for the local kayak club and water-related activities.

The project aimed to create a new tourist hub and encourage residents to participate more in local business and activities. A cafe overlooking the plaza was designed to coexist with the gallery and visitor center. A local gym run by the local government and a restaurant were placed facing the river, promoting the community at both the city and neighborhood levels.

INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS

TYPE / Group Academic Project

LOCATION / Lund, Sweden

YEAR / 2024

INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS

TYPE / Professional Project

LOCATION / Taoyuan City, Taiwan

YEAR / 2020

TYPE / Professional Project

LOCATION / Shanghai, China

YEAR / 2019