6.35 AM. LONDON
About Xingchen Fan
Excellent, patient and careful designer
Xingchen Fan, a skilled space and interior designer based in LONDON, draws inspiration from his upbringing in a lush, forested city. His profound connection with nature and architectural interiors developed early in his life, shaping his creative journey. Harnessing the essence of natural elements, he seamlessly incorporates them into every facet of his innovative designs.
His unique design concepts and distinctive style have garnered recognition not only from his mentors. Committed to continuous growth, Xingchen Fan remains dedicated to studying and exploring spatial design, aiming to further elevate and innovate his work in the field.
ZooMate
Zoomate: AI-powered queer dating
FILM LOGLINE: 2033 London, in a world where LGBTQ+ dating is ruled by emotional algorithms, a lonely designer suffering from depression finds solace in an AI-generated partner. As his love deepens, he begins to question reality, leading to a terrifying discovery that his emotions are being harvested to refine AI deception (Film link provided at the top.)
Zoomate is a speculative design project that explores how big data manipulates queer emotions through algorithmic systems. Set inside a fictional dating app run by cute AI animal agents, the project visualizes how emotional data is extracted, ranked, and turned into a tool of control. Through storytelling, spatial design, and visual narrative, Zoomate critiques how platforms use emotional vulnerability, identity labels, and community hierarchies—like bear > pig > monkey—to shape behavior and generate profit.
The project is part of my broader research into the relationship between emotion, algorithm, and queer identity. As a designer, I focus on how digital systems impact marginalized users, particularly how emotions are measured, manipulated, and monetized in both virtual and physical spaces. My goal is to expose hidden systems of control beneath everyday interfaces, and to question what intimacy means in an age of data.
Immortal Oasis
Fantasy about human life on the moon 100 years from now
After the devastation of World War III, humanity faced the daunting task of rebuilding amidst the ruins. In 2123, our species achieved a momentous milestone by initiating an interstellar migration program. The fruits of this endeavor materialized in the form of the Oasis of Immortality, a beacon of hope nestled within a lunar crater. Here, humans find sanctuary, a respite from the chaos that has engulfed Earth. The Oasis of Immortality stands as a testament to human resilience, a marvel of engineering and innovation. The design features a flawless, continuous circulation system, ensuring the oasis thrived in the harsh lunar environment. This self-sustaining ecosystem not only provides the essentials for survival but also cultivates a sense of unity among its inhabitants.
The Oasis of Immortality is a marvel of advanced engineering and innovation, encompassing not only biological laboratories and energy conversion rooms but also intricate food cultivation systems. These agricultural hubs serve as the lifeblood of the oasis, ensuring a sustainable resource cycle crucial for human survival. Through innovative hydroponic and aeroponic techniques, a diverse array of crops flourishes under carefully controlled lunar conditions. Each harvest not only provides nourishment but also contributes to the oasis's ecosystem, fostering a delicate balance between technology and nature. In this lunar sanctuary, the integration of cutting-edge scientific methods and traditional agricultural practices creates a self-sufficient paradise, where humanity thrives amidst the stars.
Commune.FD.Heaven
Nimbin, Northern N.S.W, Australia
Background The Aquarius Festival in 1973 was to establish Nimbin in the northern N.S.W as a catalyst for Australian liberation. Much less is known or documented about communes built primarily for and by the LGBTQI community. Always committed to social and environmental justice, these queer communities provide through their architecture tangible evidence of the intersection of queer professio and environmental theory. In this context, I aim to expand the design concept by utilizing simple materials, design a queer community that offers boundless possibilities.
This project centers around a small-scale architectural
design aimed at assisting sexual minorities. To
preserve the authenticity and sustainability of the
structure, I intend to employ cost-effective and organic
materials during the creation process. Drawing
inspiration from the stone sauna in the profile, I aim
to expand upon this design concept by incorporating
multiple functional spaces.
Historically, marginalized groups have faced societal
marginalization and, at times, unjust treatment.
My design endeavors to enhance their lives and
extend the benefits of comfortable spaces to a
broader audience. Consequently, I have employed
straightforward construction methods in the building's
foundation and structure, enabling more individuals
to create suitable and comfortable environments with ease.
Through my unique journey of discovery, I unearthed the concept of extensions and its
significance. By meticulously combining identical models and delving into the intricate nuances
of design, I uncovered a method that goes beyond replication. When I challenged myself to
integrate three disparate functional areas, I embarked on a creative endeavor fueled by my
curiosity and passion. Guided by my intuition and newfound knowledge, I honed my skills and
designed a multifunctional and extended sauna area.
Oakwood-Place
Dights Falls, peace and ease
The project is located in Dights fall, Melbourne, Victoria, a park with an abandoned viewing platform at its center. So this viewing platform (Old mill) will be the centerpiece of the renovation, as the park is surrounded by a river and surrounded by a small historic waterfall.
Scenic park lacks accessibilityThe park, while beautifully landscaped and richly planted, is severely lacking in functionality. The area is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, and local residents are known to frequent the park early in the morning and even into dusk. So many of the residents around the area have made suggestions for this inconvenient park, such as adding vending machines for hydration and a snack bar to address energy needs.So this time I used this abandoned platform (Old mill) as the basis of my design to think about how to integrate a new architectural design with the old environment. At the same time, I consider preserving the appearance and functionality of the old building as much as possible.
We can see from the rendering as well as the Elevation drawing that my piece is three stories high. The whole building is constructed with multiple wooden Posts, and I deployed multiple glass surfaces for a better view of the waterfall and the landscape.The structure of the building is light and compact, so people can move and rest here as they wish. It provides a wonderful resting environment for the surrounding residents, while a café is located on the first floor to provide a range of services. Who can resist a brunch on a sunny afternoon?
The Sitting Room
About address reuse and cafe practice
In my capacity as a designer for Melbourne's renowned "Standing Room" chain, I played a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance of a new coffee shop nestled within Monash University's Caulfield campus. Drawing inspiration from the distinctive style and specific requirements of Standing Room, I embarked on a creative journey to infuse the coffee shop with an atmosphere that resonates with the brand's identity. By meticulously blending the unique elements of Standing Room's design ethos, I expanded the coffee shop's potential to cater to a wide array of patrons.
My approach involved a meticulous balance between aesthetics and functionality. I tailored the space to meet the diverse needs of various groups, ensuring a seamless harmony between the coffee shop's ambiance and its functionality. Emphasizing both comfort and visual appeal, I aimed to create an inviting environment where students, faculty, and visitors could immerse themselves in the rich coffee culture that Melbourne is renowned for. Through thoughtful design choices and attention to detail, I sought to provide a space where people could gather, connect, and indulge in the pleasures of a well-crafted coffee experience, all within the vibrant academic atmosphere of Monash University's Caulfield campus.
Sensory Awakening
Not only focus on drawings, but also on practice
This design delves into the intimate tactile connection between individuals and the bowl, employing a diverse array of materials as mediums to craft a truly unique interactive experience. Through innovative choices in texture and composition, this creation transcends the conventional boundaries of touch, inviting users to explore a novel realm of sensations. Each material has been thoughtfully curated to evoke specific tactile responses, transforming the act of handling a simple bowl into an immersive encounter.
In this design process, my primary focus is on enhancing the tactile experience with the bowl. You'll notice my preference for soft materials, chosen not only for comfort but also for their insulating properties when carrying hot food.
Moreover, I've incorporated decorative elements from the realm of food. Spices are affixed to the bowl's exterior, infusing the air with enticing aromas, enhancing appetites when eating light foods like rice. Furthermore, I've utilized plastic mesh to secure the outer layer, adding an auditory dimension to the experience. This interaction between hands and the bowl produces intriguing friction and a series of sounds, making the overall experience engaging and sensory-rich.