Keke Liu

Hometown: Chengdu
Education Background: B.Eng. (Architecture)

How did you get interested in your field?
I have always felt that architecture should be a shelter of happiness—something that holds not only me but everyone’s life stories as we grow. What first drew me in was the unique nature of architecture compared to other disciplines: it isn’t only about numbers, words, or abstract theories. It creates sensory and emotional experiences. The idea that I could design spaces that people long for, spaces that shape feelings and memories, is what attracted me to architecture and continues to inspire me today.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Before coming to Penn, I completed a four-year Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. During my undergraduate years, I was deeply influenced by the joy and benefits I experienced in public spaces, which led me to focus on the experience of space and public in my design work. I was interested in how architectural form could be shaped to create meaningful experiences for people. As I studied further, I began to realize the close relationship between public experience and social equity. I came to believe that when addressing social issues, spatial relationships, forms, and the logic behind their generation often provide some of the most powerful strategies. This conviction is what inspired me to continue my studies at Penn.

Why did you choose Penn?
Penn is a university that broadens the scope of architecture by using cutting-edge design methods and tools—ranging from digital modeling technologies to advanced material practices—to explore breakthroughs, growth, and aesthetics in the field. Its diverse and dynamic environment offers me opportunities to explore areas I had not yet encountered, such as new technologies and concepts through the Technology Lab and studio courses. These experiences allow me to generate space from a new, more logical perspective in order to address complex issues in the world. I hope to bring these construction tools and logics into the design process, exploring the relationship between spatial form, people, and society, and ultimately to improve public spaces and contribute to more equitable environments.

What has been your favorite class so far?
My favorite class is the design studios. Each professor develops a unique research theme, and students can choose the topic that interests them most. With the support of teaching assistants, the process guides us from identifying a problem to using architecture as a tool to address it. Every semester feels like a valuable and inspiring journey of discovery and creation.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
Right now, I am learning architectural software such as Rhino, SubD, and Revit, which will be valuable for my professional development. I am also strengthening my design thinking skills, studying visual methods for presenting drawings, and exploring courses that integrate robotics with architecture.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
I enjoy the weather and the architecture in Philadelphia, and I especially love Penn’s campus and its libraries.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
At the Weitzman School, I often attend lectures that feature renowned architects from around the world. These events are great opportunities to hear directly how masters approach design, and sometimes you even get the chance to meet them in person and receive their autograph.

What are your career ambitions?
As an architecture student, I aspire to combine theory with practice, balancing innovation with rigor. I hope to continue learning through professional work, while also traveling widely to seek inspiration. With a broad and detailed perspective, my goal is to contribute more deeply to the improvement of urban spaces—enhancing their equality, accessibility, and public value.