Sheng-Fen Chien, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture and Institute of Creative Industries Design
(Served as Director of the Center from August 2017 to January 2019)

Ph.D. in Computational Design from Carnegie Mellon University, USA. Her academic research centers on exploring the relationship between “people, computation, and design.” Her research focuses on applying computational technologies to support design decision-making and design education, using computational theories and technologies (such as expert systems, algorithms, knowledge extraction, parametric design, and game theory) as a technical foundation to develop theoretical methods for “design decision-making” or “design education.” In terms of applied research, she focuses on realizing the vision of smart living spaces by developing architectural components and basic building systems embedded with smart technologies, conducting feasibility assessments and design validation through prototyping. Her latest series of research explorations emphasizes a retrospective reflection on “design” teaching methods in architectural education, as well as the social responsibilities of professionals.

With many years of experience in design education, she is dedicated to the integration of new technologies with design and to interdisciplinary collaboration. She teaches courses on topics such as computational design, interactive design, smart living, and architectural design. She has participated in promoting the “Smart Seed Alliance” under the Ministry of Education’s Integrated Talent Development Program for Smart Living. Using the D-Cube talent development model (which incorporates design thinking) combined with field internships, the program cultivates talent with innovative thinking and interdisciplinary integration skills. As a member of the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences Research at National Cheng Kung University, she leads the general education course “Local Practices of Humanistic Architecture,” guiding students to collaborate with communities and use design thinking and action to empower communities through tangible and cultural environment development.

She emphasizes environments that foster experiential learning: as former Deputy Director of the National Cheng Kung University Library, she participated in the establishment of the KnowLEDGE (New K Library) collaborative learning space; curated the 2014 “Making Matters” exhibition, setting up a temporary maker space that allowed visitors to observe maker activities up close and appreciate the outcomes of these projects. She is committed to design services and environmental development for marginalized groups: currently serving as Executive Director of the Taiwan Volunteer Architecture Association, she spearheaded the 2016 “Matsu Jinsha Park | Qi Academy” volunteer architecture project; she also participated in the 2016 National Cheng Kung University Double² Biennial titled “What Are Neanderthals Doing? It’s All Because of Mass Production!,” using physical installations and exhibition documentation to present the creative process and actions, while also expressing her ongoing exploration and reflection on the essence of the profession through curator-arranged interviews and short talks.

Ext.: 54138
Email: schien@mail.ncku.edu.tw
Personal Website: http://myweb.ncku.edu.tw/~schien/chinese.html