https://studiobeckerxu.com Studio Becker Xu Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:13:55 +0000 https://studiobeckerxu.com en https://studiobeckerxu.com/Objects-Graphics-1 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:57:37 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Objects-Graphics-1 https://studiobeckerxu.com/Crown-Fountain-Masks Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:40:03 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Crown-Fountain-Masks CROWN FOUNTAIN MASKS <img width="1064" height="1064" width_o="1064" height_o="1064" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/631748b80d0f77d99cfa49c189e39b50cfb4c69d68e50edb3df52af84d5de68e/37-3.jpg" data-mid="223232691" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/631748b80d0f77d99cfa49c189e39b50cfb4c69d68e50edb3df52af84d5de68e/37-3.jpg" /> Originally designed by sculptor Jaume Plensa and realized by Krueck &amp; Sexton Architects in 2004, Crown Fountain in Millennium Park brings together art and architecture to frame a magnetic public space in the city. On the 20-year anniversary of the fountain’s creation, our design for the 10th Annual&nbsp;Arts in the Dark Parade reinterprets this beloved public monument as a pair of personalized illuminated masks.&nbsp; For one night only, they take to the streets in tandem to reciprocate the love &amp; life given to them by the people of Chicago all-year round! <img width="1440" height="1440" width_o="1440" height_o="1440" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3935c1cb2409fea8175b9d1bf2afa65398e3b7716df4463b09f2357396ae13b9/37-1.jpg" data-mid="223232689" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3935c1cb2409fea8175b9d1bf2afa65398e3b7716df4463b09f2357396ae13b9/37-1.jpg" /> <img width="1440" height="810" width_o="1440" height_o="810" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/81837845220a2b1902f745cee12c5fe42fb3e478799184e6bc3654186e8da779/37-2_CROP.jpg" data-mid="223315616" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/81837845220a2b1902f745cee12c5fe42fb3e478799184e6bc3654186e8da779/37-2_CROP.jpg" /> The inaugural 2024 Architects’ Guild &nbsp; TEAM: Studio Becker Xu - Design &amp; Fabrication Erielle Bakkum - Photography EXHIBITIONS: CAC Architectural Head Games (Feb-May 2025) PUBLICATIONS: Chicago Tribune Arts in the Dark Parade (Oct 2024) https://studiobeckerxu.com/Unscripted-Play Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:50:42 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Unscripted-Play UNSCRIPTED PLAY Presented at MAS Context Reading Room as part of Common Chicago exhibition for the Chicago Architecture Biennial (09.19.25 - 01.31.26) <img width="1200" height="1200" width_o="1200" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cf3fcd93cd88fded36ad8a110ebc3ef2a1f1a1894575697fd6d80596a39b181f/ISO-SQUARE-CROP.jpg" data-mid="239842098" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cf3fcd93cd88fded36ad8a110ebc3ef2a1f1a1894575697fd6d80596a39b181f/ISO-SQUARE-CROP.jpg" /> <img width="750" height="750" width_o="750" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6fd0c774eee0980483fad36be084acc37cc902a4ca9153b47943036bd93d8af9/GIF.gif" data-mid="239843921" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/6fd0c774eee0980483fad36be084acc37cc902a4ca9153b47943036bd93d8af9/GIF.gif" /> A speculative play kit designed for&nbsp;Common Chicago, an exhibition by MAS Context for the sixth edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial,&nbsp;presents an invitation to reconsider both the invisible structures that govern play in our city and the tangible structures that enable it. <img width="3000" height="2000" width_o="3000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2aeae04c13a399fc03b75ec57bc1c64a1d7e808214bd7ac30a31cb24d5f02e42/common_chicago_mas_context_reading_room_dan_kelleghan_photography_04.jpg" data-mid="239842155" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2aeae04c13a399fc03b75ec57bc1c64a1d7e808214bd7ac30a31cb24d5f02e42/common_chicago_mas_context_reading_room_dan_kelleghan_photography_04.jpg" /> Photo by Dan Kelleghan (courtesy of MAS Context) Playlots, embedded in Chicago’s neighborhoods, are designated plots of land allocated for urban recreation.&nbsp; At the turn of the century, the social reform movement brought a scripted form of play to these public lots.&nbsp; Today, growing regulations around the design, access, and upkeep of urban playspaces and equipment for play continue to leave little room to the imagination.&nbsp; Commonplace structures of prescribed use make serial appearances throughout the city. How can we reclaim play as a vital expression of creativity, autonomy, and civic engagement that permeates our city rather than a rehearsed act only to be enacted on certain stages?&nbsp; Can the city be a place for play, not just a place for playgrounds? <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2af74cdd17e95ebe26562c3fe69f9079eefca8a4a09ecf3a52a8e2780f96444e/STUDIO-BX_box-with-open-lid.jpg" data-mid="239842111" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2af74cdd17e95ebe26562c3fe69f9079eefca8a4a09ecf3a52a8e2780f96444e/STUDIO-BX_box-with-open-lid.jpg" /> <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4f18acbc638203b9bc1baf531dc4cbe85107ebee3afde75ef8ef91c7ae590531/STUDIO-BX_box-with-all-hands.jpg" data-mid="239842152" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4f18acbc638203b9bc1baf531dc4cbe85107ebee3afde75ef8ef91c7ae590531/STUDIO-BX_box-with-all-hands.jpg" /> <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d4c737dfefb7bbb5a3395f4748b6fc6b72e3116e67448428e0abf06c9e38b9f7/STUDIO-BX_box-with-configuration.jpg" data-mid="239842154" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d4c737dfefb7bbb5a3395f4748b6fc6b72e3116e67448428e0abf06c9e38b9f7/STUDIO-BX_box-with-configuration.jpg" /> <img width="2400" height="1600" width_o="2400" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1c646e26baf9a9392722ebf58b2cc4331d2feafba3b7c40b7f4094158ed0252c/STUDIO-BX_box-with-all-pieces.jpg" data-mid="239842153" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1c646e26baf9a9392722ebf58b2cc4331d2feafba3b7c40b7f4094158ed0252c/STUDIO-BX_box-with-all-pieces.jpg" /> A toy chest contains a collection of pieces for freeform play. Take turns with a friend configuring your ideal playscape.&nbsp; Use them to stage curious encounters and impractical amusements.&nbsp; Deploy them, individually or collectively, in any available place in the city.&nbsp; Let’s reimagine how we might play together! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img width="1440" height="2160" width_o="1440" height_o="2160" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f66935ca127c2fde8c8c4b4eb5cf18e9484019cadf756632b8163632036b1ffd/common_chicago_mas_context_reading_room_dan_kelleghan_photography_31.jpg" data-mid="239842181" border="0" data-scale="40" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f66935ca127c2fde8c8c4b4eb5cf18e9484019cadf756632b8163632036b1ffd/common_chicago_mas_context_reading_room_dan_kelleghan_photography_31.jpg" /> <img width="1326" height="1326" width_o="1326" height_o="1326" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/492efd3a3dcd46f6badfeead30381c73429eea93309097cc5b666a94fb0658ca/Photo-Oct-19-2025--2-52-08-PM-copy-crop.jpg" data-mid="239843865" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/492efd3a3dcd46f6badfeead30381c73429eea93309097cc5b666a94fb0658ca/Photo-Oct-19-2025--2-52-08-PM-copy-crop.jpg" /> <img width="1440" height="1080" width_o="1440" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/438fb77d409c7a7e9dff1ffe6a55b9cbfa7e53a49ead2d5c23188c6d49cf207c/Photo-Oct-19-2025--2-33-05-PM-copy-crop.jpg" data-mid="239843790" border="0" data-scale="45" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/438fb77d409c7a7e9dff1ffe6a55b9cbfa7e53a49ead2d5c23188c6d49cf207c/Photo-Oct-19-2025--2-33-05-PM-copy-crop.jpg" /> TEAM: Studio Becker Xu w/ assistance from Harry Warnaar - Design &amp; FabricationDan Kelleghan, Iker Gil, Studio Becker Xu - Photography https://studiobeckerxu.com/Mayday-Matrix Mon, 07 Feb 2022 20:44:15 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Mayday-Matrix MAYDAY MATRIX <img width="3600" height="4800" width_o="3600" height_o="4800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/afc37dd2aa7518776117d55b585f6727dc0fb35bfc1cb0b7460298e98702a218/poster_final.jpg" data-mid="140339262" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/afc37dd2aa7518776117d55b585f6727dc0fb35bfc1cb0b7460298e98702a218/poster_final.jpg" /> An interactive PSA for our planet.&nbsp; Pick a topic and act, learn, give!&nbsp; Mayday Matrix is a collection of curated QR codes that harness the ubiquity of technology to activate environmental stewardship.&nbsp; Designed as a customizable, resizable print or digital display, it is agile and adaptable, infiltrating the everyday milieu to make stewardship of our planet accessible for any community. <img width="2250" height="1500" width_o="2250" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ae0ee7ee86c8c1154892f312bd7dbe7199e44d43b46845bf8504423a805e1be1/chicago-city-info_final_crop.jpg" data-mid="166278361" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ae0ee7ee86c8c1154892f312bd7dbe7199e44d43b46845bf8504423a805e1be1/chicago-city-info_final_crop.jpg" /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img width="3000" height="4500" width_o="3000" height_o="4500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a3dcc69bb977dc7076e764140e11d92f60146c8d88663e0aa6d6cc81f71ccc8/DSCF3430_final.jpg" data-mid="140395017" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3a3dcc69bb977dc7076e764140e11d92f60146c8d88663e0aa6d6cc81f71ccc8/DSCF3430_final.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1500" width_o="2550" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a341d62b53d25d08ca03d8a457a998f8b1eb16df6155180a93b45efd287fccbe/chicago-subway-sign_final.jpg" data-mid="140391591" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a341d62b53d25d08ca03d8a457a998f8b1eb16df6155180a93b45efd287fccbe/chicago-subway-sign_final.jpg" /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<img width="3000" height="4500" width_o="3000" height_o="4500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f77d61726ab3a95721a9e4b6277f28490c850e6fd18dcad7505231e9d746f718/DSCF3452_final.jpg" data-mid="140391593" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f77d61726ab3a95721a9e4b6277f28490c850e6fd18dcad7505231e9d746f718/DSCF3452_final.jpg" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img width="960" height="1440" width_o="960" height_o="1440" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4c8be4a004fe717cf2a92e0acb0c976acf999a274b7ebe00a97120538cbc6181/MATRIX_DSCF3411.jpg" data-mid="166278194" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/4c8be4a004fe717cf2a92e0acb0c976acf999a274b7ebe00a97120538cbc6181/MATRIX_DSCF3411.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1500" width_o="2550" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/022a4d83e4262d117e34b9d2022e03c057499088b5d715ef8256e4a831ee4b8b/000034370006_final.jpg" data-mid="140391589" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/022a4d83e4262d117e34b9d2022e03c057499088b5d715ef8256e4a831ee4b8b/000034370006_final.jpg" /> <img width="720" height="1080" width_o="720" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/85699f7158781acf94a6657ed79d87fe32f29a4aafef7ae83e3817853b585832/000000680036_final.jpg" data-mid="140391873" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/720/i/85699f7158781acf94a6657ed79d87fe32f29a4aafef7ae83e3817853b585832/000000680036_final.jpg" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img width="720" height="1080" width_o="720" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4d0ef197a945bddeca843c974135b65df1ece4cabba259e9257110c370f4ccd3/000029350015_final.jpg" data-mid="140391588" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/720/i/4d0ef197a945bddeca843c974135b65df1ece4cabba259e9257110c370f4ccd3/000029350015_final.jpg" /> <img width="960" height="1440" width_o="960" height_o="1440" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d6733ba43e480ec91cac16cfa7d18cdd58fe6c71d63fd06d7867ca7526293c2e/MATRIX_000029350019.jpg" data-mid="166278586" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/d6733ba43e480ec91cac16cfa7d18cdd58fe6c71d63fd06d7867ca7526293c2e/MATRIX_000029350019.jpg" /> <img width="960" height="960" width_o="960" height_o="960" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b72dafe29cc20ab5df49f59c5ee9ab7c821ddb1fa068bd3f0fc4e879e1f4c7de/MATRIX_DSCF3463_edit.jpg" data-mid="166277611" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/960/i/b72dafe29cc20ab5df49f59c5ee9ab7c821ddb1fa068bd3f0fc4e879e1f4c7de/MATRIX_DSCF3463_edit.jpg" /> EXHIBITIONS: Emerging Creatives at The Design Summit for Friends of Friends &nbsp;(Sept 2023) https://studiobeckerxu.com/Recombinant-CMU Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:13:55 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Recombinant-CMU RECOMBINANT CMU <img width="1950" height="1950" width_o="1950" height_o="1950" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/50fa94a87965e097c75333da3d50e25153975a1878fa0ae102f943b987ec1e80/CMU_combinations-CROP.jpg" data-mid="253751257" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/50fa94a87965e097c75333da3d50e25153975a1878fa0ae102f943b987ec1e80/CMU_combinations-CROP.jpg" /> A shape-shifting side table from a readymade building block - inspired by a field trip to the local cement company. <img width="2400" height="3600" width_o="2400" height_o="3600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2791287cee6d529c897945f9f00a053e469ad4c2befc9b8abac994fe7a61bb35/CMU_DSCF3379EDIT.jpg" data-mid="253750583" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2791287cee6d529c897945f9f00a053e469ad4c2befc9b8abac994fe7a61bb35/CMU_DSCF3379EDIT.jpg" /> <img width="2400" height="3600" width_o="2400" height_o="3600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d5f4ded771e9ac679fa2b95a53b78664e6959d96e5cafaf6fec7ff4afdd22e31/CMU_DSCF3854EDIT.jpg" data-mid="253750586" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d5f4ded771e9ac679fa2b95a53b78664e6959d96e5cafaf6fec7ff4afdd22e31/CMU_DSCF3854EDIT.jpg" /> <img width="4230" height="2700" width_o="4230" height_o="2700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6d7002de10039e086eb24c5762c6f8e6f046479be4ab13c3dd84599528e34b8e/CMU_photo-essay-CROP.jpg" data-mid="253751543" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6d7002de10039e086eb24c5762c6f8e6f046479be4ab13c3dd84599528e34b8e/CMU_photo-essay-CROP.jpg" /> Photos by Sharon Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Pavilions-Speculations-1 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:51:07 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Pavilions-Speculations-1 https://studiobeckerxu.com/Lawndale-Gathering-Tree Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:37:57 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Lawndale-Gathering-Tree LAWNDALE GATHERING TREE <img width="2400" height="1350" width_o="2400" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b3ddc76c18c20a9d18f149bc5e419049b87267e7332d01281055c9dc48c75062/IMG_E8669_edit.jpg" data-mid="195702576" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b3ddc76c18c20a9d18f149bc5e419049b87267e7332d01281055c9dc48c75062/IMG_E8669_edit.jpg" /> We partnered with One Lawndale Children’s Discovery Center to design and build a sukkah for the 2nd Annual&nbsp;Chicago Sukkah Design Festival.&nbsp; Lawndale Gathering Tree is a space of togetherness for North and South Lawndale that pays homage to the harvest celebration of Sukkot and brings the symbolic Tree of Life to the neighborhood. <img width="1500" height="1085" width_o="1500" height_o="1085" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c158b6bb2cbbda051a245ae0ab0b30958e1a7d91de71be8c2cf9bd7964df8b1a/0151-38-web-copy.jpg" data-mid="195707109" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c158b6bb2cbbda051a245ae0ab0b30958e1a7d91de71be8c2cf9bd7964df8b1a/0151-38-web-copy.jpg" /> Inspired by a series of design prototyping workshops with Lawndale youth, the Tree offers both a room for reflection and a place for projection.&nbsp; Like a tree changing through the seasons, the fabric foliage adapts, at times lining the perimeter to shroud a light-filled room and other times gathering at the center to shade an open place. <img width="15876" height="2000" width_o="15876" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6aa8a776576c3d01232eab8b5ddf4b1189ceb8006268547445899b250812b4be/model-strip.jpg" data-mid="202641014" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6aa8a776576c3d01232eab8b5ddf4b1189ceb8006268547445899b250812b4be/model-strip.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="2200" width_o="1080" height_o="2200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f4b3f5e43e567a8fd7502b843679d098a299594fb97ac79797cec27bead3151f/two-panel_left.jpg" data-mid="202639062" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f4b3f5e43e567a8fd7502b843679d098a299594fb97ac79797cec27bead3151f/two-panel_left.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="2200" width_o="1080" height_o="2200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/73bcdb8ef78229d89fb58cb2001a7f971736a2bf996cfdad71348d27aff4911c/two-panel_right.jpg" data-mid="202639063" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/73bcdb8ef78229d89fb58cb2001a7f971736a2bf996cfdad71348d27aff4911c/two-panel_right.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5383966c2f5bf3dab904e95bfdb77c4d1ce4c0b970b44d5b66cf25202d281711/23-7.jpg" data-mid="202639739" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5383966c2f5bf3dab904e95bfdb77c4d1ce4c0b970b44d5b66cf25202d281711/23-7.jpg" /> Each of the Tree’s four sides are adorned with artwork by youth from the neighborhood representing different magnitudes of community - self-portraits proclaiming “We Are One Lawndale,” depictions of home in “Our Neighborhood,” the beloved spaces in “Our City,” and the youthful aspirations that make up “Our Vision” for the future. <img width="1956" height="1100" width_o="1956" height_o="1100" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8fb1832b6a8a4290c2157d9e902f1fae76f1fa124ae3d13920d12bba7aab1247/230824_section_green-01.jpg" data-mid="195702885" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8fb1832b6a8a4290c2157d9e902f1fae76f1fa124ae3d13920d12bba7aab1247/230824_section_green-01.jpg" /> <img width="1956" height="1100" width_o="1956" height_o="1100" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/91988faedc90f8cf64a0eb7ecd3d6927c119c667fa73dc96f342f1cae795e479/230824_section_green-02.jpg" data-mid="195702886" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/91988faedc90f8cf64a0eb7ecd3d6927c119c667fa73dc96f342f1cae795e479/230824_section_green-02.jpg" /> <img width="2400" height="1353" width_o="2400" height_o="1353" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ffb2ea8dac017f533dae4f556bcded7bd03d54b202aa6e6adc91c46587b082da/DSCF4784_small.jpg" data-mid="202641559" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ffb2ea8dac017f533dae4f556bcded7bd03d54b202aa6e6adc91c46587b082da/DSCF4784_small.jpg" /> The Gathering Tree invites the public to sit and stay a while on its Star of David picnic quilt - a communal surface for the sharing of food, stories, and experiences during and after the festival.&nbsp; The quilt was fabricated in collaboration with designer Landon Williams and youth in a series of sewing workshops held at SAIC Homan Square. <img width="1500" height="927" width_o="1500" height_o="927" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/960ab095583f55878354e6e0e309605f713007afb531dca7c6417bd409ead08c/0151-10A-web.JPG" data-mid="195702537" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/960ab095583f55878354e6e0e309605f713007afb531dca7c6417bd409ead08c/0151-10A-web.JPG" /> <img width="1091" height="1500" width_o="1091" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2bd88528acf8b1b52b48693827d1a30aad0c83a9955d223f625e7f0907e57a18/0151-18-web.JPG" data-mid="195702540" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2bd88528acf8b1b52b48693827d1a30aad0c83a9955d223f625e7f0907e57a18/0151-18-web.JPG" /> <img width="1500" height="1500" width_o="1500" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f27a800d59e830a2dfbab13408c121b6c7f74db84e726376bcbf64f83003f315/0151-36-web-copy.jpg" data-mid="195705925" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f27a800d59e830a2dfbab13408c121b6c7f74db84e726376bcbf64f83003f315/0151-36-web-copy.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="976" width_o="1500" height_o="976" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4b3bf0f9b946d65c9c21059b6851b8b938514e125789c229824c66eefb7bf814/0151-25-web.JPG" data-mid="195702543" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4b3bf0f9b946d65c9c21059b6851b8b938514e125789c229824c66eefb7bf814/0151-25-web.JPG" /> <img width="2048" height="1365" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/904b284f584b09d62e478b2827f468c78a9a6d1d7c5d38d55e5b841239bec389/Sukkah-173-of-482.jpg" data-mid="195708310" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/904b284f584b09d62e478b2827f468c78a9a6d1d7c5d38d55e5b841239bec389/Sukkah-173-of-482.jpg" /> <img width="1203" height="1500" width_o="1203" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1d415b1eb2bbebbdeeeb190c2f3a30c684a8408eee88b0df907cc1cb7d292646/0151-28A-web-copy.jpg" data-mid="195705088" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1d415b1eb2bbebbdeeeb190c2f3a30c684a8408eee88b0df907cc1cb7d292646/0151-28A-web-copy.jpg" /> Following the festival, the Tree will be replanted at the forthcoming One Lawndale Children’s Discovery Center to support the museum’s youth programming and activate the rooftop garden. <img width="1152" height="864" width_o="1152" height_o="864" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cbb68a38d897e08d576d235085b2a428b110e55aa4fa12629d92317eefbcd3ca/COLLAGE.jpg" data-mid="195702333" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cbb68a38d897e08d576d235085b2a428b110e55aa4fa12629d92317eefbcd3ca/COLLAGE.jpg" /> TEAM: Studio Becker Xu - Design &amp; AssemblyOPEN Center for the Arts - Metal Fabrication Goodfriend Magruder - Structural Consulting Brian Griffin &amp; Norvell Tolbert - Photography AWARDS: AIA Chicago Roberta Feldman Arch for Social Justice - Honor Award (2024) PUBLICATIONS: Architectural Record (Oct 2023) The Architect’s Newspaper (Oct 2023) Wallpaper* (Oct 2023) https://studiobeckerxu.com/Won-t-You-Be-My-Neighbor Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:59:46 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Won-t-You-Be-My-Neighbor WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR <img width="4624" height="2360" width_o="4624" height_o="2360" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c269f3317f42c64daf1f28401ff80e611bf2e4e0be38db738b5e7ca8a25d7adf/DIAGRAM_YOURSMINEOURS_edit.jpg" data-mid="184709415" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c269f3317f42c64daf1f28401ff80e611bf2e4e0be38db738b5e7ca8a25d7adf/DIAGRAM_YOURSMINEOURS_edit.jpg" /> Our proposal for the Chicago Architecture Center’s&nbsp;Come Home Initiative reimagines the design of the ubiquitous Chicago two-flat and asks, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” In the traditional two-flat typology, one home is elevated off the street, reducing access and identity - two factors that can contribute to the pride of urban home ownership.&nbsp; The design of this duplex takes advantage of the 125’ long standard Chicago lot to organize two vertical units around one common outdoor space, bringing both homes in connection with the shared urban realm and creating one building with two distinct identities. <img width="3000" height="3000" width_o="3000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/766e626a28af92992cb4bf489852da721e0a4c47ee99ea190b1a32395b15e18e/HERO-IMAGE_EDIT.jpg" data-mid="216318514" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/766e626a28af92992cb4bf489852da721e0a4c47ee99ea190b1a32395b15e18e/HERO-IMAGE_EDIT.jpg" /> The two units conjoin around a central utilitarian core, freeing up space at both ends of the building to be configured flexibly.&nbsp; Private ground floor entries into each unit and private balconies on all sides bring in light and increase usable outdoor space for each unit. <img width="1800" height="900" width_o="1800" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7f57e4ec6b2fcc41689ee2546469dc549ea7089c28a3ccb31c96f1365c1c2277/FINAL_gangway.jpg" data-mid="176680840" border="0" data-scale="65" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7f57e4ec6b2fcc41689ee2546469dc549ea7089c28a3ccb31c96f1365c1c2277/FINAL_gangway.jpg" /> Exterior space: shared court between units <img width="1800" height="900" width_o="1800" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a810efba4aece020d1ca6ebf09182e1cc475b486dc903a95b0a4bb0f4f3208d/FINAL_kitchen.jpg" data-mid="176680842" border="0" data-scale="65" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3a810efba4aece020d1ca6ebf09182e1cc475b486dc903a95b0a4bb0f4f3208d/FINAL_kitchen.jpg" /> 1F: kitchen with access to outdoor &amp; indoor dining <img width="1800" height="900" width_o="1800" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/be5df20c4d53226ed30eb9a87ac4d64d4cba3ae176fd08fb70c01ddce12efd94/FINAL_living.jpg" data-mid="176680847" border="0" data-scale="65" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/be5df20c4d53226ed30eb9a87ac4d64d4cba3ae176fd08fb70c01ddce12efd94/FINAL_living.jpg" /> 2F: open living space with access to side balcony <img width="1800" height="900" width_o="1800" height_o="900" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/909141305198e976f87cb3fe6f506d651789ab12c5af463de44c60c67ee1300f/FINAL_office.jpg" data-mid="176680850" border="0" data-scale="65" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/909141305198e976f87cb3fe6f506d651789ab12c5af463de44c60c67ee1300f/FINAL_office.jpg" /> 3F: upper level bedrooms + home office <img width="1080" height="432" width_o="1080" height_o="432" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/de05292d642de4ef130ddc9a282c4218fabe05010e6ba47d5952e03b0a254805/section.jpg" data-mid="184710541" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/de05292d642de4ef130ddc9a282c4218fabe05010e6ba47d5952e03b0a254805/section.jpg" /> Our approach to urban infill housing prioritizes open space for both the domestic and urban realms by minimizing the building footprint to 50% of the buildable lot area and expanding the underutilized space of the gangway.&nbsp; The shared courts, taken collectively, form a new network of activated open space for the neighborhood block. <img width="5560" height="4145" width_o="5560" height_o="4145" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c442e16b589a8df7fc13fb3f8201437db5d05d90139a1438693aa2b201c9b038/WORMS-EYE_edit.jpg" data-mid="184709291" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c442e16b589a8df7fc13fb3f8201437db5d05d90139a1438693aa2b201c9b038/WORMS-EYE_edit.jpg" /> EXHIBITIONS: CAC Come Home: Missing Middle Infill Housing (Spring 2023) Experimental Station In-Fill Housing Salon (Spring 2024) https://studiobeckerxu.com/Through-the-Looking-Glass Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:42:34 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Through-the-Looking-Glass THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS <img width="2880" height="2880" width_o="2880" height_o="2880" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/819c35f526892bde78e950eb2a27b3318dca868c746cff29cfae97ca41766a9c/LOOKING-GLASS_01_THE-MASK.jpg" data-mid="247240501" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/819c35f526892bde78e950eb2a27b3318dca868c746cff29cfae97ca41766a9c/LOOKING-GLASS_01_THE-MASK.jpg" /> “There are three masks:...the one we think we are,...the one we really are,...the one we have in common.” &nbsp;- The Moving Body, Jacques Lecoq This proposal for a temporary outdoor performance space draws its origins from a universal symbol of theater - the drama mask.&nbsp; A lightweight structure of double-sided mirrors connected by a thin metal truss acts as a theatrical mask, mediating between spectator and performer, inside and outside, ourselves and our surroundings.&nbsp; More than a static backdrop, the scenery takes part alongside the players in a shifting kaleidoscopic collage. <img width="4000" height="2252" width_o="4000" height_o="2252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/57d90e157c667370adb97a2e6676f2a1545f79bc3210d62798621d98cf634781/ACT-1.jpg" data-mid="247240510" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/57d90e157c667370adb97a2e6676f2a1545f79bc3210d62798621d98cf634781/ACT-1.jpg" /> Act I: The One We Think We Are <img width="4000" height="2252" width_o="4000" height_o="2252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2d95cd1d5bf94646c8b71431ab24e2b0e4400629100bef01b7a47b94fd12b364/ACT-2.jpg" data-mid="247240511" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2d95cd1d5bf94646c8b71431ab24e2b0e4400629100bef01b7a47b94fd12b364/ACT-2.jpg" /> Act II: The One We Really Are <img width="4000" height="2252" width_o="4000" height_o="2252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7310612c21fcbf1555369e6ef281f6c1e080e6fcf7817e21f60a85fb4db44a91/ACT-3.jpg" data-mid="247240512" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7310612c21fcbf1555369e6ef281f6c1e080e6fcf7817e21f60a85fb4db44a91/ACT-3.jpg" /> Act III: The One We Have In Common <img width="10920" height="3600" width_o="10920" height_o="3600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7b91638cc0c61102abdb77faea4f9b204f873ec79fd8cf9607f2f38bfe283c6d/FINAL_IMG_DIAGRAMS-COMPILED.jpg" data-mid="247244078" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7b91638cc0c61102abdb77faea4f9b204f873ec79fd8cf9607f2f38bfe283c6d/FINAL_IMG_DIAGRAMS-COMPILED.jpg" /> <img width="4000" height="2252" width_o="4000" height_o="2252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/10f6d5bc7bd517c778b8193c2d85d236dcda7a14d828d237847107e5069827ac/AXON_CAROUSEL.jpg" data-mid="247240627" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/10f6d5bc7bd517c778b8193c2d85d236dcda7a14d828d237847107e5069827ac/AXON_CAROUSEL.jpg" /> <img width="4000" height="2252" width_o="4000" height_o="2252" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cd2959e42ab77f7437167c4a8b37a9aed7200be9dc4a547ec790339e970c3df9/AXON_SCATTER.jpg" data-mid="247240628" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cd2959e42ab77f7437167c4a8b37a9aed7200be9dc4a547ec790339e970c3df9/AXON_SCATTER.jpg" /> TEAM: Studio Becker Xu, Kamil Krol - Design &amp; Fabrication https://studiobeckerxu.com/Coop-Co-op Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:50:58 +0000 Studio Becker Xu https://studiobeckerxu.com/Coop-Co-op COOP CO-OP <img width="3850" height="2177" width_o="3850" height_o="2177" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5e5f2b30bb082d0f89141ed1c5e18eb534a1aa614758e3fe2fad1344a2a2ab82/DSCF3732_chix.jpg" data-mid="161095097" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5e5f2b30bb082d0f89141ed1c5e18eb534a1aa614758e3fe2fad1344a2a2ab82/DSCF3732_chix.jpg" /> <img width="3850" height="2177" width_o="3850" height_o="2177" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e8147aa444194dfa5c50e45fa038fec2f3537eace0c5318ed30978e4f8d82632/DSCF3729_chix.jpg" data-mid="161095096" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e8147aa444194dfa5c50e45fa038fec2f3537eace0c5318ed30978e4f8d82632/DSCF3729_chix.jpg" /> <img width="3850" height="2177" width_o="3850" height_o="2177" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bc45328c2f34c3eda51b75d81ec5baf82a56e3edecaacaf062e65d49682bee2b/DSCF3736_chix.jpg" data-mid="161095098" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bc45328c2f34c3eda51b75d81ec5baf82a56e3edecaacaf062e65d49682bee2b/DSCF3736_chix.jpg" /> <img width="3850" height="2177" width_o="3850" height_o="2177" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b081ba66caa3d57e183eb582ecf6a6cdac56ce01fabb6f6469653b0570b25810/DSCF3728_chix.jpg" data-mid="161095095" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b081ba66caa3d57e183eb582ecf6a6cdac56ce01fabb6f6469653b0570b25810/DSCF3728_chix.jpg" /> <img width="4650" height="1350" width_o="4650" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/318d3a8e5157f19f45453e9c1a06f64e84f4d064bdb985c83b17f95b8ffd7df7/221201_coop_diagram-TEXT.jpg" data-mid="252084221" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/318d3a8e5157f19f45453e9c1a06f64e84f4d064bdb985c83b17f95b8ffd7df7/221201_coop_diagram-TEXT.jpg" /> <img width="4650" height="1350" width_o="4650" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7d460e51ae017514f34f887464e99854a4c687d803e941746014d1f02f1fea20/220828_coop_diagram-PLAIN.jpg" data-mid="252084220" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7d460e51ae017514f34f887464e99854a4c687d803e941746014d1f02f1fea20/220828_coop_diagram-PLAIN.jpg" /> An outbuilding for chickens is organized around moments of collective inhabitation.&nbsp; Boxes of varying proportion animate each of the coop’s four unique faces, bringing dimensionality and composing functionality on a 2x4 wood armature.&nbsp; <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/88962e50980679ac7bfd18d701f749daadeadaf2c98dd0ebc043ab16969f25b6/3824_wormseye.jpg" data-mid="235998551" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/88962e50980679ac7bfd18d701f749daadeadaf2c98dd0ebc043ab16969f25b6/3824_wormseye.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/917066b26d2808b9e9fa4b746058a7b59b7ae218d83f04f9bb61ea78e3552c88/3820_birdseye.jpg" data-mid="235998547" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/917066b26d2808b9e9fa4b746058a7b59b7ae218d83f04f9bb61ea78e3552c88/3820_birdseye.jpg" /> A protected run, elevated henhouse, nesting boxes, roosting bars, and storage for feed &amp; tools together form a spatial tableau of a day in the life of a hardworking hen. <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b0c55b996d6e99e93d33856281f0b4a4f7e486c3f8b704df7cdb67a254981196/27-2.jpg" data-mid="191790885" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b0c55b996d6e99e93d33856281f0b4a4f7e486c3f8b704df7cdb67a254981196/27-2.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/871d483c021d107197353409d837f68445cf4a2a487dfd0a8a3822f6f5ed76dc/27-3.jpg" data-mid="191790886" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/871d483c021d107197353409d837f68445cf4a2a487dfd0a8a3822f6f5ed76dc/27-3.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8c3c8b8bcda6caa932ad0352d153c555e4cd3491f4b2dc7e0952a677d357707c/27-1.jpg" data-mid="191790884" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8c3c8b8bcda6caa932ad0352d153c555e4cd3491f4b2dc7e0952a677d357707c/27-1.jpg" /> <img width="1426" height="1070" width_o="1426" height_o="1070" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1afd8e672fdff362c1ccfc902efebd409b8767dc064f7022d8fc32e3a049f121/IMG_5677.jpg" data-mid="186825884" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1afd8e672fdff362c1ccfc902efebd409b8767dc064f7022d8fc32e3a049f121/IMG_5677.jpg" /> <img width="1432" height="1074" width_o="1432" height_o="1074" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/287761b59367ba816c4a75d5ee34a8f55bdf0864ec0678850319b736f849b7a2/IMG_7563.jpg" data-mid="186825885" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/287761b59367ba816c4a75d5ee34a8f55bdf0864ec0678850319b736f849b7a2/IMG_7563.jpg" /> TEAM: Studio Becker Xu - Design &amp; Construction PUBLICATIONS: NC Architecture Unconventional Projects (July 2025) Dwell Home Tours (Nov 2024)