Origin: New York, NY, USA
Currently Exhibiting in: New York City
Website: Extended Play Lab
Social Media: Instagram
Bio:
Xiyao Wang is an architect and designer whose career spans a range of internationally recognized projects, merging innovative architecture with human-centered design. As an Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), Wang has made significant contributions to major developments such as the CPIC Xintiandi Commercial Center in Shanghai, Tower 36 in Miami, and 5 World Trade Center in New York. His architectural philosophy centers on creating spaces that engage and inspire interaction.
In addition to his role at KPF, Wang leads Extended Play Lab, an interdisciplinary design practice exploring cutting-edge strategies for transforming urban spaces. His projects, like the Quzhou Landmark in China and the Arabica & Heytea pop-up store, integrate place-making with a sensitivity to the human experience. Wang holds a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and has been awarded prestigious accolades, including the French Design and Muse Design Awards.
Featured Artworks at Bushwick Gallery
1. Fusili (Completed)
Year of Creation: 2022
Medium: 3D Printed Plastic
Dimensions: 6” x 6” x 6”
Price: $900
Location: New York City, NY, USA
Description:
Fusili (Completed) is a sculptural exploration of continuous surfaces, reimagining circulation within high-density environments. Inspired by the spiral form of Fusilli pasta and the Möbius strip, the piece offers a seamless transition between spaces, breaking free from traditional architectural constraints like elevators and staircases. The fluid, interconnected structure is interactive, featuring steel balls that trace paths along the surface, mirroring the flow of people through urban spaces.
This finished version exemplifies Wang’s fascination with the cyclical nature of movement and life, symbolized through the Ouroboros-like form. By inviting viewers to engage with the piece physically, Fusili challenges the way we perceive and navigate our environments, blurring the lines between architecture and subconscious experience.
2. Fusili (Early Stage)
Year of Creation: 2022
Medium: 3D Printed Plastic
Dimensions: 6” x 6” x 6”
Price: $900
Location: New York City, NY, USA
Description:
Fusili (Early Stage) presents a variation of Wang’s continuous surface concept, offering insight into his design process. This earlier version retains the core ideas of fluidity and interconnectedness while showcasing a more raw and exploratory form. Like the completed piece, it features steel balls that trace paths along the structure, symbolizing movement and choice within urban spaces.
The piece serves as a companion to the finished version, inviting viewers to appreciate the development of Wang’s architectural vision. It continues his exploration of the fluidity between reality and the subconscious, offering a dynamic and interactive experience.
Exhibition Information
Group Exhibition: “Specters of the Subconscious”
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 17 / 6PM-8PM
Exhibition Dates: October 17 – October 28, 2024
Theme: Exploring the eerie and surreal aspects of the mind, from dreamscapes to unspoken fears, Xiyao Wang’s Fusili pieces bring a unique contribution, offering both a completed and an early-stage version that embody the fluidity of movement and the subconscious connection to space.