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Jovan Theophilus, Chen He is a Chinese-Indonesian who was born and raised in Indonesia. Recently graduated with a B.Arch diploma (with distinction) from National Chengkung University in Taiwan, He has joined the AAC (Academy of Architectural Culture) 2024 workshop in Hamburg. From 2023 to 2024, he worked with the Danish architecture firm CEBRA, collaborating with experienced architects and engineers on various scales of projects across Europe and Asia. Following this experience, he also worked with Q-Lab Architects in Taipei and YS Spacedesign in Tainan. His design approach is deeply rooted in collective studies, research, and a strong interest in sustainability and human-centered design. The diverse educational experiences he has gained in Taiwan, Denmark, and Germany have contributed to a unique fusion of sensibilities, allowing him to develop a distinct focus on design practices that resonate with various contexts. Education Taiwan ROC 2020 - 2025 National Cheng-Kung University Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) - Overseas Chinese Student Association - Tainan Indonesian Student Association Indonesia 2014 - 2020 Tritunggal Christian School Science Stream - Graphic Design Club - Boys Brigade Member Experience 2024 AAC Autumn Workshop Germany Student Participant (Fall) 2024 Q-LAB Architects Taiwan ROC Architectural Intern (Summer) 2024 YS SPACEDESIGN Taiwan ROC Student Assistant (part-time) 2023 - 2024 CEBRA Architecture Denmark Design Assistant 2023 (Summer) YS SPACEDESIGN Taiwan ROC Architecture Intern II 2022 (Summer) YS SPACEDESIGN Taiwan ROC Architecture Intern I 2025 - now XRANGE Architects Taipei, Taiwan Designer Awards Taiwan ROC 2020 - 2025 National Cheng-Kung University - 畢業設計特優獎 Thesis Project Prize - ADA台北建築世代會 Scholarship - 優秀僑生獎學金 Scholarship - 最佳潛力學生獎學金 Scholarship -新北市建築師公會學生競圖佳作 Honorable Mention -台北市建築師公會畢業設計競圖 (on-going) Indonesia 2014 - 2020 Tritunggal Christian School - Highest Final Exam Score (Science) - 3rd Place Central Java Poster Design Competition 2025 IEAGD (International Exhibition of Architecture Graduation Design) Selected (on-going) Bachelor Thesis Project Exhibition and panel discussion 2024 Terraviva Brise-Vent Havre Participant Group: Justin Hung, Bing-Cheng, Shih 2024 Buildner Iceland Ski Snow Cabin Participant Group: Shi-Jie, Yang, Kuo-Cheng, Hsiao, Jenny Wu 2024 Architectural Institute of Kaohsiung Student Competition Students Favorite, Highest Distinction Academic Works w/ Ying-Chiao, Hsu 2024 NCKU Vertical Competition X MAYU Highest Distinction Group: Josie Sum, Min-Yi, Chen, Jennifer, Ting-Hsi, Wang, Jenna, Kennard, Ching-Hao, Yang 2023 2023 TISA T-shirt Design Competition 1st place Graphic Design 2023 StandoutArchi TOP 10 (Educational Architecture) Personal Academic Works 2023 INSPIRELI 8th ANNUAL AWARDS Participant Personal Academic Works 2023 Archstorming : Mayukwayukwa Refugee Center Honorable-mention Group: Jasmine Kuo, Jenny Wu, Jing-Cheng, Ou 2022 NCKU ARCH Toilet Renovation Conceptual Design Competition Honorable-mention Group: Ricky Chiu, Jenny Wu, You-Suo, Jheng 2022 AKSITEKTUR 2023 : Along the Seaside participant Group: Michellyn

Projects 2024-2025 Kampung Education [Thesis] Read More 2024 The Column [Workshop] [Art] [Pavillion] [Nature ] Read More 2024 Wall of Hope [Competition] [Adaptive-Reuse] [Museum] [Cultural] Read More 2024 社區の長屋 [Competition] [Adaptive-Reuse] [Community Center] Read More 2024 The Gray Box [Academic] [Culture] [Experimental Theatre] [Exhibition ] Read More 2024 Above the Rock [Competition] [Culture] [Sport] [Ski Cabin] Read More 2023 Unity in Diversity [Competition] [Graphic Design] [Tshirt] Read More 2023 SUPERBLOCK [Academic] [Residential] [Social Housing] Read More 2023 Millenia [Academic] [Educational] [Architecture School] Read More 2023 Veranda of Life [Competition] [Civic] [Refugee Center] Read More 2022 Nomad City [Academic] [Residential] [Social Housing] Read More 2022 Back to the Mansonry [Competition] [Public] [Toilet renovation] Read More 2022 SymbioHood [Academic] [Civic] [Community Center] Read More 2022 - 2023 NCKU OCSA Graphics [Non-Academic] [Student Body] [Graphic Design] Read More 2022 Eco[SEA]stem [Competition] [Civic] [Public Space] [Fish Market] Read More 2022 The Rendezvous @DongNing Rd. [Academic] [Adaptive-reuse] [Cultural] [Student Center] Read More 2022 Urban Oasis [Academic] [Recreational] [Farm] Read More 2021 S>XL House [Academic] [Residential] [Housing] Read More 2021 The Art Sanctuary [Academic] [Residential] [Cultural] [Painter's House] Read More

News & Insight May 2025 Jovan presents his Thesis project "Kampung Education" This thesis review marks the end of a 5-year professional degree (B.Arch) journey in National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan ROC September 2024 Jovan participated at the AAC Fall Workshop in Hamburg The workshop starts from 4th - 27th September discussed the topic of art nature, and architecture. August 2024 Jovan finishes summer internship at Q-Lab Architects Taipei 2 Months summer internship includes hands-on experience with projects across different typologies and scales March 2024 Our Team wins 2 awards (Highest Distinction and Student Favorite Project) 3rd Year studio project receives 2 awards from the Architectural Institute of Kaohsiung August 2023 Jovan started as Design Assistant at CEBRA Architecture. Jovan had the opportunity to do an internship(full-time) at CEBRA in their main office in downtown Aarhus, Denmark. June 2023 Jovan and Ying-Qiao, Hsu presented their design and scheme that address the problem of social housing in Taiwan. We implied a design scheme that addresses the current bureaucracies and how the future is conceived. A proposal that incorporates sustainable housing development nad human-centered space. March 2023 "Veranda of Life" is announced as one of the Honorable-Mention in Archstorming's latest competition! Jovan, together with Jasmine Kuo, Jenny Wu, and Jin-Cheng, Ou's design proposal for a sustainable refugee center in Zambia is announced as one of the 3 honorable-mention projects. click here to see the announcement. October 2022 Our team's proposal to revitalize NCKU ARC's Toilet got an Honorable-Mention! The project was done in collaboration with Jenny Wu, Ricky Chiu, and You-Shuo, Jheng. Our proposal focuses on the existing condition of the toilet and how we need the address the issue. The design integrates various points that accentuate the toilet as a necessity or part of the student's daily life. July 2022 Jovan starts Summer Internship program at YS SPACEDESIGN in Tainan City. Jovan will be working closely with the studio's principal designer on various projects both in Taiwan and Mainland China. September 2020 Jovan started his B.Arch. degree at the National Cheng-Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan ROC Starting from the 109 academic year, Jovan will be attending the Dept. of Architecture at National Cheng-Kung University in Tainan City, Taiwan ROC. The B.Arch. program consists of 10 semesters in which 1 semester will be dedicated to a full-time internship placement.

社區の長屋 2024 // Competition Teammate // Josie Sum, Min-Yi, Chen, Jennifer, Ting-Hsi, Wang, Jenna, Kennard, Ching-Hao, Yang adaptive-reuse / community center 安藤忠雄在設計「住吉的長屋」時使用了厚實的清水混凝土作為外殼，隔絕外部的一切干擾的同時，利用天井讓人體驗強烈的光影和天氣變化，創造出垂直向上連結自然的管道。作為住宅具有強烈向心性—特享自然存在。作為城市建築其封閉性背離社區，感受上是不歡迎外人的。 然而事過境遷，頗負盛名的長屋不再是私人住宅，被歸於當地政府名下，閒置的此建物將開放並且分享於大眾。因此原有的封閉性、排外性的需求隨之消失，取而代之的是開放與分享的特質，希望透過打開「住吉的長屋」，重新闡述空間、自然與活動，以此作為建立建築與社區關係、社區居民之間交流的場所。 過去長屋本體狹小，僅能提供基本就寢、進食、個人儲物等功能，其餘生活機能皆發生在外側窄巷之間，包含烹調區域、廁間、水井等具共享性的機能。因此我們將流理、烹調的機能重置在新建體的中央，希望重現巷道內可以分享、烹調的特質，並以此作為分享的起點，使一切人與人的交流由此區向外開始在「城市客廳」內發生。 Interior Perspective GF Floor Plan Interior Perspective Garden view

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Kampung Education Active Learning through Vernacular Space 2024-2025 // B.Arch Thesis Advisor: Kane Yanagawa Thesis Booklet Education has continuously evolved alongside sociopolitical and technological shifts, progressing from medieval elitism to guild-based apprenticeships, industrial institutions, and now, into the rapidly changing landscape of the information age. A Dell Research Report states that “An estimated 85% of the jobs in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. The pace of change will be so rapid that people will learn “in-the-moment” … thus the ability to gain new knowledge will be more valuable than the knowledge itself,” emphasizing the need for meta-learning(active) over passive knowledge acquisition. Yet, contemporary educational spaces and pedagogies remain rooted in passive engagement and rigid boundaries, limiting learners' ability to adapt to the uncertainty and complexity of modern society. Kampung Education-Hub model This thesis extrapolates the uncertainty of societal and technological shifts to assert the relevance of meta-learning(active learning) by implementing a vernacular spatial framework from Jakarta’s Kampung community. The Kampung—known for its diverse, resilient, and informal urban spaces—offers a living testbed for understanding how spatial configurations encourage multiple modes of learning, interaction, and collaboration. By examining the spatial dynamics of the Kampung and its intersection with Jakarta’s formal urban environment, the research seeks to reimagine educational spaces as adaptable, interactive, and integrated with the city. Jakarta Urban Development (1600s-2030) This thesis begins with a historical investigation into the evolution of education, tracing how educational philosophies, social revolutions, and architectural typologies have shaped the transmission of knowledge over time. This historical review establishes a foundational framework for understanding the contemporary spatial needs of education. The second part of the research focuses on the spatial formation of Jakarta’s Kampung settlements. Beginning with the walled planning strategies imposed during the Dutch colonial period, the study examines how informal settlements gradually emerged along the peripheries of these fortified port cities. Influenced by the pressures of modernist urban planning, these settlements evolved into distinct, organic, and self-organized urban forms. This historical context enables a deeper understanding of the spatial logic underpinning the kampung, from which potential strategies can be extracted and reinterpreted for application in contemporary educational architecture. The third phase of this research involves an in-depth field study of four selected Kampung sites within Jakarta, serving as empirical case studies. These specimens were analyzed through multiple lenses—cultural, social, and architectural—to investigate their spatial organization, floor area ratio (FAR), and the dynamic interplay between built form and communal life. Particular attention was paid to the adaptability of building modules and the fluid interfaces that contribute to the creation of vibrant, dense, and radically informal urban environments. Through this investigation, the thesis aims to uncover the latent educational values embedded within the spatial fabric of the Kampung. By identifying its potential for self-directed learning, the study proposes a translation of these principles into formal educational contexts—such as campus layouts, academic buildings, and classroom configurations. The objective is to reconcile the so-called “low culture” of the Kampung with the “high culture” of institutional education, thereby generating a new typology of educational architecture—one that is integrative, interactive, and embedded within the life of the city. Kampung Typology Research Long Section Louis Kahn said, “School began with a man under a tree, who did not know he was a teacher, discussing his realization with a few, who did not know they were students.” This thesis, in its entirety, proposes an open-ended idea of creating a new typology of architecture—one that acts as an orchestrated extension of the tree, capable of fostering knowledge and social reproduction. By exposing itself to the city, it transforms learning into an urban lifestyle. Campus side facade City side facade 01 picture 02 picture Jakarta history collage 01 picture 1/11

SUPERBLOCK 2023 // Academic Work Teammate // Ying-Chiao, Hsu mixed-use / residential / cultural / retail & office / public space Area // 71,200m² This project research is focusing on the issue of social housing and density in Taiwanese cities. We are exploring the possibilities of incorporating modular structure designed with "customizable units" to create a sense of home and at the same time incorporating different programs and spaces to create an inclusive environment.

The Gray Box 2024 // Academic Work adaptive-reuse / cultural / retail / public space / historical building / gallery Observation to Annotation Figure ground as a method of reading and analyzing the urban fabric of the city opens new possibilities and insight. While effective in mapping public spaces in Western cities, it lacks clarity when applied to Eastern Asian cities. “A city with no plaza,” said Kisho Kurakawa, means that the street carry out the function as the public space where activity and interaction happens. Annotation to Experimentation This project explores the possibilities of Asian Urbanism through reading and annotation. We focused on the sequence of activities and their interactions that shape the city, particularly human behavior in relation to public space. A city with an imaginary "plaza," or what we call the "gray" area, is central to our research. The "gray" area is where we concentrate our study, examining its relevance and influence on humans and urban space. This results in a rich and diverse urban space within the city, making it unique and special. We aim to amplify this space and integrate it into various scales of urbanism and architecture. Masterplan Axonometric Thus, we introduce the "gray" area and the "gray" box. This is our manifesto for the future of Asian urbanism, opening new possibilities that maximize regional diversity and sustainable urban spaces. Section model Tainan Train Station Masterplan Mapping diagram Interior space Gongyuan Rd. view

The Column 2024 // AAC Fall Workshop Teammate // Anna Ławecka, Ryan Connor Matthew, Simon Spliethoff pavilion / art / nature / intervention / forest Nestled in Wentorf, near the historic Reinbek Castle and the tranquil river Bille, lies the WAI Woods Art Institute. Opened in 2019 by Rik and Anna-Julia Reinking, this vibrant art venue encompasses the private Reinking Collection, a painting school, artist studios, seminar and event spaces, a boarding house, and a continually expanding sculpture garden. The site’s picturesque paths, varied terrain, and rich forested landscape invite visitors to explore and discover its hidden gems. The site’s character is defined by its existing buildings, dramatic topography, and dense woodland. On the elevated plateau, a series of buildings form a central forum, contrasting with the wild, untamed forest that surrounds it. Between these two realms lies the Edge, where the land descends toward the water, marking the meeting point of order and spontaneity. In this naturally inspiring environment, planned interventions are introduced with a delicate sensitivity to their surroundings. Each chosen location hints at its intended purpose, reflected in the site’s evocative new names. Black wooden columns are carefully arranged to shape spaces, guide movement, or create moments of stillness. These subtle gestures stem from a belief in a universal understanding of space, inviting visitors to intuitively engage with the interventions. This project honors the existing site while celebrating the seamless interplay of art, architecture, and nature. Through restrained yet profound interventions, the WAI Woods Art Institute exemplifies how thoughtful design can elevate a place’s inherent beauty and purpose. 7 Sites_Intervention Site_Ballroom This site's intervention stand on an unused tennis court, with its advantage of being a flat and open space, we wanted to reimagine this site as a "ballroom" in which it acts as a public gathering space. Site_Bath This site's intervention acts as a gateway to the park from the Elbe river. Creating a subtle yet inviting gesture that allows boat to anchor while also letting humans reconnect with the water, thus giving it the name "Bath" Site_Foyer The foyer acts as the main entrance to the WAI park, using a varied density of columns, it creates the illusion of moving in to a different world, creating a contrast while framing the view towards the existing mansion inside the park. It lets visitor reconnect with nature through changes of repetition and proximity.

Wall of Hope 2024 // Competition Work Teammate // Justin Hung, Bing-Cheng, Shih adaptive-reuse / museum / landscape / cultural / educational Le Havre, with its rich history of port activities, war, and subsequent reconstruction, has deeply influenced its urban landscape. Our design reflects the city's architecture as a symbol of time. The existing structure stands as a testament to the past, symbolizing the city's evolution and progress, and fostering hope for a sustainable future. This concept inspired the name “Wall of Hope,” embodying the city's resilience and enduring spirit. The Museum will serve as a testament to how Brise-Vent Havre has evolved over time. Originally a structure protecting the port, it now symbolizes the protection of humanity's future. Visitors will journey through experiential exhibitions, culminating in a tour of the carbon bank beneath the structure. The exhibitions will illustrate the dangers of climate change, prompting reflection on humanity's existence and the potential for collective action. The carbon bank, featuring vertical urban farms, research, and education centers, aims to establish the concept of sustainable living, offering hands-on experiences to inspire change. The museum is envisioned as a series of stories depicting our history, current conditions, and future possibilities. The story is depicted below, “As we enter the museum, unaware of the looming danger, we find ourselves in an immersive exhibition depicting a climate disaster. Rising sea levels, extreme storms, and droughts devastate our world. The sun's rays become harmful as the atmosphere fails to protect us. We witness the consequences of unsustainable living and feel a growing sense of urgency. Descending an escalator, we discover a glimmer of hope in the carbon bank below. This thriving space demonstrates the potential of sustainable living. We interact with the preserved plants and learn about their role in reducing CO2 levels. Through this experience, we understand the importance of sustainability and reflect on the need for change”. The Museum provides new attractions for the city and also serves as a melting pot for the community. The museum's ground floor provides semi-outdoor spaces and circulation that interact with the landscape design to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. The green wall facing the city area will be a symbol where this structure urged the city to shift to a more sustainable lifestyle. The escalator provided efficient circulation from the ground level to the basement where a lot of communal public spaces are. Amenities such as cafes, shops, spaces, research, and educational spaces, are spread amongst floors to create a diversified and inclusive experience. In conclusion, the museum itself embodies the future of the local community. Sustainable and engaging, creating diversities in communities and striving forward for a better future. Entrance to the museum View of the museum from Le Havre port

Jovan's Personal Work 2020 - 2025 Load More Gallery

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