In this rapidly evolving era of modernization, architecture, as the primary vessel for human activity, conveys significance far beyond mere functionality or aesthetics. Serving as a living archive of history and cultural memory, each enduring structure records the prevailing societal values and building technologies of its time, silently narrating the community’s story. Architects act as both the creators and the stewards of these vital, ongoing narratives.
“Architecture should be a continuous conversation, rather than a conflict between the old and the new.” This philosophy guides Bai’s design practice. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design who also worked at the renowned architectural firm Centerbrook Architects and Planners, Bai believes that the most touching architecture is that which bridges the past with the future, allowing people to experience the warmth of culture and the dimension of time.
As an architectural designer with an international perspective and profound cultural acumen, she is committed to exploring the intrinsic relationship between architectural design, history, and culture. Her projects not only demonstrate her exceptional ability for spatial articulation but also showcase her distinctive approach to perpetuating architectural history and revitalizing community memories.
Numerous projects she led or contributed to are vivid illustrations of this design principle. The New Canaan Library is one of the most notable examples of her exploration in “ weaving memories into design”. This 42,700-square-foot building now functions as the cultural heart of New Canaan, a town recognized for its iconic modern structures such as Philip Johnson’s Glass House, the Noyes House, and the serpentine Grace Farms.
The design of the new library effortlessly integrates local elements into a form that honors New Canaan’s modern traditions. The building’s facade, composed primarily of dry-laid stone, harmonizes with its surroundings, interspersed with staggered metal trim and expansive glazing that mimic the tree silhouettes of New England forests. The building’s volumetric expression undulates with the site topography, featuring stone walls interwoven with glass curtain walls, thereby establishing a light yet dynamic visual rhythm.
As a benchmark initiative project at Centerbrook, the design incorporated energy and lighting modeling, driving the formulation of a sustainable action plan with the objective of attaining net zero and carbon neutrality. The building operates entirely on an all-electric system, achieving an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 17, representing an 89% reduction compared to similar buildings. The project has garnered numerous international distinctions, including the Green Good Design Award, the International Architecture Award, and was among the three finalists for the 2025 Public Library of the Year Award by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
Another instance that exemplifies a dialogue with historical context is the renovation of the Chapel Hall of the Central Congregational Church in Providence, RI. Located in the Stimson Avenue Historic District, this church, built in 1893, has historically served as a community resource. Due to the church’s expansion and the community’s increasing demand for diversified programming, the existing auditorium had become insufficient for contemporary requirements. Operating within a constrained budget, the design team was compelled to maximize enhancements through minimal spatial interventions with respect to the significant historical and cultural values.
Optimizing natural daylight and enhancing the overall lighting environment were the Church’s top priorities. With a fiscal limitation, Bai’s team developed the distinctive “monocle” concept: rather than replacing the original rectangular windows within the Gothic arched dormers, they were covered with frosted glass and bronze oculi. These “monocles” effectively diffuse the daylight, simultaneously elevating the aesthetic quality and preserving the option for ventilation during warmer seasons. This minimum yet impactful design maintained the integrity of the valuable historic exterior fabric.
Functioning as an exhibition gallery, the main entry hallway’s ceiling incorporates embedded glass panels to refract daylight from the existing skylight, which was awkwardly situated and produced excessive glare. Artificial lighting can also be used to simulate natural light without major modifications. New glass doors, featuring bespoke frames and hardware, further reference the monocle theme, providing privacy and acoustic separations during events.
Incorporating circular forms, hardware, and lighting fixtures, the renovated Chapel Hall upholds the historical significance of the Church through this unique, holistic concept referencing the grand worship place. The renovation not only preserved the building’s original cultural memory but also injected modern functionality and vitality into the space. Following its completion, the project received a Citation for Sensitivity to the Original Structure from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a Historic Preservation Award from the Providence Preservation Society (PPS), earning high recognition from the client, the community, and professionals.
Bai’s work for a historic campus in Lagaska, PA further articulates her design philosophy concerning a sustained interchange between the past and the present. Set within a complex topography, Buckingham Friends School is a K-8 school comprising six academic structures, the oldest of which dates to the 1790s. The goal was to double the size of the existing gymnasium while venerating the established historic and community narratives embedded in the original structure, and ensuring its harmonious integration into this scenic historical campus.
The new CLT and glulam construction deliberately echoes the timber frame gymnasium built in 1952 while maximizing sustainable attributes. The design team ingeniously situated the enlarged new gymnasium on a hillside, presenting a single-story facade toward the campus and a taller elevation toward the wooded area. Consequently, the building was appropriately scaled and integrated seamlessly into the existing campus fabric.
In addition to built projects, Bai also demonstrates strong research capabilities and cultural sensitivity with her conceptual design projects. Her work, The Verdant Commons, focuses on the sustainable adaptive reuse of a historic student dormitory in downtown Providence. Originally erected in 1920 as a bank, the building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. It has borne witness to a century of transformation in Providence and possesses considerable historical significance. Bai advocated for an innovative yet circumspect transformation, based on respect for historical values, throughout the design investigation.
Commencing with a biophilic design approach, the scheme promotes a healthy communal living environment for students through spatial tactics such as rooftop gardens, green walls, shared kitchens, and winter gardens. Narrow, monotonous corridors were reimagined as diverse spaces for socializing and learning. Alterations to walls and ceilings have demonstrably enhanced lighting and acoustic comfort. Multiple shared kitchens have been placed in areas adjacent to stairwells and elevators, which were deemed unpleasant for residential occupancy.
The project makes extensive use of a “light intervention” strategy. Without massive demolition and renovation, the overall quality of the space is enhanced through local refinement and material renewal. This strategy not only mitigates disruption to the original structure but also preserves its historical vernacular and community memories. This design approach fully demonstrates Bai Jiaying’s profound understanding of the value of historical architecture and her cherishment of the city’s cultural continuity.
The Vedant Commons was bestowed the Gold Winner in the Architectural Concept category at the London Design Awards, not only for its design excellence, but also for its prescient exploration in historical preservation and adaptive reuse, establishing a practical and instructive prototype for the renovation of university residences and aging structures.
Within the context of pervasive urban renewal and the progressive erosion of cultural memory, architects take the pivotal responsibility of articulating the connection between the past and the future. By preserving, rehabilitating, and re-contextualizing historical elements, Bai’s work underscores the immense potential of architecture as a cultural narrator, reaffirming the contemporary value of architectural design in preserving historical memory.
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