Zehao You

Shanghai, China
M.Arch, Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology

Zehao joins MIT with 3 years of experience in project management for real estate development, specifically concentrating on design-related stuff. Born, raised, and worked in different Chinese cities, Zehao has witnessed and experienced radical urban growth in China, which has truly changed the urban fabric and the citizens’ life in both positive and negative ways. Thus Zehao is inspired by involving in creating better cities.

Zehao got a B.Arch and an M.Arch from Harbin Institute of Technology, China. Upon graduation, he joined Shimao, a big RE developer in China, hoping to explore more beyond architectural design. In the past 3 years, he worked on an 80-acre mixed-use project in downtown Shenzhen, including residential, retail, office, school, luxury hotel, and public facilities, 14 blocks in total. One of the buildings would potentially be the highest in China. Working on the large-scale urban development made Zehao connect with various social groups, such as the government, investors, local communities, etc. And he realized that instead of a strict dichotomy between capital strategies and civil responsibilities, it is more of the reciprocity in a successful city.

Intrigued by the vision, Zehao is hoping to connect with the sharpest mind at MIT to learn the essential experience of maximizing public and private benefits through thoughtful zoning and financial planning. He believes the MSRED program will equip him with broad knowledge in this industry.

Zehao likes fencing in his leisure time. He is excited by the tense confrontation, making him clearheaded.