Meet Ziyuan ‘zoey’ Zhu | Creative technologist & Multimedia artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ziyuan ‘zoey’ Zhu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ziyuan ‘Zoey’, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in China, immersed in a creative atmosphere. As my dad was working in the art industry, our home was always buzzing with the presence of artists, performers, and creators. This dynamic environment exposed me early on to the arts, allowing me to experience the world of painting, performing, and theater very hands-only. It wasn’t just about observing; it was about being a part of it. This unique upbringing deeply influenced how I approach design today, fostering a strong foundation in creativity and innovation​.
As I pursued my studies in architecture and urban design in both Germany and China, I gained an even broader view of design. When I was in Germany, I worked as a designer in a local architecture firm, this experience enriched my insights in contextualizing design. However, it wasn’t until my time at MIT, where a chance encounter with an engineering class sparked a new passion for merging technology with art, that my work truly evolved. This unexpected turn expanded my vision, allowing me to explore the intersection of technology and human-centered design​.
This blend of cultural influences and academic experiences has contributed to the path of being a designer and artist., particularly in projects that reimagine how we interact with technology and our environment. Whether transforming urban spaces with augmented reality or creating sustainable fashion pieces, I’ve always been guided by the belief that design can create meaningful change​.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My design and art practice exists at the intersection of art and technology, a space where I merge traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovations like AI, data visualization, and immersive design. What sets my work apart is this blend of the tactile and digital, creating pieces that not only tell stories but also engage with larger social and environmental narratives. I’m particularly focused on sustainability, exploring themes like upcycling, material memory, and climate action through my work.

For example, projects like the Unwanted Project focus on turning discarded materials into wearable art, challenging perceptions of waste and ownership​
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to push the boundaries of what design can be. I love experimenting with new media, whether it’s embedding AI into fabric, creating interactive installations, or using voice and data to influence the patterns in my weaving. One of my recent pieces, If These Pants Could Talk, blends AI with denim to tell the story of material memory and sustainability, allowing participants to interact with jeans that “speak” about their creation and history.
My journey to where I am today came with its fair share of challenges. As an international student navigating the complexities of visa situations, I faced many uncertainties. Transitioning from architecture to creative technology also required a lot of perseverance, but I’ve always embraced experimentation and learning. The key lesson I’ve learned is to stay resilient and keep pushing forward, even when the path is unclear. By embracing failure as a step toward growth, I’ve been able to refine my practice and create work that feels authentic to me

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start by taking them to Friday Gallery, recently opened by my incredibly amazing friend and ex-colleague, This gallery is such a breath of fresh air, blending art and design while spotlighting inspiring work from the Global South. It features curated pieces from artists and artisans across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. The space is not only visually stunning but also celebrates the diverse cultural expressions of brown artists, making it a truly unique and meaningful place to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to the book The Alchemist. I read it when I was a kid, and it has had a profound impact on my life choices and the creative energy that drives me. I love the idea it presents, that when you truly want something, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it. It’s a philosophy that’s stuck with me throughout my journey. I also want to recognize my design hero, Alvar Aalto, whose approach to architecture has deeply influenced my own path. His work has always inspired me to look beyond the boundaries of my discipline and find beauty and innovation in unexpected places.

Website: https://iam-zy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhu.ziyuan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoey-zhu/

Image Credits
portrait image credited to Mike Godlewski