Kaiwen Li
Toronto,On
Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented individual, with a strong willingness to learn and grow in a professional environment. Recently completed a degree in Architecture and Visual Studies, with foundational knowledge in urban design and contemporary aesthetics. Known for reliability, adaptability, and strong communication skills developed through academic projects, volunteer work, or part-time roles. I am Eagered to contribute to a team and gain hands-on experience while delivering value and continuously improving.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Artist Book Designer – “Reframing St. James”
Visual Studies Studio Course
02.2025 - Current
- Developed a conceptual guidebook critiquing public space and institutional aesthetics around homelessness in Toronto’s St. James Park.
- Used Adobe InDesign, archival imagery, and satirical design to juxtapose official city narratives with lived experiences.
- Final project selected for student showcase.
Interactive Installation Student Artist
Daniels Faculty of Architecture, University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
09.2020 - Current
- Created a kinetic installation using Arduino sensors and servo motors to explore themes of cultural erasure through the simplification of Chinese characters.
- Programmed real-time motion triggers to manipulate physical text, integrating technology, language, and history.
- Presented in class critique and documented for portfolio inclusion.
Teaching Assistant (Unofficial/Volunteer)
- Current
- Assisted first-year students in model-making, Adobe tools, and layout reviews.
- Held informal peer critiques to help improve presentation and conceptual clarity.
Visual Researcher – Urban Memory & Reclamation
Daniels Faculty of Architecture
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Conducted a comparative research study on Toronto Harbourfront and Shenzhen, focusing on how land reclamation reshapes public memory and urban identity.
- Produced infographics, urban maps, and a critical essay applying Lefebvre and Harvey’s spatial theory.
- Designed a digital and print exhibit of findings for peer presentation.
Education
Urban Studies, Visual Studies, Contemporary Art & Criticism
University of Toronto - Daniels Faculty of Architecture
Skills
- Conceptual Art
- Urban Design
- Graphic Design
- Adobe Illustrator Illustrator
- Rhino
- SketchUp
- TwinMotion (Unreal Engine)
- AutoCAD
- Arduino programmable sets- Servo motors, Ultrasonic sensors, Basic c/c coding)
- Basic c/c coding
- Critical essays
- Site analysis
- Media studies
Languages
- English, fluent
- Chinese, native
Skills
Conceptual Art, Urban Design, Graphic Design, Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, Rhino, SketchUp, TwinMotion (Unreal Engine), AutoCAD, Arduino programmable sets (servo motors, ultrasonic sensors), basic c/c++ coding for installations, Critical essays, Site analysis, media studies
Languages
English
Professional
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Artist Book Designer – “Reframing St. James”
Visual Studies Studio Course
02.2025 - Current
Visual Researcher – Urban Memory & Reclamation
Daniels Faculty of Architecture
11.2024 - 04.2025
Interactive Installation Student Artist
Daniels Faculty of Architecture, University of Toronto
09.2020 - Current
Teaching Assistant (Unofficial/Volunteer)
- Current
Urban Studies, Visual Studies, Contemporary Art & Criticism
University of Toronto - Daniels Faculty of Architecture
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