Tianqi Wang

Academic Areas of Interest
Urban regeneration, spatial justice, housing and community design, public space, adaptive reuse

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Traveling, learning languages

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I chose Taubman because I wanted to connect architectural design with questions about how people live in cities. My previous work on worker housing and rural revitalization sparked my interest in the social side of architecture. The connection between architecture and urban planning at Taubman felt like a good fit for developing those interests.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
I am excited by the opportunity to learn from people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking. Having studied in both China and the United States, I have become interested in how cultural experiences shape our understanding of space. I hope to contribute that perspective while learning how others approach the same design questions.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Faculty and staff have helped me understand how my previous coursework fits into the Advanced Standing program. Going through course reviews and asking questions about degree requirements has been an important part of my transition. I appreciate having guidance as I make decisions about my studies and adjust to a new academic environment.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
As a first-year student, I am just beginning to explore the available career resources. My immediate focus is on strengthening my portfolio and understanding how my research interests can connect with professional practice. I look forward to using career advising to explore internships and learn more about different paths within architecture.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
Being part of Michigan gives me a wider community beyond architecture and opportunities to explore my interests in cities, culture, and language. Receiving a Taubman scholarship has also been meaningful support as I begin graduate school. I value being able to develop a focused architectural education within a broader university environment.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
I appreciate being close to campus while having green spaces and the Huron River nearby. Ann Arbor offers a quieter setting to concentrate on my work, alongside the activity of a university community. That balance appeals to me as I settle into graduate school and establish a new daily routine.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Look closely at student work and the questions different studios are exploring. Think about what you want to investigate and where you would like to grow. It is also helpful to ask practical questions about the curriculum, Advanced Standing, and degree requirements early. Understanding those details will help you make more informed choices once the semester begins.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to return to Japan and open a small izakaya of my own. I imagine a simple life, cooking for a few guests and caring for a small, welcoming place. Away from the noise and distractions of the world, I hope to spend the rest of my life peacefully, at my own pace.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
I am not someone with grand ambitions. I hope to live a quiet life in Japan, at my own pace. We should keep listening to ourselves and asking what we truly want. Life does not have to follow a fixed path, and I do not measure success by wealth, power, or fame. I hope you and I never become hollow inside trying to meet society’s expectations. To me, a meaningful life is one we choose for ourselves and feel at peace living. ゴー・ブルー！