At Harrow Shenzhen, some students have earned places at Imperial College London through scientific excellence, while others have gained admission to top computer science universities through coding. Others have also secured places at Berklee College of Music through their musical talent.
Anson is the first student to achieve such exceptional results in architecture.
From research‑led universities to leading art schools, congratulations to Harrow Shenzhen student Anson on securing conditional offers from the University of Manchester (QS World #5 for Architecture), the Architectural Association School of Architecture, University of the Arts London, and the Maryland Institute College of Art (with a scholarship of over £70,000). These are some of the most prestigious architecture programmes in the UK and the US.
01
Art + Physics = The Perfect ‘Architectural Recipe’
Anson L.
Class of 2026
“My favourite subjects are Art and Physics.”
It may sound contradictory – one is rooted in emotional expression and the other in logical reasoning. But for Anson, this contrast is precisely the essence of architecture. Art teaches her to observe space, form, light, shadow, and emotion; while Physics gives her the language of structure, mechanics, materials, and rules. Together, they shape how she understands and designs the world.
At Harrow Shenzhen, she has never been confined to a single academic path. She can paint in watercolours while also deriving formulas.
Anson L.
Class of 2026
“The school encouraged me to explore different subjects, take on challenging projects, and keep reflecting on what truly drives me. It was through this freedom of exploration that I found myself – on the path to becoming an architect who connects art, design and structure.”
02
Growth: An Urban Village Field Study That Reshaped Her Design Philosophy
One of Anson’s portfolio projects focuses on the regeneration of an urban village. She visited an old village scheduled for demolition, conducted fieldwork and had in‑depth conversations with its residents. She noticed poor natural lighting, cramped living spaces, and virtually no public areas.
Anson’s Portfolio
At first, she considered “demolishing and rebuilding” as the most direct and efficient solution. But after speaking with the residents, she paused. The village held the childhoods, weddings, farewells and reunions of several generations. If it were all torn down, where would those memories go?
Therefore, Anson chose a different approach: preserving the existing houses while adding new public spaces – small squares, covered walkways, and community gardens. This approach allowed light in, encouraged people to meet, and enabled elderly residents to continue living with dignity.
Anson’s Portfolio
Anson L.
Class of 2026
“I believe this is what architecture should do: create value for human society while preserving precious memories.”
From “tear down” to “preserve”, from technical thinking to human‑centred care – this reflects Anson’s growth at Harrow Shenzhen.
03
Inspiration from I.M. Pei and the Louvre
The Louvre Pyramid – a modern glass structure set at the heart of a classical palace – was once highly controversial, but today it has become a symbol of Paris.
Anson L.
Class of 2026
“I admire how I.M. Pei created a dialogue between the old and the new without letting modernity erase tradition. Architecture is not just about space. It carries stories, emotions, and memories that last a lifetime. I hope that one day I can design places where people feel connected, peaceful and healed.”
Her watercolour painting of the Natural History Museum in London is an exercise in that very philosophy. Architecture is never just steel and concrete. It carries history, science, and the accumulated wisdom of humanity across centuries.
This inspiration came from every moment of reflection, every question asked, and every encounter with the works of master architects in Harrow Shenzhen’s classrooms.
Anson’s story is one of
· how art and reason can coexist,
· how memory and innovation can find balance,
· how personal dreams can align with social value.
And this is precisely the most compelling expression of Harrow’s holistic education: helping children identify their passions through exploration, learn responsibility through passion, and create value through responsibility.
