Yiqun Guan was born in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, in 1976. He graduated from Tongji University and later pursued a master’s in Architecture at Technische Universität Berlin unter Professors Dietrich Fink und Peter Herrle. He worked at Assmann Salomon Architects in Germany, becoming a partner for their China division. Guan joined GN Architects in 2009 as a partner & design director and served as an adjunct associate professor at the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, Fudan University, from 2013 to 2015. Several of his works won gold awards in the Health and Wellness category at the WAN Awards from 2021 to 2022.
Guan is a leading architect and researcher in elderly care design in China. He leverages senior community design as a platform for exploring "ideal communities," emphasising the rejuvenation of neighbourhood life through proximity. His sociological design focus includes “informality,” “soft boundaries,” and “strong connections.”
He also promotes concepts like “age-friendly environments” and “Design for All.” Guan frequently shares his insights at professional forums and public media. He serves as an expert advisor to professional associations like the China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics Standardisation Committee and has contributed to drafting several national and industry standards.
