Enru Zhou is an architectural designer who is passionate about exploring social interactions within various forms of architecture. She believes in the power of people connecting with one another because, ultimately, these social experiences cultivate our interior and exterior environments. Growing up in a bustling city in Southern China, she gained an early appreciation for how markets can enrich the vitality of urban communities.

In light of the current pandemic, the opportunity to socialize and connect is more essential than ever. She seeks to discover how architecture can serve as a medium for fostering social connections and enhancing mental and physical wellbeing. Aiming to revitalize local neighborhoods and improve the public market experience in Chicago, Enru presents her thesis: Adaptable Markets: Reconnecting Communities with Food.