Meet Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD Architects, the practice he runs with Dang Qun and Yosuke Hayano. During this latest edition of An Evening With, he sits down with Aric Chen, director of the Nieuwe Instituut, to talk about his design philosophy, working methods and collaboration on the exhibition, Ma Yansong. Architecture and Emotion.
Ma Yansong
Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong is an important voice in a new generation of architects. He designs futuristic, organic and technically advanced buildings, inspired by the Eastern philosophy of harmony with nature. His vision of the future city focuses on the spiritual and emotional needs of its citizens. He aims to bring people, the city and the environment into balance with each other.
MAD Architects
Ma Yansong founded MAD Architects in 2004. The firm is active internationally, working on a wide range of projects, including urban planning, urban complexes, museums, theatres, concert halls, housing and art and design. The elegantly undulating Absolute Towers near Toronto, the Harbin Opera House, the ambitious Quzhou Sports Park and the Tunnel of Light reveal a distinctive imagination. Current projects include the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles and the Shenzhen Bay Culture Park in China. In mid-May, the new Fenix museum in Rotterdam will open, complete with MAD Architects’ Tornado: the imposing spiral staircase that winds its way through the building to the roof.
Ma Yansong. Architecture and Emotion
From 17 May to 21 September, the Nieuwe Instituut will host the exhibition Ma Yansong. Architecture and Emotion, an overview of the work of MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, Dang Qun and Yosuke Hayano.
An Evening With
An Evening With is a monthly series of talks featuring emerging and established international voices in design, architecture and digital culture. Designers and artists take you on a journey through their practice, sources of inspiration, fascinations and dreams of the future.
