MAD Masterclass: Exploring the Future of Architecture With Ma Yansong

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Renowned Chinese architecture firm MAD Architects has won a plethora of A+Awards for projects across a wide range of typologies. As Architizer invites entries to the 11th Annual A+Awards, we welcome the firm’s visionary founder and principal partner, Ma Yansong, to the virtual stage to present some of the core ideas behind MAD’s past, present and future work, as well as possibilities for future public spaces in our cities.

As the world reckons with increasingly complex challenges on a global scale — from urbanization and population density to resource shortages and climate change — architects are positioned as problem solvers on a whole new level. Yansong will explain how MAD’s projects aim to harness design innovation to create a more resilient, livable future for urban populations, as well as looking ahead to what comes next for the firm.

During this talk, you’ll learn:

  • Some of the key concepts behind the work of one of China’s most award-winning architecture firms.
  • How nature can inspire dynamic new types of architecture for the next generation.
  • How design can contribute positively to some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

About Ma Yansong

Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong is recognized as an important voice in the new generation of architects. He is the first Chinese architect to win an overseas landmark-building project. As the founder and principal of MAD Architects, Ma leads design across various scales, including urban planning, urban complexes, municipal buildings, museums, theaters, concert halls, and housing, as well as art and design. The projects are located in China, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.

In recent years, Ma has created a series of imaginative works, including Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Absolute Towers, Harbin Opera House, Chaoyang Park Plaza, China Philharmonic Concert Hall, FENIX Museum of Migration, Quzhou Sports Park, Shenzhen Bay Cultural Park, etc. In 2014, Ma was selected as the principal designer for Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which made him the first Chinese architect to design overseas culture landmark. Parallel to his design practice, he has also been exploring with the public the cultural values of cities and architecture through domestic and international solo exhibitions, publications and art works.


Check out more work by MAD Architects on their Architizer firm profile:

Read More About the Firm

Calling all architects, landscape architects and interior designers: Architizer's A+Awards allows firms of all sizes to showcase their practice and vie for the title of “World’s Best Architecture Firm.” Start an A+Firm Award Application today. 

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