Have you ever wondered what kind of questions an architect considers when designing urban public and community spaces?
How does architecture interact with nature?
What is the relationship between humans and architecture?
And how does history influence contemporary architectural design?
All these questions are crucial to modern urban design, and Ma Yan Song, the contemporary Chinese architect, offers his insights in the exhibition Landscapes in Motion at Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and City Planning. He presents 52 innovative projects from around the world that address these key issues.
According to Ma, architecture is a living entity deeply connected to nature and the local community, with a history that evolves alongside human progress. In his perspective, history provides a subtle backdrop, blending with the natural landscape and influencing the present and future of architecture.
The Harbin Opera House exemplifies Ma’s vision, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings on the shoreline of the Song Hua River. The exterior’s dramatic curves and aluminum facade reflect the snow-capped mountains, while the interior’s cave-like structure provides a warm and versatile space for performance art.
Harbin Opera House. Image by Rachel Wu/That’s
Harbin Opera House with Interior of the Main Performance Hall. Image by Rachel Wu/That’s
Ma emphasizes that iconic architecture should be more than just a photo opportunity. It should be a communal space accessible to all residents, in harmony with its natural surroundings.
