ma yansong retrospective in madrid

ma yansong ‘between (global) modernity and (local) tradition’, madrid spainall images courtesy of MAD architects

ma yansong of beijing-based MAD architects, will exhibit ‘between (global) modernity and (local) tradition’ a diverse collection of his work at the museo ICO in madrid, spain. the pieces on show will bring together projects such as the ‘city & art museum’ in ordos, and the ‘absolute towers’ located in a suburb  outside of toronto, canada.he creates worlds with an architectural focus on emotion and context, provoking the virtual which explores a new dimension in contemporary culture.

‘our work is an attitude, a posture towards architecture, towards society. through our work we want people to be inspired by a place through local nature, time and space. when I design a building, I close my eyes and feel as if I see a virtual world which lays half way between the city, the nature and the land. it goes from large scale to small scale. many things travel in front of my eyes; I feel them and try to find the way to express my feelings.’ – ma yansong

view of ‘absolute towers’

model of ‘superstar’, self-sustaining city, 2008 

models in exhibition space(left) ‘urban forest’ model(right) ‘superstar’ model

model of solar-powered ‘floating’ museum, 2010 

fish tank exploration study