All creative fields, like the film industry, literature, etc. Any form of art doesn’t have cessation. Art evolves and transforms according to every period. Architecture is not exceptional. It nurtures itself in the demands of advanced technological inventions and enhanced lifestyles of users. MAD architects, an international firm to practice international architecture, was founded by Ma Yansong in 2004 and is currently led by Ma Yansong. Dang Qun, and Yosuke Hayano. Their team is ardent about creating contemporary buildings with futuristic advanced designs that also embody nature in a high proportion.
Philosophy and Mission of MAD Architects
MAD architects, being commenced in a country with strong culture and tradition. Ma Yansong’s primary objective is to incorporate nature in every space he designs which are distinguished character of Chinese architecture. Lately, architecture has been reformed to create buildings more like an object that establish functionality than a space where users can connect to them emotionally. MAD architects firm’s preliminary philosophy is to herd inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture of consolidating nature and building on an urban scale.
“I work with emotion and with context. When I design a building, I close my eyes and feel as if I saw a virtual world that lies halfway between the city, the land, and nature. It goes from large scale to small scale. Many things travel in front of my eyes; I feel them and try to find a way to express my feelings. The language I use is the least important of it all. It does not matter whether they are straight lines or curves. I only intend for people to feel the same or to find something unexpected.” Says Ma Yansong
The primary responsibility they feel is to adapt landscape architecture into the building to intertwin user function with the natural environment. Though it is artificial nature and man-made, they wanted to make their user emotionally connect with buildings using nature as a medium.
“MAD 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.” States Ma Yansong.
Office
It has founded in 2004 in Beijing. The firm has extended its roots to Los Angeles and New York also. In addition to Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, and Yosuke Hayano also headed the other two branches. MAD architects is a home for numerous awards which includes the 2006 Architectural League of New York’s Young architect’s forum award. Their work has been published in many magazines worldwide and in exhibitions notably ‘MAD in China’ in Vince, MAD under construction in Tokyo, and MAD. Exe’ in Denmark, etc.
Top 3 works of MAD architects
Though the firm has done many projects across the countries and has more undergoing projects. Let’s take a look at the top 3 projects by them below.
Absolute towers
The two towers of height 170m and 150m with 56 and 50 stories standing rigid draw the attention of passers. These residential towers are located in the expanding city of Mississauga, Canada, and were built between 2006 -2011. The goal is to provide a 360-degree view from every residence. To achieve this the designers used a continuous balcony that surrounds the whole building. This helps to break the typical formula of high-rise architecture.
Harbin Opera house
This timeless architectural piece is built in the city of Ordos, China. The flowing design of this museum looks like the building had just bloomed from the natural environment around it out of nowhere. That meets the concept of forging users to feel connected to nature by interviewing nature and human development. Buckminster Fuller‘s geodesic domes are the preeminent influence for this great outcome. The Museum’s interiors are bathed in daylight to provide a natural work environment.
Clover House
MAD architects are not only famous for urban-scale projects, their warm and comfortable small institution for kids portrays their passion for architecture phenomenally. Clover house got renovated into an institution building in the year 2015. To reduce the construction cost, the team recycled and reused the existing wood in their new design. The skin with organic form covers the wooden skeleton of the structure like a quilt.
“We wanted to create a playful piece of architecture that would stay in the memory of kids when they have grown up. It is important to create a kindergarten that feels like a home and gives the kids the best possible house to grow up in, one that promotes their learning and creativity.” States Ma Yansong.
Latest projects of MAD architects
MAD architects, is having myriad projects around the world. They are in rivalry to create their impression in every country. Let us see their few latest projects below.
Roca Beijing Gallery, China
Roca Beijing gallery was completed in the year 2017. The goal is to achieve a barrier-free interior on both floors. The interior walls and floors are finished with LED screens which had become a new idea for the façade.
UNIC newly developing neighborhood, Paris
The UNIC in Paris is still under construction. MAD architects is the first architectural firm from China to design a significant building in the whole of Europe. This mixed-use apartment not only satisfies the needs of its occupant but also the terms of eco-district Clichy – Batignolles by using sustainable materials. Each residential unit opens to a terrace which helps the residents to connect with nature and vibrant street
Yabuli Entrepreneurs congress centre, China
This giant white shell-like structure was completed in 2020 in Yabuli city. It is inspired by the snow top mountains. The contours of the roof are achieved by white aluminium panels. Along with conference halls, it also consists of library space, and multi-functional rooms.
Reference
DIVISARE HOMEPAGE (2017). MAD ARCHITECTS HARBIN OPERA HOUSE. (LAST UPDATED ON AUGUST 30,2017)
HTTPS://DIVISARE.COM/PROJECTS/364397-MAD-ARCHITECTS-KRIS-PROVOOST-HARBIN-OPERA-HOUSE
http://www.i-mad.com/
