Building foundations with imagination

"MAD's work is like a fantasy. MAD itself means madness, expressing rebellion, and it also implies opposition to single rules, correct goals, tedious forms, and monotonous languages. What we are more interested in is responding to the colorful real world with rich, abundant, and pure emotions," Ma says.

In 2010, he was awarded International Honorary Membership by the Royal Institute of British Architects, and in 2014, he was selected as a 2014 World Young Leader by the World Economic Forum. In the professional field, his designs are often regarded as bold and unconventional.

For young architects or anyone in any professional field looking to challenge tradition, Ma offers this advice: "I'm not challenging tradition itself, but rather the way others perceive tradition. Some claim to respect tradition, but in reality, they are merely copying, which is an insult to tradition. In all great civilizations with rich traditions, there are countless innovations and creative ideas that reflect dreams and passion for the future. What we should draw from tradition and history is the power of innovation and the courage to see the world differently."

"Life is about creation, and art is brimming with vitality. Some people enjoy making paintings, others sculptures, and some revel in building skyscrapers. This exhibition allows people to experience and immerse themselves in the spirit of nature, urban architecture, history, and the contemporary world through different spaces and multiple dimensions," says Sun Haiyu, a visitor to the exhibition.

Another visitor, Zha Hu, says that, "maybe as a mad and creative person, Ma is using architecture to show his vision of love".

The exhibition continues until Dec 17.