The close relationship between man and nature through architecture has been the most distinguishing feature of eastern architecture with respect to western architecture. However, this relationship seems to have been lost in today’s China. Ma Yansong retakes it in all his projects, and not only with living elements, with the plants that invade some of his buildings, but through much more subtle abstract references. But this look back in time, towards tradition, does not involve re-creating old architecture. Ma Yansong’s architecture constantly moves from (global) modernity to (local) tradition, integrating traditional cultural concepts into truly audacious, almost futuristic organic shapes, created based on the most advanced technology.

The close relationship between man and nature through architecture has been the most distinguishing feature of eastern architecture with respect to western architecture. However, this relationship seems to have been lost in today’s China. Ma Yansong retakes it in all his projects, and not only with living elements, with the plants that invade some of his buildings, but through much more subtle abstract references. But this look back in time, towards tradition, does not involve re-creating old architecture. Ma Yansong’s architecture constantly moves from (global) modernity to (local) tradition, integrating traditional cultural concepts into truly audacious, almost futuristic organic shapes, created based on the most advanced technology. And vice-versa, as shown by the shining metallic bubbles that are the most visible element of his proposal to rehabilitate the traditional districts of Beijing, the famous hutongs.