Visitors admire works at the “Ma Yansong: Landscapes in Motion” exhibition at the MoCAUP.

Renowned Chinese architect Ma Yansong and his MAD Architects, known for their innovative designs that challenge traditional architectural norms, are exhibiting architectural models at the newly opened “Ma Yansong: Landscapes in Motion” exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MoCAUP).

The comprehensive exhibition in the 3,000-square-meter hall presents 52 significant projects completed by MAD Architects over the past 20 years, showcasing the processes behind these projects in which the architects challenged numerous technical and construction limitations.

MAD Architects, founded in 2004, is jointly led by Ma, Dang Qun and Yosuke Hayano. Their futuristic buildings often feature flowing lines, curvilinear shapes and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.

“MAD means ‘crazy,’ expressing rebellion and opposing singular rules, correct goals, monotonous forms, and dull language. What interests us more is responding to the colorful world with rich, abundant, and pure emotions,” said Ma.

“Architecture and cities are not abstract scientific technologies but real settings where life unfolds. They represent feelings, ambiance and time. They carry traits of living beings, so they are full of energy, flowing, dynamic and uncertain,” Ma wrote in the exhibition profile.

The exhibition is divided into four sections — “Dialogue,” “Process,” “Feeling Is Real” and “Fantasy.”

Visitors can admire the architectural models of MAD’s iconic buildings such as the Absolute Towers in Mississauga, Canada, also known as the “Marilyn Monroe Towers.” These residential towers feature dynamic twisting forms that create a visual impression of movement.

The Harbin Opera House in Northeast China, a grand cultural complex, is inspired by natural ice formations and reflects Harbin’s snowy landscapes. Its curvaceous, sculptural design makes it a prominent landmark.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, the U.S., is a striking spaceship-like structure that houses film director George Lucas’ extensive collection of narrative art.

The exhibition also displays design drawings, research reports and visual records of the construction process. Moreover, a huge table at the exhibition hall is covered with questions asked by MAD’s staff members.

Questions such as “Can architecture push the boundaries of society?” “What kind of city makes you feel happy?” and “What will China’s future cities be like?” touch on topics of cities, architecture, everyday life, the future and dreams.

Through this interaction, the exhibition aims to trigger discussions and reflection, allowing the audience to envision future life and cities.

The exhibition also presents 15 design and land art projects, emphasizing that architecture is not just about walls and floors but also exists within the atmosphere and perception it creates.

Dates: Through Dec. 17

Tickets: 68 yuan (various discounts available)

Booking: WeChat account “深圳市當代藝術與城市規劃館”

Venue: Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, Futian District (深圳市當代藝術與城市規劃館)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宮站), Exit A2