Blurring the line between structure and landscape, the nature-inspired architecture of Ma Yansong, founderof Mad Architects, is revolutionising cities across the globe
![Iconoclast](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/683/208040/58a3ee59f044a/Iconoclast.jpg)
Forget boxy, geometrical and rectilinear designs—Ma Yansong is on a mission to create cities that are more organic, undulating and ultimately more liveable and more human. So futuristic are his mega structures that they could be spaceships right out of science-fiction flicks. Yet they are not mere figments of his imagination. His projects are being built in China a country witnessing explosive population growth and increasingly in the West, in cities in search of solutions to high urban density. It’s a true testament of his creative prowess that his unconventional soaring edifices are seeing the light of day, even though they trigger massive technical challenges for their builders and engineers as well as increased financial costs for their developers. Take towers for instance. Most are constructed on straight lines simply because they are more efficient and less expensive to build that way. But that’s not the Ma way.
A project designer for the late British architect Zaha Hadid in London for a year before founding Beijing-based MAD Architects in 2004, Ma became the first Chinese architect to win an international competition for a foreign landmark project: the Absolute Towers in Mississauga, Canada, composed of twin asymmetrical, spiralling residential high-rise buildings with 360-degree views on each level that have a slightly different appearance from every angle. Every floor and every unit is unique. His very first overseas project finalised in 2012. It proved that China was a burgeoning force in creative architecture and brought international exposure to a Toronto suburb it’s unusual for a privately-developed condominium to help an emerging city form an identity through its architecture, as it’s a job usually left to public projects, such as a museum, opera house or city hall.
Prior to Absolute Towers, Ma had never built a tower. However, all that changed thanks to the breakthrough commission.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February - March 2017 من Singapore Tatler Homes.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February - March 2017 من Singapore Tatler Homes.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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The Art Of The Matter
Southern American art is a highlight of this transformed Texas ranch by Joshua Rice Design
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Dream Making
Summerhaus D’zign managing partner Larry Lim reminisces about the firm's early beginnings and how it has grown from strength to strength in the 12 years since its founding
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In The Hidden Valley
Nestled in the Chilean countryside overlooking the lush Valle Escondido, this detached house was crafted as a beautiful home perfect for a family of five
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SNOWED IN
This family ski retreat in Quebec's Charlevoix region features spaces with a seamless blend of residential warmth and five-star hôtel particulier luxury
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A FASHIONABLE SPIN
We take a look at the exquisite presentations and latest maison offerings dished up by the fashion houses at Milan Design Week 2024
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FAIR PLAY
Explore the cutting-edge creations and groundbreaking collaborations at Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan, which showcased the transformative power of innovation in shaping the future of global design
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HAUTE HAUNTS
Designers and design aficionados make their annual pilgrimage to Milan Design Week for the latest and most spectacular design happenings, but where in the city do they actually hang out? Here are some of the stylish locals’ favourite addresses
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Inspired Living
The luxury property market is gearing towards elevated lifestyles and transformative trends in the second quarter of the year
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Rock Stars
As acclaimed design duo Formafantasma unveil a new material at Milan Design Week, they discuss their pioneering collaboration with Cosentino and explain that designers should be more involved in creating solutions for social issues
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Crafting Joy
We chat with Marimekko's Minna Kemell-Kutvonen at the brand's pop-up cafe about celebrating heritage, what makes Finnish design unique, and the future of prints in the digital world