China 2016

Our nation’s dignity, welfare and equality are the original reasons for modernization in the last hundred years. In China dealing with these issues is the ‘ignored front’ of modernization. Chinese architecture has been pioneering in the nation’s modernization for the last three decades. However, developments generally focus only on the new ‘futuristic’ frontier – ‘spectacular’ buildings and cities are erected one after another, seldom taking a glance at the things passed by – ancient traditions and daily lives. This exhibition is about things and designs that embody traditions of the past and have lasting presence. Our ancient Chinese concept of Tao is an active and holistic conception of Nature. Tao can be roughly thought of as the flow of the Universe, or as some essence or pattern behind the natural world that keeps the Universe balanced and ordered. Daily Design follows Daily Tao. It satisfies us in our daily lives not by introducing a new future to replace the past, but by polishing the past and integrating it into our daily lives. It doesn’t intervene, instead, it mediates communities. It makes design accessible to the majority’s lives. It does not believe that architecture has a bright future on our planet, unless we act abstemiously and responsibly in the present. Together, we would like to share our faith in ancient Chinese wisdom with the rest of the world.

Liang Jingyu
Curator of China Pavilion

Exhibitors: Approach Architecture Studio, Ke Ma, People’s Architecture Office, Rùn Atelier, Qun Song, Lu Wang, Xiaoying Xie, Yan Tong, Haitao Huang, Zhi Qu (View Unlimited LA,CUCD), Jingxiang Zhu, Jing Zuo