JUROR 2023

Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong is recognized as an important voice in the new generation of architects. As the founder and principal of MAD Architects, Ma leads design across various scales. In recent years, many of Ma’s designs follow his conception of the “Shanshui City”, which is his vision to create a new balance among society, the city and the environment through architecture. At MAD, Ma has created a series of imaginative works, including the Absolute Towers, Harbin Opera House, Beijing Chaoyang Park Plaza, Paris UNIC, Rotterdam FENIX Museum of Migration, etc.

In 2014, Ma was selected as the principal designer for Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, making him the first Chinese architect to design an overseas cultural landmark. Parallel to his design practice, he has also been exploring the cultural values of cities and architecture through domestic and international solo exhibitions, publications and art works.

In 2006, the Architectural League of New York gave him the “Young Architects Award”. In 2008, ICON named him one of the “20 Most Influential Young Architects”. In 2009, Fast Company recognized him as one of the “10 Most Creative People in Architecture” and one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” in 2014. In 2010, he became the first architect from China to receive a RIBA Fellowship. In 2014, the World Economic Forum named him a “Young Global Leader”. In 2012, his iconic project “Absolute Towers,” two residential towers in Mississauga, Canada was named “Best Tall Building in the Americas” by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).

Ma graduated from the Beijing Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Yale University.