Page 25 - 2024-08-26 Annual Award 2024

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Qingyun Ma

Qingyun Ma, born in Xi’an, China, is a distinguished architect and educator with a
profound impact on contemporary architecture and urban planning. He earned his
Bachelor of Architecture from Tsinghua University and his Master of Architecture
from the University of Pennsylvania, setting a strong foundation for his future con-
tributions to the field.

In 1996, Ma founded his own practice, MADA s.p.a.m., in New York. The firm
quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach, and in 1999, Ma moved the
practice to Shanghai to be at the heart of China’s rapidly evolving architectural
landscape. Over the past two decades, MADA s.p.a.m. has become renowned for its
pioneering designs and research, significantly influencing China’s contemporary ar-
chitectural discourse. The firm has achieved numerous accolades, including notable
exhibitions at the Venice Biennale in 2002 and the Pompidou Art Center in 2003.
MADA’s work was prominently featured in “In the Construction Site” exhibitions
held across major European cities from 2004 to 2006, earning widespread acclaim
and sparking significant interest in China’s architectural developments.
In 2010, Ma was named one of the "most influential designers" in the world by Business Week, joining a select group of archi-
tects recognized for their global impact. His contributions to the field have been marked by a blend of visionary design and deep
cultural engagement.

Ma’s commitment to education is equally impressive. He has taught and lectured at leading institutions, including Harvard Uni-
versity, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S., as well as ETH Zurich, the Berlage Institute, and
Berlin Technical University in Europe. From 2006 to 2010, he served as the dean of the School of Architecture at the University
of Southern California (USC), where he was the first Chinese dean at a foreign university. Under his leadership, USC’s architec-
ture programs achieved unprecedented success, with the undergraduate program ranking 5th and the graduate program 15th
in the nation. He spearheaded the development of a four-strand research agenda focused on digital technology and led efforts
in robotic construction, securing a grant from NASA for lunar construction research. Ma also supported the Solar Decathlon
competition, resulting in multiple top prizes for USC’s teams.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Ma has played a significant role in civic and urban development. He
served as an expert advisor during Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, contributing to the successful presentation of Bei-
jing’s urban development principles. In 2010, he was invited to join the award committee for the Best National Pavilion Award
at the 2010 Shanghai WorldExpo. His role as chief curator for the 2007 Shenzhen • Hong Kong Urban and Architecture Biennial
further established his influence in urban planning discussions.

Currently, Ma is the chief planner for Shenzhen’s Pingshan District, where he is driving the creation of a new urban develop-
ment paradigm that integrates ecological preservation with innovative industrial growth. His efforts aim to create a model for
sustainable urban development. Ma also founded DAMA (Design Activated Mind Application Inc.) in Shenzhen, focusing on
design education, incubation, and acceleration.

Ma’s passion for rural development is exemplified by his enterprise, Jade Valley, which explores how architecture and urbanism
can merge with culture, agriculture, and nature to transform local economies and environments. Through his work, Ma contin-
ues to push the boundaries of architecture and urban planning, shaping the future of the field with his visionary approach.
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