Ma Yansong: Architecture and Emotion, on view at the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, marks the first solo show in the Netherlands by MAD Architects, a studio led by Ma Yansong, Dang Qun and Yosuke Hayano. Curated by Aric Chen with Tijn van de Wijdeven and Emily Wijns, the show invites visitors to experience how MAD uses architecture to forge emotional, poetic connections between people, nature and the built environment.

Structured around seven thematic chapters, the exhibition explores 27 projects that trace MAD’s evolution—from early experimental works like Beijing 2050 and Fish Tank, to commissions such as Absolute Towers, Shanshui City and the Harbin Opera House. Highlights also include Cloudscape of Haikou, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and One River North, alongside new projects in Europe and China. Visitors can engage with large-scale models, multimedia and an interactive AR installation that transforms sketches into volumetric designs. The final section, MAD People, looks at the studio’s global team and collaborative culture. Presented in collaboration with MAD Architects, Ma Yansong: Architecture and Emotion aims to provoke thought and foster innovation through architecture, design and digital culture.