Ma Yansong
Photo: World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons12

Ma Yansong

Chinese architect

Ma Yansong (Chinese: 马岩松; pinyin: Mǎ Yánsōng) is the principal partner and founder of MAD Architects, a global design practice with offices located in Los Angeles, Rome, and Beijing. Renowned for his bold designs, Ma has led MAD in the creation of many significant structures around the world, including the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Harbin Opera House, Quzhou Stadium, FENIX Museum, The Yue Cheng Courtyard Kindergarten, Jiaxing Train Station, Shenzhen Bay Culture Square, One River North, and the Tunnel of Light.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Ma Yansong (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born 1975.1

About

His design approach emphasizes a harmonious integration of urban landscapes, natural elements, and human experiences.

From Wikipedia’s article on Ma Yansong, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedYale University3
  • Date not recordedYale School of Architecture3
  • Date not recordedBeijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture3

Ma Yansong was born in Beijing in 1975. He holds a master's degree in Architecture from Yale University and a bachelor's degree from the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture. During his master's degree at Yale, he first received attention for his project "Floating Islands". Ma Yansong founded MAD Architects in 2004, and since then, has been internationally recognized. His influence extends across disciplines, including exhibitions, publications, product design, and the arts, reflecting a multidisciplinary vision that continues to shape global discourse.

From Wikipedia’s article on Ma Yansong (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: university teacher, architect.5

Known for: Ordos Museum, Absolute World.6

Personal life

  • Born1975, Beijing7
  • CitizenshipPeople's Republic of China8

Awards

  • 2025Time 1009 10