2005 (1st) Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture

Open Door !    By Yung Ho Chang, Independent Curator

During the past twenty-five years, China has undergone a series of drastic social and cultural reformations brought upon by market economy and urbanization. Themed Urbanism and Architecture, this exhibition cannot comprehensively reflect this complex phenomenon. However, through the 80 exhibition projects of various disciplines, these experiences hope to share a few observations, convey some messages, or raise several questions, as these include:

City is Important than Buildings

A city should be an organic entity that meets the daily needs of the residents, rather than a simple collection of building masses. People form interdependent relationships within a city, rendering it public in nature.  In the past few years, new things and ideas are mostly formed in the city, which have become a contemporary cultural platform. Many urban problems cannot be solved by architecture alone.

Got Character Chinese City

The contemporary Chinese city features wide roads, aggressive buildings, and boisterous advertisements. These appearances reflect a society full of opportunity, abundant with energy and desire. But has city life become more convenient or more comfortable? Is this a balanced development? The crucial issue should first be of quality, not character.

Architecture is More Than Monument

The visual value of a building is often exaggerated and its practical function ignored. In daily city life, architecture provides public spaces for activities, and forms an urban fabric. Generic architecture, thus, is more important than landmark buildings, in that they are part of the city. Roads and power supplies alike, residence housing should then be regarded as urban infrastructure.

Architecture is Relevant to Society

Architecture alone cannot solve social problems, but through design architects, is able to exert positive influences on society or communities, breaking through the restraints of market economy. Presently, some architects are working hard through self-motivation to create opportunities, strive for initiative, and practice a social architecture.

Chinese Architecture is Changing

In the past few years, Chinese architects have been very active both in practice and theory, presenting a pluralistic direction. There is a breakthrough from the international modernistic language, as evidenced through the reassessment of local and vernacular architecture with a modernistic way of thinking.

Design Improves Living

Design is not only decoration; it can creatively research and solve daily problems. For example, due to environmental pollution, food is being redesigned which has changed the eating habits of people. The achievements made by design constitute the strategy of building and living.

Theory May not be Abstruse

Theory narrates the story behind things, with the purpose of revealing the meaning and the relationships of various events and entities, which is not necessarily philosophical. Theory may be expressed by way of words, formula, images or diagrams.

When you come to see the exhibition, you may bear in mind the above-mentioned few ideas. You may not agree with them, nor be restrained by them. Perhaps your thoughts are just the opposite, or you may have more discoveries. These are just a few clues. Because the most important point is: Mind, Open Door!