Vital Architecture

Introduction

With Vital Architecture, Atelier Li Xinggang presents selected projects from China that create spaces where nature and the built environment merge into a living whole. Architecture is understood here as an interplay of space, environment, history and experience – a position between idealism and reality in which the built mediates and connects. Five spatial strategies form the foundation of a ‘Vital City’ concept, in which buildings do not stand in isolation but exist in poetic dialogue with their surroundings. The exhibition demonstrates how spatial knowledge is translated into concrete, contemporary architectural ideas, contributing to a vital built environment.

The accompanying talk will explore how architecture today can respond to ecological urgency, rapid urbanisation and cultural memory, and how design can foster meaningful relationships between people, place and landscape. Through built projects, conceptual approaches and personal experiences, the speakers will discuss what it means to create architecture that is not only functional and beautiful, but also alive – architecture that evolves with its environment and contributes to a more vital city.

Programme

16:00 Exhibition Preview

Welcome: Mathias Schnell, Partner, Aedes, Berlin

Exhibition Tour: Li Xinggang, Founder, Atelier Li Xinggang / Professor, Tianjin University, Beijing and Li Xiangning, Curator / Vice President, Tongi University, Shanghai

16:30 Exhibition Talk

• Welcome: Hans-Jürgen Commerell, Aedes, Berlin
• Introduction: Li Xiangning, Curator / Vice President, Tongi University, Shanghai
• Presentation: Li Xinggang, Founder, Atelier Li Xinggang / Professor, Tianjin University, Beijing
• Discussion
  • Moderator: Eduard Kögel, Urban Planner / Curator, Berlin
  • Vera Hartmann, Partner Director, Sauerbruch Hutton, Berlin
  • Yung Ho Chang, Dean, Chair Professor of Faculty of Architecture at The University of Hong Kong  / Founding Partner and Principal Architect of Atelier Feichang Jianzhu
  • Wilfried Wang, President of CICA / Professor, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai
  • Johannes Kuehn, Founding Partner of Kuehn Malvezzi / Professor, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
  • Ulrike Eberhardt, Associate, David Chipperfield Architects, Berlin
  • Jörg Stollmann, Vice Dean, Faculty VI – Planning Building Environment, TU Berlin
  • Li Xinggang, Founder, Atelier Li Xinggang / Professor, Tianjin University, Beijing
  • Li Xiangning, Curator / Vice President, Tongji University, Shanghai

After the discussion you are cordially invited to the opening reception of the exhibition Vital Architecture. 

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