When I was young and used to look at Chinese architecture, there was no clear definition between what was landscaping and what was architecture.

Ma Yansong’s quote, “When I was young and used to look at Chinese architecture, there was no clear definition between what was landscaping and what was architecture,” reflects a foundational realization that has shaped his design philosophy. In traditional Chinese environments, buildings, gardens, and natural elements are not treated as separate domains but as a harmonious whole. This seamless integration allows people to experience space, nature, and structure in a unified way, rather than through strict boundaries. Ma’s early observation highlights a cultural approach to space that values fluidity and balance.

The origin of this quote stems from Ma Yansong’s upbringing in Beijing and his exposure to the historic temples, courtyards, and classical gardens of China, where architecture is often designed to interact with the landscape rather than dominate it. This contrasts with many Western architectural traditions, which tend to separate the built environment from the natural. For Ma, this early experience profoundly influenced his later work as founder of MAD Architects, where he seeks to blend urban architecture with organic forms.

By noting the lack of a clear definition between landscaping and architecture, Ma advocates for a more holistic approach to design—one that encourages emotional and spiritual connections to nature. His projects, like the Hutong Bubble or Harbin Opera House, exemplify this philosophy through their curved forms, fluid transitions, and landscape-like aesthetics. These works challenge rigid modernist norms and suggest a future in which cities and nature can coexist more gracefully.

Ultimately, Ma Yansong’s quote is a reflection on the power of cultural memory and its role in shaping contemporary design. By embracing the blurred lines between landscape and structure, he invites us to reimagine architecture as something more immersive, poetic, and ecologically attuned—a continuation of the harmony found in traditional Chinese spatial thinking.