MAD Architects, a renowned architecture studio, has unveiled a groundbreaking installation at the 2025 Venice Biennale that merges traditional craftsmanship with innovative design techniques. Titled ‘Chinese Paper Umbrella,’ the installation reinterprets the iconic Chinese oil-paper umbrella using Xuan paper and tung oil, creating a striking visual and cultural spectacle.
The Chinese Paper Umbrella, designed as a sheltered outdoor space adjacent to the China Pavilion, showcases MAD’s commitment to integrating traditional materials and adaptive technology in contemporary architectural design. The draping form of the canopy evokes the elegant curves and intricate patterns of traditional Chinese umbrellas, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience that bridges the past and the present.
Crafted from Xuan paper, a delicate and durable material with a history dating back over a thousand years, and treated with tung oil for added resilience and longevity, the Chinese Paper Umbrella pays homage to the rich heritage of Chinese craftsmanship. By reimagining a familiar object in a new context, MAD invites viewers to reconsider the cultural significance and artistic value of traditional craft in a rapidly changing world.
The installation has garnered widespread acclaim for its fusion of art, architecture, and cultural heritage. Critics and experts have praised MAD for its innovative approach to materiality and form, highlighting the seamless integration of tradition and modernity in the design of the Chinese Paper Umbrella. The project not only showcases the studio’s technical prowess but also underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional craft practices in the digital age.
The public response to the Chinese Paper Umbrella has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors expressing awe and admiration for the beauty and craftsmanship of the installation. Many have lauded MAD for its commitment to cultural authenticity and sustainability, applauding the studio for its thoughtful reimagining of a beloved cultural symbol in a global context.
Beyond its artistic and cultural significance, the Chinese Paper Umbrella raises broader questions about the intersection of tradition, innovation, and globalization in contemporary design. By showcasing the transformative power of traditional craft in a contemporary setting, MAD challenges conventional notions of authenticity and heritage, inviting viewers to reflect on the evolving nature of cultural identity and artistic expression in a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, MAD’s Chinese Paper Umbrella at the Venice Biennale 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of traditional craftsmanship and the creative possibilities of cross-cultural exchange. By bridging the past and the present, the installation invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the beauty and ingenuity of traditional craft in a modern world.
References:
1. Designboom | MAD reimagines traditional craft with ‘chinese paper umbrella’ at venice biennale 2025 – https://www.designboom.com/architecture/mad-chinese-paper-umbrella-venice-biennale-06-18-2025/
2. Dezeen | MAD installs draping Chinese Paper Umbrella at Venice Architecture Biennale – https://www.dezeen.com/2025/06/19/mad-chinese-paper-umbrella-venice-architecture-biennale/
