SASC
The Venice International Architecture Biennale is a world-renowned event celebrating architectural, artistic and cultural exchange. Since its debut in 2014, Macao, China has showcased its unique cultural charm and architectural wisdom at the Biennale, contributing new voices to the international architectural dialogue.
This year’s Biennale theme – “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” – explores how contemporary architecture addresses challenges from globalization and digitalization while preserving cultural characteristics. Macao, a city where Eastern and Western cultures intertwine, boasts heritage sites visible on nearly every corner. These structures, more than just buildings, stand as a testament to the cultural exchange between East and West. They witness the journey from initial encounters and understanding to mutual appreciation and integration within cultures. As a constantly evolving city, Macao continuously explores “intelligence” (wisdom), “nature” (the environment), “artificiality” (cultural creativity) and “collectivity” (social harmony), offering compelling interpretations of the Biennale’s theme and bringing engaging contents and perspectives to the international creative dialogue.
In recent years, Macao has actively pursued its vision of becoming “one center, one platform, and one base,” leveraging its advantages as a cultural crossroads between East and West to strengthen internal connections, foster external communications, and enhance multicultural exchange and integration. The 19th Venice International Architecture Biennale provides an invaluable platform for the city to showcase its urban character and promote international exchange and cooperation, further solidifying its role as a key gateway for China’s high-level opening up and a vital window for exchange and mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations.
The Macao Exhibition at this year’s Biennale is curated by renowned architects Professor Wang Shu and Professor Lu Wenyu, with contributions from numerous artists and architects. They use photographs and installations to transform Macao’s multifaceted urban landscape into a poetic narrative of architectural language. I extend my sincere gratitude to the curatorial team and the participating artists and architects. Through their efforts, the “Exhibition from Macao, China” will open itself to the world like an intricately carved Lingnan window, revealing the charm of integrating Eastern and Western elements in Macao’s architecture and urban development, profoundly inspiring a global audience.
I look forward to the Macao Exhibition shining brightly at this Biennale, showcasing the city’s unique charm on the stage of architectural art, promoting intercultural dialogue and sharing engaging stories of China with the world.
I wish the exhibition great success.
O Lam
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government