Suzhou MoCA was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), an internationally acclaimed architectural firm known for its highly distinctive architectural language and pioneering inquiries into the dynamics between humans and broader spatial contexts. As BIG's first large-scale cultural project realized in China, the design of the Suzhou MoCA embodies a union of modern architecture's utopian spirit with the nuanced human-centric designs observed in traditional Suzhou gardens. Capitalizing on the natural setting of Jinji Lake's right bank, the museum's design eloquently sketches a skyline apt for an international metropolis.
The innovative use of materials constitutes a fundamental physical and conceptual framework for contemporary architectural practice. In collaboration with BIG, we have co-curated the exhibition that showcases representative projects from BIG's architectural endeavors. Organized around ten materials, the exhibition presents a material-centric perspective on spatial design. Moreover, by integrating venue testing with architectural research and public engagement, we present the museum itself as an exhibit prior to its official opening—positioning it as a communal material foundation for us all.
