Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, the renowned Chinese architects behind Amateur Architecture Studio, have been appointed as the artistic directors for the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale. The duo aims to address what they describe as "the death of architecture" through their curatorial vision, which emphasizes authentic connection to place and traditional construction methods.
The two architects established Amateur Architecture Studio in 1997 and have since become influential voices in contemporary architecture. Beyond their practice, they founded the architecture department at the China Academy of Art in 2003 and established the School of Architecture in 2007. Wang Shu achieved international recognition in 2012 when he became the first Chinese architect to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating that their "vision, deeply rooted in the memory of places and in the knowledge of construction processes, represents today an essential voice in the international debate on architecture and on the meaning of inhabiting the world's spaces." He emphasized that their guidance will inspire necessary reflection and project the 2027 Biennale toward new perspectives.
Wang and Lu have expressed strong criticism of current architectural trends, arguing that excessive conceptualization and commercialization have disconnected architecture from reality. "In the current world, the rapid and multiple changes in architecture are more a phenomenon of appearance, the result of excessive conceptualization or marked commercialization," they explained. They warned that "conceptual experiments driven to extremes are often divorced from reality and over-commercialization tends to be merely popular and short-lived."
The architects believe this trend poses a serious threat to the profession itself. "This phenomenon changes rapidly in order to survive, breaking away from the connection with the real place," they stated. "It will lead to the death of architecture. Therefore, architecture becomes a kind of delusional expression about the future." Their critique reflects a broader concern about architecture's relationship with authentic place-making and cultural continuity.
Instead of following contemporary trends, Wang and Lu advocate for a return to fundamental principles. "For this reason, in the face of the real crisis of this world, insisting on a simple and true concept and method of architecture has a special value," they concluded. "We will strive to present this value and exploration with the greatest sincerity for a better reality and future."
Amateur Architecture Studio has gained international acclaim for projects that exemplify their philosophy of working with existing materials and contexts. Their best-known work includes the Ningbo History Museum, which was constructed using materials from demolished villages, demonstrating their commitment to preserving cultural memory through architecture. Another notable project is the Fuyang Cultural Complex, which features cladding made from recycled tiles, showcasing their sustainable approach to design.
The appointed curators have previous experience with the Venice Biennale, having participated in the China Pavilion in 2006 with their project "Decay of a Dome," which received a special mention. They returned to participate again in 2016, building on their understanding of the international platform and its significance in architectural discourse.
President Buttafuoco concluded his announcement by expressing gratitude for their acceptance of the role, noting that "their guidance will inspire broad and necessary reflection, projecting the Biennale Architettura 2027 toward new perspectives and new ways of understanding our relationship with space, memory, and the engaged community." The 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale under their direction promises to challenge contemporary architectural practices and advocate for a more grounded, culturally sensitive approach to building design.
