Eastern Wisdom Illuminates Venice: UAD's Balanced Symbiosis Approach as a Sustainable Solution

Eastern Wisdom Shines at the Venice Biennale 2025



In a remarkable showcasing of architecture and culture, the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd. (UAD), alongside the Center for Balance Architecture of Zhejiang University (BAC) and the Zhejiang University Architecture Planning Alliance (ZAP), has been invited to participate in the 2025 Venice Biennale. The exhibition, titled "TIME SPACE EXISTENCE (TSE)" and running from May 10 to November 23, 2025, offers a profound exploration into the themes of repair, regeneration, and reuse in architectural design.

The theme of the TSE this year encourages architects, artists, and scholars from around the world to share their visions on the transformative power of architecture. With participants hailing from 52 countries, the exhibition is a melting pot of innovative architectural designs, experimental concepts, and utopian visions of urban life. The UAD’s focus on "Towards Balance, Towards Symbiosis" aims to draw on the essence of Eastern wisdom, promoting social responsibility in contemporary architecture.

The exhibition emphasizes the architect's evolving role in society, transcending traditional design boundaries to address urban development, citizen needs, and social equity. By presenting the principles of Chinese philosophy within a global context, UAD reflects on the dynamic balance of the world—a balance that seeks not merely to disrupt but to harmonize contradictions. The concept of symbiosis is less about separation and more about a harmonious integration of contrasting elements, potentially offering fresh perspectives on social issues.

UAD’s approach, termed "Balance Architecture," is deeply rooted in Confucian traditions, advocating concepts such as the unity of knowledge and action and human-centered thinking. It aligns with a dialectical understanding of materialism, where the subject and object of design engage in a dynamic relationship that respects both. "Balance Architecture" emphasizes the principle of being people-centric, with the ultimate aspiration being human-centered values.

In this framework, UAD underscores three core architectural challenges—utility, firmness, and beauty—interpreting them through the lens of fundamental contradictions: the balance between engineering and humanity, regulation and expression, and technology and art. By addressing these contradictions, three key paths of "symbiosis" emerge: 1) Integrating engineering's rationality with humanity's sensitivity, 2) Reconciling the conflicts between regulatory frameworks and creative expression, and 3) Harmonizing the distinctions between artistic vision and technological innovation.

Central to this exhibition is the idea of "dynamic balance" among all components of the built environment. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between architecture, society, culture, tradition, and the environment, UAD seeks to achieve a harmonious "symphony." This integrative approach is not merely theoretical; it provides practical pathways to reconcile the needs for repair, regeneration, and reuse within urban contexts.

Through this participation in the Venice Biennale, UAD invites the global community to explore how Eastern wisdom can inform sustainable architectural practices and prompt a rethinking of how we engage with urban spaces. The exhibition aims to inspire dialogue about the power of architecture in fostering ecological and social restoration, emphasizing the importance of cohesive, responsible development in addressing today's pressing challenges.

As visitors traverse Palazzo Mora during the Biennale, they are encouraged to reflect on these themes and engage with the concept of balanced architecture, ultimately finding inspiration in the harmonious integration of varied elements in design and urban planning.

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