Eastern Wisdom Shines in Venice: UAD Proposes Sustainable Balance Symbiosis
Eastern Wisdom Shines in Venice: UAD Proposes Sustainable Balance Symbiosis
In an exciting exhibition at the Venice Biennale 2025, the Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD), invited by the European Cultural Centre (ECC), will present an engaging theme titled 'Towards Balance, Towards Symbiosis'. This initiative emphasizes the need for architecture that promotes social responsibility through a blend of Eastern philosophy and contemporary design.
The Biennale's overarching theme of 'Repair, Regenerate, Reuse' invites professionals from diverse backgrounds—architects, artists, designers, and scholars—to explore architecture's transformative potential. The exhibition will feature contributions from 207 participants hailing from 52 nations, showcasing innovative architectural concepts and speculative projects aimed at addressing future urban challenges.
UAD’s exhibition underscores that contemporary architects must rise beyond mere design responsibilities to engage deeply with urban development and social justice. The integration of Eastern philosophical principles into modern architecture reflects a commitment to re-establishing a symbiotic relationship between built environments and their users.
Philosophy of Balance
Central to UAD’s presentation is the idea of 'Balance Architecture,' rooted in Confucianism. This philosophy prioritizes concepts such as the unity of knowledge and action, and the importance of human-centered thinking. In this context, architecture transcends physical structures, evolving into a medium that fosters community well-being and social equity.
The essence of 'Balanced Symbiosis' lies in addressing three fundamental architectural dualities: utility vs. aesthetics, sincerity vs. regulation, and technology vs. artistry. By engaging these contrasts, the exhibit seeks to establish a dialogue that marries rationality with sensitivity, thereby charting new pathways for architectural relevance in today's complex social fabric.
Modern Challenges Through Ancient Wisdom
The UAD proposes that Eastern wisdom does not simply aim to uproot existing constructs but rather to harmonize contrasting elements within society. This can provide refreshing perspectives in tackling pressing social dilemmas. By invoking principles such as adaptive interaction ('ad locum symbiosis'), the exhibition aims at responsive design strategies that honor local context while remaining adaptable to changing conditions.
The exhibition encourages architects to re-evaluate core tenets of architecture—including utility, firmness, and beauty. These are reinterpreted not as isolated ideals, but as relational dynamics that incorporate technology, human existence, regulatory frameworks, and artistic expression. The proposed 'symbiosis' becomes a process—an ongoing negotiation between these intrinsic tensions, where the resultant harmony leads to insightful architectural solutions.
achieving a Harmonious Symphony
Focusing on 'Balance Architecture,' UAD aims to create a harmonious interplay among various societal elements—culture, environment, and urbanism. The goal is to promote a 'harmonious symphony' that nurtures a 'dynamic balance' within the built environment. The exhibition will explore how the intersection of architecture with social issues, environmental consciousness, and historic preservation can culminate in more resilient urban landscapes.
The Venice Biennale 2025, running from May 10 to November 23, 2025, at Palazzo Mora, offers a unique platform to reflect on the lessons embedded in Chinese philosophy and present them in an international landscape. Curators Dong Danshen and Mo Zhoujin lead this thought-provoking venture, encouraging cross-cultural discourses on redefining the role of architecture in society.
Visual representations of this dynamic approach can be seen in the installations displayed during the Biennale, where participants will synthesize their ideas within a framework that champions repair, regeneration, and reuse while embracing Eastern wisdom to inspire global conversations.
As the world grapples with environmental crises and social fragmentation, the ongoing dialogue encouraged through UAD’s 'Balanced Symbiosis' exhibition at the Venice Biennale emphasizes the crucial role that architecture can play in rebuilding not just our spaces, but fostering a more inclusive society overall.