"Books outlive people. That's what John Fairbank once wrote to Zhao Jiabi, a renowned Chinese editor," said Academician Ma Guoqing of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, when asked about why he has been writing diligently for many years, during the series of cultural activities for "Ma Guoqing: My Design Career—Exhibition of Architectural Cultural Books" held at Tianjin University on March 20.
Now 82, Ma's first book was Kenzo Tange, published in 1989. After retiring from the front lines at the age of 60, he has devoted more time and effort to writing and editing books. He has published a total of 36 books. "There are three ways to extend one's life: the natural lifespan, being remembered by others, and living in books," Ma explained. "Fairbank's words are very inspiring to me. I will continue to write. If my books can inspire readers even a little bit, I'll be satisfied."
Ma once served as the chief architect of Beijing Institute of Architectural Design Co., Ltd. He was primarily responsible for designing and leading the construction of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (1977), the National Olympic Sports Center (1990), Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2 and Parking Building (1999), and the Sculpture Park of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (2000). The exhibition of "Ma Guoqing: My Design Career—Exhibition of Architectural Cultural Books" presents Ma's achievements in architectural design and academic theory.
Located on the first floor of Tianjin University Library, the exhibition has two main sections. The first focuses on Ma's work "Memories of Nanlishilu: My Design Career," showcasing seven aspects of Ma's architectural creations: early design experience, documentation of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, training at Tange Associates, Asian Games construction and two Olympic bids, planning and design of Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2, planning of the Sculpture Park of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and Ma's design philosophy. The second section features Ma's 36 books and edited works over the past 35 years, including Reflections on Forty Years of Japanese Architecture, Essays, Photography Collections, Biographical Collections, Monographs, Architectural Art, and a four-part collection of poems, as well as edited books.
Academician Zhang Jinqiu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering commented that "Academician Ma Guoqing is an architectural master who believes in lifelong learning. He is also a cultural celebrity who integrates music and painting." Academician Cui Kai of the Chinese Academy of Engineering said, "Every time I finish reading one of his books, I admire Academician Ma's diligent work ethic and spirit of learning, as well as his amazing memory and the value of his long-accumulated notes. His work deserves to be studied and learned by us juniors and future generations." Academician Zhuang Weimin of the Chinese Academy of Engineering stated that "Mr. Ma is an outstanding architectural master with a deep understanding of architecture and a comprehensive grasp of the field. He has shown an extraordinary ability to integrate science and art. He is also a writer who cares about people. His words are full of warmth and radiance."
Jin Lei, vice chairman and secretary-general of the 20th Century Architectural Heritage Committee of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, said that this is the first exhibition in China's architectural community to showcase the books written by a design master. It presents, in a concise and vivid way, Academician Ma's passion for architecture, his profound insights, and his sincerity. The exhibition not only tells the story of the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and the people and events that accompanied the development of New China but also conveys the industry's emotions through contemplation and reflection.
The exhibition's curator, Jin Weixin, curator-general of the 20th Century Architectural Heritage Committee of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, remarked that Academician Ma's writings, whether theoretical or popularizing architectural culture, are honest humanistic reading materials. His writing is true in terms of the stories and the emotions, which will give readers both inside and outside the industry an unusual experience.
After the opening ceremony, the "Ma Guoqing: My Design Career—Exhibition of Architectural Cultural Books" academic seminar was held. More than 30 experts and scholars shared their experiences and discussed the future development of the architectural cultural industry.
1977, Guo Xin Ma in front of Chairman Mao's mausoleum (image provided by the organizer)
At the exhibition opening ceremony, Ma Guo-xing gave a speech (Photo provided by the organizer)
"An Exhibition by Ma Guoxin: My Career in Design—Architecture and Culture Book Exhibition"
