Chinese Paper Umbrella, an installation by MAD, is on display at the China Pavilion's outside area at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, with the theme "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective."

The installation's primary material is Xuan paper, which was inspired by the traditional Chinese oil paper umbrella. Tung oil is applied to the paper several times to give it a translucent, water-resistant finish. 

The structure transforms this age-old craft into an outdoor area that provides cover from the rain and shade from the sun, giving it new scale and shape.

Venice experiences mild day-to-night temperature fluctuations due to its marine environment, and its weather is frequently erratic, alternating between intense sunshine, unexpected downpours, and sporadic high winds. 

The China Pavilion's outdoor garden, which is close to the end of the Arsenale exhibition path, provides a peaceful spot to stop. Visitors are encouraged to take a minute to rest, think, or just take a breather while they navigate the exhibition.

Entering an intimate outdoor theater where guests become immersed in changing lighting and subtle alterations in the atmosphere is what it feels like to step under the umbrella. 

In addition to the modest temperature change between the inside and outside, visitors notice changing patterns of light and shadow.

The Chinese Paper Umbrella can adapt to its surroundings. It remains connected to the ambient air and light thanks to its semi-transparent surface and permeable seams. 

A built-in misting system at the top of the building cools the air below and improves visitor comfort on hot, dry days. Modern sensing technology is blended with traditional tung oil workmanship to adjust to light, humidity, and temperature.

The Smart Dynamic Light (SDL) system from OPPLE Lighting, which reacts to variations in sunshine and weather, has been incorporated by MAD inside the canopy. 

The umbrella transforms into a pavilion of shadow and radiance as light streams across the oiled paper, mirroring the cycles of day and night.

The oil paper will eventually wear, turn yellow naturally, and gradually deteriorate due to weather and sunshine. 

The structure's impermanence is highlighted by its slow departure, which also provides a poetic meditation on how building and nature could cohabit in mindful response to our changing climate.

The installation is on view at the China Pavilion of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, through November 23, 2025.

Besides MAD's Chinese Paper Umbrella, Ma Yansong, the founder and principal partner of MAD, curated the Co-exist exhibition at the China Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. 

The 19th International Architecture Exhibition will take place from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and various venues in Venice, Italy.

Find out all exhibition news on WAC's Venice Architecture Biennale page. 

Project facts

Project name: Chinese Paper Umbrella

Location: Arsenale – Magazzino Delle Cisterne, Castello 2169/F, 30122 Venice, Italy

Design Team: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano, Jiang Yunyao, Zhou Rui, Yang Xuebing, He Linxi, Huang Juntao, Pan Siyi, Valentina Olivieri

Lighting Partner: OPPLE Lighting

Structural Consultant: RFR Shanghai

Fabrication: Far East Façade

All images and drawings courtesy of MAD.

> via MAD 

installation MAD umbrella Venice Architecture Biennale