Submitted by WA Contents
Ma Yansong recognized as Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
China Architecture News - Feb 19, 2026 - 04:59 256 views
One of the greatest honors in the field, Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (Hon. FAIA), has been bestowed upon Ma Yansong, the founder and principal partner of MAD.
Architects and persons whose work has significantly impacted architecture and society globally are recognized with the Honorary Fellowship.
The AIA College of Fellows was established in 1952 to honor members and honorary honorees for their outstanding contributions to architecture and society.
The College aims to mentor future architects, promote the profession, and contribute more to society. The FAIA designation is held by less than 3% of AIA members.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Construction 2025 JAKSProductions. Photo courtesy of USC School of Cinematic Arts. Image © Roberto Gomez
In order to create meaningful places that improve the lives of people and communities, Ma Yansong combines creativity, utility, sustainability, human experience, environmental sensitivity, and cultural significance.
According to him, architecture is a cultural activity as well as a technical field that may help people rediscover their connection to the planet by enabling them to sense emotion and a place's soul.
Fenix Museum. Image © Arch Exist
Ma was selected to serve as the principal architect for the US Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in 2014. Through projects like the Fenix Museum in Rotterdam, the Tunnel of Light in Japan, Shenzhen Bay Cultural Park, Quzhou Sports Park, and the Courtyard Kindergarten in China, his studio has explored new possibilities for living in the future for more than 20 years.
Shenzhen Bay Cultural Park. Render © MIR
Ma participates in cultural conversation through publications, public works, and international exhibitions in addition to his architectural profession. He was appointed curator of the China Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale after curating Blueprint Beijing for the first Beijing Art Biennale in 2023. He was listed as one of the 100 Most Influential People by TIME magazine in 2025.
On February 9, 2026, the AIA made the 2026 class of Fellows and Honorary Fellows public. In June 2026, the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design will formally honor the Honorary Fellowship.
The top image in the article: Ma Yansong. Photography © Li Xiao.
> via MAD
