This was the first time a major Chinese architectural project was invited to la Biennale di Venezia, the first time a Biennale prize was awarded to a Chinese recipient and the first Special Prize ever to have been awarded to a non-architect.
The international jury, chaired by Mr Terence Riley, announced yesterday at the Exhibition Opening Ceremony that the award was presented to Zhang as an individual patron of architectural works in recognition of her "bold personal initiative (that) emphasizes the role of 12 Asian architects in building privately-owned houses in a definitively contemporary manner."
Zhang Xin said: "This is not an award for me alone. Rather, it is an award from the world to China. The theme of this year's architecture exhibition is Next. The many Asian architects were recognized because their works represent the future."
Commune by the Great Wall, a landmark project of SOHO China, features avant-garde designs created by 12 young, yet renown, Asian architects. Each one of them was given a completely free reign to challenge the current ideas about "housing" and "living" - and to build their own dream houses.
Mr Pan Shiyi, Chairman of SOHO China, said: "Into the 21st century, there is a lot of room for China's architectural art to develop. This is especially so as the focus of the world's architecture shifts to Asia."
Besides the Special Prize for Zhang Xin, Leone d'Oro for the Best Project went to Portuguese architect Mr Alvaro Siza Vieira. Leone d'Oro for the Best Foreign Pavilion was presented to the Dutch Pavilion. City of Barcelona snatched the Special Prize for governmental patronage, while New Mexico City's Lakes Project was given Special Mention.
The well-known Japanese architect Mr. Toyo Ito was honoured with an award for his lifetime contribution to architectural art.
About SOHO China Ltd.
SOHO China defines and markets lifestyle and living trends for style-conscious property buyers in China. Its market savvy and management sophistication enables it to be a leader in the current fast-evolving real estate development industry in China. SOHO China currently has four projects in Beijing and Hainan: SOHO Newtown, Commune by the Great Wall, Jianwai SOHO and Boao Canal Village.
The company launched its first project, SOHO Newtown, in Beijing's Central Business District (CBD) in 2001. This six-tower development has a total gross floor area of 480,000 sq meter. It is the first SOHO (small office, home office) project in China. SOHO Newtown was put onto the market in September 1998 and was ranked the best selling property projects in Beijing for two consecutive years from 1999-2000.
Commune by the Great Wall, located at the foothill of the Badaling Great Wall, is the most creative masterpiece of SOHO China. Occupying a total area of 8 sq km, Commune by the Great Wall includes 59 houses and a clubhouse which are designed by 12 world-renowned young architects from Asia such as Rocco Yim from Hong Kong, Kengo Kuma from Japan and Seung H-Sang from Korea.
Jianwai SOHO succeeds the first generation of SOHO development and thrives to pursue a concept of modern, livable space in Beijing's CBD area. This development has a gross floor area of 700,000 sq meter. It is anticipated that the development can accommodate 3,000 households upon completion.
Boao Canal Village, located in China's southern island province of Hainan, is a luxury resort community with 115 houses. The design is set against the stunning backdrop of Boao's water front, absorbing the natural scenery and Asian spiritual harmony.
