The exhibition will officially open on September 8th, but a press preview was held on the 6th and 7th in the Theme Hall, an enormous L-shaped structure. At 10 a.m. on the 6th, we arrived at the entrance of the Theme Hall (Arsenale) as scheduled and the first project to catch our eyes was the Commune by the Great Wall.
The project was showcased as a huge downsized model, on both sides of which were 12 panels detailing the 12 individual buildings that make up the Commune. For those who have visited the Commune in person near the Shuiguan section of the Great Wall, these experimental buildings are surprisingly novel.
However, visitors to the exhibition are unfortunately not able to see the scenic views offered at the actual Commune. This huge model though does offer visitors an interesting look at the Commune's architecture, whether they have been to the actual site or not. In addition, Korean architect Seung H-Sang displayed a Corten steel plate used in his building, which has greatly enhanced the visual effect of the Commune exhibit.
To the left of the Commune were models of works by four world famous architects, including Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto's Jianwai SOHO in Beijing and another SOHO project in Japan. As we walked into the hall, a great number of local journalists, as well as reporters from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan quickly crowded around us and Zhang Xin, developer of the Commune by the Great Wall.
Our little group immediately became the spotlight of the exhibition. Attending architects, including Antonio (Mainland China), Gary Chang (Hong Kong), Seung H-Sang (South Korea) and Rocco Yim (Hong Kong), were interviewed by the press. Yung Ho Chang, one of the architects displaying his works as part of the Commune, was invited by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki to represent Chinese architects by exhibiting his works at the Japanese Hall.
In addition, Chinese architect Ma Qingyun's design for the Zhenjiang University Library was invited to take part in the exhibition at the Theme Hall.
At 5 p.m., September 7th, one day prior to the official opening, the International
Jury of the 8th International Architecture Exhibition, presided over by Terence
Riley, announced the recipients of the 5 official prizes to the press. Zhang
Xin, president of SOHO China, received the 'Special Prize to an individual patron
of architectural works' for her planning of Commune by the Great Wall. This
was the first time a Biennale prize was awarded to a Chinese recipient, which
not only excited all the Chinese at the exhibition, but also surprised other
participants. This marks the first time that a Chinese architectural project
was invited to participate in la Biennale di Venezia.
After winning the prize, Zhang Xin was surrounded by the press. In an interview
with Hong Kong's Phoenix TV, she said, "I am somewhat surprised. This award
was given to me, but I feel it is really an award for China. We brought this
project to the exhibition with hopes that the world media and architectural
circles would focus on China. I think this award is for all of us (Chinese),
not for me alone."
In the opinion of this journalist: China needs to create more nice buildings. In such an exciting construction age the country needs good architecture.
