Speaker Chen Donghua

Date 7.11.2023

Time HKT 18:30

Location G/F, Atrium, LSK Architecture Building, CUHK

In the southern region of China, where abundant sunshine and rainfall prevail, there exists an often overlooked shared space—an omnipresent yet underappreciated element of daily life. This space breaks free from the confines of sealed physical structures and modern air-conditioning systems, embracing a return to primitive vitality. It is a collective space that embodies a semi-natural, semi-artificial, and semi-interior condition. This unique space is none other than the Shadow.

In the southern land, Shadow embodies some essential qualities: it is free, public, open, natural, sheltered, sustainable, and adaptable to all weather conditions. It serves as a physical manifestation of the tropical or subtropical climate, accommodating everyday and public life. Moreover, Shadow extends and redefines the principles of modernist architecture and elevated ground, converging various physical, cultural, and historical elements. It becomes a place of collective influence and everlasting vitality in the south.

Although formless and colorless, Shadow finds its expression and vibrancy through the art of architecture. It is through architecture that Shadow takes shape and color, breathing life into its essence.

CHEN Donghua is the founding principal of Chen Donghua Architects. He serves as an assistant professor at the School of Architecture in South China University of Technology. Additionally, he is a curator for the Shape of Shadow in PSA and holds Chartered Membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Based in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, his architectural practice aims to re-examine the cultural and collective power of contemporary architecture. Chen Donghua and his office have garnered numerous international accolades, including being awarded the first prize in the Cityvision competition and the Burnham Prize of the Chicago Architectural Club. They were also recognized as the first-round winner of the Lithuania Science Island Design Contest, the first prize winner of the Shenzhen Museum New Building, and the first prize winner of the Chongqing Hangu Middle School, among others.

The lecture will be conducted in English. For non-CUHK participants, please register here.