Xu Tiantian, Zhang Ke, Wang Shu and Liu Jiakun Headline Chinese Architecture Series in Rome
Between October 2026 and June 2027, a series of presentations by four architects will explore the relationship between the built environment, nature, and community in Rome. Titled "Come aperto dal Cielo. Nuovi paesaggi nell'architettura cinese," this initiative is a collaboration between the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca and Palatina Cultural Group, with backing from the Chinese Embassy in Italy. Featured architects include Xu Tiantian, Zhang Ke, Wang Shu, and Liu Jiakun, focusing on themes of heritage recovery and sustainability. The program kicks off on Thursday, 1 October, with Xu Tiantian discussing her restoration efforts in Fujian's Tulou, followed by an exhibition of her work from 2 to 24 October. Additional lectures are scheduled for November 2026 and spring 2027, along with a bilingual publication and documentary.
Key facts
- The cycle "Come aperto dal Cielo. Nuovi paesaggi nell'architettura cinese" runs in Rome from October 2026 to June 2027.
- It is promoted by the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca with Palatina Cultural Group, under the patronage of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Italy.
- Participants are Xu Tiantian, Zhang Ke, Wang Shu and Liu Jiakun; Wang Shu and Liu Jiakun are Pritzker Prize winners.
- The opening lectio magistralis by Xu Tiantian is on Thursday 1 October at 6 pm at Palazzo Carpegna.
- Xu Tiantian founded DnA_Design and Architecture and won the Wolf Prize in Architecture in 2025.
- Her exhibition in the Sala Bianca features six models of Tulou projects and photographs, open 2–24 October.
- Zhang Ke, founder of ZAO/standardarchitecture, speaks on Monday 23 November, focusing on Beijing's hutong.
- Wang Shu, artistic director of the Biennale Architettura 2027, and Liu Jiakun appear in spring 2027, with dates to be announced.
- A bilingual Italian-English publication will be edited by the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca.
- A documentary by Clipper Media will be made in two versions, one with CGTN/CCTV for international distribution.
Entities
Artists
- Xu Tiantian
- Zhang Ke
- Wang Shu
- Liu Jiakun
Institutions
- Accademia Nazionale di San Luca
- Palatina Cultural Group
- Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Italy
- DnA_Design and Architecture
- ZAO/standardarchitecture
- Biennale Architettura 2027
- Clipper Media
- CGTN
- CCTV
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Fujian
- China
- Beijing
- Palazzo Carpegna