Architect lays out beautiful legacy

"Exhibition and Culture" surveys Siza's projects for museums and cultural institutions, demonstrating how his designs blend sculptural architecture with local context to create unique spatial experiences. Notably, the Haishang Museum in Shanghai (unbuilt) will be showcased through manuscripts and models.

The exhibition also showcases nearly 600 of Siza's drawings, encompassing plans, elevations, and perspectives, along with his creative sketches.

"His sketches are filled with strange elements: myths, fairy tales, dreams … angels, crows, horses, oxen … These unutterable thoughts permeate his designs, becoming the enchanting, mysterious power of Siza's architecture," explains Li.

Li further remarks: "Unlike many architects who have embraced commercialization, reconfiguring architectural language into commercial tools or even hype, Siza's buildings convey an enduring vitality."

Contact the writer at heqi@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

Alvaro Siza: The Archive

Through Sept 7, Tue-Sun, 11 am-7 pm (last entry at 6 pm)

7F, Power Station of Art, 678

Miaojiang Road, Huangpu district, Shanghai