This blog is your guide through the two seminar events: Snowball Shanghai – on March 25-27 in Shanghai (download seminar publication / download seminar programme) and Snowball Helsinki (download programme) which was organised on February 12 at Kiasma, Helsinki.

If in China, please watch the video here

We hope to see you at Finland Day 27th of May at Shanghai EXPO 2010!

Stay in touch! Kiitos! XieXie! Thank you!

The new generation of Chinese architects is neither interested in contemporary Chinese architecture nor the western style,” says Zhang Ke, one of the three principals at standardarchitecture, a Beijing office engaged in the practices of urban planning, architecture, landscape and product design since 2001. “And we don’t want to sell Chinese style abroad, either.” In search of tomorrow’s architectural design agenda in China, OK Do met with four emerging local architects at the Architecture Snowball event in Shanghai to talk about their views on designing in and for the country undergoing rapid growth and massive change.

Having spent 6 years studying in the US, Zhang Ke doesn’t have time to work too much outside China where there’s a lot of demand for urbanism. The same goes for almost all the other local architects we talked to. Wang Shu, the principal of Amateur Architecture Studio and the head of the architecture department at CAFA in Hangzhou, only traveled outside China for the first time in 2001 when presenting his work at the Venice Biennale. “My work has its roots here, it entails a Chinese philosophy,” Wang Shu explains his architecture known for experimental building processes and indigenous use of materials.

With their study history overseas, Meng Yan and Lou YongQi also work in the field of architecture in China. Meng Yan is one of the founders of URBANUS, a think tank operating in Beijing and Shenzhen providing strategies for urbanism and architecture, and Lou YongQi is the vice dean and associate professor at the department of architecture at Tongji University as well as the representative of the Sino-Finnish Aalto & Tongji Design Factory project. Aalto & Tongji Design Factory sets out to combine design, business and technology education in Shanghai. Meng Yan and Lou YongQi share their views on the changing role of an architect today. “Design is changing from design doing to design thinking, and architecture needs to contribute to new ways of development,” Lou YongQi says. “Many aspects of our lives should be re-evaluated and re-designed, and architects should push the boundaries of their traditional role and act as a progressive force in the society,” Meng Yan continues. “For me, any building activity without comprehensive thoughtfulness will be insignificant,” Wang Shu concludes.

The discussion with the foursome revolved around design methods, some thoughts of which we have compiled here as a sample of an article we’re writing for a publication on Finnish and Chinese architecture to be released at the World Expo this spring.

Anthropology

“China has many different cultures within it. When designing to a new area, it’s important to go and stay there for at least a couple of weeks with no preconceptions; get to know the agriculture and talk with people. One should neither look up to a culture too much nor look down on it. It’s important to be neutral and not to imitate, yet do something that the locals will accept.” –Zhang Ke

“The spatial layout of our Tulou affordable housing project in Guangdong reflects the traditional Hakka architecture; a collective way of living between the city and the countryside. For this project, we explored inexpensive ways of living together, allocating everyday activities and sharing important information. You know, unlike rich people, these people need to collaborate in order to find jobs and maintain a nice living – and their rooms are so small that they need to extend their lives outside them.” –Meng Yan

Spontaneity

“Modern architecture is too clean, too far away from the real life. If you compare a clean space to the local market, it’s easier to control it – but I like surprises, being more a bazar kind of a man.” –Wang Shu

“I’m interested in processes where I give guidelines, a sense of direction, to craftsmen who can then think by hands and come up with new things.” –Wang Shu

“Spontaneity is the most interesting thing about China.” –Wang Shu

Co-design

“We as architects and designers need to learn to give up things. The most beautiful cities are not designed by architects, they’ve been built over the years by many different people.” –Lou YongQi

“If you can’t involve a majority of people, it’s really difficult to realise a dream.” –Lou YongQi

Martta Louekari & Monica Carrico

Wang Shu

Photo: Bert de Muynck

Tuomas Toivonen, Bert de Muynck, Andrea Destefanis & Teemu Kurkela

Jussi Murole & Che Fei

Snowball matchmaking at windy balcony of Mansion hotel

Tuomas Toivonen & Wang Shu

Teemu Kurkela & Zhang Ke

Matti & Pirjo Sanaksenaho

Tuomas Toivonen & Luo Yongqi at Mansion Hotel terrace

Afternoon coffee: Patrick Eriksson & Hans Park

Teemu Kurkela & Zhang Ke

Photo by Bert de Muynck

Mirjam Niemeyer, Jussi Murole

Helsinki Club featuring Snowball by Greater Helsinki Promotion at ANAR

Jenna Sutela & Anni Puolakka, OK DO DJ´s at ANAR

Tuomas Toivonen at ANAR

Relaxing at ANA

Photos by Hanne Granberg

Photos: Bert de Muycnk

Snowball – Event on Finnish and Chinese architecture
滚雪球——芬兰与中国建筑设计研讨会
Venue: Mansion Hotel, No. 82 XinLe Rd., Shanghai
地点：上海新乐路82号首席公馆酒店
Dates: March 25-26, 2010
日期：2010年3月25-26日

Please, download seminar publication here and programme here

Snowball – Event on Finnish and Chinese architecture takes place in Shanghai on March 25–27, 2010. Organised by the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), as part of Finland’s cultural programme for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, the event consists of a two-day seminar exploring common grounds and differences between Finnish and Chinese architects, a networking program and a one-day excursion.

滚雪球——芬兰与中国建筑设计研讨会将于2010年3月25-27日在上海举行。本活动由芬兰建筑师协会（SAFA）主办，作为2010年上海世博会芬兰文化项目的一部分，包括了为期两天、探讨芬兰和中国建筑师之间的共同点和差异的专题座谈会、交流活动及持续一天的游览活动。

The objective of the event is to offer insight in the latest achievements of both Finnish and Chinese architects, through presentations of new projects, solutions and visions. By bringing professionals from both cultures together in a three-day program, Snowball aims to establish and deepen the Finnish and Chinese networks. The program is set up as such to establish potential business and creative matches between Finnish and Chinese architects, as well as to reinforce the exposure and business opportunities for Finnish architecture in China.

本次活动旨在通过介绍新项目、方案和愿景，让人们深入了解芬兰和中国建筑师的最新成果。通过为期三天的项目安排，滚雪球将来自两种文化背景的专业人员聚集一堂，建立并深化芬兰和中国间的交流。本次活动的开展是为了在芬兰和中国建筑师之间开拓潜在的商业机会，提倡富有创造性的双方合作，增加芬兰建筑师在中国的曝光度，并为其在中国寻找更多的商业机会。

This year, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Helsinki, the capital of Finland, as one of the world’s best cities to live in. The ranking scores each city on 30 factors across six areas: stability, healthcare, environment, education, infrastructure and culture. Helsinki was also nominated as the World Design Capital 2012 – a decision reflecting the importance and status of design in the city. Ranging from everyday objects to sustainable urban solutions, design is manifest in the lives of the city-dwellers in many ways. Seen from a broad perspective – in city planning, architecture and other related fields – design plays an integral role in the social, economical and cultural development of Helsinki.

今年，《经济学家》资料处将芬兰的首都赫尔辛基列为全球最适合居住的六个城市之一。这次评比针对以下六个领域里的30个因素对各个城市进行了评分：稳定性、保健服务、环境、教育、基础设施和文化。赫尔辛基还获得了“2012年世界设计之都”的提名——这一决定显示了设计行业在这座城市中的重要性与地位。设计行业所起的作用被体现在赫尔辛基居民生活中的许多方面，从日常用具到城市可持续发展的解决方案不等。让我们从更为广泛的视角对设计行业进行观察——城市规划、建筑风格以及其它的相关领域——设计行业在赫尔辛基的社会、经济和文化发展中扮演着不可或缺的角色。

When it comes to a booming economy, increasing modernisation and a continuing population shift from rural to urban areas, China is in the midst of significant changes. The Snowball seminar explores the common ground between Finnish and Chinese practitioners in the field of sustainable urban and architectural design. The theme of the Shanghai Expo, Better Life, Better City, is reflected in the programme.

中国正处于重大变化的中心：经济繁荣、现代化不断推进、从农村到城市正持续进行人口的迁移。滚雪球专题研讨会探讨了在城市可持续发展和建筑设计领域里芬兰和中国建筑设计从业人员之间的共同点。上海世博会的主题“城市，让生活更美好”在此次活动中得到了体现。

Snowball – Event on Finnish and Chinese architecture is co-organised by the Finnish Association of Architects, Finpro/Finland at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, Greater Helsinki Promotion, MovingCities and Lychee Productions. The event supported by the Ministry of Foreign affairs and the Ministry of Education of Finland.

滚雪球——芬兰与中国建筑设计研讨会是由以下组织联合举办的：芬兰建筑师协会、芬兰对外贸易协会/2010年上海世博会芬兰参展组委会、大赫尔辛基推广促进局、MovingCities和Lychee Productions。本次活动得到了芬兰外交部、就业与经济部以及教育部的大力支持。

Welcome!

欢迎您的到来！

More information and programme details: snowball(at)movingcities.org

The Snowball team came across two interesting architectural mugs, one from Finland and one from China.

The young Finnish illustrator Maija Louekari has created an illustration for Siirtolapuutarha tableware collection by the beloved Finnish design brand Marimekko. Siirtolapuutarha stands for allotment garden in Finnish. It is a summer paradise in the city, and for many Helsinki citizens the one and only way to spend the summer, growing vegetables and flowers and enjoying the nature and the sun. The allotment gardens include small huts for spending summer days and storing tools. One next to each other, they often look like small villages inside the city.

Tulou Housing in Hangzhou is a social housing project by the Chinese architecture office URBANUS. It is a study on a low-income housing model in modern cities. Tulou takes after a traditional dwelling typical for Hakka people in Fujian province. It encourages communal spirit combining shopping, entertainment, living and storing in one single entity.

Snowball team enjoys the architectural morning coffee on both sides of the planet.

NOW hosted the Snowball Helsinki after party at their old studio space in Kamppi. We had fun and dim sum!

After the introduction of Bert de Muynck from Moving Cities (see below), Snowball Helsinki – Arkkitehtuurivientiä Kiinaan event featured talks from Finnish architects and decision-makers. Exploring the present and the future collaborations in architecture between Finland and China, these professionals shared their personal experiences and new insights.

JKMM Architects on making Kirnu, the Finnish pavilion at Shanghai Expo

- Why China?

The key question for architects wanting to operate in China is: why do you want to practice architecture just there? We wished to go to China because the preconditions to do good architecture are there: the clients, projects, funds and cost-effective operating conditions.

- Architecture as a story

In order to succeed abroad Finnish architects must have a unique point of view and a concise message. A strong concept links architecture to different things – to things outside architecture that people are interested in. In order to present Kirnu to the Chinese, we created a story about Finland, the ice age and its effect on the landscape as well as how, here, you can hire an island for the summer and take your laptop with you. We talked about nature and the Finnish mythology as a source of inspiration. In the end, we do live in a special place.

- China vs. Finland

How is China better than Finland from an architect’s point of view? The contractors are nowadays better in China than in Finland and the constructors still take professional pride in their work. In China, it is possible to carry out designs that require hand made elements. And if something goes wrong, it is also possible to correct the mistakes whereas in Finland this might be too expensive.

- What are we?

Finland should see itself as a small and friendly partner. We are not going to conquer the world but instead we should operate as experts within international teams. It is also important to build true collaboration through, for example, inviting more Chinese people to live in Finland and to change us!

–

Yrjö Sotamaa, Aalto University and Tongji University: Challenges and opportunities in China

Challenges:

- Everything is big and…

… the projects are very speedy (the work takes place 24/7).

… the combination of communism and market economy creates a decision-making system that is complex and untransparent.

… networking is of primary importance.

… the management of time is extremely flexible – people are not able to make decisions that much in advance as they must always be available for their supervisors.

… quick financial gain is the main driver. In many ways this is a benefit: people are hard-working and pragmatic. On the other hand, this often conflicts with Finnish design approach which bases on thoroughly considered concepts and solutions.

… it is sometimes challenging to find good professionals even though in China there are many of them.

Opportunities:

- The markets for building and design are gigantic – solutions for sustainable development  and quality are in demand and a new way of living is developing rapidly. Finland has potential to provide to this demand, although we do not have experience of building big metropolises.

- For concrete opportunities, Aalto University and Tongji University will co-found a Finnish-Chinese collaborative hub and platform in Shanghai in spring 2010. The idea is to support multi-disciplinary co-operation between the two countries and also bring in players from other countries.

- Cumulus will organise a Young Creators for Better City Better Life conference in Shanghai on September 7–10.

- There are a lot of opportunities, what we need is brisk entrepreneurship and abilities to take risk.

- The strengths of Finland lie in the knowledge related to environmental technology, digital skills, true innovations and concept design.

–

PES: How to take architecture to China?

- Carry references, expertise and a lot of visit cards with you.

- Network with other Finnish professionals.

- Find a reliable, local partner who has a good hold of “quanxi”, public relations.

- Co-operate with a Chinese office tha assists with the material required for local competitions: models, renderings, books, panels and especially multimedia products and texts. In China, these will can be produced quickly and at a reasonable price.

- Be prepared for very tight schedules and sudden changes when it comes to almost everything.

- Remember that the Chinese expect unique design concepts with ecological attitude and metaphors from the ancient Chinese culture.

- In order to get the deals following competitions, the proposals must be revised, tough bargaining negotiations must be held and the trust of the client must be won.

- The most demanding public projects require a very good Chinese partner, ideally a design institute.

- Be prepared for unprofitable activities even in the long term. At best, the payment might be sent directly to Finland in euros but usually it will be delivered in RMB.

- The importance of personal relationships cannot be emphasised enough. You must go to China and invite the Chinese here. Trust is important.

–

Pekka Timonen: World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 word by word

World = What does it mean that we will be the one and only World Design Capital 2012? How to grasp the opportunity? What we do must be meaningful in the context of the whole world – and the world is big.

Design = The concept of design covers the whole range of creative human activities that focus on physical environments as well as on services and products. Design exists everywhere. It should be part of each processes from the beginning to the end.

Capital = The assets that include people, knowledge, skills, things, potential

Helsinki = 5 cities – Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Lahti

2012 = Not the objective itself but the tip of the iceberg reflecting the whole process of embedding design in life in Helsinki. That process has already started!

What becomes of World Design Capital Helsinki is defined by actions. The role of the city of Helsinki is to communicate, contact, co-ordinate and contract – to create a platform for change and to pull people together. In 2013, Helsinki must be one of the best in utilising design for social, economical and cultural development.

No Matter exhibition by the Chinese artist Pan Jian Feng (b. 1973) takes place at the Lasipalatsi gallery (Mannerheimintie 22-24) on February 12–14. It forms part of the visual-arts programme at the Shanghai Expo opening in May. Pan Jian Feng will be present in person at the Lasipalatsi gallery, where his works about Chinese everyday life will be shown for just three days. The exhibition opened to the public on Friday February 12, on the eve of the Chinese New Year celebrations on the Lasipalatsi square. Pan discussed his working methods after the SAFA seminar at Kiasma Theatre on Friday at 4.15 pm.

Pan uses various media, including paint, animation, video, porcelain painting and ink drawing, relying heavily on his tradition of calligraphy. In these diary-like series of ink drawings No matter, Pan Jian Feng depicts the whimsical quality of a day in Shanghai.

Observation and drawing are an integral part of Pan’s daily artistic work. He is particularly interested in people’s feelings, and in memory. In Just like a man, he gives an ironic depiction of the daily pressures of being a man in Shanghai. To please a Shanghai woman, a man is expected to be wealthy, intelligent, successful and eager to please…The Big Mouth Cup is an ongoing series of hand-painted porcelain mugs. The subject of the work is the mass-produced enamel mugs – familiar in Finland, too – that used to serve as spaces for printing the words and political slogans of Chairman Mao. In this project, Pan has returned the mug to the people, encouraging them to decorate it with their own personal messages and feelings. The mug-installation in the Lasipalatsi exhibition can be used by visitors, thus acting as a warm greeting. The exhibition also includes Pan’s animated piece Morphing and documentation of his artistic work.

Pan Jian Feng is participating in the Helsinki Artist in Residence Programme (HIAP) on Suomenlinna during February 2010, as a guest of the Invitation to Helsinki project. One purpose of his residency is to establish artist-in-residency exchanges and collaborative projects between Helsinki and Shanghai.

For more information, please contact:
Curator Marita Muukkonen (HIAP), tel. 0440 965 103

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, Snowball Helsinki – Arkkitehtuurivientiä Kiinaan event was held today at Kiasma. The event started with an overview on the field of architecture and urbanism in China by Bert de Muynck. He is the other half of MovingCities, a Shanghai based duo of “shrinks in the urban debate” as Bert and his partner Mónica Carriço like to describe their practice. MovingCities are also the curators of Snowball Shanghai – Event on Finnish Architecture to be organised in Shanghai this March.

To begin with, Bert quoted a Demos report from 2007 saying: “As China continues its explosive growth, so does the market for speculation about its future.” So, let’s speculate. In search of tomorrow’s design agenda in China, Bert presented different viewpoints to architecture and urbanism in the country undergoing massive change. Here’s some of them:

Scale and pace

“The scale and pace of China’s urbanisation promises to continue at an unprecedented rate,” reads McKinsey Global Institute’s 2009 report. “If current trends hold, China’s urban population will expand from 572 million in 2005 to 926 million in 2025 and hit the one billion mark by 2030.” The McKinsey report also projects that China will build almost 40 billion m2 of floor space over the next 20 years, requiring the construction of between 20.000 and 50.000 new skyscrapers.

The Chinese city

China’s urbanisation is and will be fundamentally different from its experience from the past 15 years, and eco cities are the current trend in urban development.

When it comes to design, many cities have a similar construction style. “It is like a thousand cities having the same appearance,” like Qiu Baoxing, the vice minister of construction at PRC has noted. A common feature seems to be that each constructor wants to build the highest, most expensive building – and sometimes “just to have a beautiful thing without considering its function, or how the city will work,” remarks Kongjian Yu, a professor at the Graduate School of Landscape Architecture at the Peking University.

Learning by doing

In architectural projects in China, there’s often a conflict of creativity between the client and the architect. The client is the most powerful person who determines how a building looks like and has the power to change design decisions.

In addition to learning the local methods of working, practicing architecture in China requires the understanding of the socio-cultural transformation of the Chinese society. It’s also important to ask oneself the question of how to deal with cultural continuity. Like Bert noted in his presentation, “it’s important to remember that life is more important than accelerating economic growth”.

Case studies

To conclude, Bert presented some case studies of unique solutions for China through the architecture and urban design of practitioners such as Urbanus, Ai Weiwei, Wang Hui, Wang Shu and Xu Tiantian to mention a few.