Alan Olee Book Report

Yes.  There is a highly influential, internationally acclaimed Architectural studio called MAD.  Recently they won the competition for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts in Chicago.  

http://www.archdaily.com/tag/mad-architects/

MAD hails from mainland China and is headed by Ma Yansong.  Yes.  Mainland China.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Yansong

MAD works in forward-looking environments developing futuristic architectures based on a contemporary interpretation of the eastern spirit of nature. All of MAD’s projects – from residential complexes or offices to cultural centres – desire to protect a sense of community and orientation toward nature, offering people the freedom to develop their own experience. Founded in 2004 by Ma Yansong, the office first earned worldwide attention in 2006 by winning an international competition to design a residential tower near Toronto, completed at the end of 2012.

They recently completed this exotic building:  http://www.i-mad.com/work/ordos-museum/?cid=4

In this exotic city:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCUSTowpS_c

What an amazing expression of the human spirit – let’s just build a city in the middle of nowhere.  People will eventually show up!

Cool buildings are a big bonus!