In the past, young, talented architects worked together to form a

Host: The quiet of the evening settled in, the soft light of the lamp casting a warm, contemplative glow across the room. Jack sat at the table, his fingers lightly tracing the edge of his cup, absorbed in Ma Yansong’s words. Jeeny stood near the window, her gaze turned outward, lost in thought as she reflected on the power of collaboration and social purpose in architecture.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Ma Yansong said: ‘In the past, young, talented architects worked together to form a strong social agenda and communicate with a larger audience. That’s what today’s architecture community should be.’ It’s such an important reminder, isn’t it? The idea that architecture isn’t just about designing buildings—it’s about making a statement, creating spaces that serve society and engage with people on a deeper level.”

Jack: “Yes, exactly. Ma Yansong is showing us that the role of an architect goes beyond just creating aesthetically pleasing buildings. It’s about working with a purpose, with a social agenda, and being a voice that communicates not just to a small group of clients but to a larger audience. Architecture, in this sense, isn’t just for the individual—it’s about impacting the community, the society at large.”

Jeeny: “Right. Architecture has the power to shape how we experience the world. It’s not just about form and function—it’s about how a building interacts with its environment and the people who inhabit it. Ma Yansong is calling for a return to the idea of collaboration, where architects don’t work in isolation but together, with a shared vision of using their talents to address the societal needs around them.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as they both considered how architecture can be a tool for social change, not just a means of construction. Jack’s fingers rested on the table, while Jeeny’s gaze softened, reflecting on the importance of the architect’s role in shaping the public and social aspects of life.

Jack: “It makes me think about how architecture can be so much more than just buildings. It can be about creating spaces that reflect and address the needs of communities—places that bring people together, that challenge how we live and interact with our environment. Ma Yansong is reminding us that architects should not just be designers, but catalysts for change, creating environments that encourage dialogue and engagement.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think that’s why this quote is so powerful. It’s a call for architects to reclaim their social responsibility. It’s not enough to simply design beautiful structures; they need to be part of a larger conversation about how buildings, cities, and spaces can serve people. By working together with a shared purpose, architects can create spaces that foster connection, that challenge societal norms, and that contribute to a better, more inclusive world.”

Jack: “And it’s about moving beyond the individualistic nature of the profession. In the past, architects worked with a social agenda—they thought about the impact their work had on people’s lives. That’s what we need to bring back today—an architecture that’s not just for the wealthy or the elite, but for everyone. Ma Yansong is reminding us that architecture should be about public good, not just private success.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and I think this is particularly important today. With the growing challenges we face—climate change, urbanization, inequality—the role of the architect becomes even more critical. It’s about using architecture as a tool to address these global challenges. Ma Yansong is advocating for architects to collaborate and use their skills to engage with these issues, to think about how buildings and spaces can benefit society as a whole.”

Host: The quiet in the room grew deeper as they both considered the transformative power of architecture when it is used with a social purpose. Ma Yansong’s words had sparked a reflection on how the role of an architect extends beyond design, to social impact, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with the world. Jack leaned back slightly in his chair, while Jeeny’s gaze turned from the window back to him, both of them recognizing that architecture, when done with purpose, has the power to shape a better future.

Jack: “So, Ma Yansong is showing us that the true power of architecture lies in its ability to serve society, to communicate and address the needs of a larger audience. The best architects don’t just create beautiful buildings—they create spaces that contribute to the public good, spaces that challenge, connect, and uplift.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Architecture isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating environments that shape lives, that influence how we experience the world and interact with each other. By coming together with a shared vision, architects can have a profound impact on the world, addressing the challenges of today and creating spaces that serve everyone, not just a select few.”

Host: The evening had fully settled in, their conversation leaving behind a quiet understanding that architecture is more than just the act of design—it is a powerful tool for social change and community engagement. Ma Yansong’s words had reminded them that the role of the architect is not just to build, but to create with purpose, to work together for the greater good, and to design spaces that foster connection, inclusion, and progress. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was light—a recognition that architecture, when approached with a shared social agenda, can change the world.