Zhu Xiaodi, a graduate of the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, he is a former Chairman and Chief Architect of Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD).He established BIAD-ZXD Architects in 2014 and founded his own practice, ZXD Architects in 2020. He is currently a dual-appointed professor at Tsinghua University and holds guest-professorships at several esteemed institutions, including the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the School of Sciences for the Human Habitat at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture.
Zhu Xiaodi believes that architecture, which conveys ideas and evokes emotions, possesses the greatest potential to engage its viewers. By integrating the principles of contemporary art into his design practice, he continually pushes the boundaries of architecture. His work explores the unique shared elements of Eastern and Western cultures, resulting in a distinctive body of work defined by a highly personal and innovative style.
Architecture driven by industrial civilization has traditionally focused on the production of space, striving to create timeless, monumental forms that balance utility and symbolism. However, as technology and societal transformations reshape our daily lives, work, and ways of thinking, the perception and dissemination of architecture have undergone a profound shift. Today, with the rapid circulation of urban imagery and architectural information through various media, the meaning of architecture is increasingly detached from its physical form. The challenge now lies in making architecture works not only instantly recognizable but also impactful, comprehensible and capable of fostering deep emotional connections.
Zhu Xiaodi’s creative process is grounded in the convergence of interactivity, conceptuality and contextuality. To achieve broad recognition and immediate impact, it is essential for architectural forms and their multiple interpretations to effectively engage viewers. Architecture thus becomes a medium for conveying cultural ideas, societal awareness and the creator’s personal reflections. A deep connection to the unique time and place of each site ensures that these concepts resonate with precision, evoking profound empathy. As such, ZXD Architects conducts thorough, systematic research into each project’s context, spatial relationships, media, concepts and modes of expression.
Beyond his design practice, Xiaodi Zhu expresses his reflections on architecture, culture, and art through publications and exhibitions. His work spans a range of disciplines, including contemporary art, urban public space, urban renewal and the study of traditional architecture. Xiaodi Zhu has authored several influential books, such as Public and Private in China’s Urban Spaces, Xiaodi Zhu Portfolio, Adventure: Xiaodi Zhu Architectural Installations, Tujing: Xiaodi Zhu Contemporary Ink, Human Exploration Between Heaven and Earth: Xiaodi Zhu and the "Encore" Theaters, Analysis and Heritage of Chinese Traditional Architecture (Beijing Volume), and New in Old: Urban Organic Renewal and Brand Operation. In 2022, Xiaodi Zhu founded the Fayuan Museum, mainly showcasing his personal collection of traditional wooden architecture masterpieces, and planning a series of related exhibitions and then systematically conducting historical study on traditional folk architecture.
From the unique perspective of an architect, Zhu Xiaodi applies his architectural understanding to artistic creation. He has held solo exhibitions such as Rain Measures the Temple, Ink Experiment: Unlimited, and video exhibitions such as Always Composed and participated in notable group exhibitions including Block Writing, Bamboo Steel, Along the River During the Qingming Festival, Across the boundary,Tower of Time; and curated the "New in Old –the “Urban Renewal” Thematic Exhibition of 2019 Beijing Design Week.
