The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is set to unveil its latest exhibition, "Memoryscapes," beginning January 22, 2026. This presentation marks the second installment in the institution's "Architecture Connecting" series, which aims to illuminate the intricate relationships between architectural practice and various scientific and research domains, including biology, neuroscience, and anthropology. "Memoryscapes" specifically highlights the distinctive design approaches of two prominent studios: DnA_Design and Architecture from Beijing, led by Xu Tiantian, and ATTA – Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects based in Paris. The exhibition delves into how memories, cultural narratives, and historical traditions profoundly influence their architectural methodologies, offering a fresh perspective on shaping environments for forthcoming generations.
Curated by Mette Marie Kallehauge and Kjeld Kjeldsen, the "Memoryscapes" exhibition posits that human narratives are fundamental to conceiving spaces that foster the aspirations of future societies. It emphasizes the deep connections between architecture and anthropological, archaeological, and geological perspectives, as demonstrated through the featured works of both studios. Both practices are renowned for their "archaeological" methods, involving an exploration of history to formulate contextually relevant architectural solutions. Their shared philosophy is to "reach back in time to design architecture for the future." While each studio engages with cultural geography through unique viewpoints and investigative techniques, they are unified by a profound investigation into human, cultural, and site-specific histories, thus broadening the understanding of contemporary architectural fieldwork.
Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects (ATTA), founded by Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane and headquartered in Paris, has been instrumental in numerous projects across various scales, particularly in Japan. Notable endeavors include the refurbishment of Tokyo's Imperial Hotel and the development of a new urban green plan for the city. More recently, ATTA completed a garden pavilion for the Vitra Design Museum campus. Tane's design philosophy, termed "Archaeology of the Future," is anchored in comprehensive site analysis and the gathering of historical information and narratives. His studio's projects are profoundly informed by extensive research into traditional construction methods, geological shifts, urban planning histories, and local cultural practices and customs. As articulated in his architectural philosophy, the "Archaeology of the Future" is a continuous exploration of time, memory, space, and place.
DnA_Design and Architecture, the Chinese studio established by Xu Tiantian, introduces two key concepts within the exhibition: "architectural acupuncture" and "productionscape." Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese therapeutic practices, architectural acupuncture involves revitalizing existing architectural heritage without resorting to extensive renovation. Xu Tiantian asserts, "While there are many reasons to build, creating architecture doesn't always necessitate a new structure." Her practice encompasses both new constructions and the revitalization of traditional buildings in China's rural areas, where the "productionscape" concept—a blend of factory and visitor center—plays a crucial role. This approach provides traditional industries, often situated in depopulated rural areas, with innovative architectural frameworks that meet modern demands while facilitating both production and enriching visitor experiences.
The exhibition, through its focus on these two pioneering architectural firms, illustrates how a deep understanding of historical and cultural contexts can lead to innovative and sustainable architectural solutions. By foregrounding the narratives embedded in human experience and the environment, "Memoryscapes" invites visitors to consider architecture not merely as construction, but as a dynamic dialogue between the past, present, and future, enriching our understanding of built spaces and their profound connection to collective memory and identity.
