Invited by Interni magazine, MAD Architects presents an installation “Freedom” in the courtyard of the Università degli Studi di Milano. “Freedom” intends to create a symbol of our collective aspiration to restart and renew our lives and societies in the post-pandemic world. Ma explains the work as a metaphor of freedom, saying, “As human beings, if we are looking for freedom or connection with other people, we should go beyond physical or invisible space that limits us. We should go beyond the limitations.”

The large-scale installation consists of a seabird pointing its gaze towards the sky, preparing to soar into the air and take fight. It is comprised of metallic profiles created by Eurostands, covered with LED stripes provided by Ledvance that allow the installation to glow at night. Half sheltered and half exposed, under the courtyard’s arches, the installation recalls the uncertainty that people have faced throughout the pandemic.

Seabird represents freedom, borderless, and inclusiveness. It also appears in MAD’s project – the Fenix Museum of Migration. It is MAD’s first cultural project in Europe and will be completed in 2025.

Overview
Time: September 5 – 10, 2021
Location: Cortile d’Onore, Università degli Studi di Milano
Design Team: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano, Andrea D’Antrassi, Alessandro Fisalli, Elena Bellocchio, Francesco Nardacci