This article was originally published on Jan. 16, 2007 by the USC News Service. Photo: Rem Koolhaas (right) and Dean Qingyun Ma.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai hosted a recent reception to honor Qingyun Ma’s appointment as dean of the USC School of Architecture.
“The outpouring of respect and admiration for Qingyun Ma was incredible,” said Michael Jackson, vice president for student affairs, who hosted the event on behalf of the president and provost.
“Everyone wanted their picture taken with him and praised him for being creative and a risk taker. They repeatedly said that USC made an inspired choice which will lead to better communication between China and USC, raise USC’s profile in China and lead to new cooperation between USC and the architectural and design community in Shanghai and other parts of China,” Jackson said. “It is clear that the profile of USC in China has been enhanced as a result of this appointment.”
In his address at the reception, Ma spoke eloquently and passionately on his excitement about working with the USC School of Architecture faculty, students, alumni and board of counselors to develop new learning opportunities in China and other parts of the world, Jackson said.
After the event, Ma reflected on the globalism inherent in his appointment and the reception in Shanghai.
“Is the world getting flat? I don't know, but it is for sure getting smaller,” Ma said. “Is the university getting more incorporated? I don't know, but it is for sure getting bigger.
“The merge between the world and university is something we have to mediate and experiment. It is a great challenge that USC is offering me the laboratory.”
More than 150 guests attended the reception – from government officials and university leaders to USC alumni and current students, even some prospective parents.
Renowned architect Rem Koolhaas attended the reception and remarked on how encouraging it was to see USC leading the effort to build U.S.-China ties.
Koolhaas, a close friend and collaborator, added, “I first thought it was going to be a big loss for Shanghai and China, but Ma’s strength in communication and his courage to cross boundaries will now bring symmetry across the Pacific Rim.”
Also in attendance was Nicolas Michelin, managing director of the Ecole d’Architecture de Versailles, France. Michelin has competed and collaborated with Ma’s team on projects in both France and Shanghai.
“USC’s appointment of Dean Ma at the School of Architecture now connects China, Los Angeles and Paris, creating a truly wide network,” he said.
Jiang Wu, deputy director of the Shanghai Urban Planning Administration said, “Not only has Ma’s practice in Shanghai been concerned with architecture but also with urban and social strategies. I hope the L.A. community embraces his urbanist way of thinking and capitalizes on his experience in Shanghai.”
Huang Yiru, professor of architecture at Tonji University added, “Dean Ma’s presence in Los Angeles marks the beginning of a new phase in our collaboration with USC, and I’m excited about the possibilities.”
Tongji University has been a leader in organizing and hosting joint study programs with numerous institutions around the world.
“I probably stood alone in the sense that I am both a longtime friend of the new dean and a graduate of USC,” said alum Andy K. Chan, president of C Major Development Limited.
“I have been friends with Qingyun for no less than seven years now and it was especially gratifying to see that his talent and hard work [are] being recognized by a world-class institution like USC,” Chan said. “I am equally proud of my old school in her foresight and pioneering spirit in selecting Dean Ma to head the School of Architecture.”
In addition, more than 50 media outlets were present at a pre-reception press conference, including local and cable television, local and national newspapers, National Public Radio and Chinese architectural and design publications. The Phoenix Satellite Television Co. filmed the event as part of a three-part series on Ma.
“It was an outstanding event with lots of energy,” summed up Catherine Leung, director of USC’s Hong Kong office.
“As the first private nonprofit museum of contemporary art in China, it is our great honor to be able to contribute to this special occasion,” Sabrina Z, the host museum’s international media officer, said.
“We hope that USC and MoCA Shanghai will have more opportunities to cooperate in the future, in promoting arts and culture, and in various exchange programs for students and scholars.”
