# Chinese Tradition-Honoring Structures MAD Architects Forms the Chinese Paper Umbrella Structure By Amy Duong | Published 2025-06-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-paper-umbrella References: [i-mad](http://i-mad.com/)  MAD Architects has designed the new Chinese Paper Umbrella structure -- it is found in the garden of the China Pavilion at this year's Venice Biennale. The installation takes a simple outdoor space and entirely transforms it into a space to experience and activate various senses and encourage a quiet reflection. The umbrella is made from Xuan paper, which is a material revered in Chinese calligraphy and recognized for its absorption and soft feel. The paper has gone through layers of tung oil treatment -- this is meant to give it a water resistance and clear-like quality. This way, it makes it both practical and beautiful for the Venetian weather. It is much more than providing shade; it means creating an intimate and inviting space. Image Credit: MAD Architects ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 44% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Architectural Materials:** Innovative use of Xuan paper treated with tung oil in architecture heralds the potential for sustainable, water-resistant building materials that enhance aesthetic appeal. - **Cultural Revival in Architecture:** The adaptation of traditional Chinese materials for modern installations emphasizes a growing trend towards incorporating cultural heritage in contemporary architectural design. - **Sensory Architectural Experiences:** Transforming outdoor spaces into sensory-driven environments suggests a trend focused on creating reflective and emotionally engaging experiences through architectural design. - **Eco-friendly Water-resistant Solutions:** Using natural methods like tung oil treatment to make traditional materials like Xuan paper water-resistant points towards environmental innovation in construction. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** The architecture industry is seeing a shift towards structures that respect and integrate cultural history while innovating for sustainability and functionality. - **Construction Materials Innovation:** The construction materials sector can explore the development of traditional yet modernized materials like Xuan paper that promise environmental and practical benefits. - **Cultural and Heritage Tourism:** Cultural installations at international venues like the Venice Biennale highlight the growing importance of cultural expression and preservation in the tourism industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pointy Paper Lantern Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-lantern-pavilion.md) - [Fly Saucer-Shaped Structural Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-never-hut.md) - [Romantic Seaside Pier Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaside-pavilion.md) - [Lunar-Based Rotating Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-pavilion.md) - [Charred-Wood Tranquil Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3to1-pavilion.md) - [Ice Block-Formed Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falling-hours.md) - [Interactive Architectural Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-landscape.md) - [Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanhai-arts-center.md) - [Rocky Garden-Nestled Serene Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-3to1-pavilion.md)