_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

Interview: Alfie Shao / CHU-Studio
We_Crociferi, Venice
12th September 2018

In occasion of the Biennale di Venezia 2018, we met at the special location of We_Crociferi in Venice, the curator of the exhibition “Free is More“: the architect Alfie Shao, from CHU-Studio, Taiwan.
Known as the representative of the new forces of contemporary design in Asia, he also teaches at the Department of architecture and Department of the central Plains University, specializing in the integration of space design and computer-aided design and emphasizing the importance of design practice and academic research.

ITSLIQUID GROUP – As an architect, where do you find your inspiration?

Mr. Shao – For me, inspiration comes from life, which is all about art and feel. My design energy has always been influenced by movies, dramas and, of course, architecture.

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

ITSLIQUID GROUP – Is there a fil rouge that connect all your works?

Mr. Shao – Yes, of course. My definition is “design is a logical thinking”: I think that it is based on logic and I always have a guideline before starting a new project: the research of differences and identity.

ITSLIQUID GROUP – Why did you choose Venice for this project?

Mr. Shao – I chose Venice because is an international reality, full of special architecture and cultural events. This city is rich of architectural exhibitions, which are important to increase my inspiration and ideas.

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

ITSLIQUID GROUP – Can we read “Free is more” as a contemporary evolution of the expression “Less is more”? What does it mean for you?

Mr. Shao – “Free is more”, for me, is like a contemporary meaning of “less is more”, and this is based on our new generation, which has, of course, different needs compared to the 50’s generation. So, yes, we can say that there is a connection between the two concepts. 

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

ITSLIQUID GROUP – Which is your opinion about architecture in the contemporary era? How do you relate urbanisation to the environmental issue?

Mr. Shao – In my opinion, nowadays architecture doesn’t have a clear identity, and if we want to create a special design, we have to fight this lack of differences and research the real identity.
So, to be a good architect it’s important to know who you are and your potential.
Asking to your second question, how to safe and re-use energy is a very crucial issue that every single architect should consider, and this is the point of my projects.

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

ITSLIQUID GROUP – Which are your future projects?

Mr. Shao – Yes, I have few projects for the future: my aim is to create a new system based on the re-use of materials and energy.

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}

_{Image courtesy of Augusto Ling}