One of China’s most celebrated architects, Xu Tiantian, has been announced as the recipient of the 2026 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, the international series inviting leading designers to create new work for the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Collection.

Based in Beijing, Xu is the fifth recipient of the Commission, following Tatiana Bilbao in 2022, Bethan Laura Wood in 2023, Christien Meindertsma in 2024 and Nipa Doshi in 2025.

Xu is recognised for transforming rural communities across China through her architectural practice. Her work revitalises regional provinces by strengthening local economies, safeguarding cultural heritage and supporting social wellbeing.

Xu coined the term ‘architectural acupuncture’ to describe her approach – a philosophy inspired by traditional Chinese medicine that employs precise, strategic interventions to renew underutilised buildings and infrastructure. Among her recent projects are the adaptive reuse of abandoned stone quarries into multipurpose arts venues and the creation of a theatre stage set within a bamboo forest, designed to host village opera performances and serve as a site for meditation.

These projects blend architecture with landscape to create distinctive cultural destinations for music, art and performance. Central to Xu’s holistic design philosophy is community participation. By championing local practices, materials and knowledge, her work fosters continuity and care in China’s built environment while preserving regional identities. Her approach has been acknowledged by the United Nations as a model for strengthening urban/rural connections.

Xu Tiantian’s installation for the Commission

For the fifth MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, Xu will present Bamboo Theatre, a full-scale installation inspired by the landscape and material traditions of Songyang County in Zhejiang Province. The mountainous region is known for its dense bamboo forests, which sit alongside historic villages and terraced tea plantations.

Handcrafted from locally sourced bamboo, the installation reflects the enduring role of the material in both traditional and contemporary architecture. Conceived as a space for gathering and contemplation, the work explores how architecture can cultivate connection and dialogue.

The circular floor plan underpins the design. The installation will also feature a large-scale multimedia film, immersing visitors in the atmospheric qualities that define Xu’s increasingly influential built projects.

Importance of the Commission

“It is a great honour to create this work for the National Gallery of Victoria and MECCA,” Xu says. “The Bamboo Theatre explores how architecture can remain light, adaptive and rooted in place while shaping spaces for gathering, reflection and dialogue.”

Tony Ellwood, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria, describes Xu as “a visionary architect who is leading the way globally in rural redevelopment and transformation”.

Jo Horgan, founder and co-CEO of MECCA, says the five-year partnership with the NGV has grown into one of the only commissions of its kind globally dedicated to championing women in design.

“To know that each of these ambitious works will now live on in the NGV Collection feels important,” Horgan says. “Xu Tiantian’s work is a beautiful reminder that architecture is not just about buildings – it is about people. It can nurture community, honour culture and support wellbeing.”

The 2026 commission continues MECCA’s broader M-POWER initiative, which aims to elevate female representation in the arts and ensure women’s voices and creative contributions are preserved within the cultural record.

Celebrating the selection of Xu Tiantian as this year’s Commission recipient, the NGV is organising a free day of programs on Saturday 14 March.

Line-up

8.45am to 9.40am, sound healing practitioner Mellow Habits will lead a group sound bath in the NGV Great Hall.

10am to 3pm, NGV will host a Chinese Knotting Workshop, where visitors are invited to create their own bag charm using coloured paracord and beading. 

11am to 11.30am, Xu Tiantian will join Ewan McEoin, Senior Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, NGV in conversation to discuss the commission and her practice.

12 noon to 12.30pm, Ewan McEoin, Senior Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, NGV will moderate a talk with MECCA’s creative and strategic leaders alongside Anna Cleaver, Former Selfridges Director of Brand Strategy.  

For more information, visit the NGV website.