MAD Architects has unveiled The Never Hut, an interactive installation at the Guangdong Nanhai Land Art Festival 2024 in Yanqiao Village, Foshan City, China. Set in a village with over 600 years of history, the installation reimagines a former elementary school playground into a community space for rest and connection.

Inspired by Yanqiao Village’s Qing Dynasty architecture, river systems, and its iconic banyan tree, The Never Hut features a flying saucer-shaped structure supported by three tentacle-like forms crafted from local fishing nets. The design responds to environmental elements, swaying subtly with the breeze to create a dynamic relationship between movement and stillness.

The installation’s bright, colorful eaves provide a shaded, circular space, encouraging interaction among villagers and visitors. The scheme’s playful aesthetic contrasts with the historic surroundings, establishing a dialogue between the village’s past and its evolving cultural landscape.

“This project is about capturing the freedom and wonder of childhood while providing a space for the community to gather, reflect, and imagine what lies ahead,” explains Ma Yansong, founder of MAD. “The Never Hut is a celebration of imagination and community — a space where childhood memories find a new home.”

Building on MAD’s previous projects in Nanhai, including Timeless Beacon (2022) at Taiping Market, The Never Hut continues the firm’s focus on integrating art, culture, and community. The installation invites visitors to reflect on heritage, enjoy moments of leisure, and engage with the interplay of art and nature.

The Never Hut is now open to the public as part of the Guangdong Nanhai Land Art Festival 2024.