"Architecture should not simply be a rational, functional box," Ma said in an interview. "It should be able to grow like nature, and it should have emotion and imagination. I'm honored to bring this way of thinking from the East to Los Angeles, and explore another possibility."
The project marks a major milestone for Ma, making him the first Chinese architect to lead the design of a major Western cultural landmark. His collaboration with Lucas has lasted more than a decade, bringing together two creators from very different fields who share a belief in the power of imagination.
Ma, who TIME magazine named as one of 2026's 100 most influential people in the world, has designed major cultural and public projects in China and overseas, including the Harbin Grand Theatre and the Fenix Museum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Lucas has said Ma's design continues to surprise and inspire him, adding that visitors will come not only for the collection but also for the building itself, which he considers "a work of art."
The Lucas Museum is poised to become a new cultural destination in Los Angeles and a significant international showcase for contemporary Chinese architecture.
