Xu Tiantian unveiled as 2026 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission recipient

One of China’s most renowned female architect’s, Xu Tiantian, whose work has transformed rural communities across China, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, a major series inviting globally renowned designers to create groundbreaking new work for the NGV Collection. Based in Beijing, Xu’s practice uses architecture to revitalise rural and regional Chinese provinces, helping to protect their economies, cultural heritage and social wellbeing. Coining the term ‘architectural acupuncture’, referencing traditional Chinese medicine, Xu uses precise, seamless interventions to transform underutilised infrastructure and buildings. Recent projects include transforming a series of abandoned stone quarries into multi-purpose arts venues, and building a theatre stage within a bamboo forest,