On March 19, 2026, Jacob van Rijs, MVRDV founding partner, will give a lecture at the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University. In his lecture, titled Material Matters, Jacob will reflect on the role of materials in shaping architecture beyond aesthetics. 

Jacob's lecture will show how materials influence atmosphere, tactility, detail, and urban character, while also carrying environmental implications related to resource use, energy, and carbon. Drawing on recent projects, including Chinese projects like Wuhan Library and Shenzhen Women and Children's Centre, as well as retail facades for Tiffany and Bulgari, he will explore how architectural practice can engage these material realities in an age dominated by digital imagery.