BaO is a Beijing-based architecture studio founded in 2010 by French architect Benjamin Beller. The studio operates under the strong belief that it is through acting and engaging with both research and design simultaneously that architecture becomes constructive. Through writings, speculative projects, installations, architectural design, urban and strategic planning, BaO systematically tries to propose a radical yet sensible and playful architecture.
As a trans-national, trans-disciplinary, trans-forming practice, BaO keeps adapting and testing new territories while advocating bold and critical ideas.
As a trans-national, trans-disciplinary, trans-forming practice, BaO keeps adapting and testing new territories while advocating bold and critical ideas.
News
The 429 collective courtyard project BaO has been working on with the French Embassy in China in Baitasi district has been inaugurated this last winter. A series of launching events that we'll relay here will be organized this spring. More about the project as soon as we update the website! 
BaO just released a small and completely free manual for low carbon DIY refurbishment of Beijing hutong houses. The objective of the PingFang Book is to put back the question of historic districts preservation and regeneration into the hands of their inhabitants. This small booklet tries to give them simple tools and advices on how to maintain or improve their houses while acting in responsible ways towards the exceptionnal part of the city they live in ... 
BaO is currently cooperating with Gejianzhu on a small museum project on a beautiful site in Ningxia's bare loess plateaus. The rammed earth towering project is currently in design development phase and is hoped to be built in the next two years...
Museum(s)...
: : : teaching in CAA : : :
Benjamin Beller has been invited to teach a lab in Hangzhou's China Academy of Art. The course, taught alongside teachers Liu Tian, Hu Xian, and Tang Yong, is a study on the possibility for new forms of cultural amenities in China. The lab will be running until end of May after which the proposals will be exhibitied in the Academy's Xiangshan Campus.
: : more soon : :
BaO recently finished a wooden canopy project in Beijing Language and Culture University. The semi-outdoor extension marks the new entrance of the confucius institute training center and students accomodations located on the upper floors...
The Yingpan eco-bathhouse project in Yunnan has been completed! We unfortunately haven't had the time to go back and take pictures of the completed building but will hopefully do so soon. Until then, check out the project here...