Chemicals manufacturer AkzoNobel has joined forces with the China Pavilion at this year’s International Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy in a bid to build on its commitment to improving and energizing urban communities around the world.

The theme has been unveiled as Daily Design, Daily Tao for the 2016 showcase, which is said to symbolize the importance of everyday essentials in shaping sustainable, modern urbanization in China. The China Pavilion is the second biggest at the biennale and is said to feature 14 creations by nine leading architects and studios that showcase why architectural design should originate from people’s daily lives

Dr. Lin Liangqi, President of AkzoNobel China and Managing Director of the company’s Decorative Paints business in China and North Asia, said, “Our Human Cities initiative reflects everything we do for and with society. We’re therefore very proud to have partnered with the China Pavilion, enabling us to demonstrate our commitment to making cities more liveable and inspiring by providing the essentials for everyday life.”

Lianqqi continues, “Human Cities has particular relevance in China, which is experiencing levels of urbanization that are unprecedented elsewhere. There’s a clear need for key influencers and decision-makers such as architects, urban planners and policy makers to work in a disciplined and coordinated way in order to help cities meet the challenges they face and build a more sustainable future together.”