Despite already being the world’s most populated country, China’s growth is showing no signs of slowing, causing massive expansion in its established cities as well as creating entirely new urban areas. The considerable challenges caused by rapid urbanisation are definitely experienced by all developed countries, but in China – a country immensely proud of its rich traditions – it is creating a unique and fascinating contradiction within its modern architecture.

In Shanghai – China’s biggest city – population has increased by 800% since the 1920s, causing its skyline to rocket upwards. This type of aggressive urban development seems logical – when population increases in a limited geographical area, buildings tend to get taller. In fact, over the last thirty years, Shanghai has gone from having just over 100 buildings with eight storeys or more to over 10,000 – a truly staggering growth rate. One building that embodies this change better than any other is the Shanghai World Financial Centre. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, a New York-based architecture firm, the 101 storey building is Shanghai’s tallest and features the world’s highest observation deck.

China’s rising skyline looks exclusively to the future, forging relationships with international architecture firms. As the world’s most populated country with similarly strong economic credentials, this international approach to architecture shows the part of China that considers itself ready and fully embedded in global culture. However, at the same time, many are still uncomfortable with the speed of change being witnessed in the country, and are fighting to preserve the country’s colourful history. This has become a catalyst for an entirely different type of development trend in Shanghai – and many other major cities in China – with one good example being Taikang Lu in Shanghai.

Taikang Lu is located within residential area in Shanghai, which just a few years ago was scheduled for demolition. However, concerned that the city’s growth was sacrificing its rich history, local residents and business owners campaigned for a more respectful redevelopment of the area. After submitting a business proposal to the local government suggesting the area should focus on local arts and crafts and become a tourist destination, Taikang Lu was saved from demolition and instead restored as a tribute to the area’s history and still going strong till this day known as the vibrant and creative destinations in Shanghai

Despite their differences, these contradictory developments describe above are both accurate examples of modern Chinese culture. The country has become so large and powerful that a variety of approaches to architecture are inevitable. In fact, the exciting variety being generated by these contradictions is creating an architectural environment not only unique to China, but to the world.

Share subscribe to our feed      subscribe by email

Filed under: top 5 designs by admin
No Comments »