Today, architecture in China is at a watershed. Over the last
decade, rapid urbanisation and the burgeoning economy turned the
country into a playground for the world's signature architects,
making it possible to realise extravagant forms and structures at a
vast scale. The Chinese government has now drawn a line under this
phenomenon by issuing a directive calling an end to the 'oversized,
xenocentric, weird' buildings devoid of character or cultural
heritage that have sprung up across the country, requiring that
urban architecture be 'suitable, economic, green and pleasing to
the eye'. This government directive comes at a time when homegrown
architecture has become increasingly self-assured and reflective in
its approach. A new generation of architects in China in their 30s
and 40s are emerging, and in a wholly contemporary way they are
exploring local responses to often bewildering urban and rural
conditions and serious social and environmental challenges. This is
often expressed through a revival of interest in traditional street
patterns, courtyards and gardens. At the same time, architects are
also recognising the opportunities to harness the potential of
China's established manufacturing base to develop prefabricated
building systems. Innovative practices are employing new modes of
working, such as research-based studio teaching and exhibitions,
field workshops, cross-disciplinary collaboration, laboratory-based
practice, design think-tanks and collective projects, generating a
vibrant culture of design research. Contributors: Lu Feng, Murray
Fraser, Xiao Fu and Wei You, Xiahong Hua and Shen Zhuang, Xinggang
Li, Yichun Liu, James Shen, Yehao Song, Hui Wang, Shuo Wang, Xin
Wang and Qiuye Jin, Philip F Yuan and Xiang Wang, Li Zhang, Xin
Zhang and Jingxiang Zhu. Featured architects: Archi-Union
Architects, Atelier Archmixing, Atelier Deshaus, Atelier Li
Xinggang, Integrated Architecture Studio, LanD Studio,
META-Project, People's Architecture Office, SUP Atelier, URBANUS
and Zaoyuan Gardening Studio
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