21st Century China: Architecture

China's architecture in its key cities like Beijing and Shanghai is continuing to change the infrastructure's landcape. The start of the 21st century saw the rising and contruction of modern architecture in the old cities of this country. Trying to be one with the changes in the modern world the country opened its doors to work with building designers, architectural firms and engineers from Europe and the US.

I personally think that this decision is good for China and I like the design of the modern architecture, though sometimes it is too modern that the imprint of Chinese culture cannot be seen or be felt in the physical appearance of the infrastucture. Perhaps that is the same sentiment that some of China's younger generation are lamenting that the architectural design is too modern and too Western that it did not even reflect the blueprint of Chinese culture and architecture.

The following ten projects that pushed the boundaries of China's architectural status quo since 2002 are The Commune in Beijing, Beijing International Airport, Shanghai Worl Financial Center, National Aquatics Centre in Beijing, CCTV in Beijing, Linked Hybrid Housing in Beijing, Dongatan Eco City in Dongtan, Beijing National Stadium, Donghai Bridge and the National Grand Theater in Beijing to name a few.

Photo Credit: CCTV Building, Beijing
Photographer: Nathaniel McMahon
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaniel-mcmahon/

Photo Credit: Bird's Nest, Bejing
Photographer: FatBoyRoy
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatboyroy/