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/

Gopuram Architecture

One of the things that I always observe when I look into the history, the culture and the way of life of any country and its people is to marvel at the style of their architecture. India's architecture of its ancient temples and edifice from thousands of years ago all the way to its colonial past is something to behold. I personally believe that the Indian civilization has a very distinct architecture and their architects have been excellent in adapting the influence of various architectural styles that influenced India from the different dynasties and waves of peoples and cultures that settled in their land.

There are many types of Indian architecture and mostly the architecture of major Indian temples, palaces and even mausoleums are built based on the historical, cultural and religious aspects of India or the region where the edifice is built. Sometimes they are built just because of personal reasons like the famous Taj Mahal.


The Buddhist, Mughal, Orissan and the Fort architecture are some of the styles of Indian architecture to name a few. Though one of the most awesome architecture that is one of my favorite is the Gopuram style. The Gopuram or Gopura are the ornate towers that are usually seen in Southern India. These are beautiful towers that serve as an entrance to a temple. The towers are usually colorful and above each tapering gopuram, the area is divided into many storeys which diminish in size as the gopuram tower narrows. The top of the tower is crowned with a stone finial. The gopurams are filled with beautiful sculptures, carvings and paintings with themes from Hindu mythology, most in particular associated with a deity.

Such is the beauty of Indian architecture. I love its very Eastern origin and I believe it can hold its own among the major architectural styles in the Old World and across Asia.

Photo Credit: Gopuram of a Hindu Temple
Photographer: Robin Thomas
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robin-thomas/

Photo Credit: Details of the Gopuram of the Sri Meenakshi Temple
Photographer: Boxelf
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/boxelf/