46.Architecture
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Culture
Architecture
Stunning, edgy, avant-garde… These are not
adjectives previously associated with Beijing’s architecture which has
traditionally been known for its classical designs dating from imperial
times and its more recent communist modernism. However over the last few
years a new wave of unconventional and striking architectural
masterpieces has been springing up around the city.
Even upon arrival in the city, the
visitor to Beijing is immediately struck with the design of the new
airport expansion at Beijing International, which resembles an ice
block. Traveling around the city, other unconventional and innovative
structures catch visitors’ eyes.
CCTV Headquarters
Hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games
inspired a number of dramatic sporting venues, including the unusual
“bird’s nest” Olympic Stadium. This is a skeletal structure of steel and
concrete designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzong and Pierre de
Meuron, who also created the Tate Gallery Modern in London.
The recently completed new headquarters
for CCTV, China's state television network, is a dramatic and innovative
design in the shape of a continuous, vertical loop with no right
angles, and is nicknamed the “twisted donut”. It dominates the skyline
in the city center. Next door are the offices and studios for the tv
station, in the shape of a horizontal trapezoid. Both these buildings
were designed by the team of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and are part
of the new and rapidly developing central business district.
Next to the massive example of the
Mao-era communal architecture of Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of
the People is the astonishing modern “alien egg” structure of the new
National Theatre. This titanium and glass building, surrounded by water,
was designed by French architect Paul Andreu.
The challenge for Beijing’s urban
planners is balancing the construction boom of new infrastructure and
sometimes controversial landmark buildings with the preservation of
portions of older
architectural masterpieces such as the courtyard homes,
The Temple of Heaven roof detail.
walled gardens and interconnecting hutongs (alleyways) dating
from several hundred years ago. Famous examples of imperial architecture
are the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and other halls, arched
gates and bridges around Beijing. These are internationally famous for
their use of stone, timber and glazed tile and their eye-catching use of
color, decorative carving and curved roof lines. However many other
classic older architectural styles are of humble origin, originally
being laborers’ and craftsmen’s homes, but they represent an important
element in Beijing’s history and architectural style.
The Temple of Heaven roof detail.
walled gardens and interconnecting hutongs (alleyways) dating
from several hundred years ago. Famous examples of imperial architecture
are the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and other halls, arched
gates and bridges around Beijing. These are internationally famous for
their use of stone, timber and glazed tile and their eye-catching use of
color, decorative carving and curved roof lines. However many other
classic older architectural styles are of humble origin, originally
being laborers’ and craftsmen’s homes, but they represent an important
element in Beijing’s history and architectural style.
A visit to Beijing is an architectural
feast. Around the city visitors will be greeted with inspiring,
surprising and occasionally controversial landmark structures spanning
the centuries from the imperial dynasties, through communist-style,
through to contemporary innovative examples of 21st century
architecture.
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