China's New Dawn: An Architectural Transformation

by Layla Dawson

This incisive look at the historical, social and economic forces that have shaped China's modern architecture analyses the country's struggle to define its own architectural aesthetics.
Since the early 1980s, when China opened its doors to international trade and tourism, the country's economy has expanded at an incredible rate. Today, China is poised to be a testing ground for the world's most innovative designers and engineers. Layla Dawson's survey of architectural currents in China lays out not only the historical events that have brought the country to this unique position, but explores the challenges inherent in opening up the country to outside forces and ideas. She examines projects by Chinese and non-Chinese architects, including Zaha Hadid's Soho City masterplan, Rem Koolhaas's CCTV Headquarters, Norman Foster's Shanghai Tower and plans for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. As Dawson demonstrates how conflicting architectural philosophies are visible in China's newly rising skyline, she takes an unblinkered look at the liabilities China faces by opening itself up to foreign influence.

Genres: Architecture

191 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photographs of the world's most exciting place for innovative architecture. The book is a bit dated (2003), though still offers a good overview of the rapid construction in the past decade.

[jennifer gergen]

Gorgeous photos. Not much text.