Since the foundation of People’s Republic of China in 1949, China has entered a new transitional period both in culture and architecture. Around this time, modern buildings in China took a new urban form in terms of the number, size, type, and locat...
Since the foundation of People’s Republic of China in 1949, China has entered a new transitional period both in culture and architecture. Around this time, modern buildings in China took a new urban form in terms of the number, size, type, and location of the buildings. Following the economic reform in the 1980s, through rapid economic development and change to industrial society, the population density in cities grew drastically and, therefore, efficient land use became critical because of rising land prices. As a result, special economic zones where capitalistic investment is allowed under the socialist system were designated, which created many skyscrapers that were designed to improve national competitiveness and image. Particularly, large cities like Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou are typical examples of such phenomenon, and, since the 20th century, skyscrapers enhanced national and technological competitiveness and image as corporate symbols throughout China. Skyscrapers in China are known to include traditional Chinese architecture and historical background.
In that light, the purpose of this study is to examine characteristics in form and appearance of notable skyscrapers in China.
Based on the analysis, formative characteristics of skyscrapers in China can be summarized as follows:
Expression of traditional elements
Chinese architecture expresses detailed aesthetics through traditional elements. However, designing skyscrapers based on details can cause many problems. Therefore, ancient Chinese architecture that is simple yet can preserve the national identity was adopted. The most symbolic element is a ‘tower,’ and high-rise buildings symbolize towers in a simple structure.
Expression of artistic elements
Traditional Chinese architecture emphasized artistic expression, especially, in landscape paintings. However, without understanding these expressions, foreign architects proposed buildings of a strange shape in China. Only I.M.Pei understood the artistic expression of China.
Expression of cultural elements
Culture is the most prominent element that determines the form of skyscrapers in China. Shanghai World Financial Center symbolizes eternity and ideal harmony, with the large square opening. Particularly, the circle denotes the sky and square the ground, thereby, relentless effort, based on the traditional Chinese culture, and this system incorporates heaviness when the building touches the ground, and lightness when it touches the sky.
While using geometric expressions in designing skyscrapers, China, which is relatively less developed, emphasizes lines like in traditional Chinese architecture, to focus on aesthetic significance of the buildings.