Chinese government bans 'bizarre' architecture
by Kim Megson | 25 Feb 2016
The Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort by Yansong Ma is one of many examples of unconventional architecture in China / Wiki Commons
China has become well-known for its unconventional architecture and design projects – from trouser-shaped skyscrapers to vase-inspired museums and replicas of Western landmarks such as the White House and the Louvre Pyramid.
Projects like these look to be a thing of the past, however, thanks to a new government directive which has banned ‘bizarre’ architecture.
The order, released by the country’s State Council, says any new design that is not “economical, functional, aesthetically pleasing or environmentally friendly” will be forbidden.
The directive follows a Central Urban Work Conference held earlier this year, during which officials committed to tackling pollution, waste, divisive design and spiralling budgets on construction projects.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has previously called for an end to China’s “weird” architecture, stating the country must show more “cultural confidence” in its own architectural traditions and ensure all buildings appeal to the average citizen.
The new directive has encouraged city officials and architects to develop more public urban parks, restore historic and cultural buildings and prioritise prefabricated buildings which minimise waste.
It is unclear how the directive will influence unorthodox projects already in development, such as MAD Architects’ floating Pingtan Art Museum and the Yang Liping Performing Arts Center by Studio Pei-Zhu.
China architecture design weird architecture ban Xi Jinping
The Gate of the Orient, which has been nicknamed by some critics as 'a pair of trousers' Credit: Mudaxiong
The Guangzhou Circle by Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale Credit: Midip
Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of OMA designed the headquarters of China Central Television, which has received a mixed reception Credit: Verdgris
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China has become well-known for its unconventional architecture and design projects – from trouser-shaped skyscrapers to vase-inspired museums and replicas of Western landmarks such as the White House and the Louvre Pyramid. Projects like these look to be a thing of the past, however, thanks to a new government directive which has banned ‘bizarre’ architecture. The order, released by the country’s State Council, says any new design that is not
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