People don’t always realize the effect that culture has in the design of a landscape; factors in design can include religion, local climate, ideologies, history…even literature can have a role in shaping a landscape (Which I will hopefully mention in a future post!)
But as an architecture student I always wonder…why are the most influential architecture pieces of the world built the way they are? Here are 2 countries that are becoming the leading developers of modern architecture, and my theories as to why this Renaissance of architectural design is happening:
1. China- The Urban Forest of Chongqing.
This building, in my opinion, is a masterpiece of modern architecture. But at first glance it might seem a little odd (does anyone else think of a stack of pancakes when they look at this building?). Nonetheless, there are many future projects in China planning to make more buildings following this design. In a country as populated as china, the lack of space in the cities is becoming a serious problem. It’s no wonder that the Chinese have some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world; since they don’t have spaces to move sideways, they move upwards instead. But why the sudden importance in adding vegetation? This design is way more expensive and time consuming than any conventional building, so why?
China happens to be one of the most polluted countries in the world as well, it makes sense that they are looking for ways to reincorporate nature into their landscape and become more power efficient. However, I have another theory that might explain why the gardens are there: In the old days, nature used to play a huge role in Chinese design. Chinese culture was influenced by three main religions: Taoism, Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism; all of which placed an emphasis on being in balance with nature and its importance as a sacred entity.Of course this is just my theory, but I compare this to the Renaissance in Europe; during the dark ages, the Europeans lost all knowledge and advancement they possessed from the Greeks and Romans. The Renaissance rediscovered this knowledge, and improved previous designs to form something even better and more advanced than what the Romans had. Is this what is happening in China? During the days of Mao Zedong and the beginning of communism, many of the ancient Chinese traditions and crafts were lost. Could this be a new implementation of the old that is being rediscovered and improved? I truly hope so; this new designs are completely changing the way cities interact with nature and preserve the environment.
2. United Arab Emirates- Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai
Indoor Ski resort? Check. Biggest aquarium in the world located in the middle of a dessert? Easy. Buildings standing over water? of course! When it comes to architecture: You name it, Dubai probably has it. Burj al Arab Hotel is probably the most recognized building in the city, but it’s definitely not the only architectural phenomenon; how is such a huge development of infrastructure occurring so fast in a country surrounded by conflict?
My theory is that this has more to do with economic factors rather than historical ones. Dubai obtains a little more tourism than other countries in the middle east due to being a more stable region. With this said though, U.A.E. is also facing problems- a lack of oil makes it hard to move along the economy. In my opinion, the developments of infrastructure are an attempt to turn the country from an oil-based to a tourism-based economy. Who wouldn’t want to go to fancy aquariums and big amusement parks? Huge, eye-catching,and iconic attractions are what usually make the newspapers and bring tourism, so it seems like Dubai’s tactic is working!
I hope this gave some insight into the the role that different aspects of a culture play on design. This role is even more evident in ancient architecture, so I hope to do a post about that soon!
Adil Sabir says
I was not really cognizant of modern architecture until I visited Dubai. It is true, these pictures do not give it justice; modern architecture is incredible in respect to its magnitude and efficiency in time spent on building it.
Mohammad Hifni Bin M As Ari says
Besides having a really interesting topic and points, I also like the way you arrange your words. I really like architecture and for that and the way you write, I really enjoy this post. Good job
Victoria Annie Munoz-anderson says
I’ve never really thought about architecture, but reading your blog gave me a little bit of insight into the mind of someone who actually does take notice to it and how beautiful it can really be!
Asad Karamally says
The architecture in dubai is even more fascinating in person than it appears to be in these pictures. Although the landscape in the UAE is pretty barren and uninviting the monarchs have heavily encouraged architecture projects like this over the last 10-20 years to encourage tourism and a source of wealth once the oil runs out.
Ahmad Aufa Bin Sharip says
i have never given much attention about modern architecture topic. it is good to read your blog and hear some brilliant opinions from an architecture student. keep it up!
Mahbub Ahsan Rashid says
I liked the fact that how by choosing an interesting topic and heading you shared so many important facts and information.Moreover,I loved your presentation! The way you expressed some of your views was very fun to read like the one where you describe the building as pile of pancakes.Keep up the good work!
Isabella Frances Teti says
The voice you use is so engaging, I really enjoyed reading this! I don’t know if you realized this, but I think you just analyzed two pieces of architecture, using the rhetorical situation of the countries they’re in to explain each of them mean… Which is actually fantastic. You really have this kairos thing down! 😉
Mohamed Aboubakry Diop says
I really liked how you compared modern architecture in two countries and how they could have different reasons for building these. Do you think that the Chinese population likes the concept of the ”Urban forest”?
sxs5999 says
It does look like a pancake stack! It reminds me of the time I saw an apartment complex in France that looked like white asparagus. It was really tall and had leaf-like structures on the sides. Each leaf was a balcony? There was also a second modernized version of the Arc de Triomphe in the business sector of Paris. It’s a white block with a square cut from the center. I like the pancake stack better. 🙂