This incisive look at the historical, social and economic forces that have shaped China's modern architecture, showcases the top 100 projects to have sprung up in the last ten years - many of these are the most exciting buildings in the world today. The country's economy has expanded at an incredible rate and China is poised to become the world's largest economy in a few short years. The authorities' bold, innovative approach to public architecture has enticed the world's leading designers and engineers to come and build in China. Layla Dawson's groundbreaking 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 and exposing it to so much foreign investment. The author 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 unblinking look at both the liabilities and opportunities China faces by opening itself up to foreign influence.
