#20 Making a Metropolis: Contemporary Chinese Architecture and Urban Planning
Middle Earth - China’s cultural industry podcast
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The pace of urbanization in contemporary China is nothing short of dizzying. Seventy years ago, at the time of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, 80% of the population were farmers based in rural areas. Now, over 60% of all Chinese citizens live in cities of various sizes, and it is projected that by 2030, the number of urban dwellers will exceed 1 billion. As one would expect, the challenges that these dynamics pose to Chinese architects and urban planners are staggering. So how do these beleaguered builders design a modern city in China from scratch in the face of so many changing variables? How do they create cities that strike a balance between modern and traditional aesthetics? And what kinds of obstacles can they expect to face throughout this process?
**Featuring:**Andrea Krupski von Mansberg : Architect & urban designerLi Shuwen | 李书雯 : Architect & urban plannerLars Ulrik Thom : Founder of Beijing Postcards
Middle Earth is made by China Compass Productions) and hosted by Aladin Farré). If you have a China-themed cultural project like shooting your next documentary or look for a specific talent, please get in touch!
Recommended watching:- Imperial City Wall Relics Park), located on the east side of the Forbidden City in Beijing.- Xiangshan Central Campus) of the China Academy of Art, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
Answers to the episode quiz:- The CCTV headquarters in Beijing is the most expensive building in China, with an estimated cost of $800 million (approximately 5.7 billion yuan).-** Tiananmen Square has the same area as Vatican City, 0.44 km2 (0.17 sq mi). - Ordos (鄂尔多斯) may be the most famous Chinese “ghost town.” Located in Inner Mongolia, Ordos was supposed to house almost a million people working in the natural resources industry.With thanks to **Brenden Gonsalves) for graphic design & Sean Calvo) for music support.
The World of Chinese Magazine)A magazine about Chinese society, culture, history, arts, language, and more.