Design and Architecture
Original Copies: Duplitecture in China
Newly affluent Chinese would rather live in copies of the White House than buildings inspired by their own heritage. A look at the vogue for duplitecture in China.
By Frances Anderton • • 28m ListenWhere do newly affluent Chinese want to live? In buildings modeled on the White House, Austrian villages and English towns. Bianca Bosker, Qingyun Ma and Marissa Gluck discuss copycat culture in China, from cell phones to cities; plus, Jason Groman and Barbara Bestor on nostalgia for Palm Springs Modernism and a new attitude in architectural photography.
Banner image: Replica of the Eiffel Tower at the Tianducheng development in Hangzhou, China. Photo by Biana Bosker
In this episode
2 storiesCopycat Architecture in Contemporary China
The term "contemporary Chinese architecture" conjures up imagery of hyper-modern steel-and-glass showpieces like the CCTV building designed by Rem Koolhaas or the Bird’s Nest constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. But, for patrons who can afford it, a very different kind of new architecture is currently being constructed in China—buildings…
Read the story15 minModernism in the Desert and a New Narrative for L.A.'s Buildings
California's Modernist architecture might be L.A.'s most famous export and one of the movement's largest celebrations, Palm Springs Modernism Week , happens right here in our own backyard. For two weeks, hundreds of design enthusiasts descend upon the desert city for parties, panels, tours, a trade show, and lots of gawking at gorgeous homes.
Read the story15 min