“Ecosistemas de la construcción en China: Megaproyectos de arquitectura”

Author: Paula Sanabria Gavín

Publisher: Polytechnic School of Madrid

Photography: William Mulvihill

The rise of megaprojects in China during the 21st century reflects the change of its architectural paradigm. This phenomenon reflects the country’s social and political transformation over the pastfew decades. With the arrival of the new century, China seeks to present a contemporary image to the world through its architecture. Megaprojects become tools to demonstrate new ideals of progress and innovation, and by commissioning these to renowned international architects, China validates its new architectural approach. Driven by the need to fulfil a highly visual and monumental aesthetic, these projects must address complex construction challenges. The large number of megaprojects produced in China in recent decades was possible thanks to its unique architecture and construction system.

The objective, therefore, lies in understanding the interaction of agents in such centralized system and identifying the innovative construction techniques in these megaprojects. It is essential to comprehend China’s distinctive system, characterized by a state-driven model that influences planning, design, management and execution; the interaction among agents, highlighting the role of state architectural firms; as well as the current state of industrialization in the country.

An initial analysis focuses on megaprojects designed by international architects in China during this century. Considering only horizontally developed projects, the most significant cases are selected in terms of scale and construction systems: Beijing National Stadium from Herzog & de Meuron, Daxing Airport by Zaha Hadid, and new Shanghai Opera House from Snøhetta. Through an analysis of their phases, the involvement and origin of agents, and the innovations in their construction systems, the effects of this distinctive system of megaprojects are presented. It becomes clear how the centralized system acts as a management and coordination mechanism among parties, creating shared goals. Additionally, it is evident that state architectural firms have gained importance and independence, while the presence of Chinese entities has increased in all project phases. Lastly, it is shown how the striking formalist aesthetics of these projects have become an opportunity for construction innovation in China.