China's New Dawn: An Architectural Transformation

Library Journal

China is fast emerging as a world economic and military power, much to the fascination, admiration-and trepidation-of Western observers. In her survey of contemporary Chinese architecture, German-based architect and critic Dawson sidesteps touchy political issues regarding Western relations but pulls no punches when it comes to limning the internal social, economic, and environmental upheaval China is undergoing as it rapidly modernizes. Forty-seven projects are profiled here, the majority mammoth show-stoppers like Rem Koolhaas's gravity-defying headquarters for China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing. Most readers will be awestruck by the plentiful photos, plans, and illustrations of cutting-edge design by internationally renowned architects, purposefully calculated to change the image of China's urban agglomerations, seen as drab collectivist hives, to that of supercharged world-class megalopolises. Appearing concurrently with Bernard Chan's New Architecture in China (for a review, see Arts: A Seasonal Showcase, p. 117), Dawson's timely and perceptive survey is among the first aimed at a general audience. Recommended for large public and academic libraries. [Expect interest to escalate as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Shanghai World Expo approach.-Ed.]-David Soltesz, Cuyahoga Cty. P.L., Parma, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.