By Stefan Schumacher
American architects have found a promising client, China,
according to this New York Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/business/16build.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&emc=eta1
China is offering architecture firms both large and small not
just money for new projects, but something you can't necessarily
put a price on, creative freedom. From homes to large skyscrapers
(a good opportunity to implement large quantities of steel, of
course), Chinese clients are essentially telling architects to have
at it. It's a stark contrast to what most architects are used to
where they are hired to bring someone else's vision to life.
Is this an emerging trend? Is this where architecture is going?
Will other emerging economies take a similar approach?
And, most importantly, is it a good thing?