From February 26 to May 31, 2008 the Center for Architecture in New York presents the exhibition “Building China - Five Projects, Five Stories”, which concentrates on current architecture in the People’s Republic.

The People’s Republic of China is undergoing a phenomenal transformation. Since 1978, with the adoption of an open-door policy, the country has developed a thriving market economy, out of which existing and new cities are experiencing rapid and aggressive growth. A new generation of architects is active in the vanguard of this construction, developing their own architectural identity.

Building China: Five Projects, Five Stories features five unique architectural case studies that were conceived, designed, and recently completed by Chinese architects. Located throughout China, many of these buildings, being exhibited in the U.S. for the first time, offer the public insight into China’s ever changing landscape. Through the stories of these five projects, themes emerge: Production of Contemporary Culture, Reinventing Urban Fabric, Making the Private Public, Reinterpreting Traditional Design Philosophy, and Hybrid Development Models. These case studies of contemporary architecture introduce critical voices from the People’s Republic of China, challenging the West’s stereotypical interpretation of China as a homogeneous society.

The accompanying program includes on Saturday, March 1, 2008, from 11:00 — 5:00pm the Symposium ”Made by China”, featuring panelists: Zhang Lei, Yan Meng, Wang Shu, Kent Martinussen, Henrik Valeur, Pan Haixiao, Ambassador Richard Swett

Building China – Five Projects, Five Stories
February 26 – May 31, 2008

Judith and Walter Hunt Gallery, Mezzanine Gallery
Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place
New York
www.aiany.org