Criticism and Re-evaluation of Mies van der Rohe in China (No.1): based on the estimation of Mies in Chinese architecture journal

摘要

Almost 50 years later than in Japan, within less than 5 years(end 1970s – begin 1980s), Mies was introduced in Chinatogether with other masters of Modernism. In contrast to Japan,the information about Mies was not introduced to ChineseArchitects chronologically. The articles showed delayed andrough opinions of Chinese architects about Mies compare toJapanese architects. In the articles, Mies´ works and designphilosophy were compared with Le Corbusier, Gropius andWright mostly. Chinese architects had not the opportunity tofollow Mies´ design process as well as the development ofModernism. In 1980s and 1990s, during the popularity ofPostmodernism, they criticized Mies and tried to find ways tomake unique designs in Postmodernism. After the decay ofPostmodernism, the Chinese architecture society calmed downwith the finalisms of Postmodernism and made a re-evaluationof Mies. This rethinking and revaluation was summarized in thespecial issue for the commemoration of the 40th anniversary ofMies death in Aug. 2009. Together with the re-evaluation ofMies van der Rohe, Chinese architects began to re-study Miesand other pioneers of Modernism. The following articlesconcentrated in the analysis of details and tried to follow thedesign process. This demonstrated the maturing of Chinesearchitects in the usage of different architecture languages and amoving forward to an independent modern architecture.The development of contemporary Chinese architecture is stillinconsistent. The study about its history is difficult and still in aconfused state. Furthermore, there are not enough theory booksabout this topic. Thus this work only concentrates in the journalsthe author collected in China, further investigations are plannedto extend this research.