Exporting China

摘要

The exporting of Chinese architecture and urbanism, in terms of practice, building types and culture, suggests the possibility of a recent urban 'Sinofication of the World'.1 This view of China as a proactive creative and commercial force is one that is currently being put forward by architectural observers and critics to counterpoint the received notion of China as a 'globalised' nation.2 It balances out the emphasis that has been put on the massive influx of Western capital and architectural design into China by also underlining the extensive output of Chinese architectural and construction services and products; it also recognises the wider side effects of urbanisation, such as consumption, inflation and tourism. The question remains whether this output constitutes an emerging urban culture and practice that may be regarded as influential globally, independent of China's own growth. Conversely, should it be viewed simply as the manifestation of excess capacity and economic expansion in architectural and urban production?