Defining Principles for Contemporary Chinese Architecture

Abstract
This article presents, through a clear methodology, the attempt to define a
list of words, namely, a terminology with which may be possible describe the
actual characteristics of contemporary Chinese architecture.
China has become one of the world’s hottest spot for building construction
and meanwhile Chinese architecture begins to gain globe attention and local
architects are emerging in the worldwide arena. Moreover, China’s architecture
may be considered as characterized by a multiplicity of languages and it is
very hard to apprehend Chinese architecture away from the roots in a Chinese
context. Aware of this multifaceted context, the research questions are: how
to give voice to the culture of contemporary Chinese architecture? Which are
the terms that can be used in the description of contemporary Chinese architecture
in order to create a common understanding on it?
In terms of methodological approach the research has been developed through
two-pronged strategies: from a process and tactics of qualitative research to
the construction of a logical framework. A list of 24 keywords was finally
conceived and they were used to map the conditions, contexts, discourses and
strategies of contemporary Chinese architecture.