Qian Qihu, an academician with the Chinese Academy of
Engineering, questioned on Friday the 11-billion-yuan (US$1.3
billion) office building of China Central Television (CCTV), saying
the landmark project is too "extravagant" and its bizarre design
"doubtable" in terms of safety.
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"Is it worthwhile to spend all this money on an office building?"
Qian said. "China is not yet rich enough to spend money like water,
with 28 million people who still haven't got enough to eat."
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He said the skyscraper contradicts the central government's call
for energy-efficient and land-saving construction. "We need to
resort to technological advancement to economize in urban
construction," Qian said during the ongoing Third
Session of the 10th Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference.
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Besides, some civil construction experts doubt whether its bizarre
design can protect it from strong earthquakes or other disasters.
"The CCTV building should be safe, economical and stylish, rather
than extravagant," he added.
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CCTV's new office building, dubbed as the "Titanic of Chinese
architecture", is designed to be 230 meters tall, taller than any
other building in the Chinese capital, and is to be located in the
new central business district in eastern Beijing.
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Its designer, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, claimed the design is
"rational, creative and integrative" and is to demonstrate an
amazing beauty.
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Koolhaas is widely regarded as a true "post-modern" architect
challenging old beliefs. His design is different from the straight
lofty looks of traditional skyscrapers and breaks all the rules in
Chinese design codes.
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Also under fire are a number of other "modern buildings" such as
the Olympic Center and Swimming Hall for the 2008 Beijing Olympiad,
and the National Grand Theater. They are also criticized as
"extravagant" structures.
(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2005)