the random oracle

One of the most exciting things about China these days is the architecture.  I don’t know if there’s any moment in history when a country has built so many buildings in such a short period of time.  What’s more, China has made a conscious effort (at least to try) to avoid building mile after mile of non-descript concrete apartment blocks, and is sprinkling architectural gems throughout its cities.  The most spectacular examples are the National Centre for the Performing Arts (the Egg), the National Olympic Stadium (the Bird’s Nest), and the Olympic Natatorium (the Water Cube), which I posted pictures of here.  But the building I’m most excited to see completed is the new CCTV building by Rem Koolhaas.  I don’t think the locals have even given it a nickname, it’s so bizarre, but the zigzag design is breathtakingly bold and beautiful.  Even against the smoggy Beijing sky, alas.