China’s criticism of “weird” architecture, highlighted by President Xi Jinping’s remarks on OMA’s CCTV headquarters, emphasizes a shift towards substance over extravagant design. During a speech in Beijing, Xi disapproved of contemporary architecture, advocating for structures that reflect Chinese values and cultural identity. Architects like Qingyun Ma and Mike Tunkey discuss the balance between innovation and tradition, with concerns about the rapid, poorly considered development. While some foresee minimal substantive change, Xi’s comments highlight a call for sustainable development in China’s architectural landscape.
The Chinese president recently criticized Beijing’s unconventional modern architecture, directly mentioning OMA’s CCTV headquarters. President Xi Jinping’s comments against “weird architecture” have gained widespread attention.
During two-hour speech at a literature symposium in Beijing, Xi Jinping expressed his disapproval of contemporary architecture in China. As reported by the state-run Xinhua News Agency and translated by the Wall Street Journal, Xi specifically referenced the CCTV headquarters, designed by OMA. Known locally as “Big Pants,” Xi criticized such buildings as “qiqiguaiguai”, meaning “strange” or “weird,” suggesting they will likely not be built again in Beijing.
Alex Yong, vice president and China general manager for Venice, California-based Jerde Partnership, interprets Xi’s remarks as a call for substance over extravagant designs. Yong highlights China’s economic shift towards a consumer-based model and away from real estate-driven growth, suggesting Xi wants to curb costly overindulgence exemplified by buildings like CCTV.
Xi’s comments were part of a broader call for artist to reflect “Chinese values” in their work. He emphasized developing a cultural identity that showcases China’s geopolitical centrality. Quoted by the New York Times, Xi urged that arts should “disseminate contemporary Chinese values, embody traditional Chinese culture, and reflect Chinese people’s aesthetic pursuit.”
Architect Qingyun Ma, founder of MADA s.p.a.m. and dean of the University of Southern California School of Architecture, sees a broader theme in Xi’s statements. He believes that while architecture is currently targeted, it’s part of a larger tension in China between fostering innovation and maintaining traditional values. Ma argues that “qiqiguaiguai” is intrinsic to architects and should drive progress in China.
Mike Tunkey, a principal at CannonDesign who has worked in China since the late nineties, acknowledges Xi’s valid concern about rapid, poorly considered development. Tunkey notes that Xi’s stance aligns with sustainable development goals. However, he questions the impact on the design procurement process, wondering if Xi’s comments will unfairly target foreign firms perceived as main contributors to “weird” architecture.
Despite Xi’s criticism, Tunkey doubts a significant backlash against “qiqiguaiguai”, suggesting that without substantial reforms to building and zoning laws, changes will be superficial. Projects might change in appearance but will continue to be large and rapidly constructed.
