From the authorities that brought you the Sexy Banana Livestream Ban, comes China’s literal blockbuster: a ban on funny-looking public buildings.
Before you laugh, the Chinese authorities might actually have a point. After all, China has been binging on artistic edifices in recent years, from buildings that look like everyday things:
A GIANT COIN
Image belongs to Midip
A TETRIS BLOCK
Image belongs to edward stojakovic
A PUFFER FISH
TRAINS
A PIANO AND VIOLIN,
To the outlandish like:
THE GODS OF FORTUNE
A SPACE TEAPOT
AN EAST-MEETS-WEST FUSION
As funny as these zany ziggurats are, President Xi isn’t laughing. No more “bizarre architecture that is not economical, functional, aesthetically pleasing or environmentally friendly”.
In line with his government’s recent efforts to cut down on pollution and wasteful expenditure, China wants new public buildings to be greener and more sustainable, and will even use “remote satellite sensing” to enforce the rules.
This spells fewer jobs for foreign designers who have been enjoying years of well-paid freedom to construct eye-popping edifices.
One silver lining though: at least these rules might also curb buildings that look like giant penises standing against the sky (bizarre is one word for it).
In Beijing:
And Jinan:
Farewell. Your comedic potential will be missed.
Feature image belongs to 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia
By Vincent Tan
