Modernism in Late-Mao China: Architecture for Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Guangzhou and Overseas, 1969-1976

This book explores the architectural history of China in the Mao era, focusing on the rise of modernism in the last seven years of the Cultural Revolution from 1969 to 1976. It highlights the new architecture of this period, exemplified by three clusters of buildings for foreign affairs, and is closely associated with China's political and diplomatic shift from ideological struggle to a dynamic balance between leftist ideology and pragmatic concerns. The increasing foreign affairs brought new opportunities to Chinese architects, who referenced Western modernism and Chinese architectural traditions to create a new version of Chinese modernism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the architectural history of China during the Mao era (1949-1976), with a specific focus on the emergence of modernism in the final seven years of the Cultural Revolution (1969-1976). It highlights the unique architectural developments of this period, exemplified by three clusters of buildings: foreign diplomacy in Beijing, foreign trade in Guangzhou, and China's foreign aid projects overseas.

The emergence of new architecture in the early 1970s can be attributed to China's political and diplomatic shift at the time. Moving away from a radical emphasis on ideological struggle, China sought to establish a dynamic balance between leftist ideology and practical concerns. This shift led to improved relations with the West, culminating in American president Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972.

The increasing engagement in foreign affairs brought about new opportunities for Chinese architects. They drew upon both Western modernism and Chinese architectural traditions to create a distinct version of Chinese modernism. This fusion of influences resulted in the creation of buildings that were both aesthetically pleasing and politically significant.

The book employs a multi-dimensional approach to analyze architecture, incorporating elements of form, politics, and knowledge. By doing so, it aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of architectural design as an aesthetic, political, and intellectual practice. Modernism in Late-Mao China will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars interested in the global architectural history of the twentieth century, particularly the era of Cold War modernism.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367771454