Beautified China I

A New China

The History

Do you remember a good decade ago, when every architecture related website posted proposal after proposal of iconic architecture to be build in China? All the ‘starchitects’ (do we still use that term?) were planning to build their bold designs.There was a time when every Chinese city was vying for a ‘Zaha’. This would guarantee the city to become a dot on the map. Not necessarily the known Bilbao effect, a bit more toned down version of that. But it would give the city a raison d’être. Now 10 years later, some of this iconic architecture is build. Lets have a look at how all of this turned out?

The Series

This iconic architecture aims to stand out for sure. However, the reality shows differently. Sometimes squeezed between generic high-rises, sometimes not noticeable at all due to smog. At times, the architecture is planned as a centerpiece for a new city, or a new planned extension of the city. With little to work with for ‘context analysis’ architects have a sort of free play, with manipulatable restrictions.

003-BCI_KP_2017

ABOUT KRIS PROVOOST

Kris Provoost is an award-winning Belgian photographer and artist active in Asia for the past decade. Graduating with a Master in Architecture in Belgium, Kris relocated to China to launch his career as an architect. In Beĳing and Shanghai, he worked with some of the top architecture firms on projects across Asia.

After moving to Hong Kong, Kris transitioned his focus to architectural photography. His deep knowledge of architecture and urban design allows him to capture buildings with a fresh perspective. Over the years, he has collaborated with leading architects and designers to document newly completed structures.

002-BCI_KP_2017

This series of photographs takes the context away, so all that is left is an object. A purified object. Is it still architecture, or should it rather be seen as oversized product? This is an attempt at a “Beautified China” A chance to get a status update of what exactly came from this.

The Status Now

Most ‘starchitects’ had their chance to build, or to fulfill their wildest dreams. Some of them became landmarks: CCTV headquarters by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren or the Bird’s Nest/National Stadium by Herzog and de Meuron for example. Others have turned a suburb into a new center, or have established a new city on its own. The iconic architecture evokes a lot of controversy (China’s Chairman Xi Jingping even called out cities to allow no more weird architecture to be build. But what is defined as weird architecture mr. Xi?) on shape/price or location. One thing is for sure, iconic architecture starts discussions and creates memories. And isn’t that what the whole intention was? Nowadays architects or visitors in general know better where that new Steven Holl or Zaha Hadid is in a city then where that ancient temple is located. Can this be called success or just superficiality?

008-BCI_KP_2017

DOCUMENTATION (PDF)

ABOUT THE ARTIST (PDF)

The Background

My journey started in 2010, the year Shanghai was showing the world how things are done during the 2010 World Expo. I had just graduated as an architect. Good time to go see all these iconic structure, I thought. I started exploring China as an architect rookie, now 7 years later I am still exploring and experiencing new things. While year 1 of this journey was spent searching for these icons, understanding not more than what was there right in front of me. Years later, a deeper understanding was developed and allows me to better understand why things were done the way they were done. What created success, what was a recipe for disaster?The 7 years flew by, but I’m still as excited about going to new places or revisiting ‘old’ places as that first day in the big capital Beijing.With the background of designing and building in China, I can explore the city on a deeper level.

005-BCI_KP_2017

Kris has received numerous accolades for his work, including at The Architecture Masterprize 2024, The Architectural Photography Awards 2021, and The Blueprint Architectural Photography Awards 2019, with notable pieces from Hong Kong and Chongqing. His ongoing project, Beautified China, began in 2016 and has been widely published, leading to the 2019 book Beautified China: The Architectural Revolution. His exhibitions in Beĳing and Venice showcase work that explores the relationship between architecture and society.

Based in Hong Kong, Kris Provoost continues to work globally, capturing the world’s architectural marvels.

014-BCI_KP_2017