Modern architecture is often defined by its departure from re-using classic forms such as Gothic or Baroque; however, the Chinese seem to be staying close to the classics. A trend which has boomed during the past few years, China has been simply copying famous landmarks and cities for construction of new towns and theme parks. In architecture, plagiarism or stealing arises quite rarely, with an important process of design looking at both the past and contemporary architecture. Rising powers often reference back to past empires to emulate their powers—Rome looked back to Greek architecture, American and European architecture looked back to Rome, and perhaps now China is looking to the West. In this Recent History of Chinese Counterfeit Buildings and Cities, we examine the tendency of Chinese architecture to copy towns and landmarks of other cultures, perhaps as a way to bring the outside in.
Window of the World
Florentia Village
Shanghai Minhang People's Court
Tower Bridge
Huaxi
Hadid's Wangjing Soho Complex
Manhattan
Ronchamp Chapel
Hallstatt
Little Paris
Thames Town (Little London)
