A replica of the Eiffel Tower in a luxury real estate development in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. image © Johannes Eisele/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images.

A directive issued on Sunday by the State Council, China’s cabinet, and the Communist Party’s Central Committee says no to architecture that is “oversized, xenocentric, weird” and devoid of cultural tradition. Instead, buildings should be “suitable, economic, green and pleasing to the eye.” The directive also calls for an end to gated communities.

The guidelines come two months after a high-level meeting to address some of the problems that have arisen as a result of China’s rapid urbanization.....Continue Reading

> via New York Times