Is it one of world's ugliest building? Coin-shaped building in GZ stirs debate

Plastics Exchage Building

Architecture in China can so often be polarising. In fact, the entire industry seems to have that affect on the world. There are those who applaud the Chinese for their extensive and rapid construction work, which includes the world’s fastest apartment construction, the creation of entire cities in just five years and of course the developments in Shenzhen, one of the world’s fastest growing cities. And then there are others who critique the country for having a ‘fake’ and ‘blood soaked’ GDP due to high levels of what some have labeled ‘dangerous and unnecessary’ industry work.

Well, the design debate has been sparked yet again with the unveiling of China’s latest industry venture.

The construction on the Guangdong Plastics Exchange building on the Pearl River in Guanzhou China is the latest in a long list of Chinese buildings that are scattering public opinion. Designed by Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale, the building has an aesthetic that is also dividing the international architecture sector.

 
 GDRE Building

 In what the architect has described as a fusion of east meets west design principles, the overall form of the building is that of an ancient Chinese golden coin, or a jade disc. Chief engineer on the project Wang Zhanshan explains the design choice as a reference to the Chinese culture more than a specific aesthetic motivation.

"A golden coin, jade or waterwheel alongside the river means luck to Cantonese: Water brings money. I believe it will be a new symbol of Guangzhou"he says. 

The structure, once completed, will stand at 138 metres high, spread out over 33 floors. With its central hole to span 47 metres wide, nestled into a 146 metre building diameter.

But, with its 1 billion yuan price tag, the building is stirring up a myriad of opinions. Some have criticised it from a design perspective, comparing it to one of the world’s ugliest buildings, while others have taken the symbolic approach, labeling it a symbol of China’s alleged increasing obsession with wealth. 

 
 
GDPE Building Interior

 In either event, people are certainly talking about this unique building, which seems to be good news for Wang. 

"Beauty is different to different people,"says Wang,"if the building is discussed before and after its completion, it will have already proved it is a successful piece of architecture."

With success so often found through notoriety in any form, he may well have a point. 

SOURCE:  designbuildsource.com.au