When Culture Meets Architecture PDF Download

Urban culture is each city's image to visitors and a crucial part in urban construction. When the entire world is confronted with considerable globalisation and urbanisation, the city which neglects either international impact or local development would be in a dilemma in its cultural development. This thesis focuses on the capital of China-Beijing, which is both an ancient city with a rich historical heritage and fast developing city under great international influence. However, with rapid urban development, Beijing has gradually lost its cultural identity in terms of urban culture and architecture. The city became more modern and international like other metropolis but without its original features. Beijing has profited from the impact as well as being aware of protecting cultural heritage. After the economic openness around the 1980s, the economy of Beijing transformed from a state-owned economy to a marketoriented economy. Under this circumstance, some industries in Beijing deteriorated. Beijing 798 was one of these industries. However, 798 was found to be a suitable place for art work creation. Being a significant urban node, 798 has become popular with artists and a premium platform for creative and cultural communication. But after gaining an international reputation, Beijing 798 has to face the fact that artists cannot afford the plant rent and many have moved out due to increasing rent. This thesis tends to research on Beijing's cultural characteristics and loss of cultural identity in terms of architecture to identify Beijing's culture. To strengthen Beijing 798's cultural role in urban planning, this thesis proposes a series of buildings including an art gallery, a museum and a theatre. This multi-cultural centre aims at serving the public and making art part of people's lives.