Chinese Developer Reaches for the Heavens, Captures Hostility

Efforts to erect the world’s tallest building in Changsha are emblematic of a country that's constructing mega-towers like it's going out of style. But the backlash that the Sky City project has inspired may signal that tastes are actually changing.

1 minute read

August 29, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"Broad Group, a manufacturer based here in Changsha, has been planning to erect the world’s tallest building here this winter, and in record time," writes Keith Bradsher. "The 202-story 'Sky City' is supposed to be assembled in only four months from factory-built modules of steel and concrete early next year on the city’s outskirts. The digging of foundations began on July 20."

"But the project’s scale and speed have set off a burst of national introspection in recent days about whether Chinese municipal leaders and developers have gone too far in their increasingly manic reach for the skies."

With work on the building suspended as the developer awaits further approvals, it's unclear whether the world's next tallest building will ever get off the ground.

FULL STORY: Across China, Skyscrapers Brush the Heavens

Tuesday, August 27, 2013 in The New York Times

Architecture China Sky City Broad Sustainable Building BSB Changsha View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.