Skyscrapers in China: reasons and purposes of limiting their construction

Occupation: Senior Lecturer, Far Eastern Federal University
Affiliation: Far Eastern Federal University
Address: Vladivostok, Russky Island, Ajax St., Bldg D, D417

Journal name

Asia and Africa Today

Edition

Issue 5

Pages

20-27

Abstract

Over the past few decades, China has become a leader in the field of skyscraper construction, having built more skyscrapers than the United States did in the entire XX century. So far, 5 of 10 tallest buildings in the world were built here. However, in 2020, the Chinese government issued a decree that set hard limits on high-rise construction in the country.

The authors describe the main provisions of this document, conduct analysis of the existing scientific literature and relevant statistical data, undertake a case study on Wuhan Greenland Center and Shanghai Tower, and reveal the purpose of decree adoption.

According to results of literature review, most scientists do not consider China's skyscraper boom to be excessive, since it is primarily caused by economic factors. Nevertheless, case-study analysis showed that even the most iconic projects in the largest cities of China are significantly influenced by non-economic factors. Statistical analysis indicates that the surge in skyscraper construction over the second half of 2010s can be explained by anti-crises macroeconomic policies of central government in the first half of 2010s.

Furthermore, significant share of post-crisis skyscraper construction projects was postponed, frozen or called off, confirming the supposition that some part of skyscraper construction in China was in fact excessive. The research allowed to discover purposes of the legal restriction of high-rise construction in China, including elimination of excessive skyscraper construction, caused by non-economic factors; signaling government’s reluctance to boost economic growth through the unjustified large-scale high-rise construction projects and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage and identity of Chinese cities.

Keywords

China, skyscrapers, high-rise construction, infrastructure, real estate market

Received

20.12.2020

Publication date

28.05.2021

Number of characters

27855

Cite

GOST	Milko M., Iurchenko E. Skyscrapers in China: reasons and purposes of limiting their construction // Asia and Africa Today – 2021. – Issue 5 C. 20-27 [Electronic resource]. URL: https://asaf-today.ru/S032150750015028-2-1 (circulation date: 26.04.2024). DOI: 10.31857/S032150750015028-2
MLA	Milko, Mikhail M., Iurchenko, Ekaterina S "Skyscrapers in China: reasons and purposes of limiting their construction." Asia and Africa Today 5 (2021):20-27. DOI: 10.31857/S032150750015028-2
APA	Milko M., Iurchenko E. (2021). Skyscrapers in China: reasons and purposes of limiting their construction. Asia and Africa Today (5), pp.20-27 DOI: 10.31857/S032150750015028-2

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