As I traveled through China, one thing stood out to me more than anything else: the contrast between historical architecture and the modern skyline. From the sacred design of the Temple of Heaven to the dazzling Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, China’s buildings tell powerful stories—stories of memory, transformation, and identity. This portfolio is my attempt to trace those stories by comparing the past and present through the lens of architecture. I was especially moved by how places like Tiananmen Square, Suzhou Gardens, and the Great Wall serve as what Pierre Nora calls lieux de mémoire—sites of memory. These aren’t just places we visit—they are spaces where emotions, power, and silence come together to shape how we understand history.
Why I Chose This Focus:
What drew me to this theme was how visible change becomes in physical spaces. You don’t need a textbook to know China has changed—you can see it in the walls, gardens, streets, and towers. Some sites preserve traditions (like the zigzag bridges of Suzhou), while others embody rapid growth and ambition (like the futuristic skyline of Pudong). Experiencing these places helped me understand not only China’s history but also how its people are reimagining their future.
What Contrasts I’m Exploring:
How imperial buildings symbolize power and harmony vs. how modern towers showcase progress and global integration. How memory is preserved, erased, or reimagined, as seen in the case of Tiananmen Square, which honors the state but omits certain histories. How traditional architecture (like Shikumen homes) reflects communal life, while new buildings reflect consumer identity and individualism.
These contrasts aren’t just visual—they’re cultural, philosophical, and deeply emotional.
How are these places perceived?
Chinese elders may feel a sense of pride and nostalgia when visiting the Forbidden City or the Great Wall—symbols of cultural endurance. Younger Chinese generations might see hope and opportunity in electric bikes, green license plates, and futuristic buildings. Foreign visitors (like myself) walk a tightrope between admiration and questioning, especially when noticing what’s remembered and what’s left out (like the 1989 Tiananmen protest). For me, these spaces helped me realize that history is not just what happened, but what is chosen to be remembered, celebrated, or silenced.
Looking Ahead: China’s Future Direction
China’s architecture shows that the country is not turning its back on history, but it is definitely reinterpreting it. The blending of old gardens with hip coffee shops, or temples standing beside highways, reflects a nation negotiating between legacy and innovation. My journey helped me understand that change doesn’t mean erasing the past. Sometimes, it means building something new that still holds the memory of what came before.