China Contemporary

Michael Freeman, Xiao Dan Wang

£24.95

The first major survey of the new directions in style and design in Bejing, Shanghai and all across China

Overview

China is booming, not only in its rapidly growing economy, but also through innovation in decorative and fine arts, interior design and architecture. China Contemporary showcases 35 examples of the new wave of Chinese design through the stunning photography of Michael Freeman and the perceptive commentary and interviews of Chinese journalist Xiao Dan Wang.

Divided into four main sections (Continuity, Colour, Conversion, Crossover) this is the first major survey of the new directions in style and design taken by the architects, designers and homeowners of China’s leading urban centres.

Continuity - Chinese society and its associated arts have long been steeped in tradition. In contemporary China the traditions are being expressed in vibrant new ways and materials.

Colour - The use of colour has always held profound significance in traditional Chinese culture; here, it is illustrated primarily in the context of contemporary design and materials.

Conversion - Factories, apartment blocks and other older buildings of the Communist era are rapidly being refurbished in visually exciting ways.

Crossover - Two striking aspects of the new China are a willingness to embrace influences from other cultures, especially the West, and a new vigour in promoting Chinese art and design outside China.

A directory of individuals, organizations and locations completes this survey of some of the most advanced and exciting design projects in the new China.

Reviews

'This is a coffee-table book of the best kind, one that wants to be read as well as seen. Accessible text... sumptuous photographs'
Elle Decoration

Product Information

Book Details

Format: Hardback

Size: 24.9 x 22.9 cm

Extent: 264 pp

Illustrations: 285

Publication date: 22 September 2008

ISBN: 9780500514184

Contents List

Introduction • 1. Continuity – examines projects in which contemporary designers and architects have adapted traditional Chinese forms to the modern environments • 2. Colour – concentrates especially on the use of traditional colour schemes in new materials • 3. Conversion – older factories and apartment blocks of the Communist era refurbished in visually exciting ways • 4. Crossover – looks at projects that express the modern Chinesse willingness to embrace influences of other cultures

About the Author

Michael Freeman’s books include the bestselling In the Oriental Style, The New Oriental Style and Sudan all published by Thames & Hudson.

Xiaodan Wang is a journalist and researcher.

List of Contributors

Michael Freeman, Mrs Xiaodan Wang