The Chinese Obsession With Duplex...

This apartment building is good.

Photo by me. pic.twitter.com/0QAvqPPUv0

— Sharing Travel (@TripInChina) March 10, 2025

 

Nanjing, China

 

This is probably the most breathtaking Buddhist palace I’ve ever seen — Niushou Mountain! Hello everyone, today I’m in Nanjing, Jiangsu, a city rich in history and culture, which was the capital of many dynasties in ancient times. Through a friend’s recommendation, I visited Niushou Mountain in Nanjing, and I was truly stunned the first time I entered. I heard it cost 4 billion yuan to build, and it’s absolutely extravagant. I even wonder if the Buddha statues inside are made of gold?! To enter, you need to buy a ticket, which is about 90 yuan, but I think it’s well worth it. If you come to Nanjing, you definitely should visit here. Now, let’s take a look together. 

Rafa Goes Around!: ZIBO

CHINA’S ambitions to build the PERFECT CITY

 

Zibo, in Shandong Province, has rapidly transformed through impressive urban planning and modernization efforts. Once a traditional industrial hub, Zibo now features upgraded infrastructure, eco-friendly transit systems, and green urban spaces that prioritize residents' quality of life. The city has also attracted a surge of tech companies and sustainable industries, reshaping its economic landscape. With modern residential areas, smart city tech, and cultural developments, Zibo exemplifies a successful shift toward a vibrant, future-ready city.

Rafa Goes Around!: China!

 

The Urumqi Metro is the rapid transit system serving Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, China. It began operations in 2018 and features modern trains, extensive safety features, and integrates advanced technology. The system aims to reduce urban congestion and connect key areas of the city, enhancing both local mobility and economic development.

Xinjiang: From terrorist attacks to the safest place in China

 

Welcome to Xinjiang, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. But what about safety? Join me as I explore the streets of Xinjiang at night—strolling through bustling markets, enjoying local food, and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere firsthand. Whether you're a traveler or just curious, let's discover how Xinjiang feels after the sun sets!

Hangzhou Regent International. Biggest residential building in the world

Did you know how many people live in the Regent International apartment building in Hangzhou, renowned for housing. #housing #population
1. 10000
2.20000
3.50000
4.100000 pic.twitter.com/zCxLcnG39W

— Zhang Meifang (@CGMeifangZhang) April 7, 2024

A Glimpse Of Chinese Architecture

Europeans Empires Impoverished Both China and India. In China's Tianjin, European Colonial Architecture is Preserved.

Africa's Growing Interest In Building Megacities and Skyscrapers

• Senegal

Diamniadio Lake City

via Semer Group

Diamniadio Lake City (DLC) is the vibrant new heart of Diamniadio in Senegal. It’s a city within the city and the capital’s jewel in the crown given its national significance. As Dakar’s rising main residential, business and leisure destination, it offers the highest quality services and recreational facilities.
...

via Gianni Ranaulo Design


Dakar Waterfront from Gianni Ranaulo Design on Vimeo.
Dakar Waterfront
Dakar, Senegal
Client: Co. De Phalsbourg
280.000 m²
Commercial & Residential
Design and Project Architect
Concept Stage


Mall of Dakar - Diam Park from Gianni Ranaulo Design on Vimeo.
Mall of Dakar - Diam Park
Dakar, Senegal
Client: Teyliom Group CI
80.000 m²
Commercial & Leisure
Design and Project Architect
Under Construction

• Kenya

Machakos New City

via countyMachakos

The new Machakos City is a modern metropolis to be set on an initial 2,200 acres of land in Machakos town.
The city will feature, bold, smart buildings that capture the new trend of the times in a well planned landscape. The Cities environment will be captured by the use of solar for most of the lights, huge windows to allow lights, water tanks to harvest water and recycling of water for use in lush and beautiful gardens. ...

Konza Technology City

via ICT Authority Kenya

Konza Techno City aims to foster the growth of the technology industry in Kenya. It is a Kenya Vision 2030 flagship project, as part of the national blueprint to create a competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality of life by 2030. The Government of Kenya hired the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2009 to serve as Transaction Advisor to guide and advice on project implementation. Several feasibility studies have been completed and 5,000 acres of land, formerly known as Malili Ranch.

CYTONN TOWERS

via Cytonn Investments

#CytonnTowers is situated on a 4-acre land in Nairobi’s Kilimani area and upon completion, is set to become Nairobi’s premier business, shopping, entertainment, and residential address as it epitomizes set class standards for real estate.

• Nigeria

Eko Atlantic

via Surprising Lagos

One of the first impressive developments to rise in the Marina District is Azuri Peninsula. This world-class building is part of a long-term programme to combine beautifully crafted homes with effortlessly luxurious living – befitting this stunning location.
...

via Ettore MUSOLINO

Lagos is the economic capital of Nigeria, a major driving force behind Nigeria’s economic growth and is poised to take a leading role in African economic ranking.

Today some of the major concerns of investors are uncertain legislative and financial framework, working and living conditions, traffic congestions, availability and reliability of utilities, security, schooling and healthcare.
...

Centenary City

via Centenary City Official

Addis Ababa

Africa Architecture Awards

CITYSKIM - A visual fly through the surface of a city with some key facts that frame the city's current status and it's projected growth.

In the panel discussion held at the Ethiopian Association of Ethiopian Architects 18th Convention in Addis Ababa titled the 'Architects Role in Society' Amanuel Teshome challenged his peers "What would fellow architects who arrived in our city think of the architecture we are designing as they drove through our city?" The CITYSKIM of Addis Ababa gives you that view along with some key facts about the city, it's current growth rate and it's projected growth rate.

The rapid development of African cities and the design response to increased urbanisation is an opportunity for architectural professionals in Africa to make their mark on the future. We will be adding further CITYSKIMS of African cities on our site to visualize the impact of this crossroads of growth, development funding and architectural design.

Bodys Isek Kingelez @ MoMA

Bodys Isek Kingelez: City Dreams

May 26, 2018–January 1, 2019

The Museum of Modern Art - live @youTUBE

Peter Gluck

Up in the Trees from GLUCK+ on Vimeo.

Diébédo Francis Kéré || Serpentine Pavilion

via Dezeen:

Serpentine Pavilion glows at night to "attract people to come and celebrate" says Diébédo Francis Kéré

Francis Kéré

via philamuseum.org
via wallpaper

Francis Kéré

A first survey of the work of Francis Kéré, titled Radically Simple, has been published by Hatje Cantz, tying in with an exhibition of his work at the Architekturmuseum at the Technical University of Munich. Recognised for his socially engaged architectural design, Kéré combines cultural and ecological factors to create buildings which are intelligent to their contexts.
…

R.I.P. Zaha Hadid

• zaha-hadid.com

Tracing the Legacy of Zaha Hadid (wired)

Farewell to Zaha Hadid, the grand dame of architecture (1950–2016) (wallPaper)

Home :: A Dream || My First Architectural Work

7 Architects: Bridging Cultures In A Global World || Louisiana Channel

7 Architects: Bridging Cultures in a Global World from Louisiana Channel on Vimeo.

Diébédo Francis Kéré

Diébédo Francis Kéré: Architecture is About People from Louisiana Channel on Vimeo.

Kunlé Adeyemi

Kunlé Adeyemi: Living on Water from Louisiana Channel on Vimeo.

Tadao Ando

“Tadao Ando: Ichigoni 152” by Pundersons Gardens - NOWNESS from NOWNESS on Vimeo.

Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect‪ Tadao Ando on his concrete-and-glass Manhattan masterpiece.
Read the full feature on NOWNESS: http://bit.ly/1MkAI5Q

Innovations In Architecture || Africa

• Diébédo Francis Kéré
• Kunle Adeyem