Sculpture & Architecture

Context

 

This building is used as headquarters for China Central Television for TV making. There are 51 floors in total, which includes 3 floors below ground. A transport hub inside the building can connect with Beijing's subway network directly.

 

Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Headquarters is consisted of two leaning towers, which bend at 90 degrees at the top and bottom to form a continuous tube. Each tower has their own function, wherein Tower one is used as offices and editing area and the lower Tower two serves for news broadcasting (Kuhl et al, 2008, p.145). 

 

 

 

Arguments

 

Positive:

 

• [Facade] - Because of using high performance glass panels with a sun shading of 70 percent open ceramic frit, the self-supporting hybrid facade structure creates soft silver-grey color. This feature makes Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Headquarters as a surprisingly subtle presence in the Beijing skyline (Kuhl et al, 2008, p.145). 

 

• [Function] - The design about the building's form that facilitates to combine the entire process of TV-making into a loop of interconnected activities (Kuhl et al, 2008, p.145). 

 

• [Landscape] - The building as a part of the media park forms a landscape of public entertainment. Outdoor filming areas, and production studios are an extension of the central green axis of the Beijing central business district (Ma, 2008, p.38). 

 

• The construction of new Central Chinese Television (CCTV) headquarters that promotes an unprecedented degree of public access to the production of China's media. A public loop provides a dedicated path for visitors to show everyday studio work and provide views of the city at the edge of the cantilever (Ma, 2008, p.38)

 

 

Negative:

 

• [Function] - Many complained about the extravagant project cost as well as the bad influences on the already heavily congested traffic in the area (Ma, 2008, p.38). 

   

 

Questionnaire:

(I asked 20 people of different age groups, including both visitors and staffs to get an insight into their perception of the space and the content. Below are representative answers. Basically, most of answers of these questions are positive)

 

 

Do you think ‘Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Headquarters’ is a great addition to Beijing skyline?

 

• Although many locals refer to it as "big pants", most of answers shows they think it is a good addition to Beijing skyline.

 

Are you satisfied with the function that provided by ‘Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Headquarters’? Do you think it has a good cooperation with its surrounding?​

 

• Yes, it brings vibrant elements into this district as its mordern design.

• I don't konw how to answer this question, I am a local people, but I have never been to this building.

 

Do you think the Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Headquarters’ positive influences outweigh the negative influences?

 

• It has been a controversial building, but it demonstrates tolerance and diversity of Beijing.

 

Do you think ‘Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Headquarters’ provide a good working experience? (Staff)

 

• Yes, we can have a good view of Beijing through the whole glass facade.

• Yes, I like the modern and simple interior design.