Jieqi Ge

       Architecture, as the supplier of design and space, is naturally political. This nature is not only manifested behind shining glass curtain walls covering real estate bubbles, but also reflects on the generic formula that makes spatial product consisting of market-led valued land. These valued lands are closely connected with each other yet separate from the cityscape, which leads to urban discontinuity.

       Iconic architecture is a consequence of a globalised economy wherein property developers, more than municipalities, are the primary shapers of cities. This architecture leaves our cities as monofunctional deserts at the behest of capital, creating divided enclaves whose barriers are drawn by the value of assets. Architects are not motivated to serving greater goods such as society or the environment, but are more likely clinging to power and capital. As a result, architecture has become a tool to further consolidate and expand the property of the rich, which expands social inequality and ingratiates capitalist ideology. My project is a propositional critique of these trends, exaggerating the present situation in its urban physical characteristics, using a design project as a text of satire and criticism. 

       The project is a network of hyper-developed airports with extended runways and expanded passenger capacity, integrating aerial transit, hotels, conference centres and leisure complexes into single megastructures, serving nearby business districts. The scheme intends to further connect these financial enclaves, materialise their invisible barriers with local surroundings, and deteriorate the urban continuity. The qualities of space are intended to elaborate a sealed fortress that serves as a ‘castle for capital’.

       The integrated business and leisure complex including conference centres, theatre, casino, restaurants and golf course allows business negotiation to happen without leaving the building. Accompanying the large number of business zones that are being established, this project aims to create a dystopian yet realistic perspective of divided valued land where people worship money and celebrate inequality. It also raises a discussion of how architects can compromise economic benefits and the pure pursuit of architecture.