But this is China in 2001, and the bourgeoisie are almost back to where they think they belong. This past weekend, that meant SOHO New Town, a colorful development in east Beijing. The split-level apartments attract plaudits for innovation, but on Feb. 24, SOHO merely played host to the launch party of an even more radical departure for mainland real estate: the Commune by the Great Wall, a modern architecture museum.
"If SOHO New Town is regarded as 'somewhat avant-garde'," developer Zhang Xin told ChinaOnline, "the Commune by the Great Wall can be described as 'very avant-garde'."
For millions of Chinese, communes and their component production teams spark painful trips down memory lane. But Zhang is hardly targeting the masses. As China's peasants abandon the land in search of urban riches, the new elite is headed in the opposite direction, hunting weekend country homes.
And in the shadow of China's most monotonous construction, Zhang and her husband Pan Shiyi encouraged 12 of Asia's top young architects to let imagination run wild and create a 'contemporary architecture museum of Asia.' Their only stipulations were the use of local materials and a minimal impact on the natural environment.
This experiment will steadily take shape this year as building work begins on the first 11 of 50 private houses--ranging from 2,400 square feet to 5,000 square feet--plus a large clubhouse with restaurants and a swimming pool. The Commune is located on an eight-square kilometer (3.1-square mile) site spread along a valley near Shuiguan, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the tourist mecca of the Badaling Great Wall and under one hour's drive from Beijing.
"Last century, the world architectural stage naturally belonged to the Europeans and Americans," Zhang explained. "At the turn of the century, with so much construction moving east to Asia, we are seeing more Asian architects take center stage. These young architects are ready to challenge the conventional concept of architecture...[and] change the ordinary patterns of living."
Lined up for the presslike disciples at the Last Supper, the dozen designers challenged Chinese conventions merely by their appearance--ponytails, goatees and Beatles mops. Zhang hoped their fusion of styles and influences from greater China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Thailand would inspire exciting new concepts. An exhibition of photos, floor plans and mock-ups will run at SOHO New Town until March 11.
The 'split house' of Beijing University architect Yung-ho Chang features a design rent asunder to let in the scenery, space and shanshui (mountains and water). From Hong Kong comes the 'distorted courtyard', a twisted take on the classic Beijing quadrangles facing demolition all over the Chinese capital.
"We are literally distorting it because of the contours of the hill," architect William Tam of Rocco Design said. "But we are also transcending the traditional courtyard by elevating the living area to capture the magnificent views of the valley and the Great Wall."
Survival was a higher priority than scenery for the millions of Chinese banished to the countryside in the 1960s to experience firsthand Chairman Mao's vision of cooperative life. With the full fury of China's 'communist wind', Marxist prophets declared money was destined for obscurity, as the People's Communes met almost every need, from haircuts to childcare.
To secure a bed in this modern commune, however, you still need plenty of filthy lucre--at least US$500,000 for a 400-square meter (4,306-square foot) pad.
"It's well worth it," said Jenny Yin, editor of leading lifestyle magazine Trends Home. "Some villas in Beijing sell for US$2 million, so US$500,000 is not expensive. Some people can afford it, including many of our readers. These are not just second homes. Some buyers will choose them as their primary residence, for the fresh air, water and natural beauty; all the things you can't have in the city."
Potential customers look to country retreats as an escape from rat-race perils like traffic, pollution and prying eyes. Zhang "is aiming at a very new sector of the market, the local nouveau riche," commented property consultant Michael Purefoy, China manager for FPD Savills, an international property services company. "These high net worth individuals are almost impossible to investigate, as they prefer to be a little bit low profile."
