Beijing Television Cultural Center, Deconstructivist skyscraper in Central Business District, Beijing, China
The Beijing Television Cultural Center is a modern high-rise with 34 floors reaching 159 meters (520 feet) in Beijing's central business district. The building features a twisted geometric design where two main towers connect through a dramatic cantilevered roof structure that creates an unmistakable profile.
The building suffered a major fire in 2009 during Chinese New Year celebrations, which required significant reconstruction efforts. After completion of repairs, the facility reopened to the public in 2012 and has operated since.
The center functions as a venue for Chinese media and performing arts, hosting theater productions, film screenings, and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors experience how the spaces bring together different forms of entertainment and cultural expression in one location.
The building sits on East Third Ring Road and welcomes visitors through a public lobby at ground level. Inside, multiple facilities serve different purposes including a hotel with dining options, meeting spaces, and various performance venues.
The architectural design by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren uses less steel than conventional skyscrapers while maintaining protection against earthquakes. This engineering efficiency is reflected in the twisted form that balances structural strength with a sense of lightness.
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