Call it what you want 'inspiration', 'parody', or 'pastiche', the history of art is often regarded as an on-going process of mimicry and replication. This applies equally to architecture, with the continued transplantation or ideas and even actual landmarks.
Without a doubt the most prolific of this practice is the Chinese. As well as hosting a variety of crude reproductions of some of the most globally recognisable architectural works (including versions of their very own Great Wall), throughout China's cities are a series of parks which seek to emulate the styles, character, and heritage from countries around the world. Now a new venture is being planned: China's very own replica of the Austrian leisure town of Hallstatt, which is being planned based on a series of covert re-con missions akin to Cold War legend.
So what does such blatant imitation mean for Chinese architecture? The argument that such practice reflects a lack of imagination and confidence in China's own architectural style is undermined by a rich artistic history and pioneering modern projects such as the iconic Bird's Nest National Stadium and, a personal favourite, the Songjiang Shimao Hotel (Below). Related and equally unconvincing, is the argument this could be interpreted as a confused struggle for original style and authentic culture. Instead, we should interpret this process as an obvious response to the continued boom in building and economic growth, which has led to a rapid integration of architectural styles in a country where intellectual property rights are routinely flouted and counterfeiting is an integral part of the informal national economy.
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