China: an emerging economy and its need for icons: a study o/the New BeiJing IlIlernational Airport Terminal. by Alexandros Antoniou
Introduction Times are changing. We have heard this many times before, but it now seems 10 be true more than ever. We live in a world which follows economic laws, is governed by cultural noons and is subject to opposing political powers. During most of the 20 th century, this world (and therefore these laws, nonns and powers) was dominated by a handful of nations, commonly known as the G7, namely Ihe US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Canada. However, the 2 1s1 century heralded the arrival of some new contenders to these fie lds. The development of technology, the establishment of global networks, combined with growing population numbers and increased production efficiency and competitiveness has allowed the emergence of new political and economic powers. This essay provides a brief overview of the development of the Chinese economy focu sing on the role that buildings and infrastructure play in this development. This role is highlighted by the new Beijing Terminal 3 International airport, one in a long list of important buildings which have recently been built and which reflect the newly found confidence that characteri ses modem China.
GlobalisatioD and China
We live in an age of global economic interdependence. Certain historical world events of significance, like the industrial Revolution, the two world wars, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War have played a determinant role in the development of international relations. These central events have lead to new links between the countries' economies, cultures and societies hitherto unseen. At the same time, the accompanying technological revolution and the establishment of a global networks has reduced the importance of international boundaries. The new empowerment of labour, outsourciryg and the development of virtual trading has given a new edge to economic development and individualism (of the people), and an impetus to global business