China Central Television’s (CCTV) HQ will be completed to broadcast the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
The project began in March 2003 following a review of the design by a panel of Chinese experts. It is being constructed next to the 3rd Ring Road in Beijing, China, on a 10 ha site in the new Central Business District.
The development is being undertaken by the Chinese Government as part of a plan to redevelop central Beijing with innovative and functional architecture, while preserving historic buildings at the same time.
The new building will involve two ‘L’ shaped high-rise towers linked at the top and the bottom at an angle to form a loop, which has been described as a ‘Z’ criss-cross.
The total construction cost is estimated at €600 million. The CCTV tower will employ 10,000 people following completion in 2008.
The CCTV tower has already been described as an “eyesore,” and has become the butt of many jokes in China. The following photos were taken early January 2008:
Far from being an eyesore, I would say that this is on of the most exciting looking buildings I have seen built in a long time. If only more countries were building such impressive designs. Spain is an exception, Dubai an abomination.