As the saying goes, no destruction, no construction. A firestorm ensued after the release of plans for a new building to be built on the Bund in Shanghai by SOHO China recently.
Most commentators held that the new and uniquely designed construction project would undermine the skyline and the original view of the Bund.
The Bird's Nest and Water Cube, used throughout the 2008 Beijing Olympics, drew the eyes of visitors. Actually, there are more surprises ahead for those who visit the capital.
The gigantic SOHO kingdom in the central business district (CBD) of Beijing, including Jianwai SOHO, Chaowai SOHO, Guanghualu SOHO and SOHO Shangdu, is often praised.
The SOHO complexes surround the distinctive CCTV towers, of somewhat more national importance. Nearby is the 330-meter-tall World Trade Center Tower 3, which is Beijing's tallest building. The super large ceiling screen embedded in the The Place also helps draw people's attention skyward at night.
The CBD is seen as a particular quarter for architectural innovation. But there are also outstanding buildings in non-CBD areas, such as the reshaped Qianmen Street, Chaoyangmen SOHO at the core of the Chaoyang district, Legendale Hotel at the Jinbaojie next to Wangfujing and the financial street centered on the Lanying International Finance Center.
Additionally, the striking constructions in Zhongguancun, gradually replacing the former disorderly markets, became a new delightful tourist venue.
China was not alone in facing controversial cultural innovations Paris, the most legendary city in the world, has faced similar choices. The Louvre Pyramid in France, once criticized by the public, has now become a must-see sight to visitors.
Moreover, the renowned commercial district in Paris, La Defense, has approved the building of new skyscrapers, including the "Signal Tower" and the "Lighthouse."
The case in London is the same. The Millennium Bridge, the London Eye, the Millennium Dome and the London Olympic Stadium, alongside traditional spots like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge, are becoming the new landmarks of the city.
Tourists are as drawn to these new sites as to the ones that are centuries-old, and the city's economy is benefitting as a result.
Elswewhere in London, A growing number of skyscrapers are springing up. Some even hope to rival the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Shanghai, a city that has grown astonishingly in the last two centuries, should revert to the primary principles carried forward in the beginning of reform and opening-up: tolerance, diversification and inclusiveness.
Frankly, we may initially harbor a great deal of discontent over something new. Nevertheless, resolution that advances history often needs to brave the process of doubt, transition and belief.
It's the same in Shanghai. Take the Shanghai World Financial Center, for example. Once severely denounced by the public, the center is now an important choice of visitors in the Pudong District in Shanghai.
Since we could put aside nationalistic feelings for this Japanese-built tower, we should also tolerate the innovations made by SOHO China in Shanghai. The Hongqiao SOHO has already immensely stirred up people's imagination.
Separately, a landmark project, costing 9.22 billion yuan ($1.43 billion) of the Shanghai Zendai Group at the East 2nd Road of the Bund, was delayed by the urban authorities.
Zendai shared similar design concepts to SOHO China, such as at their Himalaya Center designed by the architect of the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
It is a pity if the project could not be implemented owing to the debate over appearance. The postponement might even stress the financial situation of the company.
We should not be too picky toward businesses, which established a stylish long-surviving building. Probably, our descendants will tease us for the debate, as private enterprise will have actually left them grand pieces of architecture.
The author is a business commentator. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn
Profit motive will never create architecture for the ages