During his seven years of traveling through China, renowned architecture photographer Iwan Baan had what he might describe as a crushing feeling.

Much of the traditional architecture he encountered was condemned, and that which was already demolished was replaced by nondescript buildings, the Dutch artist told Tencent Culture during the 2015 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on December 4.

While Baan has photographed many of the world's most prominent buildings, he has dedicated himself to capturing examples of traditional architecture in photos and documenting their stories.

Baan has snapped images of the cavernous pit kiln houses of Henan Province and the distinct circular tulou residences of Fujian Province, most of which are gradually disappearing to development.

After his survey, Baan concluded that "99 percent" of architecture found in Chinese cities is without "imagination or character."

But the 40-year-old photographer did find time to focus his lens on the positive, capturing images of Beijing's iconic China Central Television (CCTV) Tower and National Stadium, or "Bird's Nest."

Baan believes another important chapter in China's architecture boom is the influence of foreign designers on cityscapes.

Seeking to add imaginative landmarks to their skylines, city governments across China have sought out renowned international architectural firms to bid for prestige projects.

His series of the CCTV Tower, a design by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, started in 2005 when construction began.

What interested him then, and still does now, was China's plan for the future and its flexibility to realize it.

Not only does Baan believe in recording the stories of  buildings, but also that of the people who build them.

More than 10,000 migrant workers were employed in the construction of the CCTV landmark, a labor force that Baan describes as difficult to imagine in the West.

It is the tremendous speed and scale of construction occurring across China, Baan explains, that inspire him to wonder at the photographic possibilities these cities will offer in the next 10 years.