Best City in Asia for Architecture
 

My husband is a partner in an architecture firm in Northern California. Because of their longevity with the firm, he and another partner were surprised at our company holiday party with a trip to any place in the world they would like to go to see architecture. Of course, the trip includes spouses! We have never been to Asia. I would be curious to hear from Fodorites about this topic: Your favorite city in Asia to view the architecture.

SHANGHAI

So many to choose from! Hong Kong certainly has great architecture.

I've always thought that Kuala Lumpur...and Malaysia in general...are architectually interesting and also Singapore. Thailand is,too when you look at the temples and traditional houses and in Bangkok and there's the (very modern) Bed Supper Club which is also quite interesting. If you get the book Thailand Chic, there's an excellent photo of both the outside and the inside of the Bed Supper Club. The book in general has a lot of architectually and interior design interesting places. Thailand is big on that and they are absolute masters at blending the old with the new and the western with the Asian as far as design goes. I'm very interested in this sort of thing therefore I always take notice when traveling. There are architectually interesting restaurants in Bangkok such as the fairly new(2005) Koi Restaurant on Sukumvit,Soi 20. I've peeped inside in past trips. It's quite talked about. I plan to have dinner there in a week or so. This is the same Koi that's here in L.A. on La Cienega Blvd. Asia is really fabulous both architectually and otherwise and I love Southeast Asia a whole lot. And the 5-star and affordable hotels in Bangkok especially, are absolutely beautiful. Check out the interiors of several...Four Seasons...Oriental...Metropolitan...Sukothai...Pen ...etc... Happy Travels!

what about the taj mahal? that's one of the most amazing architectural creations.

What kind of architecture are you talking about? If you want to look at brand new tall highrises, then Shanghai. Also consider Tokyo and Hong Kong.

If you're looking for other stuff - like churches, temples, lighthouses, palaces, etc - then please specify.

The old in Beijing and new in Shanghai.
M

Congratulations!

We are also architecture enthusiasts and having lived in Asia for 15 years have found no shortage of inspiration.

Hong Kong has some of the best (IM Pei, Norman Foster) and some of the worst (contemporary Communist eyesores). Not much left of the colonial era, but what there is is now (a bit late) lovingly restored. Finding traditional Chinese also takes some doing, but it's still there in the villages and outer islands.

Tokyo also has some amazing buildings from Frank Lloyd Wright to Kenzo Tange.
You could easily get to Kyoto and/or Nara for a dose of the old.

Or you might want to do something entirely different and look at traditional architecture in Java and Bali. Java has Borobudur and Prambanan temples and other archaelogical sites.

Bali has an astonishingly complex aesthetic of construction and design that's consistently and beautifully maintained as part of the culture and religion. Contemporary resorts -- by firms like Ed Tuttle, Kerry Hill, Grounds Kent -- draw on tradition and add Western creativity. (Plus it's a wonderful place for a holiday!)

Basically, anywhere you go in Asia you will find both cutting edge new inspired by the beautifully crafted old. Each country is unique. I'd say pick the culture you most want to experience then research the buildings.

This is a great site to peruse
http://www.greatbuildings.com/gbc.html

I started out as an architect myself many years ago. All of the suggestions above are good, but I'd like to add a couple more:

Singapore has some surprisingly good stuff going on these days. The current trend started with the Esplanade performing arts center and has gone on to include a new central library and several interesting corporate buildings. Singapore also has a lot of preservation areas, as well as some nice boutique hotels in historic buidings (1929, Scarlet, etc.)

I would also suggest you think about Angkor Wat. You can get a direct flight to Siem Reap from Singapore, so you could easily do both destinations. Spend a few days in Singapore first to aclimate yourself, then fly to Siem Reap for four to five days, then back to Singapore for a wind-down.

I agree with Singapore having some good stuff. However, a lot of people don't stay there long enough to get into the underlayers of Singapore. They arrive for a quick two days and stay mostly around Orchard Road and then leave and unfortunately many think Singapore has nothing much to offer. Happy Travels!

Depends what you mean by architecture.

If you are into ruins, then one cannot go past Siem Reap and the Angkor temples.

If you are into photography, there are few better places than Hoian in Vietnam (the World Heritage listed 'old town' section, which is a photographer's delight).

If you are into modern, then Singapore (has always been a tragedy to me that the Singaporeans virtually knocked down their historic buildings, with very few exceptions).

If you are into a blend of old and new, then Hong Kong.

Can't talk about China as I have never been there.

Hanoi is a pleasant blend, especially the French areas.

I found Saigon disappointing, although the old hotels are great, and the Opera House and the post office.

And of coure if you are interested in truly exotic architecture, you can't go past the wonderful temples and authentic Thai style houses in Bangkok.

BTW Shanghai also has some stunning buildings dating back to colonial times - just think of the Bund, the Peace Hotel, etc. Much of the old stuff is being knocked down to make way for the new... so better see it quick!

2d: Would you be able to divulge what firm your husband works at? No, I'm not looking for a job, can't draw a line straight.

Of course to answer your question, I am partial to Shanghai, and add Beijing before the 08 Olympics.

What kind of architecture is your husband interested in? I'm an architect, and preferences are so subjective, getting his input seems that it would be pivotal in deciding on a destination.

I would love to see some of the progressive works being done for the Olympics in Beijing (saw a documentary on the stadium-WOW) or to see the work in Tokyo (Tadao Ando , Hiroshi Hara, Fumihiko Maki). Japan (IMO) has been in the forefront of contemporary Asian design for years.

However, my favorite city for architecture in the WORLD is Barcelona.

I have read all the replies and agree with much of it. However, I am surprised that nobody has mentioned Dubai (it is Asia - isn't it?) They may not have the sheer numbers as Honk Kong & Shanghai do, but they have some of the most interesting & stunning buildings and planned communities I have ever seen.

Dubai is in Asia, but there's a seperate Fodors.com forum called "Africa/Middle East". We don't cover those areas in this forum.

That's good to know ( I am new to the forum). However, if 2d has a choice of traveling to ASIA that would include Dubai and I wanted her to know about it as an interesting option.

What a fascinating post - and what lucky people you are 2d.

It does all depend though, as others have said - do you mean cutting edge, modern stuff, or buildings/ruins from times past?

And does what else is on offer figure in your thoughts? I mean the general vibe of the place, the people, the culture, the history, the food, the side trips?

I loved Hong Kong on my only trip there because it has a fabulous city skyline, but it also has small alleys, and some great museums and the option of taking a ferry to outlying islands.

I'm not such a fan of BKK (many visits) - some great temples, and the Royal Palace, but the city is basically ugly - though the people and the food are great.

Singapore - why not? but less so than BKK or HK. Ditto KL.

I found Beijing sad on a recent visit after a gap of almost 10 years. So much pulled down to make way for mediocre "modern" architecture. And don't even think about the force that has been used to move people out of the areas that are being "beautified" for the Olympic tourists.

India maybe? New Delhi with a side trip to Agra or Rajasthan - but only if the the whole package appeals and the new stuff is not the top priority.

Or Lahore with the side trip up the Karakoram Highway - now there is something it would be good to get someone else to pay for - so you could do it in style.

Or think small and go to Luang Prabang - mmmm?

Happy travels.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts. Thank you all so much. I can't imagine traveling without an appreciation for the architecture of the places we visit. My husband is particularly interested in how communities successfully mix their historic buildings with modern architecture. Paris is a fine example of very modern storefronts beautifully placed into historic buildings.

My husband is a partner in AXIA Architects, a mid-sized firm in Santa Rosa, CA (Sonoma County). You can visit the website to see some of the projects. BTW, they are always looking for licensed architects with a background in design.

2d, So where did you decide to go?

Urban Asia is fascinating but I can't think of any city that has done a consistently good job of preserving the old. In the past ten years or so there's been a hightened awareness of architectural heritage, but too much damage had already been done. What few old landmarks that are still left in Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore are now being lovingly restored but so many were demolished. Shanghai's architectural heritage is mostly gone and Beijing's is about to be.

Jakarta, where I live, is an interesting example (in a perverse sort of way) of old and new in conflict. The city is nearly 400 years old and still has many examples from the Dutch East Indies era, most of which are NOT lovingly restored.

You might enjoy looking at some of the drawings of this artist, Ken Pattern, a Canadian and longtime resident of Indonesia. He's fascinated by the juxtaposition of the shiny and modern and the traditional in a sort of topsy turvy urban malaise.

http://www.kenpattern.or.id/gallery.html

marmot is absolutely right. There's little or no thoughts being given to reflect the history/heritage of a place, or the integration of old and new at most cities in Asia. Which is very sad, indeed.

I'll tell you two places that I know best.

1. Hong Kong. Very few old colonial buildings have been preserved. [There are a few, like the recontructed Murray House, or Flagstaff House which is now the Teaware museum.] Otherwise, they are relentless in tearing down old stuff.

And it's not just tearing down stuff. But also building new things at places that they shouldn't. Like reclaiming land right at the heart of the Victoria Harbour, or building a mini-theme park NP360 at the most religious/sacred place in all of HK.

And if you look at all the beautiful and world-renowned buildings in the city, none of it has anything to do with the Chinese heritage. Everything's ultra modern and nothing else - including I. M. Pei's Bank of China. Unbelievable.

But things may have turned a corner this past two weeks. Lots of protesters showed up when they demolished the old Star Ferry pier in Central, which itself has little architecture significance. Instead, it signals the start of a conservation movement, which is a very very important and good thing.

2. Macau. This place has amazing Portugese and southern Europe architecture - it's forts, churches, and large houses. But most visitors won't even see them, as they're surrounded by ugly highrises and brand new casinos that look to Las Vegas for its inspiration. At least LV look at the real things - the Pyramid, Paris, New York - as its inspiration. But Macau is trying to copy the copy. Enough said...

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Anyways, from what I gather, Kuala Lumpur may be the Asian city that actually has some unique style, even in its newest buildings - like its airport, the Formula 1 track, and of course the Petronas Towers. At least to my eyes, these structures don't look like the others you'll find in Hong Kong, Shanghai, or New York.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Hanoi as a city for heritage architecture. We loved Hanoi because of the charming old buildings and mix of asian and french colonial architecture. Sadly, I do not think the Vietnamese are progressing with a growth plan for Hanoi that will preserve and/or integrate the old buildings with new development. See Hanoi soon, before its too late.

Just curious, 2d, where are you going?

IF YOU'RE into new futuristic buildings, in has to be Putrajaya city - it's very new, you won't find it in guide books - in Malaysia. Designs with an Asian twist. Every inch of the city is wired with fibre optics; you can't sneeze without triggering some sensors somewhere. Of course, KLCC twin towers are a good must-do. Feel blood gushing to your feet while riding it's high speed elevator.

For traditional architecture, my vote goes to Bali. Pura Tanah Lot (perched on turbulent seaside) or Ulun Danu temples (fringing Beratan volcanic lake) are fine examples. Every part of the temple bears significant meaning. Gate pillars resemble a pagoda divided into halves; meaning harmony and balance to all visitor entering the temple.

Next comes Minangkabau and Batak tribal long houses in Lake Toba, Medan, Padang, Sumatra. These majestic stilt mansions are built entirely of teak wood; without a single nail. Fit form joints hold them together and wedges are packed into the joints to tighten the structure periodically. And the best part - they are designed to "sway" with tremors and quakes which happen quite often it that region (a big one just stuck Padang a few days back). Now, that's what i call great design.

Lastly, Thai countryside temples. The best ones, my opinion, are located in Narathiwat, Songkla, Yala and Pattani. The ones in northern Thai or Bangkok are too bland. Yes, southern Thailand is a dangerous place to go lately. These regions are poor but deeply religious. Architecturally, temples in the south are a fusion of Thai, Indian and Malay. By the way, southern Thailand is one of the last place where people still write and speak Sanskrit - one of the world's oldest language. Obviously, much of ancient temple building craftmanship is still alive. In fact, most of SE Asia was under the Srivijaya and Majaphahit hindu kingdom before the arrival of Buddhism and Islam. So, a glimpse of these buildings is like time travelling.

For those in love with quirky architecture, there a rural Taoist temple near my hometown Taiping, Malaysia, with roof made entirely of culinary chinaware .... spoons, cups, saucers, pots, bowls .. etc. Legend has it that 200 years ago, villagers were too poor to buy roofing tiles. So everyone chip in with stuffs from their kitchens to make the roof! Some adventurous backpackers have started to pay homage to the place and it would not be long before guide books catch up.

i would think:
Beijing-the forbidden city and hutong (sadly, quite a number of them were being demolished in the name of city development)

Malaysia-KL for the twin tower, smaller towns (Malacca, Penang) for the colonial building and temples! interestingly, e.g. you will find mixed of muslim mosques, chinese temples and indian temples all within Malacca town together with portugal & dutch influenced buildings. Long houses in East Malaysia are pretty amazing too...also dont missed out the local malay houses in those malay villages, those houses are normally above grounds and made by woods or woods+concrete

Siem Reap-should not miss it, interesting temples